Ephesians: An Introduction and Study Guide: Being a Christian, at Home and in the Cosmos

(Paperback)

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In this guide Stephen E. Fowl introduces students to both theological fruit and critical issues of the letter to the Ephesians. On the theological front, Fowl shows how Ephesians offers an unparalleled cosmic vision of the significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus, of the role of heavenly powers in the universe, and of how the community of Christians is to engage with those powers. Fowl also opens up the major identity questions Ephesians shows existed for early Christians: how to conceive the relationship of Gentiles with the Jews from among whom their faith emerged, and how to live as a Christian within households ordered on patriarchal lines while not capitulating to patriarchy. On the critical front, Fowl provides an introduction to the key critical questions and issues, such as whether this letter was actually written to a church in Ephesus, and whether Paul the apostle was indeed the author of the letter. Yet, whilst there are demanding linguistic, historical and cultural questions to be answered, Fowl is careful to point out that this should not be done at the expense of reading the text closely and appreciating its meaning and message.

Reviews

Fowl demonstrates how to remain open to debates of the evidence and how to explore theological possibilities rather than quickly reducing them to conclusions[he] offers an excellent, readable piece of pedagogy that will complement a college or seminary professors aim to help students cultivate their own interpretive voices and to develop strategies as readers in their own right. * Review of Biblical Literature *
Fowl not only introduces the usual critical issues surrounding Ephesians but also urges students to consider the multiple ways in which the letter can be read, doing so in a way that is both inspiring and approachable ... A useful guide to all who are learning how to read Ephesians. * Reviews in Religion and Theology *

Author Bio

Stephen E. Fowl is Professor of New Testament at Loyola University, Baltimore.