Karl Barth
Baker Academic, 192 pages
To call this a commentary on Ephesians would certainly be accurate. It would also barely scratch the surface of Karl Barth’s extraordinary theological reflections on this epistle. What is even more astonishing is the contemporary relevancy of Barth’s theological interpretations written in 1921-22 while he was teaching at the University of Gottingen. (This is the same period during which Barth composed his shattering-all-things commentary on Romans.)
The reader is led deeper and deeper into the depths of Paul’s letter with line-by-line, word-by-word exposition. (Yes, Barth takes the contrary position that Paul is the author of Ephesians.) Occasionally, one is left breathless by the interpretation and compelled to rethink everything in light of it. While it’s accurate to say that Barth stays close to the text, it’s more like turning an infinite kaleidoscope to reveal the theological treasures of God that he finds laden in Scripture. Along the way are Barth’s surprising reflections on the mystery of God’s election, the breadth of grace, the nature of call, the sweep of divine love, the character of hope and the crucial role of Jesus’ resurrection in Christian identity. He revels so much in each line that the majority of the lectures cover the first chapter, leaving chapters two through six to a scant two lectures. When criticized for this, Barth did not apologize for expounding on the love of God.
It’s my opinion that every pastor who intends to preach or teach on Ephesians (and isn’t that all of us?) should read this commentary. It will startle you, disturb you, encourage you and leave you in sheer wonderment. The introductory essays by theologians Frances Watson and John Webster set the table for the rich theological feast that Barth has prepared for those who have ears to hear.
