The Message of Ephesians

The Bible Speaks Today: New Testament #11

by John R.W. Stott

A common blind spot for evangelical Christians is to overlook the central importance of the church, emphasizing individual salvation more than the saved community. Yet no one can come away from a careful reading of Ephesians with a privatized gospel. Paul's letter to the Ephesians clearly sets forth God's eternal purpose to create the church―God's new society. In this revised Bible Speaks Today volume, John Stott expounds Paul's theme of uniting all things in Christ by uniting his church. Guiding readers passage by passage through Ephesians, he provides helpful background, highlights key themes, and offers applications for Christians today. Drawing from his many years of studying and teaching Ephesians, Stott lays out the book's compelling vision of what the church should be and its ongoing need for renewal. Christians are called to new life, new standards, and new relationships within the new society, where God breaks down all the barriers that have divided us from God and each other. This revised edition of a classic volume features a new interior design, updated Scripture quotations, and light updates throughout.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Biblical Studies, New Testament, Christianity, Reference, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

John R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist, and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His many books, including Why I Am a Christian and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."

Reviews

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a commentary by John Stott. Enough said.

[Micah Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic supplement to personal study. This series has been helpful and refreshing for me. I would recommend to anyone who wants to study a book of the Bible.

Enough depth to stimulate the mind but not too much to get bogged down in the nitty gritty details.

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Stott for in-depth Study

I had a different book to use with our homes group study of Ephesians but wanted something that goes deeper. This study did the job. While I did highlighted a lot of material throughout the book, the chapter before the 'Conclusion' chapter held out a lot of insight that never struck me before. Not to go into too much about that, because everyone is different, this book dispute it's comprehensive nature was also used by the Holy Spirit to reveal much to me.

Additionally there was a Bible study at the end of the book related to help with mastering the material.

[Logan Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated the way this commentary was structured and I loved Stott's balance between explaining the details and drawing out the larger themes. Stott was also faithful to the text while incorporating historical Christian thought when appropriate. This is a commentary that leads to a greater knowledge of God and to worship, which makes it the best kind of commentary you can find.

Favorite Quote: We need to get the failures of the church on our conscience, to feel the offence to Christ and the world which these failures are, to weep over the credibility gap between the church's talk and the church's walk, to repent of our readiness to excuse and even condone our failures, and to determine to do something about it.

[Ryan Fregoso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good commentary on the letter of Paul to the Ephesians.

[Nathan Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful resource. Very accessible. I found Stott to have a grandfatherly tone (in the best of ways).

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear, convicting, and encouraging companion to our church’s Ephesians study.

[Shaun Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This commentary appears to deviate away from Stott’s usual high quality titles that are epitomised by clear exposition, engaging illustrations and deep theological reflection. Published in 1979, this book has blessed many generators of students, pastors and preachers prior to the publication of newer commentaries. An updating of the illustrations and language would be helpful in capturing the attention of modern readers and assisting in their comprehension of the biblical text. It would also be more useful if Stott transposed what he perceives to be poor translation choices against more popular modern translations such as the ESV, NLT or NIV – as compared to the older AV, RSV and NEB translations as found in the book. On the same note, the title’s age renders it unable to interact with modern scholarship that has since been published, and references are made to scholars whose names the present day reader would probably not be familiar with.

Before the advent of the excellent commentaries by Walter Liefeld's 1997 and Clinton Arnold's 2010 excellent commentaries utilise modern analogies and cite present world events. Liefeld’s IVPNTC commentary is superior in brevity and clarity – teachers and pastors would find it useful for lesson/sermon preparation. Arnold’s ZECNT commentary is superior in depth and theological reflection – advanced readers and scholars would find it useful. R Kent Hughes' 1990 title from the Preaching the Word Series is also superior exposition and has surpassed Stott’s title.

Amidst the book’s various issues, there are some timeless truths and reflections that are still relevant and helpful to reflect upon today. Looking back in time, this reviewer is heartened that in his exposition of Eph. 3:7, Stott extends grace to a movement he did not agree with or endorse, thereby effectively illustrating the point of the passage – that “the unity of the church is due to charis, God’s grace having reconciled us to himself; but the diversity of the church is due to charismata, God’s gifts distributed to church members”:

From this word charismata that the adjective ‘charismatic’ is derived. The so-called ‘charismatic movement’, although controversial in a number of its distinctive emphases, has without doubt been used by God to bring spiritual renewal to many churches and individual Christians. Nevertheless, we should register a biblical protest against the designation ‘charismatic movement’, whether its adherents themselves chose it or were given it. ‘Charismatic’ is not a term which can be accurately applied to any group or movement within the church, since according to the New Testament the whole church is a charismatic community. It is the body of Christ, every single member of which has a gift (charisma) to exercise or function to perform. (Pg. 155-6)

Furthermore, the Pentecostal and Charismatic churches today would do well to pay heed to and prevent much abuse from Stott’s timeless advice regarding God’s raising up of prophets and prophetesses (4:11) by “carefully test[ing] by Scripture and by the known character of the speaker, and that the regular, systematic, thoughtful exposition of the Bible is much more important for the building up of the people of God.” (Pg. 162-3).

This reviewer suggests that much of the abuse and misuse of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, especially regarding words of knowledge and ‘commands’ from church leaders, could be avoided if Holy Scripture is the lens by which all such words are examined by. A church would perhaps enjoy the best of the charismatic and reformed worlds – when they are fed a diet of faithful exposition of Scripture in the environment of expectant supernatural faith-expanding operation of the Holy Spirit in ministry of the lost and of the congregation.

[John Hayward · Rating 4 out of 5]

John's Stott's Bible Speaks Today commentary on The Message of Ephesians is, as one would expect, highly practical and as relevant and insightful today as the day it was written, nearly five decades ago: e.g. (i) on 6:1-9, "Although in some circumstances it may be unavoidable and in others even desirable, it is a sad reflection on the selfish Western tradition of the nuclear family that instead of looking after our elderly relatives ourselves, we consign them to an old people's home. To isolate, and even symbolically to reject, one's own parents in this way can rarely be reconciled with the command to honour them." (ii) On 6:10-12, "That social, political, judicial and economic structures can become demonic is evident to anybody who has considered that the state, which in Romans 13 is the minister of God, in Revelation 13 has become an ally of the devil."
I also heard an echo of Hans Küng in his observation that "Every church in every place at every time is in need of reform and renewal."

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short commentary by John Stott has provided a wealth of insight into the 'queen of the epistles'. Stott has brought forth Paul's theme of unity (cosmic, Jew & Gentile, Christ & his Bride, husband & wife, child & parent, servant & master) in a most excellent and practical way. Taking these eternal, weighty truths, Stott encourages and convicts us to consider what they mean for us today, and presses us to walk in them. Stott's treatment of Eph 5:22-33 I found most beautiful, convicting, and exegetically sound. His entire discussion on Eph 2:1-10 where Paul explains Christ's raising us from death was also brilliant. Overall, Stott's work here (for the layman) uplifts and honours the text (even where he departs from the most common interpretations, it is done with care and humility), and therefore ultimately glorifies the Author of the text. Bravo.

[CJ Bowen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid. Stott is very reliable and judicious, ie, in working through the apostles/prophets/evangelists/pastors/teachers issue in 4, where he concludes that apostles and prophets no longer exist, but still minister through the written word, or the principalities and powers discussion of 6, where he allows for demonic structures of thought as a secondary implication to the primary referent of personal demonic entities.

The reading and discussion questions were a notch above others that I've seen, and this book would be useful for discussion, but all in all is a bit lengthy for a layman's commentary on a six-chapter book.

[Bill Hooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two books served as my main sources of information on a "Facebook Live" morning Bible study. I averaged teaching 2-3 times per week for a little over 6 months. I did not want to get too technical that I would lose my audience, but at the same time I wanted to introduce some theological depth that it would both encourage and challenge them. In my opinion, Stott is the master of that kind of approach, and I know that he was really helpful to me. For anyone that wants to study Ephesians, regardless of the depth, John Stott is always a good choice.

[Aaron Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best commentaries I've read, as it feels less academic or scholarly and almost more conversational - without sacrificing scholarly insights or depth. Overall, Stott helped to reshape my mind on Ephesians - which I'm preaching through - particularly with his insights on "the New Society" that Christ has built (and is building) through the cross and through human history.

[Caleb Case · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book that I read with a couple of guys from my church. Overall I enjoyed the book. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because its verbiage is on a higher level than I would like. It’s hard for me to do a deeper study of God’s Word when I am struggling to understand what the commentator is trying to say. However if that is your style, this is the book for you!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

the book is about the coming of the holy spirit on Paul and what it meant to him and what it means for us. Paul is the messenger and we are the possible Christians and we need to spread the message out to the world,
This was such epic journey with Paul. I was changed and I hope it could change too in your walk with Christ or even your life.

[Sam Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stott might just be my favorite commentator. He combines serious scholarship with pastoral warmth and rhetorical beauty in a way that is unmatched. While this is not the most technical commentary I read in my study of Ephesians, it is the most enjoyable commentary I read.

[Caleb Levi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Stott is a wordsmith. This was a joy to read!

[Shaun Marksbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stott doesn't disappoint in this good series. Great for the layman or Bible teacher.

[TheBibleWithTina]

MY SUMMARY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-Njs...

[Luis Miguel G. Verástegui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Modesto, sobrio, profundo y muy pastoral.

[Robert Miner]

Very, very good.
Concise, read-able.
As we are accomstomed from John Stott, excellent and clear.
Highly recommended.
If you only read one commentary on Ephesians, this should be the one!

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply excellent. Stott is one of the few authors who can unpack a text in its original language and still make his commentary spiritually rich enough to be read devotionally.

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stott never disappoints! Good combination of reasonable scholarship, pastoral insight, and practical application.

[Travis Stroup · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book in the series of commentaries. Easy to read and understand, very helpful in understanding themes and principles.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful guide for teaching Ephesians

[Braden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good commentary. Short and practical, without skimping on substance. No surprise coming from John Stott.

[Barney Wiget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great commentary! Stott, one of my favorite commentators.

[Shofam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book over the course of a few months while studying the book of Ephesians with a dozen other women from our church. As I was leading the study, I found this book both incredibly accessible and tremendously helpful. It covers passages with different interpretations quite well, presenting each one sufficiently and then explaining his own choice. Would recommend to anyone looking to study Ephesians in depth.

[Gerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is 5 amazing stars! And this is the third commentary on Ephesians I have looked so I am not making an isolated statement here- this book is worth all the stars!

There is something about John Stott's commentary that is lacking in the other ones I have studied. It doesn't sound like your typical theological texts that are often full of letters and no spirit. This one really resonates with you and you know that the writer is not just full of head knowledge but has some heart and experiential knowledge of what he is talking about. It's very readable, very thoughtful and full of insights!

If you have a desire to fully grasp the book of Ephesians or you just love to study your Bible, then this one is for you. I am sure it will be worth your time.

[Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

'The Message of Ephesians' strikes an excellent balance between academic and popular writing: I would not describe it as either. Stott's main goal is obviously the spiritual growth of his readers, and he writes in a thoughtful and reflective style. He combines the best textual and historical research to consider the context of the letter and the implications for the exegesis, which he executes logically and lucidly, delving into the Greek where necessary, but in a manner easily understandable to a layperson such as myself.

A particularly enjoyable trait of this book was that Stott always presents views differing from his own fairly. He examines each argument on its own merit, making reference to when and by whom it was held, and while he usually makes his own position clear, he leaves the reader to make their own mind in the end.

The message itself is quite clear - God has taken Jew and Gentile and made a new society out of them, unifying them in Christ. We are called to be a part of this society and to live a life worthy of this high calling.

"Indeed, the coming into existence of the church, as a community of saved and reconciled people, is at one and the same time a public demonstration of God's power, grace and wisdom: first of God's mighty resurrection power, next of his immeasurable grace and kindness, and now thirdly of his manifold wisdom. The word for 'manifold' means 'many-coloured', and was used in the LXX of the 'coat of many colours'... which Jacob gave to his youngest son Joseph. The church as a multi-racial, multi-cultural community is like a beautiful tapestry. Its members come from a wide range of colourful backgrounds. No other human community resembles it. Its diversity and harmony are unique. It is God's new society."

"Let no-one say that doctrine does not matter! Good conduct arises out of good doctrine. It is only when we have grasped clearly who we are in Christ, that the desire will grow within us to live a life that is worthy of our calling and fitting to our character as God's new society."