Identifying The Gift in Ephesians 2:8-9
Understanding the Gift in Ephesians 2:8-9
Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of your selves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Geneva1599) [1]. The passage emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith, and not achieved by human effort.
Literary Context
The surrounding verses in Ephesians 2 describe the transformation of believers from a state of spiritual death to life through Christ. The passage is part of a larger argument about the nature of salvation and the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in the church. The preceding verses (Eph 2:1-3) discuss the former state of the readers, while verses 4-7 elaborate on God's mercy and the new life believers have in Christ [7].
Identifying the Gift
The key term "gift" (δωρεά, dorea) in Ephesians 2:8 is understood differently by various interpreters. Some see it as referring specifically to faith, while others interpret it as salvation more broadly. The phrase "and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" suggests that the gift is closely related to the act of believing or faith itself [5].
According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, the gift refers to "the act of believing, or 'faith'" [5]. This interpretation is supported by the syntax of the sentence, where "that" (τοῦτο, touto) likely refers back to "faith". In contrast, Matthew Henry's commentary suggests that the gift is salvation or the entirety of God's gracious work, emphasizing that it is not of works, thereby excluding boasting [4].
Historical and Theological Context
The understanding of "gift" in Ephesians 2:8 has been discussed by various theological traditions. The Augsburg Confession, a Lutheran document from 1530, cites Ephesians 2:8 in discussing the doctrine of faith, highlighting the role of grace and faith in salvation [6]. Reformed theologians, such as Charles Hodge, have also emphasized the importance of the Holy Spirit in rendering the Word effectual, which can be related to the concept of gift in Ephesians 2:8 [8].
Range of Interpretations
The interpretation of the "gift" in Ephesians 2:8 varies among commentators. While some, like Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, see it as specifically referring to faith, others understand it more broadly as salvation or the gift of new life in Christ [5, 3]. The Tyndale House commentary on Ephesians 4:24 connects the transforming work of God's Spirit to the gift of salvation mentioned in Ephesians 2:8-10, suggesting a broader understanding of the gift [3].
Function in Tradition
Ephesians 2:8-9 has played a significant role in Christian theology, particularly in discussions about the nature of salvation and the relationship between faith and works. The passage has been cited in various theological debates, including those between Lutheran and Reformed traditions, and has influenced the development of doctrine concerning faith and grace.
The concept of "gift" in Ephesians 2:8 is closely tied to the biblical understanding of grace and salvation. As seen in other biblical references, a "gift" can refer to various things, including a gratuity, an oblation, or a bribe, but in the context of Ephesians 2:8, it is clearly related to the spiritual gift of salvation or faith [2].
The passage concludes by emphasizing that salvation is not of works, thereby excluding human boasting. This underscores the gracious nature of God's gift, reinforcing the central theme of Ephesians 2:8-9. The gift of God, whether understood as faith or salvation, is a fundamental aspect of Christian doctrine, highlighting the dependence of believers on God's grace.
Sources
- Ephesians “Ephesians 2:8 (Geneva1599) — For by grace are ye saued through faith, and that not of your selues: it is the gift of God,”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Gift — (1.) An gratuity (Prov. 19:6) to secure favour (18:16; 21:14), a thank-offering (Num. 18:11), or a dowry (Gen. 34:12). (2.) An oblation or proppitatory gift (2Sa 8:2, 6; 1Ch 18:2, 6; 2Ch 26:8; Ps. 45:12; 72:10). (3.) A bribe to a judge to obtain a favourable verdict (Ex. 23:8; Deut. 16:19). (4.) Simply a thing given (Matt. 7:11; Luke 11:13; Eph. 4:8); sacrifical (Matt. 5:23, 24; 8:4); eleemosynary (Luke 21:1); a gratuity (John 4:10; Acts 8:20). In Acts 2:38 the generic word dorea is rendered "gift." It differs from the charisma (1 Cor. 12:4) as denoting not mi”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 4:24: 4:24 A believer has a new nature: God’s Spirit expresses his life within the believer (see Col 3:10; cp. Gen 1:26; Rom 12:1-2; Gal 5:22-23). The transforming work of God’s Spirit is part of the gift of salvation (Eph 2:8-10).”
- Ephesians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Ephesians 2:4: Here the apostle begins his account of the glorious change that was wrought in them by converting grace, where observe, I. By whom, and in what manner, it was brought about and effected. 1. Negatively: Not of yourselves, Eph 2:8. Our faith, our conversion, and our eternal salvation, are not the mere product of any natural abilities, nor of any merit of our own: Not of works, lest any man should boast, Eph 2:9. These things are not brought to pass by any thing done by us, and therefore all boasting is excluded; he who glories must not glory in himself, but in the”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 2:8: For--illustrating "the exceeding riches of His grace in kindness." Translate as in Eph 2:5, "Ye are in a saved state." through faith--the effect of the power of Christ's resurrection (Eph 1:19-20; Phi 3:10) whereby we are "raised together" with Him (Eph 2:6; Col 2:12). Some of the oldest manuscripts read, "through your (literally, 'the') faith." The instrument or mean of salvation on the part of the person saved; Christ alone is the meritorious agent. and that--namely, the act of believing, or "faith." "Of yourselves" stands in opposition to, "it”
- Augsburg Confession (Lutheran) “Augsburg Confession (Lutheran, 1530), 11 This doctrine concerning faith is everywhere treated by Paul,: 11 This doctrine concerning faith is everywhere treated by Paul, Eph. 2:8: By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of your selves; it is the gift of God, not of works, etc.”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:5: 2:5 gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead (literally made us alive together with Christ): Joined with Christ, believers share in his resurrection, now and in the future (see 2:6; Rom 6:4-14; Col 3:1-4). • It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved: See Eph 1:2; 2:8-9.”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 2, section 138: of the truth either in the Lutheran or Remonstrant view, is that those who have the knowledge of the Word as read or heard, are directed to pray for the gift of the Spirit to render that Word effectual. Of such prayers we have many examples in the Sacred Scriptures. David, in Psalm li. 11 , prays,” Take not thy Holy Spirit from me.” The Apostle prays in behalf of the Ephesians to whom for more than two years he had been preaching the Gospel, that God would give them the Holy Spirit, that they might have the knowledge of Him, that their e”