Abstract
As a part of The Story of God Bible Commentary series, Ephesians integrates scholarship from contemporary biblical criticism with the wisdom from tradition. Despite the author’s Evangelical background, the volume provides Catholic, and Orthodox scholars, clergy, and laity with a useful source for attaining an in-depth understanding of the given epistle. Although the commentary contains a Western bias, its central theme focuses on how the cross functions as a means for unity under Christ within the context of a divided church and a greater society with incompatible factions. Theologians have referenced Ephesians in terms of the construction of classical doctrinal statements regarding ‘predestination’ and ‘freewill.’ Yet, Roberts suspends his personal theological leanings through providing arguments that support both doctrines. Furthermore, the author provides the reader with clarity behind the meaning of ‘God’s glory’ as contrary to mere verbal praise with a life driven by a quest for personal honor and recognition. Such a human disposition towards self-glorification derives from the sinful nature which produces disunity from fellow humans, the rest of creation, and a broken communion from God. ‘When sin broke God’s good creation, he did not abandon what he had made but rather began to implement his plan for restoring everything’ (p. 40).
Without referencing Martin Luther King Jr. and other’s use of the expression ‘practical atheism,’ Roberts describes the idea of humans believing in God while living a godless life separated from God as possible. Such examples include a religious praxis which reaffirms personal piety, yet disregards underlying moral obligations towards others. In the modern era, the Church has repelled people ‘away from Christ because of the selfish, divisive, and hateful actions of confessed Christians’ (p. 102). Individuals have a ‘sixth sense’ to perceive conspicuous religiosity tainted with insincerity. The commentary highlights various aspects of Christian maturity and the prominence of institutional barriers for ministry from the biblical era to the twenty-first century. Ephesians provides illustrations from relatively recent events to demonstrate the need and value for grace and repentance to overcome powers and principalities literally and their manifestation through the results of hardened hearts and ministry void of the power from the Spirit. The reader should approach the commentary as a description of the relationship between God, the church, the world, and their collective opposition, but not about Paul.