Ephesians

Reformed Expository Commentary

by Bryan Chapell

The apostle Paul wrote to the house churches of the ancient metropolis of Ephesus with this amazing through such as you the purposes of Christ will fill the world; he is transforming all things for you and through you. For this collection of churches in a culture antagonistic to the gospel, the apostle Paul pens themes so grand they can still take our breath away, and they often move the apostle to doxology and prayer.

Bryan Chapell, noted preacher and teacher of preaching, unfolds Paul's glorious description of how the triumph of the church will occur and what our roles are in Christ's ultimate victory. When we lift our eyes beyond personal borders to share even a glimpse of Paul's expansive vision, then we, too, will join his doxology for God's amazing grace that saves individuals, empowers the church, and through both, transforms the world.

This exposition of Ephesians is accessible to both pastors and lay readers, as are all titles in the Reformed Expository Commentary series. Each provides exposition that gives careful attention to the biblical text, is doctrinally Reformed, focuses on Christ through the lens of redemptive history, and applies the Bible to our contemporary setting.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Christian, New Testament

400 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Bryan Chapell is the president of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, the denominational seminary of the Presbyterian Church in America. He began teaching at Covenant in 1984 after ten years in pastoral ministry. Chapell has a BSJ from Northwestern University, an MDiv from Covenant Theological Seminary, and a PhD in speech communication from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Before becoming president in 1994, he served for six years as vice president for academics and dean of faculty. He is a speaker in churches and conferences around the country, preaching and lecturing on topics including grace, marriage, and journalism. Chapell's online broadcast ministry, Living Christ 360, contains additional resources in his areas of expertise.

Reviews

[Bess · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reformed Expository Commentaries are very readable yet true to the Scriptures. Great for one new to studying Scripture while useful to scholars as well. This is my second one reading straight through.
Prior to reading my first one, l used commentaries as a reference guide more so than one to read as a book.
Great to be used as a supplemental tool along with study of a specific book in The Bible.
I highly recommend.

[Scott Guillory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent commentary. It's been helpful as I've preached through the book of Ephesians last year. Chapell's interpetation and application of spiritual principles found in Ephesians is quite sound but his writing is a bit confusing and hard to understand at times. Odd sentence structures and things of that nature. That's why I gave it three stars.

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some helpful observations, no doubt - but (like Hughes) the illustrations sometimes drove the chapters on each text more than was helpful to me. I appreciate, very much, Chapell's experience and wisdom as a pastor.

[Andy Littleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very accessible and helpful for a pastoral application of the epistle!

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this commentary encouraging, delightful, and convicting.

[Matthew Rawlings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid.

[Katy Sammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading and using this commentary for more than six months in preparation for teaching Ephesians in my women's Sunday school class. I have read many books on Christian living and Biblical studies, and this is one of the best. Dr. Chapell maintains high standards while being full of grace. I would encourage anyone committed to Christianity to read through Ephesians along with this book. You will be blessed.

[Joe Haack · Rating 3 out of 5]

I respect Chapell very much. For a pastor who preaches, the biggest payoff with this volume is to watch Chapell make exegetical decisions on debated issues. It is also helpful to see him model Christ-centered proclamation. If you want one "pastoral/theological commentary" on Ephesians, I'd recommend this.

[Becky Pliego · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent commentary in this series!

I appreciated very much the three extensive and clear chapters on the family order.

As always, I recommend reading commentaries slowly while copying the book (I have found the Journibles great for this purpose),taking notes and praying.