[[Ephes-05]] Prev: [[Prophecies in Ephes-04]] | Next: [[Prophecies in Ephes-06]] --- ### Christ also loved us and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance. *Type*: fulfillment *Summary*: Paul identifies the death of Jesus Christ as the definitive fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system, specifically the 'pleasing aroma' offerings. *Historical context*: Theological scholars and historical commentaries link the 'sweet-smelling fragrance' to the Hebrew term 'reah nihuah' used in [[Lev-01#v9|Leviticus 1:9]] and [[Gen-08#v21|Genesis 8:21]]. The sacrificial system in the Torah is viewed in Christian theology as a 'type' or shadow that was completed by the singular, sufficient sacrifice of Christ. *Related to*: [[Exod-29#v18|Exodus 29:18]] and [[Lev-01#v9|Leviticus 1:9]] (The requirement of a sweet-smelling savor for acceptance by God). ### Therefore he says, "Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." *Type*: fulfillment *Summary*: Paul quotes a text (likely a paraphrase of Isaiah) as being fulfilled in the spiritual awakening provided by Christ. *Historical context*: Most biblical historians and theologians identify this as a midrashic paraphrase or composite of [[Isa-60#v1|Isaiah 60:1]] ('Arise, shine; for your light has come') and [[Isa-26#v19|Isaiah 26:19]]. It represents the realization of the Messianic promise that the Light of God would shine upon those in the darkness of death. *Related to*: [[Isa-60#v1|Isaiah 60:1]] (The prophecy of the Light of the Lord rising upon His people). ### "For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will be joined to his wife. Then the two will become one flesh." This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and of the assembly. *Type*: prophecy *Summary*: Paul reveals that the institution of marriage in [[Gen-02#v24|Genesis 2:24]] was a 'mystery'—a prophetic type intended from the beginning to predict the union between Christ and the Church. *Historical context*: Paul's interpretation of [[Gen-02#v24|Genesis 2:24]] as a 'mystery' (mysterion) indicates that the primordial marital mandate was a hidden prophecy. Historical Christian theology, such as the 'Sponsa Christi' (Bride of Christ) doctrine, holds that this mystery was only fully unveiled after the resurrection and the formation of the Church. *Related to*: [[Gen-02#v24|Genesis 2:24]] (The original creation mandate for marriage). --- #ai_prophecy