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Abstract
In this article, I argue that, in Ephesians 4:1-16, the author underscores spiritual maturity as the bridge between the new identity of the Christian (Eph. 1-3) and the moral code of the Christian life commensurate with the new identity (Eph. 4:17-6:20). 1 I interpret Ephesians 4:13 to obtain the meaning of maturity. I critique the most notable interpretations and views in relation to Ephesians 4:13, after which, by way of structural analysis of Ephesians 4:13, I delineate the meaning of maturity and determine that, from its essence, maturity is essential for the Christian. This article provides the modern church an alternative way to view the theme and structure of Ephesians and an interpretation of Ephesians 4:13-16. New Testament scholars as well as church leaders, decision-makers in church work, generally, and Christian education planners will find this article quite engaging.
Highlights
In this article, I argue that, in Ephesians 4:1-16, the author underscores spiritual maturity as the bridge between the new identity of the Christian (Eph. 1-3) and the moral code of the Christian life commensurate with the new identity (Eph. 4:17-6:20).1 I interpret Ephesians 4:13 to obtain the meaning of maturity
The majority of the researchers3 on the Epistle advance a two-section structure, Ephesians 1:1-3:21 and Ephesians 4:1-6:20, the one section presenting an articulation of the new identity of the gentiles and all its divine origins, and the other presenting the code of conduct for the new people
Contrary to many an interpreter of the Epistle who concludes that the purpose of Ephesians 4:1-16 is unity, my proposition is that the primary purpose of this section is to call the recipients of this Epistle to grow towards the goal of spiritual maturity, which is requisite for them to walk worthy of the calling they have received, including maintaining the unity of the Spirit, with humility, gentleness and patience, and bearing with one another in love
Summary
The relevance of Ephesians across space and time is assumed. The majority of the researchers on the Epistle advance a two-section structure, Ephesians 1:1-3:21 and Ephesians 4:1-6:20, the one section presenting an articulation of the new identity of the gentiles and all its divine origins, and the other presenting the code of conduct for the new people. The majority of the researchers on the Epistle advance a two-section structure, Ephesians 1:1-3:21 and Ephesians 4:1-6:20, the one section presenting an articulation of the new identity of the gentiles and all its divine origins, and the other presenting the code of conduct for the new people This manner of dividing the Epistle could be viewed as a reflection of failure to notice that the code of conduct does, begin from 4:17. Contrary to many an interpreter of the Epistle who concludes that the purpose of Ephesians 4:1-16 is unity, my proposition is that the primary purpose of this section is to call the recipients of this Epistle to grow towards the goal of spiritual maturity, which is requisite for them to walk worthy of the calling they have received, including maintaining the unity of the Spirit, with humility, gentleness and patience, and bearing with one another in love. Thereafter, I shall evaluate the most salient interpretations of Ephesians 4:13, after which I shall do an analysis of Ephesians 4:13-16, to determine the goal of spiritual maturity according to this text
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