Gift Language in Ephesians

The common understanding of grace as God’s unmerited gift in NT writings seems simplistic in the light of John M. G. Barclay’s groundbreaking study of the multifaceted gift language in two of Paul’s letters. Drawing on Barclay’s categories to analyze gift language in Ephesians, this paper demonstrates that grace is given regardless of the recipient’s worthiness, but with the expectation of a proper response. This suggests reevaluating strict distinctions between God’s sovereignty and humanity’s responsibility, allowing for God’s primary act in Christ and human works.