Ephesians 5:8-14

Ephesians 5:8-14

Reading the Text:
- NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
- Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
- The Bible Gateway: NRSV, RSV, NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
- The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
- The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary, exposition and sermons.
Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
- I.VIII.5, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
- Chapter IX, Chapter XI, Exhortation to the Greeks, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
- I.6, Paedagogus, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
- III.4, Stromata, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
- Chapter XXI, On the Soul, Tertullian (c. 210)
- Chapter IX, On Idolatry, Tertullian (c. 211)
- V.18, Against Marcion, Tertullian (c. 212)
- Chapter XVIII, Chapter XXI, On Modesty, Tertullian (c. 217)
- V.II, The Refutation of all Heresies (Philosophumena), Hippolytus of Rome. (c. 225)
- From the Geneva Notes.
  - "The faithful are called light, both because they have the true light in them which enlightens them, and also because they give light to others, insomuch that their honest conversation reproves the life of wicked men."
- From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
  - "We must have not only a sight and a knowledge that sin is sin, and in some measure shameful, but see it as a breach of God's holy law. After the example of prophets and apostles, we should call on those asleep and dead in sin, to awake and arise, that Christ may give them light."
- From Wesley's Notes.
  - "In the power of his might - A very uncommon expression, plainly denoting what great assistance we need as if his might would not do, it must be the powerful exertion of his might."
- Awake, Thou That Sleepest (Eph 5:14): Sermon by John Wesley.
- From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
- From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
  - "Works of darkness are those which please the powers of darkness. The Christian must have nothing whatever to do with these. We must not countenance any sinful device, but rather reprove it. This would prevent the patronage of many things which the world countenances."
Contemporary Commentary, Studies and Exegesis:
- Commentary, Ephesians 5:8-14 (Lent 4A), Margaret Aymer, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2011.
  - "Ephesians focuses heavily on discipleship: how we should live in light of the grace that has been given to us in Christ Jesus."
- Commentary, Ephesians 5:8-14, Sarah Henrich, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2008.
  - "In exhortations to live as children of the light, these children are expected to care for one another as family."
- "First Thoughts on Year A Epistle Passages in the Lectionary: Lent 4," William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
  - "To walk in the light is not to be naive. It is not about being happy. It is about owning a commitment to justice and embracing a stance of compassion for all human beings."
- Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
- "What Pleases the Lord," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources. Includes detailed textual notes.
Articles & Background:
- "Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry," Faith and Order Paper No. 111. World Council of Churches, 1982. Theological and practical commentary.
Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
- Barton, Mukti, "I Am Black and Beautiful," Black Theology, 2004. (Metaphor of "light" and "darkness.")
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Fritsche, Joel P., "Homiletical Helps on LSB Series A - Epistles," (Ephesians 5:8-14 begins on page 75), Concordia Journal, 2008.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Kreitzer, Larry J., "Crude Language' and 'Shameful Things Done in Secret' (Ephesians 5.4, 12): Allusions to the Cult of Demeter/Cybele in Hierapolis?" Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 1998.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
Sermons:
- Light Is As Light Does, Sermon for Lent 4 based on Ephesians 5:8-14 by Richard W. Ferris, Sermon Suite, 2011.
- "Stripping Off the Old," from a series of sermons on the book of Ephesians by Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines, Washington.
With Children:
- "Children's Literature: A Resource for Ministry," April 3, 2011, Union Presbyterian Seminary. Connections: Ephesians 5:8-14 and Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters by Andrea Davis Pinkey.
- "Snapshot," Leah Thompson, SermonSuite, 2011.
- "A Basket of Summer Fruit," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
- "The Holy Spirit Encourages to Bear Sweet and Lasting Fruit," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
Drama:
- "Peer Pressure," Michael English, Milton Parish Church Drama Resources.
Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
Hymns and Music:
- Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
- The Billabong, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: scroll down for hymn suggestions.
- Hymn selections, (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
- "Awake," Ephesians 5:8-20, scripture texts set to music, Peter L. Haynes, Long Green Valley Church.
Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
Study Links and Resources for the Book of Ephesians