Ephesians 2:1-10. What Does Paul Say?

[AustinC]

If you study the Greek of that text carefully in its context it indicates that the Gentiles who had clearly already been seeking to hear the gospel (Acts 13:42, 44) had assembled themselves on this subsequent day, lined themselves up (τάσσω, reflexive middle voice) to be present when it was preached, and believed when they heard it. "As many as were lined up with a view toward eternal life." This might be comparable to the crowds who used to line up at Billy Graham crusades. This understanding is also consistent with how the opposite reaction is described, the Jews who thrust the Word of God away from themselves (ἀπωθέω, reflexive middle) and "judged themselves unworthy" (κρίνω plus reflexive pronoun).

I don't expect to convince you of this interpretation, only to demonstrate that it is possible to understand Luke's words differently than you do.

You are working hard to create a narrative so your house of cards won't fall.

The text is clear that God orchestrated who would come to listen and who would believe.

Why do you fight against God's Sovereign will being accomplished? Do you wish to have that authority for yourself?

I suggest you read what God says and believe it rather than continually looking for an alternative narrative that fits your preconceptions.

 

[Salty]

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[SavedByGrace]

Its simple, a dead sinner cannot repent towards God until made alive.

Says you

 

[Dave G]

yeah, but nowhere does it say that they were "chosen to salvation"!

2 Thessalonians 2:13-14.

 

[Dave G]

That passage has been at some stage corrupted, and now has two distinct readings.

I'll go with the Textus Receptus reading found here:
https://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/NTpdf/2th2.pdf

You are free to doubt it if you wish.

 

[SavedByGrace]

I'll go with the Textus Receptus reading found here:
https://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/NTpdf/2th2.pdf

You are free to doubt it if you wish.

So you simply ignore the actual textual evidence. You pick and choose as it suits you

 

[Dave G]

So you simply ignore the actual textual evidence. You pick and choose as it suits you

I know the truth when I see it, and I ignore anything that corrupts or seeks to corrupt the Bible that I have in my hands.

Again, you're free to doubt God's words if you wish, sir.

You pick and choose as it suits you

I would point out that that is what it seems to me that you are doing, with all due respect.
I quoted a verse that answered your statement ( not once but twice ), and instead of agreeing with the words on the page, you simply introduced doubt as to whether or not the words were even legitimately God's words.

I find that to be very interesting, if not a bit disheartening.

 

[Squire Robertsson]

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