A Deeper Look at Workmanship (poiēma)

The Meaning of Workmanship (poiēma)

The Greek term *poiēma* (ποίημα) originates from *poieō* (to make or do) and was commonly used in ancient texts to denote a crafted object or artistic creation.

Unlike modern English equivalents like 'workmanship,' which often imply human skill, *poiēma* in the New Testament emphasizes divine authorship, as seen in Ephesians 2:10 where believers are called God’s 'workmanship' to highlight His redemptive purpose.

Biblical Usage of Poiēma

The New Testament uses poiēma to highlight God’s creative and redemptive work in believers and the cosmos.

Ephesians 2:10 calls believers God’s "workmanship," crafted for good works, emphasizing His transformative purpose in salvation. Colossians 1:16 declares Christ as the Creator of all "things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible," framing poiēma within cosmic design. Hebrews 1:2 similarly attributes creation to Christ, linking divine craftsmanship to both redemption and cosmic order.

This term underscores that God’s work in salvation and creation is intentional and purposeful, reflecting His sovereignty. It invites readers to see their lives and the universe as expressions of His redemptive plan.

Poiēma in Ephesians 2:10

In Ephesians 2:10, the term *poiēma* (workmanship) reorients believers’ identity toward God’s redemptive design.

Ephesians 2:10 states, 'For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.' This verse places believers in a divine story, showing that salvation is more than a legal transaction and is a transformative act by God. The phrase 'created in Christ Jesus' underscores that believers’ new identity is rooted in union with Christ, while 'good works prepared beforehand' reflects God’s foreknowledge and sovereign purpose. Together, these elements frame sanctification as the unfolding of a preordained design, emphasizing that believers’ lives are both God’s handiwork and a response to His grace.

This redefinition of human identity rejects autonomy, asserting that believers are not self-made but divinely crafted for a purpose. To be 'created in Christ Jesus' implies a radical reorientation of life toward embodying God’s will, as outlined in the good works He prepared. The verse invites reflection on how this divine craftsmanship shapes both the believer’s self-understanding and their ethical responsibility.

Putting 'Workmanship (poiēma)' into Practice

Understanding that believers are God’s workmanship calls for a life intentionally aligned with His redemptive purpose.

Ephesians 2:10 declares believers are 'created in Christ Jesus for good works,' which God 'prepared beforehand' for them to 'walk in.' This identity compels daily obedience to Christ’s commands and spiritual growth as an expression of gratitude for His grace. To live as God’s workmanship means actively pursuing holiness, trusting that obedience and transformation are integral to the divine design already set in motion.

Practical steps include seeking God’s will through Scripture and prayer, cultivating spiritual disciplines, and engaging in community to hold one another accountable. These practices help believers embody the 'good works' God prepared, reflecting His craftsmanship in both personal devotion and communal life.

Going Deeper

To fully grasp the theological richness of *poiēma*, further exploration of its context in Ephesians 2:10 and related passages is essential.

Consider studying commentaries on Ephesians by scholars like Gordon D. Fee or N.T. Wright, and consult theological dictionaries such as the *New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology* for nuanced discussions of *poiēma* in ancient and biblical usage.