P. Derek Overfield PhD Thesis - Research@StAndrews:FullText

this respect are 1:3 and 2:6 64 as we hope to show
in the examination which follows.
Basic to the interpretation of 1:3 is the
threefold use of !v
We have already discussed the
phrase at some length and have
concluded that it has 'local' significance.
The
fact that all three phrases serve the same purpose,
, is at least suggestive
that the preposition must be given the same
force in each instance.
Now if this hypothesis is in
any way correct then the !'V' Xpc.O"ttf reference must
be intend~d to signify incorporation. But what of
, is it capable of an
interpretation of the same order? The use of ~
suggests that the author is not thinking of what are
normally termed the gifts of the Spirit, as enumerated
in Gal 5:22-23.
Neither is the author thinking of
the various ministries of the Church;
these are
designated as OOj.1O.'tQ. (4:8f). To explain the
content of these 'spiritual blessings' we must examine
the following context where in vv. 4-10 we find a
succession of notions which are themselves the content
of the spiritual blessing, namely 'being chosen',
'accepted as sons', 'receiving forgiveness of sins',
'receiving wisdom and insight', and finally, 'being
participants in the mystery of Christ'.
Common to
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