Ephesians

We will be holding class next week even though it is October break for the schools. Reading for next week is Philippians and Colossians.

PREDESTINED

“Greek makes no distinction between foreordain and predestine. The two words have taken on nuanced meanings in theological discussions which are foreign to Paul’s writing and Paul uses the word in a sense of preplanning or preparing. These verses (5-6) promote the ideal that God foreordained the saints to follow him in order that they would praise his grace. Although this statement simplifies the complexity of righteousness and a life in Christ, it highlights the importance of grace.

The concept of the administration of the fullness of time refers to the idea that God had a plan for a certain time or age to administer it according to his will.”

Thomas A. Wayment, The New Testament, A Translation for Latter-day Saints, pg 341

 DISPENSATION

“The term dispensation is translated from the Greek oikonomia, which is the common root for our modern term economy. By our standards, economy is generally defined as the ‘management of affairs’ and as such fits nicely with other earlier translations of oikonomia, rendered ‘administration’ or ‘stewardship.’ By understanding the historical meaning of dispensation, we quickly see that Paul’s emphasis was not on a period of time per se but on the economy or administration of a time.

Paul creates a mutual dependence between mysteries and the administration of the fulness of times. In other words, we see that mysteries are revealed for (or by) the administration so all things can be gathered in one.”

“Without the revelation of mysteries, it is apparent that the ‘fulness of times’ could not come to pass. The type of administration that could bring about such unparalleled results is exposed with further review of the term oikonomia. The literal translation of oikonomia is ‘house-distributor’ or ‘overseer.’ Thus, it is by the house- distributor or overseer that the restoration and revelation of all things in the fulness of times will transpire. Throughout the history of man, prophets have been recognized as the Lords servants and overseers.

Thus, the administration that will bring about the fullness of times is through authorized stewards who manage the affairs of Gods house.”

Matthew O. Richardson, Ephesians: Unfolding the Mysteries through Revelation

BELONGING

“Belonging is being part of something bigger than yourself. But it’s also the courage to stand alone, and to belong to yourself above all else.”

Dr. Brené Brown.