Beyond the Book with Dr. Merkle: “Ephesians: A 40-Day Bible Study”

At Southeastern Seminary, Merkle serves as research professor of New Testament and Greek as well as associate dean for biblical studies. In the following Q&A, he takes some time to share about his inspiration for the series, his studies on Ephesians, and what readers can anticipate as they dive into this new devotional.

What inspired you to pursue this series?

One day at our monthly breakfast meeting, a close friend lamented the lack of quality devotional and Bible study material. At first I brushed aside the thought of addressing this problem. But then it occurred to me that I was in a position to help provide a solution. Thus, the seed that was sown by my friend began to germinate in my mind. I then began to envision what a series of Bible study material that encompassed the entire New Testament would look like. In a few weeks, at least conceptually, the series had taken root and was beginning to grow.

What makes this series unique, and who is its target audience?

Although other Bible study and devotional materials exist, much of the material is somewhat brief and often includes a random selection of texts. The purpose of this series is to provide quality material that is exegetically responsible, meditative, gospel/Christ-centered, application-oriented, and prayerful. Furthermore, this series includes the entire New Testament in 20 volumes, with each volume walking through the text from beginning to end in 40 lessons.

The purpose of this series is to provide quality material that is exegetically responsible, meditative, gospel/Christ-centered, application-oriented, and prayerful.

The target audience of the series are Christians who desire to spend daily time in God’s word, reflect on its meaning, and live obediently from the strength that God provides. More specifically, this series would fit nicely with two groups: (1) small, group Bible studies and (2) churches who desire their members to study a book of the Bible together (perhaps following a sermon series).

What are some of the major themes in the book of Ephesians?

At least three themes are prominent in Ephesians: union with Christ, the unity of the church, and the holiness of the Christian. First, Paul emphasizes our union with Christ which results in our being chosen, redeemed, adopted, and sealed with the Spirit (1:3–14). In fact, every spiritual blessing that we receive is because we are “in Christ.” Although we were dead in our sins, God gives us new life so that we are made alive, raised, and seated with Christ in the heavenly places (2:1–6). Furthermore, because we are in Christ, we are brought near to God, receiving his peace (2:13–14). It is only through Christ that we have access to the Father (2:18). And it is those who are in Christ who are joined together as a holy temple which is a dwelling place for the Spirit of God (2:20–22).

Second, Paul emphasizes the unity of the church. That is, Jews and Gentiles have unity with one another because of their common union with Christ. Through his death on the cross, Jesus has broken down the dividing wall so that the two groups have become one (2:14), creating a new humanity (2:15). Those who were once enemies have been reconciled (2:16). Consequently, all those united to Christ are now fellow citizens and fellow members of God’s household (2:19). In the past, this unity of God’s people was somewhat hidden (a mystery), but now in the gospel it has been revealed (3:6). Believers are called to strive to keep and protect this unity (4:1–3) since, after all, in Christ there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all (4:4–6).

Third, Paul emphasizes the holiness of the Christian. As believers, we are called to live worthy of our calling (4:1). We were once far from God and lived contrary to his ways (2:1–3, 12), but we must no longer live as unbelievers whose minds, understanding, and hearts are darkened and whose actions are contrary to God’s laws (4:17–19). Instead, we are to put off the old self and put on the new self which is “created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (4:22–25). We are to live carefully, making wise decisions (5:15) and relating to others appropriately (5:21–6:9). Finally, walking in holiness includes not only fighting against our sinful nature but also battling against spiritual forces by being grounded in prayer (6:10–20).

What are some key features of Ephesians that you were excited to dive deeper into in this study?

Ephesians is truly an amazingly unique book in the New Testament. Not only is there an incredible diversity of topics, but there is also a profound depth to many of the topics covered, making it uniquely applicable to the church today. For instance, Paul provides significant detail to concepts such as union with Christ, God’s sovereignty in election and salvation, the unity of the church, the various roles in marriage and the family, and the reality of spiritual warfare. Consequently, for about two millennia, God’s people have been drawn to Ephesians. As Clinton Arnold writes, “This letter summarizes what it means to be a Christian better than any other book of the Bible. It clarifies the heart of the Christian faith, explores the dynamics of a personal relationship with Christ, sets forth God’s overall plan for the church, and draws out the implications of what it means to live as a Christian” (Ephesians, ZECNT [Grand Rapids: Zondervan], 21).

Ephesians is truly an amazingly unique book in the New Testament. Not only is there an incredible diversity of topics, but there is also a profound depth to many of the topics covered, making it uniquely applicable to the church today.

What has surprised you most as you have written about and grown more familiar with this book of the Bible?

Recently, I was challenged by the idea of whether Ephesians is a missional book. By that I mean, is it a book that calls believers into God’s mission to redeem a people for himself? What I discovered is this:

(1) God is working his plan of redemption (Eph 1:3–14). Paul begins this letter with an extended blessing to God for his grace given to believers because of their union with Christ. Specifically, believers have been chosen (vv. 3–6), redeemed (vv. 7–10), given an inheritance (vv. 11–12), and sealed with the Holy Spirit (vv. 13–14).

(2) God’s plan of redemption includes uniting all peoples in Christ (2:11–22). Through Christ’s work on the cross, all peoples can have peace with God since the “dividing wall” has been destroyed and God has created “one new man” out of both Jews and Gentiles (2:14–15).

(3) God’s plan of uniting all peoples in Christ will face opposition (6:10–18). Just as Paul writes to the Ephesians from prison, he reminds us that our battle is against the Devil and his minions. Consequently, the only way to be successful in our mission is to “be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength” (v. 10). This means that believers must daily put on their spiritual armor. Despite opposition, our mission is to join God as he seeks to accomplish his plan to redeem all peoples through faith in Jesus despite hardship and persecution.

Despite opposition, our mission is to join God as he seeks to accomplish his plan to redeem all peoples through faith in Jesus despite hardship and persecution.

How would you encourage readers to approach this devotional on Ephesians? Is there anything they should keep an eye out for in their day-to-day readings?

As briefly noted above, one of the key features of this devotional is that each day highlights how the passage relates to Christ. It is natural to read a text and then contemplate what we are supposed to do based on our reading — how should this passage change us and what difference should it make in our day. But we must first consider how the passage points us to Christ. Even texts that command the Christian to action must be framed by the gospel. That is, before we seek to act, we should recall who we are in Christ. Our obedience is only possible through his work and through his Spirit. Reflecting on Christ thus becomes the power and the motivation that makes obedience possible. For this reason, each passage considers how Christ is central to our faith and our obedience.

Another helpful feature (beside the application section and the prayer) is the “Study It Further” section that encourages the reader to dig deeper into the text. This section often considers parallel passages that relate to common themes or looks to the Old Testament background of the passage.

How has God particularly challenged or encouraged you throughout the process of writing this book?

Many (most!) of the books that I write are academically oriented. This book, however, was written for the serious Christian who desires to read, understand, and be transformed by God’s holy and inspired word. Thus, the challenge was writing a book for the church and not for the academy. But this is precisely what was encouraging: knowing that this book (and indeed the entire series) could be a tremendous resource to help people grow in their knowledge and love of God and his word. What a great privilege and a great responsibility.