Ephesians - Reformed Expository Commentary (Chapell)

The apostle Paul wrote to the house churches of the ancient metropolis of Ephesus with this amazing truth: 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. 

Table of Contents: 

1. Our Calling (1:1-2)
2. The Father’s Purpose (1:3-6)
3. The Son’s Mission (1:7-10)
4. The Spirit’s Assurance (1:11-14)
5. The Church Triumphant (1:15-23)
6. The Gift of God (2:1-10)
7. Identity Found (2:11-13)
8. Breaking Down Barriers (2:14-18)
9. Built Tough, Built Together (2:19-22)
10. Counterfeit Callings Exposed (3:1-13)
11. The Prevailing Power of a Supreme Love (3:14-19)
12. He Is Able (3:20-21)
13. Owner’s Manual for the Church (4:1-16)
14. The Life of Lizards and Stallions (4:17-24)
15. Witness of Grace (4:25-32)
16. The Smell of Jesus (5:1-7)
17. The Light Bearers (5:8-21)
18. The Sacrificial Head (5:21-33)
19. The Submissive Wife (5:22-33)
20. The Godly Household (6:1-9)
21. The Armor of Faith (6:10-24)

Author 

Bryan Chapell is senior pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, Illinios, and served as president of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis from 2012–2013. He graduated from Northwestern University with his BSJ in journaling, English literature, and American history. He received his MDiv from Covenant Theological Seminary and obtained his PhD from Southern Illinois University.

Endorsements

“Bryan Chapell is one of the outstanding expositors of our day, and this new commentary on Ephesians reflects his love for scripture and his pastoral mind and heart. Chapell approaches the text from the perspective of the preacher-teacher, yet his treatment is thoroughly grounded in the finest New Testament scholarship. Any pastor planning to preach or teach in Ephesians should consider this new volume a must-have resource for study.” — Michael Duduit, Editor, Preaching; Dean, College of Christian Studies, Anderson University

 “Bryan Chapell is one of the most influential homileticians, preachers, and evangelical leaders in the church today. In Ephesians we see the fruit of his preaching available now for us all. Over the last several years, Bryan Chapell has helped to shape a generation of preachers who are committed to the gospel and to the art and craft of preaching sermons that set forth the Word of God with power and practical application. All this is on display in this fine commentary and I greet this publication with enthusiasm.”  — R. Albert Mohler, Jr., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Bryan Chapell has done an outstanding job of making Paul’s letter to the Ephesians both clear and compelling. He handles both difficult doctrines and difficult points of application with both conviction and love. This book will be profitable for both lay people and clergy. I highly recommend it.”  — Jerry Bridges, author, Trusting God, The Pursuit of Holiness, and Respectable Sins