Walking with Jesus: An Expository Commentary Based upon Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians (6 vols.)

by Robert B. Callahan Sr.

Publisher:

Resource Publications

, 2011–2013

Overview

Ephesians is one of the best-known and most frequently read books in the entire Bible. Paul begins by richly describing the amazing blessing we have in Christ, from the Father, and through the Spirit. In the second half, he transitions to a powerful exhortation to live new lives by embracing the realities that, because of Christ, already belong to us. In expositional and devotional fashion, Robert B. Callahan Sr. reflects on this beloved epistle. The first three volumes of this collection cover chapters one through three of Ephesians, tracing themes like the Trinitarian work of salvation, sin and redemption, and being in the service of Christ. Volumes four and five cover chapter four where Paul turns to exhortation based on the gracious work of the Triune God. Volume six then looks at the rich, practically oriented content of Ephesians’ chapter five.

Key Features

• Expositional commentary
• Devotional reflection
• Unique lay perspective

Endorsements

Callahan’s format allows for both a devotional and studious usage. One can permit one’s soul to savor every spiritual nuance the author uncovers, verse by verse, mark the passage, and return later for further nourishment. Or one can linger from text to text, gleaning with the author both theological and spiritual insight for enhancing personal discipleship, equally applicable in the arena of church and society.

—Benjamin W. Farley, Younts Professor Emeritus of Bible, Religion, and Philosophy, Erskine College

Bob Callahan is a man who loves the Scriptures and loves the God to which they attest. His lessons on Ephesians are deep and rich. Bob has as his conversation partners the great minds and spirits of the church, and he is at once very readable and very faithful.

—Todd B. Jones, pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Tennessee

One would be hard-pressed to find a more thorough investigation of the treasures of Ephesians than what Mr. Callahan has written. The author has taken meticulous care to draw from the epistle as many of the theological riches as he could glean—and the reader could digest.

—Norman H. McCrummen III, senior pastor, Spring Hill Presbyterian Church, Mobile, Alabama

Product Details

• Title: Walking with Jesus: An Expository Commentary Based upon Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians
• Author: Robert B. Callahan Sr.
• Series: Walking with Jesus
• Publisher: Resource Publications
• Publication Date: 2011–2013
• Volumes: 6
• Pages: 1,568
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Resource ID: {FD34D794-0335-4357-BAF8-FAD883E09EC0}

The Triune God Speaks to the Saints

• Author: Robert B. Callahan Sr.
• Series: Walking with Jesus
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 294

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

In this first volume, covering Ephesians’ first chapter, Callahan shows that the Triune God speaks to the saints and, in so doing, proclaims God’s will and the spiritual blessings available from him, his Son, and the Holy Spirit. It starts with doctrine, God’s call, Christ’s teachings, trusting him, and knowing the Word. The Word is essential. It needs to be the whole Word of God revealing his being, nature, teachings, and commands. It culminates in stressing the importance of prayer, giving thanks, receiving wisdom in the knowledge of him, being enlightened, knowing the hope of his calling, and believing in his mighty power as we walk through life with Jesus encountering its trials, tests, and tribulations as well as experiencing its joys, blessings, and gifts with a grateful heart.

One of the most interesting recent developments in churches concerns the renewed focus on the doctrine of the Trinity. While historians of Christian thought and systematic theologians have been exploring the complex metaphysical issues, church members are beginning to recover the devotional and spiritual origins out of which this doctrine first rose into prominence. Robert Callahan’s book is a fine example of the way in which a layman has approached this magnificent topic in a spirit of Bible study and prayer.

—Richard Ray, general editor, Kerygma Bible Studies

Sin and Redemption

• Author: Robert B. Callahan Sr.
• Series: Walking with Jesus
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 290

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The genius of Paul is evident in chapter two of his Letter to the Ephesians. More importantly, two truths are revealed through a closer examination of his presentation. First is the realization that Paul listens, contemplates, and abides by the words of his Savior, and ours, in presenting the truths revealed to him. This was the result of Paul relinquishing the mantle of self-centeredness and replacing it with the crown of Christ-centeredness. It became his guiding light through the trials which accompany walking with Jesus.

Second, there is the recognition of Paul’s love for, and commitment to, professing Christians, whether they are babes in the faith, adolescents, or maturing adults. He realized they had been, or would be, confronted by the desires of the flesh and of the mind during their life’s journey. He wanted them to know the living Christ.

This chapter is pivotal to understanding God’s mercy and grace, as well as our need for his spiritual blessings. When we accept the Lord Jesus’ invitation to follow him in his commands and teachings, we will know the joy of a right relationship with the glorious Father, reconciliation through Christ, praying through the Holy Spirit, and God’s foundation, built on the apostles and prophets.

When the earliest Christians read the Scriptures they often felt that they had come into the presence of the living Christ. Robert Callahan, in Sin and Redemption . . . leads us back into this traditional way of reading the Bible. While some may have come to be cautious about this approach, regarding it as perhaps less schooled by the modern arts of exegesis, the valuable thing about this work is that it demonstrates, in everyday terms, how Christ meets us as we read Ephesians with humility and gratitude, whoever we might be.

—Richard A. Ray, general editor, Kerygma Bible Studies

Christ’s Prisoner

• Author: Robert B. Callahan Sr.
• Series: Walking with Jesus
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 230

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

This volume covers chapter three of Ephesians, where Paul proclaimed he was in prison because he was Christ’s prisoner. He proclaimed the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ uncompromisingly, without fear of retribution. He served the living Christ and succumbed neither to the wiles of Satan nor to the demands of the secular world.

He proclaimed that the mystery of Christ had been revealed—that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs with the people of God in Christ. He became Christ’s minister by God’s grace and his effective power working in him. God did this to enlighten and to strengthen each individual professing faith in Christ and endeavoring to walk with Jesus along life’s pathway while enjoying blessings and gifts, as well enduring trials, tests, and temptations.

Paul was the ultimate pastor and teacher in expounding Christ’s teachings. He was a God server, not a man server. May those who preach and teach follow in Paul’s footsteps by proclaiming God’s entire Word faithfully.

Walking as Mature Christians

• Author: Robert B. Callahan Sr.
• Series: Walking with Jesus
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Publication Date: 2012
• Pages: 258

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

In this volume, Callahan considers Ephesians 4:1–16. The Apostle Paul realized that he was an infant in the faith after his encounter with the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus. He experienced what was required to become a member of Christ’s body and to walk as a mature Christian. Therefore, he wanted to share these truths with the Ephesians and with us.

What does he do? First, he presents doctrine regarding the Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus Christ, and God the Father. Then, he focuses on the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Why? He knew we needed to acquire knowledge of God’s Word and develop a personal relationship with the Triune God.

He concludes this portion of Scripture with comforting words and stern warnings. The former assure us of attaining spiritual maturity, whereas the latter warn against the predators espousing false doctrine, trickery, cunning craftiness, and deceit, which are only overcome by an intimate knowledge of the Son of God.

Following Christ

• Author: Robert B. Callahan Sr.
• Series: Walking with Jesus
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 236

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

The latter half of Chapter 4 of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is the watershed of this magnificent document. Paul was never hesitant to declare God’s truth, as he proclaimed it to those professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, after praising the Triune God for the love, wisdom, and blessings bestowed upon us during the first three and one-half chapters, Paul does an about-face and enjoins the believers to live new lives by embracing the saving realities secured for them in Christ. He is telling the hearers that once they are Christ’s, they are to walk to a different drummer—that of the Master himself.

Walking Wisely

• Author: Robert B. Callahan Sr.
• Series: Walking with Jesus
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 236

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

The Apostle Paul leaves no stone, teaching, or truth untouched as he continues developing a pathway for each of us built upon the foundation of the Triune God. He has carefully and prayerfully used the words in this magnificent letter to clearly, concisely, and forcefully relate the truths revealed to him by the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Paul, in this illuminating fifth chapter of Ephesians, weaves together enlightening commands and counsel that will enhance the lives of people walking with Jesus. He exhorts believers in simple, straightforward language. In this section of Ephesians, Paul focuses our attention on the two most important relationships in one’s life—the relationship between a husband and wife and the relationship between Christ and his church. The truths presented by the Apostle serve to strengthen faith, joy, knowledge, love, and wisdom in all who meditate on them.

About Robert B. Callahan Sr.

Robert B. Callahan Sr. founded Callahan & Associates Inc., a telecommunications consulting firm, in 1976.