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further examples of the way in which this phrase `in spirit' is used by the
apostle.
En pneumati, `In spirit'
as found in the epistles of Paul
Rom. 2:29
The Jew inwardly, circumcision of the heart `in spirit not
letter'.
Rom. 8:9
Not `in flesh' but `in spirit' a new sphere by grace.
Gal. 6:1
Restoration of an erring brother `in spirit' of meekness.
Eph. 2:22
Habitation of God `in spirit'.
Eph. 3:5
(The verse under consideration).
Col. 1:8
Your love `in spirit'.
1 Tim. 3:16 Justified `in spirit'.
A few passages where the wording or meaning is slightly different:
Eph. 5:18
Not drunk with wine, filled `in spirit'.
Eph. 6:18
Supplication `in spirit'.
Rom. 7:6
Having died ... serve `in newness of spirit', contrasted with
oldness of letter.
2 Cor. 3:6
New Covenant, `not of letter, but of spirit'. Contrasts
again.
Phil. 3:3
Who worship God `in spirit', contrasted with confidence in
flesh.
In addition, the four passages in Revelation, where John is said to be `in
spirit' should be consulted (Rev. 1:10; 4:2; 17:3 and 21:10). In each case a
sphere is indicated, and usually the sphere `in spirit' is contrasted with the
sphere `in letter' or `in flesh'.
Coming now to Ephesians 3:6, we find that the structure of the passage is
as follows:
Ephesians 3:4-8
Two
d
4.
Mystery of Christ.
Mysteries
e
5 -. Apostles and Prophets (Plural).
and Two
f
-5,6. The Mystery, g
in Spirit (sphere).
Ministries
h1 Joint -heirs.
h2 Joint -body.
h3 Joint -partakers.
g
in Christ (sphere).
e
7,8 -.Paul alone (Singular).
d
-8. Unsearchable riches of Christ.
`In spirit' corresponds with `In Christ' and indicates the sphere in which this
new relationship `fellow -heirs' operates. This new relationship is threefold,
Sunkleronoma
Sussoma
Summetocha
Owing to the peculiar nature of this threefold fellowship, and the
extreme difficulty of finding one English word for the thrice repeated `sun',
we have been obliged to resort to the expedient of employing the word `joint',
joint -heirs, a joint -body and joint -partakers, only to realize that we have