- Exalting Jesus In Ephesians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary)

I do recommend this commentary despite some disappointing weaknesses.Merida's treatment of 4:1-6 was very understated considering how key this passage is for putting the second half of Ephesians into practice. Specifically, when he wrote about the one faith, he mentioned only what it “seemed” to refer to. When he discussed the one hope, he said nothing about the resurrection or eternal life. I found that curious. As for the one baptism he seemed to make a distinction between spiritual baptism and water baptism. I'm not even sure what that's supposed to mean. I have found that many evangelicals are reluctant to discuss baptism very robustly. The apostle Paul had no such reluctance. In Romans 6 he powerfully compares our baptism to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The act of baptism exalts Jesus. What could be more Christ-centered than that?In 2:13-18 Paul explained how the blood of Christ broke down the barrier between Jew and Gentile. Merida does not discuss this point at all. Instead he launches into several false doctrines which cast doubts on the centrality of the cross in the Bible. However, none of those false doctrines are refuted by the Ephesian passage. In both examples we are left little more informed as to meaning or application of the passage itself.Those weakness will not keep you from benefiting from this book. What I do appreciate about Merida's commentary is that he explains each passage within the context of the letter as a whole. This opened my eyes to fresh understanding of the book and new ways to apply it. Also, there are many imperatives in Ephesians. Merida discusses them without moralizing by keeping within the framework of Christ's work on the cross, not simply the effort we must make to do them. Christ's power enables us to live according to these commands so that God is glorified. We don't succeed in obeying them by trying harder, but by living as new creation.Overall I consider this commentary a useful and encouraging effort and worth reading.

I love a study that not only gives you one point of view, but many including setting and time. I loved this book as it was extremely thorough and I walked away with an amazing amount of information on the book of Ephesians.

I've read a few commentaries on Ephesians in recent times and found this to be both a comprehensive and challenging study of the book. Certainly there are others that are significantly larger in volume and depth of interpretation which I have yet to study so am unable to make a comparison with those ones.For all intents and purposes is a verse-by-verse commentary and provides good explanations of each verse. It is geared to providing practical understanding and each chapter ends with a series of in-depth questions challenging the reader to further explore the concepts outlined and apply them to their life.I particularly enjoyed how Merida seamlessly wove other commentators workings throughout and added to the comprehensiveness of the study by including additional voices and interpretations.In the introduction to this series of commentaries the authors make reference to it being geared towards pastors, however, I found it tremendously useful and readable.This is the first of the "Christ-Centred Exposition" series I've used but I'm looking forward to starting the next one.

This is a helpful complement to reading through Ephesians as a devotional. Basic themes are emphasised and addressed in easy to understand and inspiring language.

I love the simplicity of the biblical exposition. The author includes an outline for each passage section making it extremely helpful in understanding the flow and meaning of the passage. While this was carefully written on a level anyone can appreciate it is evident it was crafted with the preacher/teacher in mind. This has been a prized tool in my own study and expository preaching. I recommend this to anyone but any serious pastor will find it indispensable.

Commentaries are fallible. They can also be very helpful. This one is helpful. The reflection questions have aided my small group leadership in many ways. If one is seeking depth, the Boice commentary would be my recommendation.

Excellent book. I learned so much on spiritual warfare.

This is one of my go to Commentaries. If I only had one this may be one of the finalist. It is Christ focused and is a must in any commentary I use. It clearly articulates the gospel while walking the reader through the letter of Ephesians.

Very good

Very clear readable balanced and understandable!

This is a MUST read.If you're serious about growing your faith, especially in the area of spiritual warfare, and the full armour of God, this book will help you understand the what, the why, and the how. Easy to read, and very effective.