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CHAPTER -The Salutation, Vs. 1. 2. — Thanksgiving For The Blessings Of Redemption, Vs. 3-14. — Prayer That The Ephesians Might Increase. In The Knowledge And Experience Of Those Blessings, Vs. 15-21. THE SALUTATION 1. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2. Grace be to you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. COMMENTARY V. 1. An apostle of Jesus Christ. — The word apostle is used in three senses in the New Testament. 1. In its primary sense of messenger, John 13:16 (the messenger), he that is sent is not greater than he that sent him. Philippians 2:25, your messenger. 2 Corinthians 8:23, messengers of the churches. ÆApo>stoloi ejkklhsiw~n: tou te>stev, says Chrysostom, uJpo< ejkklhsiw~n pemfqejntev. Theophylact adds kai< ceirotomhqejntev 2. In the sense of missionaries, men sent by the church to preach the Gospel. — In this sense Paul and Barnabas are called apostles, Acts 14:4,14; and probably Andronicus and Junias, Romans 16:7. 3. In the sense of plenipotentiaries of Christ; men whom he personally selected and sent forth invested with full authority to teach and rule in his name. In this sense it is always used when “the apostles,” “the twelve,” or “the apostles of the Lord,” are spoken of as a well-known, definite class. They were appointed as witnesses of Christ’s miracles, doctrines, resurrection; and therefore it was necessary that they should not only have seen him after his resurrection, but that their knowledge of the Gospel should be immediately from Christ, John 15:26; Acts 1:22; 2:32; 3:15; 13:31; 26:16; 1 Corinthians 9:1; Galatians 1:12. They were not confined to any one field but had a general jurisdiction over the churches, as is manifest from their epistles. — To qualify them for this office of authoritatively teaching, organizing, and governing the church, they were rendered infallible by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, and their divine mission was confirmed by miraculous powers. — Their authority therefore rested first on their commission, and secondly on their inspiration. Hence it is evident that none can have the authority of an apostle who has not apostolic gifts. In this respect Romanists are consistent, for they claim infallibility for those whom they regard as the official successors of the apostles. They are, however, inconsistent with their own theory, and at variance with the Scripture, in making this infallibility the prerogative of the prelates in their collective capacity, instead of claiming it for each individual bishop. Dia< qelh>matov Qeou~ , by the will of God. There are two ideas included in this phrase: 1. That the apostleship was a gift, or grace from God, Romans 1:5; Ephesians 3:7,8. 2. That the commission or authority of the apostles was immediately from God. Paul in Galatians 1:1, as well as in other passages, asserts that apostleship was neither derived from men nor conveyed through the instrumentality of men, but conferred directly by God through Christ. To the saints which are at Ephesus. The Israelites, under the old dispensation, were called saints, because separated from other nations and consecrated to God. In the New Testament the word is applied to believers, not merely as externally consecrated, but as reconciled to God and inwardly purified. The word aJgia>zein signifies to cleanse, either from guilt by a propitiatory sacrifice, as in Hebrews 2:11; 10:10, 14, or from inward pollution, and also to consecrate. Hence the a[gioi, saints, are those who are cleansed by the blood of Christ, and by the renewing of the Holy Ghost, and thus separated from the world and consecrated to God. On the words, which are at Ephesus, see the Introduction. And to the faithful in Christ Jesus. The word pisto>v, faithful, may mean preserving faith, worthy of faith, or exercising faith. In the last sense, which is its meaning here, it is equivalent to believing. The faithful, therefore, are believers. In Christ, belongs equally to the two preceding clauses: toi~v aJgi>oiv — kai< pistoi~v ejn Cristw|~, ‘To the saints and faithful who are in Christ Jesus.’ Those whom he calls saints he also calls faithful; Ergo, says Calvin, nemo fidelis, nisi qui etiam sanctus: et nemo rursum sanctus, nisi qui fidelis. No one is a believer who is not holy; and no one is holy who is not a believer. V. 2. Contains the usual apostolic benediction. Paul prays that grace and peace may be granted to his readers. Grace is unmerited favor; and the grace or favor of God is the source of all good. Peace, according to the usage of the corresponding Hebrew word, means well-being in general. It comprehends all blessings flowing from the goodness of God. The apostle prays to Christ, and seeks from him blessings which God only can bestow. Christ therefore was to him the object of habitual worship. He lived in communion with Christ as a divine person, the ground of his confidence and the source of all good. God is our Father: 1. As He is the author of our being; 2. As we were formed in his likeness. He as a spirit is the Father of spirits. 3. As we are born again by his Spirit and adopted into his family. It is in reference to the last-mentioned relationship that the expression is almost always used in the New Testament. Those who are the children of God are such by regeneration and adoption. Jesus Christ is our supreme and absolute Lord and proprietor. The word ku>riov is indeed used in Scripture in the sense of master, and as a mere honorary title as in English Master or Sir. But, on the other hand, it is the translation of Adonai, supreme Lord, an incommunicable name of God, and the substitute for Jehovah, a name the Jews would not pronounce. It is in this sense that Christ is, The Lord, The Lord of Lords, The Lord God; Lord in that sense in which God alone can be Lord — having a dominion of which divine perfection is the only adequate or possible foundation. This is the reason why no one can call him Lord, but by the Holy Ghost, 1 Corinthians 12:3. It is a confession which implies the apprehension of the glory of God as it shines in Him. It is an acknowledgment that he is God manifested in the flesh. Blessed are all they who make this acknowledgment with sincerity; for flesh and blood cannot reveal the truth therein confessed, but the Father who is in heaven. SECTION 2 — VERSES 3-14 3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself; according to the good pleasure of his will, 6. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8. Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9. Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10. That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12. That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,14. Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory. ANALYSIS The apostle blesses God for the spiritual gifts bestowed upon his people, verse 3. Of these the first in order and the source of all the others, is election, verse 4. This election is, 1st . Of individuals. 2nd . In Christ; 3rd . It is from eternity. 4th . It is to holiness, and to the dignity of sons of God. 5th . It is founded on the sovereign pleasure of God, verses 4, 5. 6th . Its final object is the glory of God, or the manifestation of his grace, verse 6. The second blessing here mentioned is actual redemption through the blood of Christ; the free remission of sins according to the riches of his grace, verses 7, 8. The third blessing is the revelation of the divine purpose in relation to the economy of redemption; which has for its object the reduction of all things to a harmonious whole under Jesus Christ, verses 9, 10. Through this Redeemer, the Jewish Christians who had long looked for the Messiah are, agreeably to the divine purpose, made the heirs of God, verses 11, 12. The Gentile converts are partakers of the same inheritance; because, having believed in Christ, they are assured of their redemption by the possession of the Holy Spirit, the pledge of the inheritance until its actual and complete enjoyment, verses 13, 14. COMMENTARY V. 3. Eujloghto God is here designated as the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
That is, he is at once God and Father, sustaining both these relations to Christ. Our Savior used a similar form of expression, when he said, ‘I ascend unto my Father and your Father; and to my God and your God.’ John 20:17. The God in whom the Israelites trusted was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; their covenant God. This designation served to remind the ancient people of God of his promise to their fathers, and of their peculiar consequent relationship to him. The God in whom we are called upon to trust, and to whom we are to look as the source of all good, is not the absolute Jehovah, nor the God who stood in a special relation to the Israelites; but the God of redemption; the God whom the Lord Jesus revealed, whose will he came to accomplish, and who was his Father. It is this relationship which is the ground of our confidence. It is because God has sent the Lord Jesus into the world, because He spared not his own Son, that he is our God and Father, or that we have access to him as such.
It is this reconciled God, the God of the covenant of grace , oJ eujlogh>sav hJma~v ejn pash pa>sh| eujlogi>a| pneumatikh|~, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings. The past tense, hath blessed, is used because the apostle contemplates his readers as actually redeemed, and in present possession of the unspeakable blessings which Christ has procured. These blessings are spiritual not merely because they pertain to the soul, but because derived from the Holy Spirit, whose presence and influence are the great blessing purchased by Christ. “In heavenly places” The words, ejn toi~v ejpourani>oiv may be rendered either in or with heavenly things, or in heavenly places, i.e. in heaven. If the former method be adopted the sense is, ‘Hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings, i.e. with heavenly things.’ The words however occur five times in this epistle and always elsewhere in a local sense. See verse 20:2; 6:3; 10:6, 12, which therefore should be preferred here. They are to be connected with the immediately preceding word, ‘Blessings in heaven.’
The meaning is that these blessings pertain to that heavenly state into which the believer is introduced. Here on earth he is, as the apostle says, in chapter 2:6, ‘in heavenly places.’ He is a citizen of heaven, Philippians 3:10. The word heaven, in Scripture, is not confined in its application to the place or state of future blessedness, but sometimes is nearly equivalent to ‘kingdom of heaven.’ The old writers, therefore, were accustomed to distinguish between the coelum gloriae, the heaven of glory; coelum naturae, the visible heavens, and coelum gratiae, the heaven of grace here on earth. These blessings connected with this heavenly state, are conferred upon believers in Christ. It is as they are in him, and in virtue of that union that they are partakers of these benefits.
V. 4. All these blessings have their source in the electing love of God.
Eulogh>sav — kaqw Kaqw He hath chosen us. By us is not meant the apostle alone, because there is nothing in the context to indicate or justify this restriction. The blessings consequent on the election here spoken of, are in no sense peculiar to the apostle. Neither does the word refer to any external community or society as such. It is not us Ephesians, as Ephesians, nor us Corinthians, nor us Romans, as formerly the Jews were chosen by a national election. But it is us believers, scattered here and there. It is those who are the actual recipients of the blessings spoken of, viz. holiness, sonship, remission of sins, and eternal life.
We are said to be chosen in Him ; an expression which is variously explained. Some refer the pronoun to God, ‘chosen us in himself;’ which is contrary not only to the context but to the signification of the words ejn aujtw|~ , which is the received text. Others say the meaning is, ‘He hath chosen us because we are in him.’ The foresight of our faith or union with Christ, being the ground of this election. This however cannot be admitted. 1. Because faith, or a living union with Christ, is the very blessing to which we are chosen. 2. Because it introduces into the passage more than the words express. 3. Because in this immediate connection, as well as elsewhere, the ground of this election is declared to be the good pleasure of God. — A third interpretation also supposes an ellipsis. The full expression would be: ejiv to< ei+nai hJma~v ejn aujtw|~, Chosen us to be in Him; in ipso, videlicet adoptandos, as Beza explains it.
The objection to this is that it introduces more than the words contain, and that the end to which we are chosen is expressed in the following clause, ei+nai hJma~v aJgi>ouv . It is best therefore to take the words as they stand, and to inquire in what sense our election is in Christ. The purpose of election is very comprehensive. It is the purpose of God to bring his people to holiness, sonship, and eternal glory. He never intended to do this irrespective of Christ. On the contrary it was his purpose, as revealed in Scripture, to bring his people to these exalted privileges through a Redeemer. It was in Christ as their head and representative they were chosen to holiness and eternal life, and therefore in virtue of what he was to do in their behalf. There is a federal union with Christ which is antecedent to all actual union, and is the source of it. God gave a people to his Son in the covenant of redemption. Those included in that covenant, and because they are included in it — in other words, because they are in Christ as their head and representative — receive in time the gift of the Holy Spirit and all other benefits of redemption. Their voluntary union with Christ by faith, is not the ground of their federal union, but, on the contrary, their federal union is the ground of their voluntary union. It is, therefore, in Christ, i.e. as united to him in the covenant of redemption, that the people of God are elected to eternal life and to all the blessings therewith connected. Much in the same sense the Israelites are said to have been chosen in Abraham. Their relation to Abraham and God’s covenant with him, were the ground and reason of all the peculiar blessings they enjoyed. So our covenant union with Christ is the ground of all the benefits which we as the people of God possess or hope for. We were chosen in Christ, as the Jews were chosen in Abraham. The same truth is expressed in 3:11, where it is said that the carrying out or application of the plan of redemption is “according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God purposed to save men in Christ, He elected them in him to salvation.
Again, this election is from eternity. He chose us pro< katabolh~v ko>smou, before the foundation of the world. Compare 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Matthew 25:34. As our idea of time arises from the perception of motion or consciousness of succession, the natural expression for eternity is ‘before time,’ before the existence of creatures who exist in time. Hence what has been from eternity is said in Scriptures to have been before the world was, John 17:24; 1 Peter 1:20; or before the ages, Corinthians 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:9. “The grace given us in Christ Jesus pro< cro>nwn aijwniwn, before the world began.” — There seems to be two things intended by this reference to the eternity of the divine purpose. The one is, to represent God as doing everything in time according to a preconceived plan; or as working all things after the counsel of his own will. From eternity the whole scheme of redemption with all its details and in all its results lay matured in the divine mind. Hence everything is certain. There is no possibility either of failure or of any change of purpose. The eternity of God’s purpose is, therefore, a strong ground of confidence and comfort. The other is, to express the sovereignty of the divine purpose. The grace was given to us before we existed, before the world began, and of course before we had done any good or evil. It was, therefore, not for works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us. If the one aspect of the truth that God chose us before the foundation of the world, is adapted to produce confidence; the other aspect is no less adapted to produce humility.
This election is to holiness. We are chosen ei+nai aJgi>ouv kai< ajmw>mouv katenw>pion au>tou~, to be holy and without blame before him. These words admit of two interpretations. They may be understood to refer to our justification, or to our sanctification. They express either that freedom from guilt and blame in the sight of God, which is the proximate effect of the death of Christ; or that subjective purification of the soul which is its indirect, but certain effect produced by the Holy Spirit which his death secures for his people. The words admit of either interpretation; because aJgia>zein, as remarked above on verse 1, often means to cleanse from guilt, to atone for; and a[giov means clean from guilt, atoned for; and a]mwmov may mean free from any ground of blame; unsträflich (not deserving of punishment), as Luther renders it. In favor of this interpretation it is urged, first, that it is unscriptural as well as contrary to experience, to make perfect purity and freedom from all blemish, the end of election.
There is little force in this argument, because the end of election is not fully attained in this life. It might as well be said that the uiJoqesi>a (the adoption of sons ), to which in verse 5 we are said to be predestinated, includes nothing more than what is experienced in this world. Besides, in 5:27, it is said, Christ gave himself for the church, “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, but (i[na h|+ aJgi>a kai< a]mwmov) that it should be holy and without blemish.” This certainly is descriptive of a degree of inward purity not attained by the church militant. Compare Colossians 1:22.
Secondly, it is urged that the whole context treats of the effect of the iJlasth>rion or propitiatory sacrifice of Christ, and therefore these words must be understood of justification, because sanctification is not the effect of a sacrifice. But the Scriptures often speak of the remote, as well as of the immediate end of Christ’s death. We are reconciled to God by the death of his Son in order that we should be holy. Propitiation is in order to holiness. Therefore, it is said, “He gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify us unto himself a people zealous of good works.” Titus 2:14. In many other passages sanctification is said to be the end for which Christ died. There is nothing in the context, therefore, which requires us to depart from the ordinary interpretation of this passage. If the words ejn ajga>ph| (in love ) are to be connected with the preceding clause, it is decisive as to its meaning. ‘We are chosen to be holy and without blame in love.’ It is a state of moral excellence which consists in love. That is, it is no mere external consecration to God, as was the case with the Jews, nor any mere ceremonial freedom from blemish, to which we are elected. This is altogether the most natural connection of the words, from which no one would have thought of departing, had it not been assumed that the words “holy and without blame” refer to sacrificial purification. To connect ejn ajga>ph| with ejxele>xato , would give the sense, ‘Hath chosen us in love;’ but this the position of the words forbids. To connect them with proori>sav, which follows, would give the sense, ‘In love having predestinated us.’ But this also is unnatural; and besides, the word predestinated has its limitation or explanation in the following clause, “according to the good pleasure of his will.” It would be tautological to say: “He hath predestinated us in love according to the good pleasure of his will.” The majority of commentators, therefore, adopt the construction followed by our translators.
If election is to holiness as the apostle here teaches, it follows, first, that individuals, and not communities or nations, are the objects of election; secondly, that holiness in no form can be the ground of election. If men are chosen to be holy, they cannot be chosen because they are holy. And, thirdly, it follows that holiness is the only evidence of election. For one who lives in sin to claim to be elected unto holiness, is a contradiction.
V. 5. The apostle says, God hath chosen us to holiness, having predestinated us to sonship; that is, because he has thus predestinated us.
Holiness, therefore, must be a necessary condition or prerequisite for the sonship here spoken of. Sonship in reference to God includes — 1. Participation of his nature, or conformity to his image. 2. The enjoyment of his favor, or being the special objects of his love. 3. Heirship, or a participation of the glory and blessedness of God.
Sometimes one and sometimes another of these ideas is the most prominent. In the present case it is the second and third. God having predestinated his people to the high dignity and glory of sons of God, elected them to holiness, without which that dignity could neither be possessed nor enjoyed. It is through Jesus Christ, that we are made the sons of God. As many as received him, to them gave he the power to become the sons of God. John 1:12. For we are all the children of God by faith of Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:26. Christ has purchased this dignity for his people. He died for them on condition that they should be the sons of God, restored to their Father’s family and reinstated in all the privileges of this divine relationship.
The words ejiv aujto The first is generally preferred, because it gives a good sense, and is consistent with the force of the preposition.
The ground of this predestination and of the election founded upon it, is expressed by the clause kata< th The latter is to be preferred. 1. Because it agrees better with the usage of the word in the N. T. In Matthew 11:26 o[ti ou[twv ejge>neto eujdoki>a e]mprosqe>n sou means, ‘Because thus it seemed good in thy sight.’ In Luke 10:21, the same words occur in the same sense. In Philippians 2:13, uJper th~v eujdoki>av means ‘of good pleasure.’ 2. The words eujdoki>a tou~ qelh>matov naturally mean voluntus liberrima, beneplacitum, sovereign purpose ; to make them mean benevolent will , is contrary to scriptural usage. 3. In this connection it is not the predestinated that are the objects of eujdoki>a but the act of predestination itself. God chose to have that purpose. It seemed good to him. 4. The expressions, “purpose of his will,” “counsel of his will,” verse 11, are used interchangeably with that in the text, and determine its meaning. 5. The analogy of Scripture is in favor of this interpretation, because the ground of election is always said to be the good pleasure of God.
V. 6. The final end of election is the glory of God. He has predestinated us to sonship, ejiv e]painon do>xhv th~v ca>ritov aujtou~, to the praise of the glory of his grace . That is, in order that in the exaltation and blessedness of his people, matter for celebrating his grace might be abundantly afforded. It is worthy of remark that here, as in 2:7; 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, and elsewhere, the specific design of redemption and of the mode in which its blessings are dispensed, is declared to be the manifestation of the grace or unmerited favor of God. Nothing therefore can be more foreign to the nature of the Gospel than the doctrine of merit in any form. It is uncongenial with that great scheme of mercy whose principal design is to exhibit the grace of God.
It is to weaken the language of the apostle to make do>xhv a mere qualification either of e]painon (praise), or of ca>ritov (grace). It is neither glorious praise, nor glorious grace, but to the praise of the glory of his grace. The glory of grace, is the divine excellence of that attribute manifested as an object of admiration. The glory of God is the manifested excellence of God, and the glory of any one of his attributes, is the manifestation of that attribute as an object of praise. The design of redemption, therefore, is to exhibit the grace of God in such a conspicuous manner as to fill all hearts with wonder and all lips with praise. Wherein he hath made us accepted. The Text in this clause is uncertain.
Some MSS. have ejn h|+ which is the common text; and others h=v . Mill, Griesbach, Lachmann, Ruckert adopt the latter; Knapp, Scholz, Harless, De Wette the former. If the genitive be preferred, h=v is for h[n , and the phrase ca>rin caritou~n would be analogous to others of frequent occurrence, as klh~sin kalei~n , ajga>phn ajgapa~n. This clause admits of two interpretations. The word carito He has predestinated us to the adoption of sons to the praise of the glory of his grace; which grace he has exercised towards us, in the remission of sins. The same idea is expressed 2:7, where it is said, God hath quickened us, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness towards us, through Jesus Christ. “To make accepted,” therefore, here means, to accept, to treat with favor; or rather, such is the meaning of the apostle’s language; gratia amplexus est, as the word is rendered by Bengel. To which agrees the explanation of Beza: gratis nos sibi acceptos effecit.
This grace is exercised towards us in the Beloved. In ourselves we are unworthy. All kindness towards us is of the nature of grace. Christ is the beloved for his own sake; and it is to us only as in him and for his sake that the grace of God is manifested. This is a truth which the apostle keeps constantly in view, 2:5,6,7.
V. 7. In whom we have redemption. In whom, i.e. not in ourselves. We are not self-redeemed. Christ is our Redeemer. The word redemption, ajpolu> trwsiv, means deliverance in the general, without reference to the mode in which it is accomplished. When used of the work of Christ it is always to be understood in its strict sense, viz. deliverance by ransom; because this particular mode of redemption is always either expressed or implied.
We are redeemed neither by power, nor truth, but by blood; that is, by the sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus. A sacrifice is a ransom, as to its effect.
It delivers those for whom it is offered and accepted. The words dia< tou~ aimato The redemption of which the apostle here speaks is not the inward deliverance from sin, but it is an outward work, viz. the forgiveness of sins, as the words th This redemption is not only gratuitous, but it is, in all its circumstances, an exhibition and therefore a proof of the riches of his grace. The word plou~tov riches in such connections as a favorite one with the apostle, who speaks of the riches of glory, the riches of wisdom, and the exceeding riches of grace. It is the overflowing abundance of unmerited love, inexhaustible in God and freely accessible through Christ. There is, therefore, nothing incompatible between redemption, i.e. deliverance on the ground of a ransom (or a complete satisfaction to justice), and grace.
The grace consists — 1. In providing this satisfaction and in accepting it in behalf of sinners. 2. In accepting those who are entirely destitute of merit. 3. In bestowing this redemption and all its benefits without regard to the comparative goodness of men. It is not because one is wiser, better, or more noble than others, that he is made a partaker of this grace; but God chooses the foolish, the ignorant, and those who are of no account, that they who glory may glory only in the Lord.
V. 8. Wherein he hath abounded towards us, h=v ejperi>sseusen eijv hJma~v. As the word perisseu>w is both transitive and intransitive, the clause may be rendered as above, h=v , being for h|+ ; or, which he has caused to abound towards us, h=v , being for h[n. The sense is the same; but as the attraction of the dative is very rare, the latter explanation is to be preferred. We are redeemed according to the riches of that grace, which God has so freely exercised towards us. In all wisdom and prudence, ejn pash| sofi>a| kai< fronh>sei. These words admit of a threefold connection and explanation. 1. They may be connected with the preceding verb and qualify the action of God therein expressed. God, in the exercise of wisdom and prudence, has abounded in grace towards us. 2. They may be connected with the following clause: ‘In all wisdom and prudence making known, etc.’ 3. They may be connected with the preceding relative pronoun. ‘Which (grace) in connection with, or together with, all wisdom and prudence he has caused to abound.’ That is, the grace manifested by God and received by us, is received in connection with the divine wisdom or knowledge of which the subsequent clause goes on to speak.
This last explanation seems decidedly preferable because the terms here used, particularly the word fro>nhsiv prudence, is not in its ordinary sense properly referable to God. Cicero de Off. 1. 43. Prudentia enim, quam Graeci fro>nhsin dicunt, est rerum expetendarum fugiendarumque scientia. And because the sense afforded by the third mentioned interpretation is so appropriate to the context and so agreeable to other passages of Scripture. The apostle often celebrates the goodness of God in communicating to men the true wisdom; not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, but the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world to our glory. See 1 Corinthians 1:17 to the end, and the whole second chapter of that epistle. — Similar modes of expression are common with the apostle. As here he speaks of grace being given (ejn ) in connection with wisdom, so in verse 17 he prays that the Ephesians may receive wisdom (ejn) in connection with the knowledge of himself.
The wisdom then which the apostle says God has communicated to us, is the divine wisdom in the Gospel, the mystery of redemption, which had been hid for ages in God, but which he has now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. See the glorious doxology for this revelation contained in Romans 16:25-27. Indeed this whole Epistle to the Ephesians is a thanksgiving to God for the communication of this mysterious wisdom. Mysterious, not so much in the sense of incomprehensible, as in that of undiscoverable by human reason, and a matter of divine revelation. With wisdom the apostle connects fro>nhsiv , which is here used much in the same sense as su>nesiv , Colossians 1:9, ‘That ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding .’ The verb frone>w is used for any mental exercise or state whether of the understanding or of the feelings. In the New Testament it is commonly employed to express a state of the affections, or rather, of the whole soul, as in Mark 8:33, “Thou savorest not the things which be of God.” Romans 8:5, “To mind the things of the flesh.” Colossians 3:2. “Set your affections on things above,” etc. etc.
Hence its derivative fro>nhma is used not only for thought, but more generally for a state of mind, what is in the mind or soul, including the affections as well as the understanding. Hence we have such expressions as fro>nhma th~v sarko>v a carnal state of mind; and fro>nhma tou~ pneu>mat ov a state of mind produced by the Spirit. The word fro>nhsiv is equally comprehensive. It is not confined to strictly intellectual exercises, but expresses also those of the affections. In other words, when used in reference to spiritual things, it includes all that is meant by spiritual discernment. It is the apprehension of the spiritual excellence of the things of God, and the answering affection towards them. It is not therefore a mere outward revelation of which the apostle here speaks. The wisdom and understanding which God has so abundantly communicated, includes both the objective revelation and the subjective apprehension of it. This is the third great blessing of which the context treats. The first is election; the second redemption; the third is this revelation both outward and inward.
The first is the work of God, the everlasting Father; the second the work of the Son; and the third the work of the Holy Spirit, who thus applies to believers the redemption purchased by Christ.
V. 9. God has caused this wisdom to abound, or has communicated it, having made shown unto us the mystery of his will, gnwri>sav hJmi~n to< musth>rion tou~ qelh>matov autu~ . In other words, by the revelation of the Gospel. The word musth>rion, mystery, means a secret, something into which we must be initiated; something, which being undiscoverable by us, can be known only as it is revealed. In this sense the Gospel is a mystery; and any fact or truth, however simple in itself, in the New Testament sense of the word; is a mystery, if it lies beyond the reach of our powers. Compare Romans 16:25; 1 Corinthians 2:7-10; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:26. For the same reason any doctrine imperfectly revealed is a mystery. It remains; in a measure secret. Thus in the fifth chapter of this epistle Paul calls the union of Christ and believers a great mystery, and in 1 Timothy 3:16 he calls the manifestation of God in the flesh, the great mystery of godliness.
In the present case the mystery of his will means his secret purpose; that purpose of redemption, which having been hid for ages, he has now graciously revealed. According to his good pleasure, kata< th V. 10. This verse is beset with difficulties. The general sense seems to be this: The purpose spoken of in the preceding verse had reference to the scheme of redemption; the design of which is to unite all the subjects of redemption, as one harmonious body, under Jesus Christ.
Eijv oijkonomi>an tou~ plhrw>matov tw~n kairw~n, ajnakefalaiw>sasuai, ktl. The first question relates to the connection with what precedes. This is indicated by the preposition eijv , which does not here mean in , as though the sense were, He purposed in, or during, the dispensation, etc.; much less until, but as to, in reference to. The purpose which God has revealed relates to the economy here spoken of. The second question is, what is here the meaning of the word oijkonomi>a ? The word has two general senses in the New Testament. When used in reference to one in authority, it means plan, scheme, or economy. When spoken of one under authority, it means an office, stewardship, or administration of such office. In this latter sense Paul speaks of an oijkonomi>a as having been committed unto him. As the business of a steward is to administer, or dispense, so the apostle was a steward of the mysteries of God. It was his office to dispense to others the truths which God had revealed to him. Many take the word in the latter sense here. The meaning would then be: ‘In reference to the administration of the fullness of times, i.e. the last times, or Messianic period; the times which yet remain.’ The former sense of the word however is much better suited to the context. The apostle is speaking of God’s purpose, of what He intended to do. It was a purpose having reference to a plan or economy of his own; an economy here designated as that of the fullness of times This phrase does not indicate a protracted period — the times which remain — but the termination of the times; the end of the preceding and commencement of the new dispensation. The prophets being ignorant of the time of the Messiah’s advent, predicted his coming when the time determined by God should be accomplished. Hence the expressions, “end of the ages,” 1 Corinthians 10:11; “end of days,” Hebrews 1:1; “fullness of the time,” Galatians 4:4; and here, “the fullness of times,” are all used to designate the time of Christ’s advent. By the economy of the fullness of times is therefore to be understood, that economy which was to be clearly revealed and carried out when the fullness of time had come.
The infinitive ajnakefalaiw>sasuai, to bring together in one, may be referred either to the immediately preceding clause: ‘The plan of the fullness of times to bring together in one;’ or to the preceding verse: ‘The purpose which he purposed (in reference to the economy of the fullness of times), to gather together in one.’ The sense is substantially the same. The verb kefalaio>w means summatim colligere, ajnakefalaio>w summatim recolligere. In the New Testament it means either: 1. To reduce to one sum, i.e. to sum up, to recapitulate. Romans 13:9: ‘All the commands are summed up in, or under, one precept.’ 2. To unite under one head; or, 3. To renew.
Many of the Fathers adopt the last signification in this place, and consider this passage as parallel with Romans 8:19-22. Through Christ God purposes to restore or renovate all things; to effect a paliggenesi>a or regeneration of the universe, i.e. of the whole creation which now groans under the burden of corruption. This sense of the word however is remote.
The first and second meanings just mentioned differ but little. They both include the idea expressed in our version, that of regathering together in one, the force of ajna> , iterum being retained. Beza explains the word: partes disjectas et divulsas in unum corpus conjungere . — The purpose of God, which he has been pleased to reveal, and which was hidden for ages is his intention to reunite all things as one harmonious whole under Jesus Christ.
The words ta< panta> , all things, are explained by the following clause: ta< ejn toi~v oujranoi~v kai< ta< ejpi< th~v gh~v , both which are in heaven and which are on earth. The totality here referred to includes every thing in heaven and on earth, which the nature of the subject spoken of admits of being comprehended. There is nothing to limit these comprehensive terms, but the nature of the union to which the apostle refers. As, therefore, the Scriptures speak of the whole universe, material and rational, as being placed under Jesus Christ; as they speak especially of all orders of intelligent creatures being subject to him; as they teach the union of the long dejected members of the human family, the Jews and Gentiles, in one body in Christ, of which union this epistle says so much and in such exalted strains; and as finally they speak of the union of the saints of all ages and nations, of those now in heaven and of those now on earth, in one great family above; the words, all things, are very variously explained. 1. Some understand them to include the whole creation, material and spiritual, and apply the passage to the final restoration of all things; or to that redemption of the creature from the bondage of corruption of which the apostle speaks in Romans 8:19-22. 2. Others restrict the “all things” to all intelligent creatures — good and bad, angels and men — fallen spirits and the finally impenitent. In this view the reduction to unity, here spoken of, is understood by the advocates of the restoration of all things to the favor of God, to refer to the destruction of all sin and the banishment of all misery from the universe. But those who believe that the Scriptures teach that the fallen angels and the finally impenitent among men, are not to be restored to holiness and happiness, and who give the phrase “all things” the wide sense just mentioned, understand the apostle to refer to the final triumph of Christ over all his enemies, of which he speaks in 1 Corinthians 15:23-28. All things in heaven above, in the earth beneath, and in the waters under the earth, are to be made subject to Christ; but this subjection will be either voluntary or coerced. The good will joyfully acknowledge his supremacy; the evil he will restrain and confine, that they no longer trouble or pervert his people. 3. Others again understand the words under consideration, of all good angels and men. The inhabitants of heaven, or the angels, and the inhabitants of the earth, or the saints, are to be united as a harmonious whole under Jesus Christ. 4. The words are restricted to the members of the human family; and the distinction between those in heaven and those on earth, is supposed to refer to the Jews and Gentiles, who, having been so long separated, are under the Gospel and by the redemption of Christ, united in one body in him. The Jews are said to be in heaven because in the kingdom of heaven, or the theocracy; and the Gentiles are said to be on earth, or in the world as distinguished from the church. 5. The words may be confined to the people of God, the redeemed from among men, some of whom are now in heaven and others are still on earth. The whole body of the redeemed are to be gathered together in one, so that there shall be one fold and one shepherd. The form of expression is analogous to Ephesians 3:15, where the apostle speaks of the whole family in heaven and earth.
The decision which of these several interpretations is to be adopted, depends mainly on the nature of the union here spoken of, and on the means by which it is accomplished. If the union is merely union under a triumphant king, effected by his power converting some and coercing others, then of course we must understand the passage as referring to all intelligent creatures. But if the union spoken of be a union with God, involving conformity to his image and the enjoyment of his favor, and effected by the redemption of Christ, then the terms here employed must be restricted to the subjects of redemption. And then if the Scriptures teach that all men and even fallen angels are redeemed by Christ, and restored to the favor of God, they must be included in the all things in heaven and earth here spoken of. If the Scriptures teach that good angels are the subjects of redemption, then they must be comprehended in the scope of this passage. But if the doctrine of the Bible be, that only a certain portion of the human family are redeemed and saved by the blood of Christ, then to them alone can the passage be understood to refer. In order therefore to establish the correctness of the fifth interpretation mentioned above, all that is necessary is to prove, first, that the passage speaks of that union which is effected by the redemption of Christ; and secondly, that the church alone is the subject of redemption.
That the passage does speak of that union which is effected by redemption, may be argued — 1. From the context. Paul, as we have seen, gives thanks first for the election of God’s people; secondly, for their actual redemption; thirdly, for the revelation of the gracious purpose of God relative to their redemption. It is of the redemption of the elect, therefore, that the whole context treats. 2. Secondly, the union here spoken of is a union in Christ. God has purposed “to gather together all things in Christ.” The things in heaven and the things on earth are to be united in Him. But believers alone, the members of his body, are ever said to be in Christ. It is not true that angels good or bad, or the whole mass of mankind are in Him in any scriptural sense of that expression. 3. The word here used expresses directly or indirectly the idea of the union of all things under Christ as their head. Christ is not the head of angels, nor of the material universe in the sense in which the context here demands. He is the head of his body, i.e. his church. It is therefore only of the redemption of the church of which this passage can be understood. 4. The obviously parallel passage in Colossians 1:20 seems decisive on this point. It is there said: “It pleased the Father.... having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” From this passage it is plain that the union to be effected is a reconciliation, which implies previous alienation, and a reconciliation effected by the blood of the cross. It is, therefore, not a union of subjection merely to the same Lord, but it is one effected by the blood of Christ, and consequently the passage can be understood only of the subjects of redemption.
That the church or people of God, excluding angels good or bad, and the finally impenitent among men, are alone the subjects of redemption, is proved, as to evil angels and impenitent men, by the numerous passages of Scripture which speak of their final destruction; and as to good angels, by the entire silence of Scripture as to their being redeemed by Christ, and by the nature of the work itself. Redemption, in the scriptural sense, is deliverance from sin and misery, and therefore cannot be predicated of those angels who kept their first estate.
These considerations exclude all the interpretations above enumerated except the fourth and fifth. The fourth, which supposes the passage to refer to the union of the Jews and Gentiles, is excluded by its opposition to the uniform language of Scripture. The Jews are never designated as ‘inhabitants of heaven.’ It is in violation of all usage, therefore, to suppose they are here indicated by that phrase. Nothing therefore remains but the assumption that the apostle refers to the union of all the people of God, i.e. of all the redeemed, in one body under Jesus Christ their head. They are to be constituted an everlasting kingdom; or, according to another symbol — a living temple, of which Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone.
V. 11. God having formed and revealed the purpose of gathering the redeemed as one body in Christ, it is in the execution of this purpose, the apostle says: ejn w|= kai< ejklhrwqhmejn, in whom we also have obtained an inheritance. By we, in this clause, is to be understood neither the apostle individually, nor believers indiscriminately, but we, who first hoped in Christ; we as contrasted with you also in verse 13; you who were formerly Gentiles in the flesh, 2:11. It is, therefore, the Jewish Christians to whom this clause refers. Have obtained an inheritance. The word klhro>w, means to cast lots, to distribute by lot, to choose by lot, and in the middle voice, to obtain by lot or inheritance, or simply, to obtain. There are three interpretations of the word ejklhrw>qhmen in this passage, all consistent with its signification and usage. 1. Some prefer the sense to choose: ‘In whom we also were chosen, as it were, but not, i.e. freely.’ The Vulgate translates the passage: Sorte vocati sumus; and Erasmus: Sorte electi sumus. 2. As in the Old Testament the people of God are called his inheritance, many suppose the apostle has reference to that usage and meant to say: ‘In whom we have become the inheritance of God.’ 3. The majority of commentators prefer the interpretation adopted in our version: ‘In whom we have obtained an inheritance.’
This view is sustained by the following considerations. 1. Though the verb is in the passive, the above rendering may be justified either by the remark of Grotius: as the active form signifies to give a possession, the passive may signify to accept it; or by a reference to that usage of the passive voice illustrated in such passages as Romans 3:2; Galatians 2:7. With verbs, which in the active have the accusative and dative, in the passive construction what was in the dative, becomes the nominative. Hence ejklhrw>qhmen is the same as ejklh>rwse hJmi~n klhronomi>an; just as pepi>steumai to< eujagge>lion is equivalent to ejpi>steuse moi to< eujagge>lion. 2. The inheritance of which the apostle speaks in the context, as in verses 14 and 18, is that which believers enjoy. They are not themselves the inheritance, they are the heirs. Therefore in this place it is more natural to understand him as referring to what believers attain in Christ, than to their becoming the inheritance of God. As the Israelites of old obtained an inheritance in the promised land, so those in Christ become partakes of that heavenly inheritance which he has secured for them. To this analogy such frequent reference is made in Scripture as to leave little doubt as to the meaning of this passage. 3. The parallel passage in Colossians 1:12, also serves to determine the sense of the clause under consideration. What is there expressed by saying: ‘Hath made us partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;’ is here expressed by saying: ‘We have obtained an inheritance,’ Kai<, also, belongs to the verb and not to the pronoun implied in the form of the verb. The sense is not we also, i.e. we as well as other; but, ‘we have also obtained an inheritance.’ We have not only been made partakers of the knowledge of redemption, but are actually heirs of its blessings.
There are two sentiments with which the mind of the apostle was thoroughly imbued. The one is, a sense of the absolute supremacy of God, and the other a corresponding sense of the dependence of man and the consequent conviction of the entirely gratuitous nature of all the benefits of redemption. To these sentiments he seldom fails to give expression on any fit occasion. In the present instance having said we have in Christ obtained a glorious inheritance, the question suggests itself, Why? His answer is: Having been predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. It is neither by chance nor by our own desert or efforts, that we, and not others, have been thus highly favored. It has been brought about according to the purpose and by the efficiency of God. What has happened He predetermined should occur, and to his “working” the event is to be exclusively referred. We are said to be predestinated, kata< pro>qesin , according to the purpose of God. In verse 5 the same thing is expressed by saying: ‘We were predestinated according to the good pleasure of his will;’ and in Romans 8:28, by saying: ‘We are called according to his purpose.’ Two things are included in these forms of expression. 1. That what occurs was foreseen and foreordained. The plan of God embraced and ordered the events here referred to. 2. That the ground or reason of these occurrences is to be sought in God, in the determination of his will.
This however is not a singular case. The bringing certain persons to the enjoyment of the inheritance purchased by Christ, is not the only thing foreordained by God and brought about by his efficiency, and, therefore, the apostle generalizes the truth here expressed, by saying: ‘We are predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.’ Everything is comprehended in his purpose, and everything is ordered by his efficient control. That control, however, is exercised in accordance with the nature of his creatures, so that no violence is done to the constitution which he has given them. He is glorified, and his purposes are accomplished without any injustice or violence. The counsel of his will,kata< th V. 12. ‘That we should be to the praise of his glory, ejiv to< ei+nai hJma~v , ejiv e]painon th~v do>xhv aujtou~ , that is, that we should be the means of causing his divine majesty or excellence to be praised. Here, as in verse 6, the glory of God is declared to be the design of the plan of redemption and of everything connected with its administration. The persons here spoken of are described as to In either case it designates not the first converts to Christianity, but the Jews who, before the Gentiles, had the Messiah as die object of their hopes. The form of expression here used (ejlpi>zein ejn) does not mean simply to expect, but to place one’s hope or confidence in any one.
Compare 1 Corinthians 15:19. It is not, therefore, the Jews as such, but the believing Jews, who are here spoken of as in Christ the partakers of the inheritance which he has purchased.
The construction of these several clauses adopted in the foregoing exposition is that which takes them in their natural order, and gives a sense consistent with the usage of the words and agreeable to the analogy of Scripture. The first clause of this verse is made to depend upon the last clause of verse 11: ‘Having predestinated us to be the praise of his glory;’ and the last clause, ‘Who first hoped in Christ,’ is merely explanatory of the class of persons spoken of. The whole then hangs naturally together: ‘We have obtained an inheritance, having been predestinated to be the praise of his glory, we, who first hoped in Christ.’ There are, however, two other modes of construction possible. The one connects the beginning of verse 12 with the first clause of verse 11, and renders ejklhrw>qhmen we have attained. The sense would then be, ‘We have attained, or, it has happened unto us to be to the praise of his glory.’ This however not only unnaturally dissevers contiguous clauses, but assigns to ejklhrw>qhmen a weakened sense inconsistent with the Scripture usage of that and its cognate words. A second method connects the last clause of the 12th verse with the second clause of the 11th. ‘Having predestinated us to he the first who hoped in Christ.’ But this also rends the clauses apart, and does not express a sense so suitable to the context. It is saying much more, and much more in the way of an explanation of the fact affirmed in the first clause of verse 11 to say, ‘We were predestinated to be the praise of God’s glory;’ than to say, ‘We were predestinated to be the first who hoped in Christ.’ The majority of commentators therefore take the clauses as they stand, and as they are concatenated in our version.
V. 13. The apostle having in v.10 declared that the purpose of God is to bring all the subjects of redemption into one harmonious body, says in verse 11 that this purpose is realized in the conversion of the Jewish Christians, and he here adds that another class, viz. the Gentile Christians, to whom his epistle is specially addressed, are comprehended in the same purpose. The first clause ejn w|= kai< umejiv, ktl., is elliptical In whom ye also, after that ye heard, etc. There are therefore several modes of construction possible. 1. Our translators borrow the verb hjlpi>kate from the immediately preceding clause. — ‘We, who first trusted in Christ, in whom ye also trusted .’ But the preceding clause is merely subordinate and explanatory, and does not express the main idea of the context. This construction also overlooks the obvious antithesis between the we of the 11th verse and the you of this clause. 2. Others supply simply the verb are . ‘In whom you also are .’ This is better, but it is liable to the latter objection just mentioned. 3. Others make you the nominative to the verb were sealed in the following clause. — ‘In whom you also (having heard, etc.) were sealed.’ But this requires the clauses to be broken by a parenthesis. It supposes also the contraction to be irregular, for the words in whom also are repeated before the verb ye were sealed. The passage according to this construction would read, ‘In whom ye also, — in whom also ye were sealed.’ Besides, the sealing is not the first benefit the Gentile Christians received. They were first brought into union with Christ and made partakers of his inheritance and then sealed. 4. It is therefore more consistent not only with the drift of the whole passage, and with the relation between this verse and verse 11, but also with the construction of this and the following verse to supply the word ejklhrw>qhte , have obtained an inheritance. Every thing is thus natural. In verse 11, the apostle says, ‘In whom we have obtained an inheritance;’ and here, ‘In whom ye also have obtained an inheritance.’
Both Jews and Gentiles are by the mediation of Christ, and in union with him, brought to be partakers of the benefits of that plan of mercy which God had purposed in himself, and which he has now revealed for the salvation of men.
The clause that follows expresses the means by which the Gentile Christians were brought to be partakers of this inheritance. — ‘In whom ye also have obtained an inheritance. ajkou>santev to In Christ, the Gentile Christians had obtained an inheritance, and in him also, they were sealed — after having believed. Whatever is meant by sealing, it is something which follows faith.
There are several purposes for which a seal is used. 1. To authenticate or confirm as genuine and true. 2. To mark as one’s property. 3. To render secure.
In all these senses believers are sealed. They are authenticated as the true children of God; they have the witness within themselves, 1 John 5:10; Romans 8:16; 5:5. They are thus assured of their reconciliation and acceptance. They are moreover marked as belonging to God, Revelation 7:3; that is, they are indicated to others, by the seal impressed upon them, as his chosen ones. And thirdly, they are sealed unto salvation; i.e. they are rendered certain of being saved. The sealing of God secures their safety. Thus believers are said Ephesians 4:30, “to be sealed unto the day of redemption;” and in 2 Corinthians 1:21, the apostle says: “Now he which establisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; who also hath sealed us, and given us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” The sealing then of which this passage speaks answers all these ends. It assures of the favor of God; it indicates those who belong to him; and it renders their salvation certain.
This sealing is by the Holy Spirit of promise. That is, by the Spirit who was promised; or who comes in virtue of the promise. This promise was given frequently through the ancient prophets, who predicted that when the Messiah came and in virtue of his mediation, God would pour his Spirit on all flesh. Christ when on earth frequently repeated this promise; assuring his disciples that when he had gone to the Father, he would send them the Comforter, even the Spirit of truth, to abide with them forever.
After his resurrection he commanded the apostles to abide in Jerusalem until they had received “the promise of the Father,” Acts 1:4; meaning thereby the gift of the Holy Ghost. In Galatians 3:14, it is said to be the end for which Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, that we should receive the promise of the Spirit. This then is the great gift which Christ secures for his people; the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, as the source of truth, holiness, consolation, and eternal life.
V. 14. This Spirit is oJ ajrrabw It occurs three times in reference to the Holy Spirit in the New Testament, 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; and in the passage before us. In the same sense the Scriptures speak of “the first fruits of the Spirit,” Romans 8:23.
Those influences of the Spirit which believers now enjoy are at once a prelibation or antepast of future blessedness, the same in kind though immeasurably less in degree; and a pledge of the certain enjoyment of that blessedness. Just as the first fruits were a part of the harvest, and an earnest of its ingathering. It is because the Spirit is an earnest of our inheritance, that his indwelling is a seal. It assures those in whom he dwells of their salvation, and renders that salvation certain. Hence it is a most precious gift to be most religiously cherished. Until the redemption of the purchased possession , eijv ajpolu>trwsin th~v peripoih>sewv. It is doubtful whether these words should be connected with the preceding clause or with the words were sealed in the 13th verse.
Our translators have adopted the former method. ‘The Spirit is an earnest until the redemption,’ etc. The latter, however, is perhaps on the whole preferable. ‘Ye are sealed until, or in reference to, the redemption,’ etc.
This view is sustained by a comparison with 4:30, where it is said: ‘Ye were sealed unto the day of redemption.’
The word redemption, in its Christian sense, sometimes means that deliverance from the curse of the law and restoration to the favor of God, of which believers are in this life the subjects. Sometimes it refers to that final deliverance from all evil, which is to take a place at the second advent of Christ. Thus in Luke 21:28, “They shall see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory;.... then lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Romans 8:23; Ephesians 4:30. There can be no doubt that it here refers to this final deliverance.
The word rendered purchased possession , is peripoi>hsiv ; which means either the act of acquiring, or, the thing acquired. If the former signification be adopted here, the word can only be taken as a participial qualification of the preceding word. ‘The redemption of acquisition,’ for ‘acquired or purchased redemption.’ But this is unnatural. Redemption in itself includes the idea of purchased deliverance. ‘Purchased redemption’ is therefore tautological. If the word be taken for ‘the thing acquired,’ then it may refer to heaven, or the inheritance here spoken of. But heaven is never said to be redeemed. It is therefore most naturally understood of God’s people. They are his possession, his peculium. They are in 1 Peter 2:9 called lao This interpretation is, therefore, peculiarly suited to the scriptural usage, and the sense is perfectly appropriate. Ye are sealed, says the apostle, until the redemption of God’s peculiar people; i.e. unto the great day of redemption spoken of in 4:30. Unto the praise of his glory, i.e. that his glory or excellence should be praised. Compare verses 6 and 12. This is the end both of the final redemption and of the present acceptance of believers. This clause, therefore, is to be referred to the whole of the preceding passage. Ye have received an inheritance, have been sealed, and have received the Holy Spirit as an earnest, in order that God may be glorified. This is the last and highest end of redemption.
SECTION 3 — VERSES 15-23 15. Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,16. Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,19. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,20. Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set Him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21. Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,23. Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.
ANALYSIS Having in the preceding Section unfolded the nature of those blessings of which the Ephesians had become partakers, the apostle gives thanks to God for their conversion, and assures them of their interest in his prayers, verses 15, 16. He prays that God would give them that wisdom and knowledge of himself of which the Spirit is the author, verse 17; that their eyes might be enlightened properly to apprehend the nature and value of that hope which is founded in the call of God; and the glory of the inheritance to be enjoyed among the saints, verse 18; and the greatness of that power which had been already exercised in their conversion, verse The power which effected their spiritual resurrection, was the same as that which raised Christ from the dead, and exalted him above all created beings and associated him in the glory and dominion of God, verses 20, 21. To him all things are made subject, and he is constituted the supreme head of the church, which is his body, the fullness or complement of the mystical person of him who fills the universe with his presence and power, verses 22, 23.
COMMENTARY V. 15. Wherefore. This word is to be referred either to the whole preceding paragraph, or specially to verse 13. ‘Because you Ephesians, you Gentile Christians, have obtained a portion in this inheritance, and, after having believed, have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, etc.’ — ‘I also, i.e. as well as others, and especially yourselves.’ The Ephesians might well be expected to be filled with gratitude for their conversion. The apostle assures them he joins them in their perpetual thanksgiving over this glorious event. Having heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus. As Paul was the founder of the church in Ephesus and had labored long in that city, it has always excited remark that he should speak of having heard of their faith, as though he had no personal acquaintance with them. This form of expression is one of the reasons why many have adopted the opinion, as mentioned in the Introduction, that this epistle was addressed not to the Ephesians alone or principally, but to all the churches in the western part of Asia Minor. It is, however, not unnatural that the apostle should speak thus of so large and constantly changing a congregation, after having been for a time absent from them. Besides, the expression need mean nothing more than that he continued to hear of their good estate. The two leading graces of the Christian character are faith and love — faith in Christ and love to the brethren. Of these, therefore, the apostle here speaks. Your faith; th In the Old Testament the phrases, the Lord said, the Lord did, our Lord, and the like, are of constant occurrence; and are used only, in this general way, of the Supreme God. We never hear of the Lord, nor our Lord, when reference is had to Moses or any other of the prophets. In the New Testament, however, what is so common in the Old Testament in reference to God, is no less common in reference to Christ. He is the Lord; the Lord Jesus; our Lord, etc., etc. It is this constant mode of speaking, together with the exhibition of his divine excellence, and holding him up as the object of faith and love, even more than any particular declaration, which conveys to the Christian reader the conviction of his true divinity.
His being the object of faith and the ground of trust to immortal beings, is irreconcilable with any other assumption than that he is the true God and eternal life. And love towards all the saints, i.e. towards those who are saints; those who have been cleansed, separated from the world, and consecrated to God. This love is founded upon the character and relations of its objects as the people of God, and therefore it embraces all the saints.
V. 16. I cease not giving thanks for you, making mention of you, etc. This does not mean, ‘praying I give thanks;’ but two things are mentioned constant thanksgiving on their account, and intercession.
V. 17. The burden of his prayer is contained in this and the verses following. The object of his prayer, or the person to whom it is addressed, is designated, first, as the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, i.e. the God whose work Christ came to do, by whom he was sent, of whom he testified and to whom he has gone; and secondly, oJ path There are three leading petitions expressed in the prayer here recorded.
First, for adequate knowledge of divine truth. Second, for due appreciation of the future blessedness of the saints. Third, for a proper understanding of what they themselves had already experienced in their conversion.
His first prayer is thus expressed: That he may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. By pneu~ma sofi>av, the Spirit of wisdom, is to be understood the Holy Spirit, the author of wisdom, and not merely a state of mind, which consists in wisdom. It is true the word spirit is sometimes used in periphrases expressive of mental acts or states. As in 1 Corinthians 4:21, “spirit of meekness;” and Corinthians 4:13, “The same spirit of faith,” i.e. the same confidence. But in the present case the former interpretation is to be preferred. 1. Because the Holy Spirit is so constantly recognized as the source of all right knowledge; and 2. Because the analogy of Scripture is in favor of this view of the passage.
In such passages as the following the word spirit evidently is to be understood of the Holy Spirit. John 15:26, “Spirit of truth;” Romans 8:15, “Spirit of adoption;” Compare Galatians 4:6, “God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father;” Thessalonians 1:6, “Joy of the Holy Spirit;” Romans 15:30, “Love of the Spirit;” Galatians 5:5, “We by the Spirit wait,” etc. The Holy Spirit is the author of that wisdom of which the apostle speaks so fully in Corinthians 2:6-10; and which he describes, first negatively as not of this world, and then affirmatively, as the hidden wisdom of God, which he had revealed, by the Spirit, for our glory. It is the whole system of divine truth, which constitutes the Gospel. Those who have this wisdom are the wise. There is a twofold revelation of this wisdom, the one outward, by inspiration, or through inspired men; the other inward, by spiritual illumination. Of both these the apostle speaks in 1 Corinthians 2:10-16, and both are here brought into view. Compare Philippians 3:15. By ajpoka>luyiv, revelation, therefore, in this passage is not to be understood, the knowledge of future events, nor the prophetic gift, nor inspiration. It is something which all believers need and for which they should pray. It is that manifestation of the nature or excellence of the things of God, which the Spirit makes to all who are spiritually enlightened, and of which our Savior spoke, when he said in reference to believers, They shall all be taught of God. In the knowledge of him. The pronoun him refers not to Christ, but to God the immediate subject in this context. The word ejpgnw>siv here rendered knowledge means accurate and certain, and especially, experimental knowledge; as in Romans 3:20, “By the law is the knowledge (the conviction) of sin;” Ephesians 4:13; Philippians 1:9; 1 Timothy 2:4. The word expresses adequate and proper knowledge, the precise nature of which depends on the object known. The phrase is ejn ejpignw>sei , which some render as though ejiv with the accusative were used unto knowledge, i.e. so as to know. Others connect these words with those which precede, and translate, ‘wisdom in knowledge,’ i.e. wisdom consisting in knowledge. Others again connect them with the following clause, ‘Through knowledge your eyes being enlightened.’ The simplest method is to refer them to what precedes. ‘May give you wisdom together with the knowledge of himself.’ Compare verse 8, and Philippians 1:9, “That your love may abound in, i.e. together with, knowledge.” The apostle’s prayer is for the Holy Spirit to dwell in them, as the author of divine wisdom, and as the revealer of the things of God, which insight into the things of the Spirit, is connected with that knowledge of God in which eternal life essentially consists.
V. 18. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened. Instead of dianoi>av understanding, the great majority of ancient manuscripts and versions read kardi>av heart, which is no doubt the true reading. The word heart in Scripture is often used as we use the word soul, to designate the whole spiritual nature in man. Romans 1:21; 2 Corinthians 4:6.
This clause, pefwtisme>nouv tou The residue of this verse ejiv to< eijdejnai uJma~v, ktl. contains a second petition. Having prayed that the Ephesians might be enlightened in the knowledge of God and of divine things, the apostle here prays, as the effect of that illumination, that they may have a proper appreciation of the inheritance to which they have attained. That ye may know what is the hope of his calling, i.e. the hope of which his calling is the source; or to which he has called you. The vocation here spoken of is not merely the external call of the Gospel, but the effectual call of God by the Spirit, to which the word klh~siv in the epistles of Paul always refers. The word hope is by many here understood objectively for the things hoped for; as in Romans 8:24, and Colossians 1:5, “The hope laid up for you in heaven.” It is then identical with the inheritance mentioned in the latter part of the verse. This, however, is a reason against that interpretaion. There are two things which the apostle mentions and which he desires they may know. First, the nature and value of the hope which they are now, on the call of God, authorized to indulge; and secondly, the glory of the inheritance in reserve for them. It is better, therefore, to take the word in its ordinary subjective sense. It is a great thing to know, or estimate aright the value of a well founded hope of salvation. And what the riches of the glory of his inheritance, kai< ti>v oJ plou~tov th~v do>xhv th~v klhronomi>av aujtou~, i.e. what is the abundance and greatness of the excellence of that inheritance of which God is the author. The apostle labors here, and still more in the following verses, for language to express the greatness of his conceptions. This inheritance is not only divine as having God for its author; but it is a glorious inheritance; and not simply glorious, but the glory of it is inconceivably great. In the saints, ejn toi~v aJgi>oiv. These words admit of different constructions, but the most natural is to refer them to the immediately preceding clause, His inheritance in the saints; i.e. which is to be enjoyed among them. Compare Acts 20:32, and 26:18, “An inheritance among them that are sanctified;” Colossians 1:12, “Partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” It was one part of the peculiar blessedness of the Gentile Christians, who had been strangers and foreigners, that they were to become fellow citizens of the saints. It was therefore an exaltation of the inheritance, now set before them, to call it the inheritance prepared for the saints, or peculiar people of God.
V. 19. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe. This is the third petition in the apostle’s prayer. He prays that his readers may have right apprehensions of the greatness of the change which they had experienced. It was no mere moral reformation effected by rational considerations; nor was it a self-wrought change, but one due to the almighty power of God. Grotius indeed, and commentators of that class, understand the passage to refer to the exertion of the power of God in the future resurrection and salvation of believers. But 1. It evidently refers to the past and not to the future. It is something which believers, as believers, had already experienced that he wished them to understand. 2. The apostle never compares the salvation of believers with the resurrection of Christ, whereas the analogy between his natural resurrection and the spiritual resurrection of his people, is one to which he often refers. 3. This is the analogy which he insists upon in this immediate connection. As God raised Christ from the dead and set him at his own right hand in heavenly places; so you, that were dead in sins, hath he quickened and raised you up together in him. This analogy is the very thing he would have them understand. They had undergone a great change; they had been brought to life; they had been raised from the dead by the same almighty power which wrought in Christ. There was as great a difference between their present and their former condition, as between Christ in the tomb and Christ at the right hand of God.
This was something which they ought to know. 4. The parallel passage in Colossians 2:12, seems decisive of this interpretation. “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through faith of the operation of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses.”
In this passage it cannot be doubted that the apostle compares the spiritual resurrection of believers with the resurrection of Christ, and refers both events to the operation of God, or to the divine power. Such also is doubtless the meaning of the passage before us; and in this interpretation there has been a remarkable coincidence of judgment among commentators. Chrysostom says: “The conversion of souls is more wonderful than the resurrection of the dead.” Oecumenius remarks on this passage: “To raise us from spiritual death is an exercise of the same power that raised Christ from natural death.” Calvin says, “Some (i.e. Stulti homines) regard the language of the apostle in this passage as frigid hyperbole, but those who are properly exercised find nothing here beyond the truth.” He adds: “Lest believers should be cast down under a sense of their unworthiness, the apostle recalls them to a consideration of the power of God; as though he had said, their regeneration is a work of God, and no common work, but one in which his almighty power is wonderfully displayed.” Luther, in reference to the parallel passage in Colossians, uses the following language: “Faith is no such easy matter as our opposers imagine, when they say, ‘Believe, Believe, how easy is it to believe.’
Neither is it a mere human work, which I can perform for myself, but it is a divine power in the heart, by which we are new born, and whereby we are able to overcome the mighty power of the Devil and of death; as Paul says to the Colossians, ‘In whom ye are raised up again through the faith which God works.’” It is then a great truth which the apostle here teaches. He prays that his readers may properly understand ti> to< uJperba>llon me>geqov th~v duna>mewv aujtou~. The conversion of the soul is not a small matter; nor is it a work effected by any human power. It is a resurrection due to the exceeding greatness of the power of God. According to the working of his mighty power, kata< th The connection of this clause is somewhat doubtful. It may be referred to the words exceeding greatness of his power , i.e. kata< ejne>rgeian may be referred to to< uJperba>llon me>geqov, ktl. The sense would then be — ‘That ye may know the exceeding greatness of his power, to usward that believe, which was , according to, or like the working of his mighty power which wrought in Christ.’ Or, pisteu>ontav kata< ejne>rgeian may be connected, ‘Who believe in virtue of the working of his mighty power.’ In the one case this clause is a mere illustration or amplification of the idea of the divine power of which believers are the subject.
In the other, it expresses more definitely the reason why the power which they had experienced was to be considered so great, viz., because their faith was due to the same energy that raised Christ from the dead. In either case the doctrinal import of the passage is the same. The considerations in favor of the latter mode of construction are: 1. The position of the clauses. According to this interpretation they are taken just as they stand. ‘Us who believe in virtue of (kata< ) the working, etc.’ 2. The frequency with which the apostle uses the preposition kata< in the sense thus given to it. In chapter 3:7, he says: ‘his conversion and vocation were (kata< ) in virtue of the working of God’s power.’ See also 3:20; 1 Corinthians 1:2,8; Philippians 3:21. Christ will fashion our bodies (kata< ) ‘in virtue of the energy whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself.’ Colossians 1:29; Thessalonians 2:9. To say, therefore, ‘we believe in virtue of, etc.,’ is in accordance with a usage familiar to this apostle. 3. The parallel passage in Colossians 2:12, expresses the same idea.
There the phrase is pi>stiv th~v ejnergei>av, faith of the operation of God, i.e. which he operates; here it is pi>stiv kata< th The prayer recorded in these verses is a very comprehensive one. In praying that the Ephesians might be enlightened with spiritual apprehensions of the truth, the apostle prays for their sanctification. In praying that they might have just conceptions of the inheritance to which they were called, he prayed that they might be elevated above the world.
And in praying that they might know the exceeding greatness of the power exercised in their conversion, he prayed that they might be at once humble and confident; humble, in view of the death of sin from which they had been raised; and confident, in view of the omnipotence of that God who had begun their salvation.
V. 20. Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead , h\n ejnh>rghsen, ktl. There are two things evidently intended in these words.
First, that the power which raises the believer from spiritual death, is the same as that which raised Christ from the grave. And secondly, that there is a striking analogy between these events and an intimate connection between them. The one was not only the symbol, but the pledge and procuring cause of the other. The resurrection of Christ is both the type and the cause of the spiritual resurrection of his people, as well of their future rising from the grave in his glorious likeness. On this analogy and connection the apostle speaks at large in Romans 6:1-10, and also in the following chapters of this epistle. As often therefore as the believer contemplates Christ as risen and seated at the right hand of God, he has at once an illustration of the change which has been effected in his own spiritual state, and a pledge that the work commenced in regeneration shall be consummated in glory. And caused him to sit at his own right hand in the heavenly places. Kings place at their right hand those whom they design to honor, or whom they associate with themselves in dominion. No creature can be thus associated in honor and authority with God, and therefore to none of the angels hath he ever said: Sit thou at my right hand. Hebrews 1:13. That divine honor and authority are expressed by sitting at the right hand of God, is further evident from those passages which speak of the extent of that dominion and of the nature of that honor to which the exalted Redeemer is entitled.
It is an universal dominion. Matthew 38:18; Philippians 2:9; 1 Peter 3:22; and it is such honor as is due to God alone. John 5:23.
V. 21. The immediate subject of discourse in this chapter is the blessings of redemption conferred on believers. The resurrection and exaltation of Christ are introduced incidentally by way of illustration. The apostle dwells for a moment on the nature of this exaltation, and on the relation of Christ, at the right hand of God, to his church, and then, at the beginning of the following chapter, reverts to his main topic.
The subject of the exaltation here spoken of is not the Logos, but Christ; the Theanthropos, or God-man. The possession of divine perfections was the necessary condition of this exaltation because, as just remarked, the nature and extent of the dominion granted to him, demand such perfections. It is a dominion not only absolutely universal, but it extends over the heart and conscience, and requires the obedience not only of the outward conduct but of the inward life, which is due to God alone. We therefore find the divine nature of Christ presented in the Scriptures as the reason of his being invested with this peculiar dominion. Thus in the second Psalm, it is said, “Thou art my Son; ask of me, I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, etc.” That is because thou art my son, ask and I will give thee this dominion. And in the first chapter of the epistle to the Hebrews, it is said, The Son, being the brightness of the Father’s glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, is set down at the right hand of the majesty on high. That is, because he is of the same nature with the Father and possesses the same almighty power, he is associated with him in his dominion. While the divine nature of Christ is the necessary condition of his exaltation, his mediatorial work is the immediate ground of the The anthropos, God manifested in the flesh, being invested with this universal dominion. This is expressly asserted, as in Philippians 2:9. Though equal with God, he humbled himself to become obedient unto death, wherefore also God hath highly exalted him.
In illustration of the exaltation of Christ mentioned in verse 20, the apostle here says, He is seated uJpe The origin of the application of these terms to angels cannot be historically traced. The names themselves suggest the reason of their use. Angels are called principalities, powers and dominions, either because of their exalted nature; or because through them God exercises his power and dominion; or because of their relation to each other. It is possible indeed that Paul had a polemic object in the use of these terms. This epistle and especially that to the Colossians, contain many intimations that the emanation theory, which afterwards assumed the form of Gnosticism, had already made its appearance in Asia Minor. And as the advocates of that theory used these terms to designate the different effluxes from the central Being, Paul may have borrowed their phraseology in order to refute their doctrine. Be this as it may, the obvious meaning of the passage is that Christ is exalted above all created beings. And every name, i.e., as the connection shows, every name of excellence or honor, that is named. That is, above every creature bearing such name as prince, potentate, ruler, or whatever other title there may be. Not only in this world, but also in that which is to come, ejn tw|~ aijw~ni tou>tw|, ajlla< kai< ejn tw|~ me>llonti . That is, not only in this age, but in the age to come. The words may have the general sense of, here or hereafter; as in Matthew 12:32. According to Jewish usage, they designate the period before and the period after the advent of the Messiah.
To this, however, there is no reference in the context. As in Matthew these words are used to express in the strongest terms that the sin against the Holy Ghost can never be forgiven; so here they are intended to add universality to the preceding negation. There is no name here or hereafter, in this world or in the next, over which Christ is not highly exalted.
V. 22. And hath put all things under his feet. Christ is not only exalted above all creatures, but he has dominion over them; all are placed in absolute subjection to him. They are under his feet. This passage is a quotation from Psalm 8:7. It is applied to Christ by this same apostle in 1 Corinthians 15:27, and Hebrews 2:8. In both of these passages the world all is pressed to the full extent of its meaning. It is made to include all creatures, all capable of subjection; all beings save God alone, are made subject to man in the person of Jesus Christ, the Lord of lords, and King of kings.
There are two principles on which the application of this passage of Psalm 8 to Christ may be explained. The one is that the Psalm is a prophetic exhibition of the goodness of God to Christ, and of the dominion to be given to him. There is nothing, however, in the contents of the Psalm to favor the assumption of its having special reference to the Messiah. The other principle admits the reference of the Psalm to men generally, but assumes its full meaning to be what the apostle here declares it to be, viz., that the dominion which belongs to man is nothing less than universal. But this dominion is realized only in the Man Christ Jesus, and in those who are associated with him in his kingdom. This latter mode of explanation satisfies all the exigencies both of the original Psalm and of the passages where it is quoted in the New Testament. And gave him to be head over all things to the church, kai< aujto This view of the passage has the advantage of giving pa>nta the same reference here that it has in the preceding verse. All things are placed under his feet, and he head over all things, is head of the church.
The sense in which Christ is the head of the church, is that he is the source of its life, its supreme ruler, ever present with it, sympathizing with it, and loving it as a man loves his own flesh. See 4:15,16; 5:23,29; Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:17. Intimate union, dependence, and community of life, are the main ideas expressed by this figure.
V. 23. Which is his body. This is the radical, or formative idea of the church. From this idea are to be developed its nature, its attributes, and its prerogatives. It is the indwelling of the Spirit of Christ, that constitutes the church his body. And, therefore, those only in whom the Spirit dwells are constituent members of the true church. But the Spirit does not dwell in church officers, nor especially in prelates, as such; nor in the baptized, as such; nor in the mere external professors of the true religion, but in true believers, who therefore constitute that church which is the body of Christ, and to which its attributes and prerogatives belong.
The main question which this verse presents for consideration is: In what sense is the church the fullness of Christ? There are, however, two other points which must be previously determined. In the first place, it is the church, and not Christ to whom the word fullness here refers. Some commentators adopt the following interpretation of the passage: ‘Christ, the supreme head to the church (which is his body), the fullness, i.e.
Christ is the fullness, of him that filleth all in all.’ But 1. This interpretation violates the grammatical construction of the passage. 2. It rends the clauses very unnaturally asunder. 3. It assumes that the last clause of the verse, viz. ‘who fills all in all,’ refers to God, whereas it refers to Christ. 4. The sense thus obtained is unscriptural. The fullness of the Godhead is said to be in Christ; but Christ is never said to be the fullness of God.
In the second place, the church is here declared to be the fullness of Christ, and not the fullness of God. — Some commentators understand the passage thus: ‘The church, which is the body of Christ, is the fullness of him who fills all in all, i.e. of God.’ But to this it is objected, 1. That the construction of the passage requires that the last clause in the verse be referred to Christ; and 2. This interpretation supposes the word plh>rwma fullness, to mean multitude. ‘The multitude belonging to him who fills all in all.’
But this is a signification which the word never has in itself, but only in virtue of the word with which it is at times connected. The expression plh>rwma th~v po>lewv may be freely rendered, the multitude of the city, because that which fills a city is a multitude. But this does not prove that the word plh>rwma itself signifies a multitude. There is no good reason then for departing from the ordinary interpretation, according to which, the church is declared to be the fullness of Christ.
There are two opinions as to the meaning of this phrase, between which commentators are principally divided. First, the church may be called the fullness of Christ, because it is filled by him. As the body is filled, or pervaded by the soul, so the church is filled by the Spirit of Christ. Or, as God of old dwelt in the temple, and filled it with his glory, so Christ now dwells in his church and fills it with his presence. The sense is then good and scriptural. ‘The church is filled by him, who fills all in all.’ Or secondly, the church is the fullness of Christ, because it fills him, i.e. completes his mystical person. He is the head, the church is the body. It is the complement, or that which completes, or renders whole. As both these interpretations give a sense that is scriptural and consistent with the context, the choice between them must be decided principally by the New Testament usage of the word plh>rwma. The former interpretation supposes the word to have a passive signification that which is filled. But in every other case in which it occurs in the New Testament, it is used actively — that which does fill. Matthew 9:16, The piece put into an old garment is called its fullness. i.e. ‘that which is put in to fill it up.’ Mark 6:43, The fragments which filled the baskets are called their fullness. John 1:16, ‘Of his fullness,’ means the plenitude of grace and truth that is in him. Galatians 4:4, The fullness of the time, is that which renders full the specified time. Colossians 2:9, The fullness of the Godhead, is all that is in the Godhead. Ephesians 3:19, The fullness of God, is that of which God is full — the plenitude of divine perfections. Corinthians 10:26, The fullness of the earth, is that which fills the earth.
The common usage of the word in the New Testament is therefore clearly in favor of its being taken in an active sense here. The church is the fullness of Christ in that it is the complement of his mystic person. He is the head, the church is his body.
In favor of the other interpretation it may be urged, — 1. That plh>rwma has in the Classics, in Philo, in the writings of the Gnostics, at times, a passive sense. 2. The meaning thus afforded is preferable. It is a more scriptural and more intelligible statement, to say that Christ fills his church, as the soul pervades the body — or as the glory of the Lord filled the temple, than to say that the church in any sense fills Christ. 3. Plh>rwma must be taken in a sense which suits the participle plhroumejnou; ‘the church is filled by him who fills all things.’ The second and third of these reasons are so strong as to give this interpretation the preference in the minds of those to whom the usus loquendi of the New Testament is not an insuperable objection. That filleth all in all tou~ ta< pa>nta ejn pa~sin plhroume>nou . This clause, as before remarked, refers to Christ, as the construction obviously demands. The participle plhroume>nou is by almost all commentators assumed to have in this case an active signification. This assumption is justified by the exigency of the place, and by the fact that in common Greek the passive forms of this verb are at times used in an active sense.
That there is no such case in the New Testament, is not therefore a sufficient reason for departing from the ordinary interpretation.
The expression ta< pa>nta ejn pa~sin, all in all, or, all with all, does not mean all the church in all its members, or with all grace, but the universe in all its parts. There is nothing in the context to restrict or limit ta< pa>nta .
The words must have the latitude here which belongs to them in the preceding verses. The analogy of Scripture is in favor of this interpretation. God’s relation to the world, or totality of things external to himself, is elsewhere expressed in the same terms. Jeremiah 23:24, “Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.” Compare 1 Kings 8:27; <19D907> Psalm 139:7. In the New Testament Christ is set forth as creating, sustaining, and pervading the universe. Colossians 1:16,17; Hebrews 1:3; Ephesians 4:10. This, therefore, determines the sense in which he is here said to fill all things. It is not that he replenishes all his people with his grace; but that he fills heaven and earth with his presence. There is no place where he is not. There is no creature from which he is absent. By him all things consist: they are upheld by his presence in them and with them. The union, therefore, which the church sustains, and which is the source of its life and blessedness, is not with a mere creature, but with Christ, God manifested in the flesh, who pervades and governs all things by his omnipresent power. The source of life, therefore, to the church is inexhaustible and immortal.
CHAPTER -The Apostle Contrasts The Spiritual State Of The Ephesians Before Their Conversion, With That Into Which They Had Been Introduced By The Grace Of God, Vs. 1-10. The Contrast Their Previous Condition As Aliens, With That Of Fellow Citizens Of The Saints And Members Of The Family Of God. Vs. 11-22.
SECTION 1 — VERSES 1-10 1. And you hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2. Wherein in the past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6. And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7. That in ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
ANALYSIS There are three principal topics treated of in this Section. First, the spiritual state of the Ephesians before their conversion. Second, the change which God had wrought in them. Third, the design for which that change had been effected.
I. The state of the Ephesians before their conversion, and the natural state of men universally, is one of spiritual death, which includes — 1. A state of sin. 2. A state of subjection to Satan and to our own corrupt affections. 3. A state of condemnation, verses 1-3.
II. The change which they had experienced was a spiritual resurrection; concerning which the apostle teaches — 1. That God is its author. 2. That it is a work of love and grace. 3. That it was through Christ, or in virtue of union with him. 4. That it involves great exaltation, even an association with Christ in his glory, verses 4-6.
III. The design of this dispensation is the manifestation through all coming ages of the grace of God. It is a manifestation of grace — 1. Because salvation in general is of grace. 2. Because the fact that the Ephesian Christians believed or accepted of this salvation was due not to themselves but to God. Faith is his gift. 3. Because good works are the fruits not of nature, but of grace. We are created unto good works.
COMMENTARY V. 1. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.
There is an intimate connection between this clause and the preceding paragraph. In verse 19 of the first chapter the apostle prays that the Ephesians might duly appreciate the greatness of that power which had been exercised in their conversion. It was to be known from its effects. It was that power which was exercised in the resurrection and exaltation of Christ, and which had wrought an analogous change in them. The same power which quickened Christ has quickened you. The conjunction vvv therefore is not to be rendered also, “you also,” you as well as others. It serves to connect this clause with what precedes. ‘God raised Christ from the dead, and he has given life to you dead in trespasses and sins.’
The grammatical construction of these words is doubtful. Some connect them immediately with the last clause of the first chapter. — ‘Who fills all in all and you also,’ i.e. ujma~v is made to depend on plhroume>nou . This, however, to make any tolerable sense, supposes the preceding clause to have a meaning which the words will not bear. Others refer the beginning of this verse to the 20th verse of the preceding chapter — or at least borrow from that verse the verb required to complete the sense in this. ‘God raised Christ, and he has raised you,’ ejgei>rav to Paul describes his readers before their conversion as dead. In Scripture the word life is the term commonly used to express a state of union with God, and death a state of alienation from him. Life, therefore, includes holiness, happiness and activity; and death, corruption, misery and helplessness.
All the higher forms of life are wanting in those spiritually dead; they are secluded from all the sources of true blessedness, and they are beyond the reach of any help from creatures. They are dead.
The English version renders the clause, toi~v paraptw>masin kai< tai~v aJmarti>aiv , ‘dead in trespasses and sins.’ But there is no preposition in the original text, and therefore, the great majority of commentators consider the apostle as assigning the cause, and not describing the nature of this death, ‘Dead on account of trespasses and sins.’ The former of these words is generally considered as referring to outward transgressions, the latter is more indefinite, and includes all sinful manifestations of aJmarti>a , i.e. of sin considered as an inherent principle. f5 V. 2. Wherein in time past ye walked. Their former condition, briefly described in the first verse, as a state of spiritual death, is in this and the verses following more particularly characterized. They walked in sin.
They were daily conversant with it, and devoted to it. They were surrounded by it, and clothed with it. They lived according to the course of this world. In this clause we have not only the character of their life stated, but the governing principle which controlled their conduct. They lived according to, and under the control of, the spirit of the world. The expression to Others, adhering to the New Testament sense of the aijw>n , translate this clause thus: according to the age of this world, i.e. in a way suited to the present age of the world, as it is now, compared to what it is to be when Christ comes. Others again give aijw>n a Gnostic sense — according to the Eon of this world, i.e. the devil. To this Meyer objects: 1. That it is more than doubtful whether any distinct reference to nascent Gnosticism is to be found in this epistle; and 2. That such a designation of Satan would have been unintelligible to all classes or readers.
This subjection to sin is, at the same time, a subjection to Satan, and therefore the apostle adds , kata< to Though there is perfect unanimity among commentators, that the phrase to There is a third interpretation of this phrase, which retains the common meaning of the word, but makes it express the nature and not the abode of the powers spoken of. ‘Of the earth’ may mean earthy ; so ‘of the air’ may mean aerial. These demons do not belong to our earth, they have not a corporeal nature; they belong to a different and higher order of beings.
They are aerial or spiritual. This passage is thus brought into accordance with what is said in Ephesians 6:12. Evil spirits are there said to be ‘in heavenly places,’ i.e. in heaven. That is, they do not belong to this earth; they are heavenly in their nature, as spirits without the trammels of flesh and blood. Such at least is one interpretation of Ephesians 6:12. By powers of the air, according to this view, we are to understand, unearthly, superhuman, incorporeal, spiritual beings over whom Satan reigns. This interpretation seems to have been the one generally adopted in the early church. The spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience tou~ pneu>matov tou~ nu~n ejnergou~ntov, ktl. This again is a difficult clause.
Our version assumes that the word pneumato This interpretation therefore cannot be adopted without assuming an unusual grammatical irregularity. Others prefer taking pneu>matov in apposition to ejxousi>av. The sense is then either: ‘Prince of the power of the air, i.e. prince of the spirit, i.e. spirits, who now work;’ or, ‘Prince of the spirit, which controls the children of disobedience.’ The former of these expositions gives a good sense. Satan is the prince of those spirits who are represented in Scripture as constantly engaged in leading men into sin. But it does violence to the text, as there is no other case where the singular pneu~ma is thus used collectively for the plural. To the latter interpretation it may be objected that the sense thus obtained is feeble and obscure, if the word spirit is made to mean ‘disposition of men;’ which, to say the least, is a very vague and indefinite expression, and furnishes no proper parallelism to the preceding clause “powers of the air.” But by spirit may be meant the evil principle which works in mankind. Compare 1 Corinthians 2:12. Luther and Calvin both give the same interpretation that is adopted by our translators. Beza, Bengel, and most of the moderns make spirit mean the spirit of the world as opposed to the Spirit of God.
The phrase children of disobedience, ntov ejn toi~v uiJoi~v th~v ajpeiqei>av , does not mean disobedient children — for that would imply that those thus designated were represented as the children of God, or children of men, who were disobedient. The word children expresses their relation, so to speak, to disobedience, which is the source of their distinctive character.
The word son is often used in Scripture to express the idea of derivation or dependence in any form. Thus the ‘sons of famine’ are the famished; the ‘sons of Belial’ are the worthless; the ‘sons of disobedience’ are the disobedient. The word ajpei>qeia means, unwillingness to be persuaded, and is expressive either of disobedience in general, or of unbelief which is only one form of disobedience. In this case the general sense is to be preferred, for the persons spoken of are not characterized as unbelievers, or as obstinately rejecting the gospel, but as disobedient or wicked. The fact asserted in this clause, viz., that Satan and evil spirits work in men, or influence their opinions, feelings and conduct, is often elsewhere taught in Scripture. Matthew 13:38; John 12:31, 8:44; Acts 26:18; Corinthians 4:4. The fact is all that concerns us, we need not understand how they exert this influence. We do not know how the intercourse of disembodied spirits is conducted, and therefore cannot tell how such spirits have access to our minds to control their operations. The influence, whatever it is, and however effectual it may be, does not destroy our freedom of action, any more than the influence of one man over his fellows. Still it is an influence greatly to be dreaded. These spirits of wickedness are represented as far more formidable adversaries than those who are clothed in flesh and blood. Blessed are those for whom Christ prays, as he did for Peter, when he sees them surrounded by the wiles of the devil.
V. 3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past. It appears not only from chapter 1:11, 13, and from the connection in this place, but still more clearly from verse 11 and those following, in this chapter, that by you in this whole epistle, the apostle means Gentiles; and by we, when the pronouns are contrasted as here, the Jews. The spiritual condition of the Ephesians before their conversion was not peculiar to them as Ephesians or as heathen. All men, Jews and Gentiles, are by nature in the same state. Whatever differences of individual character, whatever superiority of one age or nation over another may exist, these are but subordinate diversities. There is as to the main point, as this apostle elsewhere teaches, no difference; for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. There is also no essential difference as to the way in which different communities or individuals manifest the depravity common to them all. There is very great difference as to the degree and the grossness of such manifestations, but in all the two comprehensive forms under which the corruption of our nature reveals itself, “the desires of the flesh and of the mind,” are clearly exhibited. The apostle therefore does not hesitate to associate his countrymen with the Gentiles in this description of their moral condition, although the former were in many respects so superior to the latter. Nay, he does not hesitate to include himself, though he was before his conversion as ‘touching the righteousness which is of the law blameless.’ All men, whatever their outward conduct may be, in their natural state have “a carnal mind” as opposed to “a spiritual mind.” See Romans 8:5-7. They are all governed by the things which are seen and temporal, instead of those which are not seen and eternal. Paul therefore says of himself and fellow Jews that they all had their conversation among the children of disobedience. They were not separated from them as a distinct and superior class, but were associated with them, congenial in character and life.
Wherein this congeniality consisted is stated in the following clauses. As the Gentiles so also the Jews had their conversation, i.e. they lived in the lusts of the flesh. The word ejpiqumi>a, lust, means strong desire, whether good or bad. In Scripture most commonly it is taken in a bad sense, and means inordinate desire of any kind. The ‘lusts of the flesh’ are those irregular desires which have their origin in the flesh. By the flesh, however, is not to be understood merely our sensuous nature, but our whole nature considered as corrupt. The scriptural usage of the word sa>rx is very extensive. It means the material flesh, then that which is external, then that which is governed by what is material, and in so far sinful; then that which is sinful without that limitation; whatever is opposed to the Spirit, and in view of all these senses it means mankind. See Philippians 3:4, where the apostle includes under the word flesh, his descent from the Hebrews, his circumcision, and his legal righteousness. Galatians 3:3, 5:19-21. In this latter passage, envy, hatred, heresy, are included among the works of the flesh, as well as revellings and drunkenness. It depends on the immediate context whether the word, in any given place, is to be understood of our whole nature considered as corrupt, or only of the sensuous or animal part of that nature. When it stands opposed to what is divine, it means what is human and corrupt; when used in opposition to what is intellectual or spiritual in our nature, it means what is sensuous. In the present case it is to be taken in its wide sense because there is nothing to limit it, and because in the following clause it is defined as including both, — “the desires of the flesh (in the restricted sense of the word) and of the world.” The word qelh>mata rendered desires, means rather behests, commands. The things done were those which the flesh and the mind willed to be done. They were the governing principles to whose will obedience was rendered. Dianoi>a, mind , is used here for the whole thinking and sentient principle, so far as distinguished from the animal principle. Frequently it means the intellect, here it refers more to the affections. Compare Colossians 1:21, “Enemies in your mind;” Leviticus 19:7, “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy mind;” Numbers 15:39, “Follow not after your own minds.” Jews and Gentiles, all men, therefore, are represented in their natural state as under the control of evil. They fulfill the commands of the flesh and of the mind. And were by nature the children of wrath even as others , kai< h]meqa te>kna fu>sei ojrgh~v . The expression “children of wrath,” agreeably to a Hebrew idiom above referred to, means ‘the objects of wrath,’ obnoxious to punishment. Compare Deuteronomy 25:2, ‘son of stripes,’ one to be beaten; 1 Samuel 20:31; 2 Samuel 12:5, ‘son of death,’ one certainly to die. The idea of worthiness is not included in the expression, though often implied in the context. The phrase ‘son of death,’ means one who is to die, whether justly or unjustly. So ‘children of wrath,’ means simply ‘the objects of wrath.’ But as the wrath spoken of is the displeasure of God, of course the idea of ill-desert is necessarily implied.
The word fu>siv in signification and usage corresponds very nearly to our word nature. When used, as in this case, to indicate the source or origin of anything in the character or condition, it always expresses what is natural or innate, as opposed to what is made, taught, superinduced, or in any way incidental or acquired. This general idea is of course variously modified by the nature of the thing spoken of. Thus when the apostle says, Galatians 2:15, hJmei~v fu>sei ’ Ioudai~oi, we by nature Jews, he means Jews by birth, in opposition to profession. In Galatians 4:8, it is said of the heathen deities that they are not by nature gods, they are such only by appointment, or in virtue of the opinions of men. In Romans 2:13, men are said to do by nature the things of the law, i.e. the source of these moral acts is to be sought in their natural constitution, not in the instruction or example of others. In Romans 2:27, uncircumcision is said to be by nature, i.e. natural, not acquired. This usage is common in the classic writers. Thus Plato, de Legibus, lib. 10, says, ‘Some teach that the gods are ouj fu>sei, ajlla< tisi< no>moiv ,’ i.e. that they owe their divinity not to nature but to certain laws. Afterwards he says ‘Some things are right by nature, others by law.’ In another place, he says, of certain persons, ‘They were fu>sei barbarians, no>mw| Greeks;’ by birth barbarians, but by law Greeks. In these writers the expressions, ‘by nature selfish,’ ‘by nature swift to anger,’ ‘by nature avaricious,’ etc., are of very frequent occurrence. In all such cases the general sense is the same. The thing predicated is affirmed to be natural. It is referred to the natural constitution or condition as opposed to what is acquired. According to this uniform usage the expression, We were by nature the children of wrath,’ can only mean, ‘We were born in that condition.’ It was something natural. We did not become the children of wrath, but were already such as we were born. The simple fact is asserted, not the reason of it. It is by nature, not on account of nature that we are here declared to be the children of wrath. The Scriptures do indeed teach the doctrine of inherent, hereditary depravity, and that that depravity is of the nature of sin, and therefore justly exposes us to the divine displeasure. And this doctrine may be fairly implied in the text, but it is not asserted. In other words, fu>siv does not mean natural depravity, and the dative (fu>sei) does not here mean on account of. The assertion is that men are born in a state of condemnation, and not that their nature is the ground of that condemnation. This is, indeed, an old and widely extended interpretation; but it does violence to the force of the word fu>siv, which means simply nature, and not either holy or corrupt nature. The idea of moral character may be implied in the context, but is not expressed by the word. When we say, ‘a man is by nature kind,’ it is indeed implied that his nature is benevolent, but nature does not signify ‘natural benevolence.’ Thus when it is said, men are ‘by nature corrupt,’ or, ‘by nature the children of wrath,’ all that is asserted is that they are born in that condition.
Others take fu>siv to mean in this place simply disposition, character, inward state of mind; very much as we often use the word heart.
According to this view, the word means not quod nascenti inest, sed quod consuetudo in naturam vertit. The sense then is: ‘We, as well as others are, as to our inward disposition or state of mind, children of wrath.’ All the expressions quoted by Clericus and other advocates of this interpretation, are really proofs that the word fu>siv has not the signification which they assign to it. When it is said that Barbarians are by nature rapacious, the Syrians by nature fickle, the Lacedemonians taciturn, more is meant than that such is the actual character of these people. The characteristic trait asserted of them is referred to what is innate or natural. In other words fu>siv does not mean, in such cases, simply disposition, but innate disposition.
Still more remote from the proper meaning of the terms is the interpretation which renders fu>sei truly, really. This is substituting an idea implied in the context for the signification of the word. When Paul says, the heathen deities are not by nature gods, he does indeed say they are not really gods; but this does not prove that by nature means truly.
Another exposition of this passage is, that the apostle here refers to the incidental cause of our being the children of wrath. Our exposure to the divine displeasure is due to our nature, because that nature being what it is, filled with various active principles innocent or indifferent, leads us into sin, and we thus become children of wrath. It is not by nature, but durch Entwickelung naturlicher Disposition, ‘through the development of natural disposition,’ as Meyer expresses this idea. This is a theological hypothesis rather than an interpretation. When it is said men are by nature desirous of truth, by nature honest, by nature cruel, more is affirmed than that they become such, under the influence of natural principles of which these characteristics cannot be predicated. The very reverse is the thing asserted. It is affirmed that love of truth, honesty, or cruelty are attributes of the nature of those spoken of. In like manner when it is said, ‘We are by nature the children of wrath,’ the very thing denied is, that we become such by a process of development. The assertion is that we are such by nature, as we were born. The truth here taught, therefore, is that which is so clearly presented in other parts of Scripture, and so fully confirmed by the history of the world and faith of the church, viz. that mankind as a race are fallen; they had their probation in Adam, and therefore are born in a state of condemnation. They need redemption from the moment of their birth; and therefore the seal of redemption is applied to them in baptism, which otherwise would be a senseless ceremony.
V. 4. The apostle having thus described the natural state of men, in this and the following verses, unfolds the manner in which those to whom he wrote had been delivered from that dreadful condition. It was by a spiritual resurrection. God, and not themselves, was the author of the change. It was not to be referred to any goodness in them, but to the abounding love of God. The objects of this love were not Jews in distinction from the Gentiles, nor the Gentiles as such, nor men in general, but us, i.e. Christians, the actual subjects of the life-giving power here spoken of. All this is included in this verse. °O de< qeo V. 5. Kai< o]ntav hJma~v . The conjunction kai< does not serve merely to resume the connection; nor is it to be referred to hJma~v , us also , us as well as others; but it belongs to the participle. — ‘And being,’ i.e. even when we were dead in trespasses. Notwithstanding our low, and apparently helpless condition, God interfered for our recovery.
Sunezwopoi>hsen tw|~ Cristw|~ he quickened us together with Christ.
Zwopoiei~n means, to make alive, to impart life. In the New Testament it is almost always used of the communication of the life of which Christ is the author. It either comprehends everything which is included in salvation, the communication of life in its widest scriptural sense; or it expresses some one point or moment in this general life-giving process. As the death from which the Christian is delivered includes condemnation (judicial death), pollution, and misery; so the life which he receives comprehends forgiveness (justification), regeneration, and blessedness.
Thus in 2 Corinthians 2:12, the apostle says, “And you being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses.” As, however, in the passage before us, the words “hath raised us up,” and “hath made us to sit in heavenly places,” are connected with the word “he hath quickened,” the latter must be limited to the commencement of this work of restoration.
That is, it here expresses deliverance from death and the imparting of life, and not the whole work of salvation.
We are said to be ‘quickened together with Christ.’ This does not mean merely that we are quickened as he was, that there is an analogy between his resurrection from the grave, and our spiritual resurrection; but the truth here taught is that which is presented in Romans 6:6,8; Galatians 2:19,20; 2 Corinthians 5:14; 1 Corinthians 15:22,23, and in many other passages, viz. that in virtue of the union, covenant and vital, between Christ and his people, his death was their death, his life is their life, and his exaltation is theirs. Hence all the verbs used in this connection, sunezwopoi>hse, sunh>geire, suneka>qise, are in the past tense. They express what has already taken place, not what is future; not what is merely in prospect. The resurrection, the quickening and raising up of Christ’s people were in an important sense accomplished, when he rose from the dead and sat down at the right hand of God. Ei< ga The apostle says, by way of parenthesis, by grace are ye saved. The gratuitous nature of salvation is one of the most prominent ideas of the context and of the epistle. The state of men was one of helplessness and ill-desert. Their deliverance from that state is due to the power and the unmerited love of God. They neither deserved to be saved, nor could they redeem themselves. This truth is so important and enters so deeply into the very nature of the Gospel, that Paul brings it forward on every fit occasion. And if the mode in which he speaks of our deliverance, does not of itself show it to be gratuitous, he introduces the declaration parenthetically, lest it should be for a moment forgotten.
V. 6. And hath raised us up and caused us to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. This is an amplification of what precedes. In its widest sense the life, which in verse 5 is said to be given to us, includes the exaltation expressed in this verse. It is, therefore, only by way of amplification that the apostle, after saying we are made partakers of the life of Christ, adds that we are raised up and enthroned with him in heaven. To understand this we must know what is here meant by “heavenly places,” and in what sense believers are now the subjects of the exaltation here spoken of. Throughout this epistle the expression “heavenly places” means heaven. But the latter phrase has in Scripture a wide application. It means not only the atmospheric heavens in which the clouds have their habitation; and the stellar heavens in which the sun, moon and stars dwell; and the third heavens, i.e. the place where God specially manifests his presence and where the glorified body of Christ now is, but also the state into which believers are introduced by their regeneration. In this last sense it coincides with one of the meanings of the phrase “kingdom of heaven.” It is that state of purity, exaltation and favor with God, into which his children are even in this world introduced. The opposite state is called “the kingdom of Satan;” and hence men are said to be translated from “the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s dear Son.” It is in this sense of the word that we are said, Philippians 3:20, to be the citizens of heaven. We, if Christians, belong not to the earth, but heaven; we are within the pale of God’s kingdom; we are under its laws; we have in Christ a title to its privileges and blessings, and possess, alas! in what humble measure, its spirit. Though we occupy the lowest place of this kingdom, the mere suburbs of the heavenly city, still we are in it. The language of the apostle in the context will appear the less strange, if we apprehend aright the greatness of the change which believers, even in this life, experience. They are freed from the condemnation of the law, from the dominion of Satan, from the lethargy and pollution of spiritual death; they are reconciled to God, made partakers of his Spirit, as the principle of everlasting life; they are adopted into his family and have a right to all the privileges of the sons of God both in this life and in that which is to come. This is a change worthy of being expressed by saying: “He hath quickened us, and raised us up, and made us to sit together with Christ in heavenly places.” — All this is in Christ. It is in virtue of their union with Christ that believers are partakers of his life and exaltation.
They are to reign with him. The blessings then of which the apostle here speaks, are represented as already conferred for two reasons: first, because they are in a measure already enjoyed; and secondly, because the continuance and consummation of these blessings are rendered certain by the nature of the union between Christ and his people. In him they are already raised from the dead and seated at the right hand of God.
V. 7. Why has God done all this? Why from eternity has he chosen us to be holy before him in love? Why has he made us accepted in the Beloved?
Why when dead in trespasses and sins hath he quickened us, raised us up and made us to sit together in heavenly places in Christ? The answer to these questions is given in this verse. It was, in order that, in the ages to come, he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness towards us, through Christ Jesus, i[na ejndei>xhtai — to The words, in the ages to come, ejn toi~v aijw~sin toi~v ejpercome>noiv , are by many understood to refer to the future generations in this world; secula, aetates seu tempora inde ab apostolicis illis ad finem mundi secuturas, as Wolf expresses it. Calvin, who understands the apostle to refer specially to the calling of the Gentiles in the preceding verses, gives the same explanation. Gentium vocatio mirabile est divinae bonitatis opus, quod filiis parentes et avi nepotibus tradere per manus debent, ut nunquam ex hominum animis silentio deleatur. As however there is nothing in the context to restrict the language of the apostle to the Gentiles, so there is nothing to limit the general expression ages to come to the present life.
Others, restricting verse 6th to the resurrection of the body, which is to take place at the second advent of Christ, understand the phrase in question to mean the ‘world to come,’ or the period subsequent to Christ’s second coming. Then, when the saints are raised up in glory, and not before, will the kindness of God towards them be revealed. But the preceding verse does not refer exclusively to the final resurrection of the dead, and therefore this phrase does not designate the period subsequent to that event. It is better therefore to take it without limitation, for all future time The simplest construction of the passage supposes that ejn crhsto>thti is to be connected with ejndei>xhtai; ejf ’ hJma~v with crhsto>thti , and ejn Cristw|~ with the words immediately preceding. God’s grace is manifested through his kindness towards us, and that kindness is exercised through Christ and for his sake. The ground of this goodness is not in us but in Christ, and hence its character as grace, or unmerited favor.
Vs. 8, 9. These verses confirm the preceding declaration. The manifestation of the grace of God is the great end of redemption. This is plain, for salvation is entirely of grace. Ye are saved by grace; ye are saved by faith and not by works; and even faith is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. We have then here a manifold assertion, affirmative and negative, of the gratuitous nature of salvation. It is not only said in general, ‘ye are saved by grace,’ but further that salvation is by faith, i.e. by simply receiving or apprehending the offered blessing. From the very nature of faith, as an act of assent and trust, it excludes the idea of merit. If by faith, it is of grace; if of works, it is of debt; as the apostle argues in Romans 4:4,5. Faith, therefore, is the mere causa apprehendens, the simple act of accepting, and not the ground on which salvation is bestowed. Not of works. The apostle says works, without qualification or limitation. It is not, therefore, ceremonial, as distinguished from good works; or legal, as distinguished from evangelical or gracious works; but works of all kinds as distinguished from faith, which are excluded. Salvation is in no sense, and in no degree, of works; for to him that worketh the reward is a matter of debt. But salvation is of grace and therefore not of works lest any man should boast. That the guilty should stand before God with self-complacency, and refer his salvation in any measure to his own merit, is so abhorrent to all right feeling that Paul assumes it ( Romans 4:2) as an intuitive truth, that no man can boast before God. And to all who have any proper sense of the holiness of God and of the evil of sin, it is an intuition; and therefore a gratuitous salvation, a salvation which excludes with works all ground of boasting, is the only salvation suited to the relation of guilty men to God.
The only point in the interpretation of these verses of any doubt, relates to the second clause. What is said to be the gift of God? Is it salvation, or faith? The words kai< tou~to only serve to render more prominent the matter referred to. Compare Romans 13:11; 1 Corinthians 6:6; Philippians 1:28; Hebrews 11:12. They may relate to faith (to< pisteu>ein ) or to the salvation spoken of (seswsme>nouv ei+nai ). Beza, following the fathers, prefers the former reference; Calvin, with most of the modern commentators, the latter. The reasons in favor of the former interpretation are, 1. It best suits the design of the passage. The object of the apostle is to show the gratuitous nature of salvation. This is most effectually done by saying, ‘Ye are not only saved by faith in opposition to works, but your very faith is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.’ 2. The other interpretation makes the passage tautological. To say: ‘Ye are saved by faith; not of yourselves; your salvation is the gift of God; it is not of works,’ is saying the same thing over and over without any progress. Whereas to say: ‘Ye are saved through faith (and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God), not of works,’ is not repetitious; the parenthetical clause instead of being redundant does good service and greatly increases the force of the passage. 3. According to this interpretation the antithesis between faith and works, so common in Paul’s writings, is preserved. ‘Ye are saved by faith, not by works, lest any man should boast.’ The middle clause of the verse is therefore parenthetical, and refers not to the main idea ye are saved, but to the subordinate one through faith, and is designed to show how entirely salvation is of grace, since even faith by which we apprehend the offered mercy, is the gift of God. 4. The analogy of Scripture is in favor of this view of the passage, in so far that elsewhere faith is represented as the gift of God. Corinthians 1:26-31; Ephesians 1:19; Colossians 2:12, et passim.
V. 10. That salvation is thus entirely the work of God, and that good works cannot be the ground of our acceptance with him, is proved in this verse. — 1. By showing that we are God’s workmanship. He, and not ourselves, has made us what we are. And 2. By the consideration that we are created unto good works. As the fact that men are elected unto holiness, proves that holiness is not the ground of their election; so their being created unto good works shows that good works are not the ground on which they are made the subjects of this new creation, which is itself incipient salvation.
Aujtou~ ga>r ejsmen poi>hma . The position of the pronoun at the beginning of the sentence renders it emphatic. His workmanship are we. He has made us Christians. Our faith is not of ourselves. It is of God that we are in Christ Jesus. The sense in which we are the workmanship of God is explained in the following clause, created in Christ Jesus; for if any man is in Christ he is a new creature. Union with him is a source of a new life, and a life unto holiness; and therefore it is said created unto good works.
Holiness is the end of redemption, for Christ gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works. Titus 2:14. Those therefore who live in sin are not the subjects of this redemption.
Oi=v prohtoi>masen , is variously interpreted. The verb signifies properly to prepare beforehand As this previous preparation may be in the mind, in the form of a purpose, the word is often used in the sense of preordaining, or appointing. Compare Genesis 24:14; Matthew 25:34; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Romans 9:23. This however is rather the idea expressed in the context than the proper signification of the word.
The relative is by Bengel and others connected, agreeably to a common Hebrew idiom, with the following pronoun, oi=v ejn aujtoi~v, in which, and the verb taken absolutely. The sense then is, ‘In which God has preordained that we should walk.’ By the great majority of commentators oi=v is taken for a[ , by the common attraction, ‘which God had prepared beforehand, in order that we should walk in them.’ Before our new creation these works were in the purpose of God prepared to be our attendants, in the midst of which we should walk. A third interpretation supposes oi=v to be used as a proper dative, and supposes hJma~v as the object of the verb. ‘To which God has predestined us, that we should walk in them.’ The second of these explanations is obviously the most natural.
Thus has the apostle in this paragraph clearly taught that the natural state of man is one of condemnation and spiritual death; that from that condition believers are delivered by the grace of God in Christ Jesus; and the design of this deliverance is the manifestation, through all coming ages, of the exceeding riches of his grace.
SECTION 2 — VERSES 11-22 11. Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12. That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13. But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15. Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man so making peace; 16. And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enemy thereby: 17. And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone; 21. In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22. In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
ANALYSIS In the preceding paragraph the apostle had set forth — 1. The moral and spiritual condition of the Ephesians by nature. 2. The spiritual renovation and exaltation which they had experienced. 3. The design of God in this dispensation. In this paragraph he exhibits the corresponding change in their relations. In doing this he sets forth: — I. Their former relation — 1st . To the church as foreigners and aliens. 2nd . To God as those who were far off, without any saving knowledge of him, or interest in his promises, verses 11, 12.
II. The means by which this alienation from God and the church had been removed, viz. by the blood of Christ. His death had a twofold effect. — 1. By satisfying the demands of justice, it secured reconciliation with God. 2. By abolishing the law in the form of the Mosaic institutions, it removed the wall of partition between the Jews and Gentiles. A twofold reconciliation was thus effected; the Jews and Gentiles are united in one body, and both are reconciled to God, verses 13-18.
III. In consequence of this twofold reconciliation, the Ephesians were intimately united with God and his people. This idea is set forth under a threefold figure. 1. They are represented as fellow citizens of the saints. 2. They are members of the family of God. 3. They are constituent portions of that temple in which God dwells by his Spirit, verses 19-22.
The idea of the church which underlies this paragraph, is that which is every where presented in the New Testament. The church is the body of Christ. It consists of those in whom he dwells by his Spirit. To be alien from the church, therefore, is to be an alien from God. It is to be without Christ and without hope. The church of which this is said is not the nominal, external, visible church as such,. but the true people of God. As, however, the Scriptures always speak of men according to their profession, calling those who profess faith, believers, and those who confess Christ, Christians; so they speak of the visible church as the true church, and predicate of the former what is true only of the latter. The Gentiles while aliens from the church were without Christ, without God, and without hope; when amalgamated with the church they became the habitation of God through the Spirit. Such many of them truly were, such they all professed to be, and they are therefore addressed in that character.
But union with the visible church no more made them real partakers of the Spirit of Christ, than the profession of faith made them living believers.
COMMENTARY V. 11. Wherefore remember, i.e. since God has done such great things for you, call to mind your former condition, as a motive both for humility and gratitude. That ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh e\qnh ejn sarki>, i.e. uncircumcised heathen. This gives in a word the description of their former state. All that follows, in this and the succeeding verse, is but amplification of this idea. The words in the flesh, do not mean origine carnali, natalibus, by birth; nor as to external condition, which would imply that spiritually, or as to their internal state, they were not heathen.
The context shows that it refers to circumcision, which being a sign in the flesh, is designated with sufficient clearness by the expression in the text.
As circumcision was a rite of divine appointment, and the seal of God’s covenant with his people, to be uncircumcised was a great misfortune. It showed that those in that condition were without God and without hope.
The apostle therefore adds, as explanatory of the preceding phrase, oiJ lego>menoi ajkrobusti>a, who are called Uncircumcision. This implied that they did not belong to the covenant people of God; and in the lips of the Jews it was expressive of a self-righteous abhorrence of the Gentiles as unclean and profane. This feeling on their part arose from their supposing that the mere outward rite of circumcision conveyed holiness and secured the favor of God. As the apostle knew that the circumcision of the flesh was in itself of no avail, and as he was far from sympathizing in the contemptuous feeling which the Jews entertained for the Gentiles, he tacitly reproves this spirit by designating the former as the so called circumcision in the flesh, made with hands. This is a description of the Israel kata< sa>rka, the external people of God, who were Jews outwardly, but who were destitute of the true circumcision which was of the heart. They were the concision, as the apostle elsewhere says, we are the circumcision, which worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, Philippians 3:3. The Jews were a striking illustration of the effect of ascribing to external rites objective power, and regarding them as conveying grace and securing the favor of God, irrespective of the subjective state of the recipient. This doctrine rendered them proud, self-righteous, malignant, and contemptuous, and led them to regard religion as an external service compatible with unholiness of heart and life. This doctrine the apostle everywhere repudiates and denounces as fatal. And therefore in this connection, while speaking of the real advantage of circumcision, and of the covenant union with God of which it was the seal, he was careful to indicate clearly that it was not the circumcision in the flesh, made with hands, which secured the blessings of which he speaks. Compare Romans 2:25-29; 1 Corinthians 7:19; Philippians 3:3-6; Colossians 2:11.
V. 12. The sentence begun in verse 11 is here resumed. Remember, o[ti h+te tw|~ kairw|~ ejkei>nw| cwri What follows is a confirmation of what precedes. They were without Christ because aliens from the commonwealth of Israel. The idea of separation and estrangement is strongly expressed by the word ajphllotriwme>noi. They stood as ajlloi, as others, distinguished as a separate class from the people of God. The word politei>a means — 1. Citizenship. 2. The order or constitution of the state. 3. The community or state itself.
The last signification best suits the connection. ’ Israh That the promise meant is that great promise of a redeemer made to Abraham, and so often afterwards repeated, is plain not only from the context, but from other passages of Scripture. “The promise made to the fathers,” says the apostle, in Acts 13:32, “hath God fulfilled in that he hath raised up Jesus.” Compare Romans 4:14-16; Galatians 3:16. As the heathen were not included in the covenant God made with his people, they had no interest in the promise, the execution of which that covenant secured. Their condition was therefore most deplorable. They were without hope — ejlpi>da mh< e]contev kai< , not having hope. They had nothing to hope, because shut out of the covenant of promise. The promise of God is the only foundation of hope, and therefore those to whom there is no promise, have no hope. And having no hope of redemption, the great blessing promised, they were, in the widest sense of the word, hopeless. They were moreover without God, a]qeoi . This may mean that they were atheists, in so far that they were destitute of the knowledge of the true God, and served those who by nature were no gods.
Jehovah was not their God; they had no interest in him, they were without him. This includes the idea that they were forsaken of him — he had left them in the world. They stood outside of that community which belonged to God, who knew and worshipped him, to whom his promises were made, and in the midst of whom he dwelt. In every point, therefore, their condition as heathen afforded a melancholy contrast to that of the true people of God, and to that into which they had been introduced by the Gospel. Their alienation from the theocracy or church involved in it, or implied, a like alienation from God and his covenant.
V. 13. But now in Christ Jesus, i.e. in virtue of union with Christ; ujmei~v oi[ pote o]ntev makra Vs. 14. 15. These verses contain a confirmation and illustration of what precedes. ‘Ye who were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace. He has effected the twofold reconciliation above referred to.’ This he has accomplished by abolishing the law. The law, however, is viewed in a twofold aspect in this connection. First, it was that original covenant of works, demanding perfect obedience, whose conditions must be satisfied in order to the reconciliation of men with God. Christ by being made under the law, Galatians 4:4, and fulfilling all righteousness, has redeemed those who were under the law. He delivered them from the obligation of fulfilling its demands as the condition of their justification before God. In this sense they are not under the law. Compare Romans 6:14; 7:4, 6; Galatians 5:18; Colossians 2:14. But secondly, as Christ abolished the law as a covenant of works by fulfilling its conditions, so he abolished the Mosaic law by fulfilling all its types and shadows. He was the end of the law in both these aspects and therefore, it ceased to bind the people of God in either of these forms. Of this doctrine the whole of the New Testament is full. The epistles especially are in large measure devoted to proving that believers are not under the law in either of these senses, but under grace. Thus it is that Christ is our peace. The abolition of the law as a covenant of works reconciles us to God; the abolition of the Mosaic law removes the wall between the Jews and Gentiles. This is what is here taught. By abolishing the law of commandments, i.e. the law in both its forms, the apostle says, Christ has, first, of the twain made one new man, verse 15; and secondly, he has reconciled both unto God in one body by the cross, verse 16.
Though the general sense of this passage is plain, there is no little diversity as to the details of the interpretation. The Greek is printed for the convenience of the reader. Aujto The words meso>toicon, e]cqran, and no>mon must all refer to the same thing. The sense would then be, ‘For he is our peace, having made the two one by having destroyed the middle wall of partition, that is, by having destroyed, by his flesh, the enmity, viz., the law of commandments with ordinances.’ The preferable construction is to make e]cqran dependent on lu>sav. It is then in apposition with meso>toicon but not with no>mon ; and katargh>sav to In the phrase, meso>toicon tou~ fragmou~, middle wall of partition, the latter noun is explanatory of the former, i.e. fragmou~ is the genitive of apposition. The middle wall which consisted in the hedge, which separated the two parties. What that hedge was is immediately expressed by the word e]cqran. It was the enmity subsisting between them. ‘Having removed the middle wall, i.e. the enmity, or their mutual hatred.’ By enmity, therefore, is not to be understood the law, as the cause of this alienation, but the alienation itself; because in what follows the removal of the enmity and the abolition of the law are distinguished from each other, the latter being the means of accomplishing the former.
That e]cqran is to be connected with lu>sav and not, as our translation assumes, with katargh>sav, is argued first from the position of the words, which favors this construction; secondly, because the expression lu>ein e]cqran is common, and katargei~n e]cqran never occurs; and thirdly, because the sense demands this construction, inasmuch as the ambiguous phrase middle wall of partition thus receives its needed explanation. The apostle first states, what it was that divided the Jews and Gentiles, viz., their mutual hatred, and then how that hatred had been removed.
The words ejn th|~ sarki< aujtou~ , are not to be connected with lu>sav .
That is, the apostle does not mean to say that Christ has removed the enmity between the Jews and Gentiles by his flesh. They are to be connected with the following participle (katargh>sav ). “Having by his flesh, i.e. by his death, abolished the law.” This is the great truth which Paul had to teach. Christ by his death has freed us from the law. We are no longer under the law but under grace. Romans 6:14. We are no longer required to seek salvation on the ground of obedience to the law, which says: “Do this, and live,” and “Cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things written in the book of the law to do them.” Christ has freed us from the law as a covenant of works, by being himself made subject to it, Galatians 4:5; by bearing its penalty, Galatians 3:13; by his body, Romans 7:4; by the body of his flesh, Colossians 1:22; by his cross, Colossians 2:14. In this connection the expressions, “by the blood of Christ,” verse 13; “by his flesh,” verse 14; “by his cross,” all mean the same thing. They are but different modes of expressing his sacrificial, or atoning death, by which the law was satisfied and our reconciliation to God is effected. The “abolishing,” therefore, of which the apostle speaks, does not consist in setting the law aside, or suspending it by a sovereign, executive act. It is a causing it to cease; or rendering it no longer binding by satisfying its demands, so that we are judicially free from it; free not by the act of a sovereign but by the sentence of a judge; not by mere pardon, but by justification, Who is he that condemns, when God justifies? Romans 8:34. The law which Christ has thus abolished is called “the law of commandments in ordinances.” This may mean the law of commandments with ordinances — referring to the two classes of laws (ejntolh> and do>gma ), moral and positive; or it may refer to the form in which the precepts are presented in the law, as positive statutes, or commands, tw~n ejntolw~n giving the contents of the law, and ejn do>gmasi the form. The idea probably is that the law in all its compass, and in all its forms, so far as it was a covenant prescribing the conditions of salvation, is abolished. The law of which the apostle here speaks is not exclusively the Mosaic law. It is so described in various parallel passages, as holy, just and good, as taking cognizance of the inward feelings, as to make it evident it is the law of God in its widest sense. It is the law which binds the heathen and which is written on their hearts. It is the law from which the death of Christ redeems men. But redemption is not mere deliverance from Judaism, and therefore the law from which we are freed by the death of Christ is not merely the law of Moses. Deliverance from the Mosaic institutions could not have the effects ascribed to the freedom from the law of which Paul speaks. It could not secure reconciliation to God, justification, and holiness, all of which, according to the apostle, flow from the redemption effected by Christ. The antithetical ideas always presented in Paul’s writings, on this subject, are the law and grace, the law and the gospel, the system which says: “Do and live,” — and the system which says: “Believe and live;” — as, however, the form in which the law was ever present to the minds of the early Christians was that contained in the Mosaic institutions; as all, who in that day were legalists, were Judaizers, and as the Mosaic economy was included in the law which Christ abolished, in many cases (as in the passage before us), special reference is had to the law in that particular form. But in teaching that men cannot be saved by obedience to the law of Moses, Paul taught that we cannot be saved by obedience to the law in any form. Or rather, by teaching that salvation is not of works of any kind, but of grace and through faith, he teaches it is not by the specific, ceremonial works enjoined in the law of Moses.
It is objected to the above interpretation of this passage, which is the common one, that in order to justify connecting ejn do>gmasi with ejntolw~n (the law of commandments in ordinances ), the article should be used. It is therefore urged that ejn do>gmasi must be connected with ejn do>gmasi ; and the passage read, “having abolished by doctrine the law of commandments.” To this, however, it is answered — 1. That the connecting article is frequently omitted in cases where the qualifying word is intimately connected with the word to be qualified, so as to form one idea with it. See Ephesians 2:11; 2 Corinthians 7:7; Colossians 1:4. 2. That katargh>sav has its qualifying clause in the words n th|~ sarki<. It would be incongruous to say that Christ abolished the law by his death, his doctrine. 3. The word do>gma never means doctrine in the New Testament, and therefore cannot have that meaning here. 4. And finally the sense is bad, contrary to the whole analogy of Scripture.
The law was not abolished by Christ as a teacher; but by Christ as a sacrifice. It was not by his doctrine, but by his blood, his body, his death, his cross, that our deliverance from the law was effected. The doctrine of the passage, therefore, is that the middle wall of partition between the Jews and Gentiles, consisting in their mutual enmity, has been removed by Christ’s having, through his death, abolished the law in all its forms, as a rule of justification, and thus, opening one new way of access to God, common to Jews and Gentiles.
The design of Christ in thus abolishing the law was two-fold. First, the union of the Jews and Gentiles in one holy, Catholic church. And, Secondly, the reconciliation of both to God. The former is expressed, by saying: “In order that he might create the two, in himself, one new man, making peace.” The two, tou They are created eijv e]na kaino V. 16. The second part of Christ’s purpose is expressed in this verse. It was that he might reconcile (ajpokatalla>xh| ) the two, united in one body, unto God, by means of the cross, having thereby slain the enmity. The end effected was reconciliation with God; the subjects of this reconciliation are the church, the one body into which Jews and Gentiles are merged (so that the one is su>sswma with the other, Ephesians 3:6); the means of this reconciliation is the cross, because the crucifixion of our Lord removes the enmity which prevented the reconciliation here spoken of.
To reconcile is to effect peace and union between parties previously at variance. Neither the English nor Greek terms (dialla>ssein, katalla>ssein ) indicate whether the change effected is mutual or only on one side. A child is reconciled to an offended father who received him into favor, though the father’s feelings only have been changed. Whether the reconciliation effected by Christ between man and God results from an inward change in men, or from the propitiation of God or whether both ideas are to be included, is determined not by the signification of the word, but by the context and the analogy of Scripture. When Christ is said to reconcile men to God, the meaning is that he propitiated God, satisfied the demands of his justice, and thus rendered it possible that he might be just and yet justify the ungodly. This is plain, because the reconciliation is always said to be effected by the death, the blood, the cross of Christ; and the proximate design of a sacrifice is to propitiate God, and not to convert the offerer or him for whom the offering is made. What in one place is expressed by saying Christ reconciled us to God, is in another place expressed by saying, he was a propitiation, or made propitiation for our sins.
The subjects of this reconciliation are the Jews and Gentiles united in one body, i.e. the church — tou Many commentators understand the words “in one body” to refer to Christ’s own body, and the words “by the cross,” at the close of the sentence, to be merely explanatory. The sense would then be, “That he might reconcile both unto God, by one body, i.e. by the one offering of himself, i.e. by his cross.” The obvious objection to this interpretation is, that “one body” cannot naturally be explained to mean “one offering of his body.” Besides this, the passage, verses 13-16, would then repeat five times the idea: the sacrifice of Christ reconciled us to God. The natural opposition between “the two” and “the one body,” favors the common interpretation. Christ created the two into one new man, and as thus united in one body, he reconciled both unto God.
The means by which this reconciliation was effected as the cross — because on it he slew the enmity which separated us from God. The latter clause of the verse is therefore explanatory of what precedes. ‘He reconciled both to God, having, by the cross, slain the enmity.’ The enmity in this place, as in verse 15, many understand to be the enmity between the Jews and Gentiles, and make the apostle say: ‘Christ by his crucifixion has destroyed the enmity between the Jews and Gentiles and then reconciled them thus united in one body to God.’ It is urged in favor of this interpretation that it is unnatural to make the word enmity in this verse and in verse 15 refer to different things. The great doctrine in the whole context is the unity of all believers, and therefore, that is to be kept in view. It is the enmity between the Jews and Gentiles and their union of which the apostle is treating. But that idea had just before been expressed.
It is perfectly pertinent to the apostle’s object to show that the union between the Jews and Gentiles was effected by the reconciliation of both, by his atoning death, to God. The former flows from the latter. In this connection the words “having slain the enmity on it,” serve to explain the declaration that the cross of Christ reconciles us to God. His death satisfied justice, it propitiated God, i.e. removed his wrath, or his enmity to sinners; not hatred, for God is love, but the calm and holy purpose to punish them for their sins. This view is sustained by the constantly recurring representations of Scripture. In Colossians 1:20-22, we have a passage which is exactly parallel to the one before us. It is there said, that God, having made peace by the blood of the cross, reconciled by Christ all things unto himself, and “you,” the apostle adds, “that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death.” Here it is obvious that the peace intended is peace between God and man. So too in Colossians 2:13,14, it is said: “You being dead... hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.” Here again the reconciliation is between man and God; the means, the cross — the mode, the abrogation or satisfaction of the law. The epistles to the Ephesians and to the Colossians are so much a reflection the one of the other, that they serve for mutual illustration. As there can be no doubt as to what Paul meant in the passages addressed to the Colossians, they serve to determine his meaning in the parallel passages to the Ephesians. The context, so far from opposing, favors the interpretation given above. Reconciliation involves the removal of enmity; the reconciliation is to God, therefore the enmity is that which subsisted between God and man — the peace announced in consequence of this reconciliation, verse 17, is peace with God; it consists in the liberty of access to him spoken of in verse 18. Thus all is natural in the relation of the several clauses to each other.
V. 17. And having come, he preached peace, for you afar off, and peace for those near. The connection is not with verse 14, but with verses 14-16.
Christ having effected peace, announced it. This is the burden of the Gospel, Peace on earth, and good-will toward man. God is reconciled.
Being justified by faith we have peace with God. Christ having redeemed us from the curse of the law; having reconciled us to God by his death, came and preached peace. To what preaching does the apostle refer? Some say to Christ’s personal preaching while here on earth. Having come , i.e. in the flesh, he preached. This supposes the connection is not with what immediately precedes, but with verse 14. — ‘He is our peace, and having come into the world he preached peace.’ But this breaks the concatenation of the ideas. The reconciliation is represented as preceding the annunciation of it. Having died, he came and preached. The preaching is, therefore, the annunciation of the favor of God, made by Christ, either in person, or through his apostles and his Spirit. Having come, ejlqw V. 18. The proof that peace has thus been obtained for both is, that both have equally free access to God. The o[ti at the beginning of the verse is not to be rendered that, as indicating the nature of the peace; but since, as introducing the evidence that such peace was procured. That evidence is found in the fact that we have access to God. Had not his wrath been removed, Romans 5:10, the enmity been slain, we could have no access to the divine presence. And since Gentiles have as free access to God as the Jews, and upon the same terms and in the same way, it follows that the peace procured by the death of Christ, was designed for the one class as well as for the other. Access is not mere liberty of approach; it is prosagwgh Christ did not die simply to open the way of access to God, but actually to introduce us into his presence and favor. This all Scripture teaches, and this the context demands. Those for whom the death of Christ has procured peace, are declared in what follows to be fellow citizens of the saints; members of the family of God, constituent parts of that temple in which God dwells by his Spirit. It is a real not a mere potential redemption and reconciliation which the blood of Christ effects. He died, the just for the unjust, to bring us nigh unto God. This introduction into a state of grace, Romans 5:3, is not identical with the peace procured by Christ, but the effect or sequence of it. Having made propitiation, or secured peace, he introduces us as our mediator and advocate into the divine presence.
As to this access we are taught that it is — 1. To the Father. 2. It is through Christ. 3. It is by the Spirit.
The doctrine of the Trinity as involved in the whole scheme of redemption, evidently underlies the representation contained in this passage. In the plan of salvation as revealed in Scripture, the Father represents the Godhead, or God absolutely. He gave a people to the Son, sent the Son for their redemption, and the Spirit to apply to them that redemption. Hence, in the beginning of this epistle, it is said that God as the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings, chose us before the foundation of the world to be holy, having predestinated us to be his children. He, therefore, has made us acceptable in the Beloved, in whom we have redemption through his blood. It is the Father, therefore, as the apostle says, who has made known to us his purpose to reconcile all things unto himself by Jesus Christ. Thus also in Colossians 1:19,20, it is said it pleased the Father that in him all fullness should dwell, and having made peace through the blood of the cross by him to reconcile all things unto himself. In 1 Corinthians 8:6, it is said there is to us one God even the Father, by whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we by him. This representation will be recognized as pervading the Scripture. It is the Father as representing the Godhead, to whom we are said to be reconciled, to be brought near, into whose family we are adopted, and of whose glory we are heirs. Secondly, this access is through Christ. This means, 1. As explained in the context, by his blood, his flesh, his cross. That is, it is by his vicarious death. It is by his dying, the just for the unjust, that he brings us near to God. 2. It is by his intercession, for he has not only died for us, but he has passed through the heavens there to appear before God for us. It is, therefore, through him, as our mediator, intercessor, introducer, forerunner, that we draw near to God.
This is a truth so plainly impressed on the Scriptures and so graven on the hearts of believers, that it gives form to all our modes of approach to the throne of God. It is in the name of Christ, all our praises, Thanksgivings, confessions, and prayers are offered, and for his sake alone do we hope to find them accepted.
Thirdly, this access to the Father is by the Spirit. The inward change by which we are enabled to believe in Christ, the feelings of desire, reverence, filial confidence which are essential to our communion with God, are the fruits of the Spirit. Hence we are said to be drawn or led by the Spirit, and the Spirit also as well as Christ is called our advocate, or paraclete; and God, it is said, because we are sons, hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father, Galatians 4:6. The words n eJni< pneu>mati , by one spirit, are not to be understood as expressing the inward concord or fellowship of the Jews and Gentiles in drawing near to God, nor simply that we are influenced by a common spirit of life, but the words are to be understood of the Holy Ghost. — 1. Because the word pneu~ma, without as well as with the article so generally refers to the Spirit in the New Testament. 2. Because the obvious reference to the Trinity in the passage, (“to the Father, through Christ, by the Spirit,”) demands this interpretation.
And 3. Because the same office is elsewhere characteristically referred to the Spirit. The other interpretations are included in this.
If Jews and Gentiles are led by the Spirit to draw near to God, it follows that they come with one heart; and are animated by one principle of life.
The preposition vv may be taken instrumentally, and rendered by , as in the following verse. Or it may mean in communion with . The Holy Ghost is designated here as one Spirit, in opposition to the two classes, Jews and Gentiles. Both have access by one and the same Spirit. The two, therefore, are not only one body as stated in verse 16, but they are inhabited and controlled by one Spirit. Thus in 1 Corinthians 12:11, “one and the self-same Spirit,” is said to divide to every man severally as he wills; and in verse 12, it is, “By one Spirit we are all baptized into one body.” Thus has the divine purpose of which the apostle spoke in the first chapter — his purpose to unite all his people in one harmonious body — been consummated. Christ by his cross has reconciled them, both Jews and Gentiles, unto God; the distinction between the two classes is abolished; united in one body, filled and guided by one Spirit, they draw near to God as his common children.
V. 19. The consequences of this reconciliation are that the Gentiles are now fellow citizens of the saints, members of the family of God, and part of that temple in which God dwells by his Spirit. Formerly they were xe>noi, strangers, now they are sumpoli~tai , fellow citizens. Formerly the Gentiles stood in the same relation to the theocracy or commonwealth of Israel, that we do to a foreign State. They had no share in its privileges, no participation in its blessings. Now they are “fellow citizens of the saints.”
By saints are not to be understood the Jews, nor the ancient patriarchs, but the people of God. Christians have become, under the new dispensation, what the Jews once were, viz. saints, men selected and separated from the world, and consecrated to God as his peculiar people.
They now constitute the theocracy — which is no longer confined to any one people or country, but embraces all in every country who have access to God by Christ Jesus. In this spiritual kingdom the Gentiles have now the right of citizenship. They are on terms of perfect equality with all other members of that kingdom. And that kingdom is the kingdom of heaven. The same terms of admission are required, and neither more nor less, for membership in that kingdom, and for admission into heaven, all who enter the one enter the other; the one is but the infancy of the other; we are now, says Paul, the citizens of heaven. It is not, therefore, to the participation of the privileges of the old, external, visible theocracy, nor simply to the pale of the visible Christian church, that the apostle here welcomes his Gentile brethren, but to the spiritual Israel, the communion of saints; to citizenship in that kingdom of which Christ is king, and membership in that body of which he is the head. It is only a change of illustration without any essential change of sense, when the apostle adds, they are no longer pa>roikoi but oijkei~oi . The family is a much more intimate brotherhood than the State. The relation to a father is much more sacred and tender than that which we bear to a civil ruler; and therefore, there is an advance in this clause beyond what is said in the former. If in the former we are said to be fellow citizens with the saints, here we are said to be the children of God; whose character and privileges belong to all those in whom God dwells by his Spirit.
V. 20. As oi+kov means both a family and a house, the apostle passes from the one figure to the other. The Gentiles are members of the family of God, and they are parts of his house. They are built, ejpi< tw|~ qemeli>w| tw~n ajposto>lwn kai< profhtw~n , on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.
That the prophets here mentioned are those of the new dispensation, is evident — 1. First from the position of the terms. It would more naturally be prophets and apostles if the Old Testament prophets had been intended. As God has set in the church, ‘first apostles and second, prophets,’ it is obvious that these are the classes of teachers here referred to. 2. The statement here made that the apostles and prophets are, or have laid, the foundation of that house of which the Gentiles are a part, is more obviously true of the New, than of the Old Testament prophets. 3. The passage in chapter 3:5, in which it is said, “The mystery of Christ is now revealed to holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit,” is also strongly in favor of this interpretation.
On account of the omission of the article before profhtw~n some render the clause thus: ‘The apostle-prophets — or apostles who are prophets.’
But this is unnecessary, because the repetition of the article is often dispensed with, when the connected nouns belong to one category, and constitute one class. Both apostles and prophets belong to the class of Christian teachers. This interpretation is not only unnecessary, it is also improbable; because apostles and prophets were not identical. There were many prophets who were not apostles. The latter were the immediate messengers of Christ, invested with infallible authority as teachers, and supreme power as rulers in his church. The prophets were a class of teachers who spoke by inspiration as the Spirit from time to time directed.
The principal difference of opinion as to the interpretation of this clause, is whether “the foundation of the apostles and prophets” means the foundation which they constitute — or, which they laid. In favor of the latter view, it is urged that Christ, and not the apostles, is the foundation of the church; that Paul, 1 Corinthians 3:10, speaks of himself as having laid the foundation, and not as being part of it; and that it is derogatory to Christ to associate him with the apostles on terms of such apparent equality, he being one part and they another of the foundation. On the other hand, however, it may be said, that there is a true and obvious sense in which the apostles are the foundation of the church; secondly, they are expressly so called in Scripture — as in Revelation 21:14, besides the disputed passage, Matthew 16:18; and thirdly, the figure here demands this interpretation. In this particular passage Christ is the cornerstone, the apostles the foundation, believers the edifice. The cornerstone is distinguished from the foundation. To express the idea that the church rests on Christ, he is sometimes called the foundation and sometimes the cornerstone of the building; but where he is called the one, he is not represented as the other. This representation no more implies the equality of Christ and the apostles, than believers being represented as constituting with him one building, implies their equality with him.
As the cornerstone of a building is that which unites and sustains two walls, many suppose that the union and common dependence on Christ of the Jews and Gentiles, are intended in the application of this term to the Redeemer. But as the same figure is used where no such reference can be assumed, it is more natural to understand the apostle as expressing the general idea that the whole church rests on Christ. This Isaiah predicted should be the case, when he represents Jehovah as saying: “Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; he that believeth shall not make haste.” Isaiah 28:16; <19B822> Psalm 118:22; Matthew 21:42;. Acts 4:11; 1 Corinthians 3:11; 1 Peter 2:6-8.
V. 21. Christ being the cornerstone, everything depends on union with him. Therefore the apostle adds, “In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord.” Christ is the principle at once of support and of growth. He not only sustains the building, but carries it on to its consummation. The words ejn w|= are not to be rendered, on which, referring to the foundation, but, in whom, referring to Christ.
Union with him is the sole essential condition of our being parts of that living temple of which he is the cornerstone.
The words pa~sa hJ oijkodomh< even without the article, which, because wanting in the oldest manuscripts, many critics omit, must here mean “the whole,” and not “every building.” It would destroy the whole consistency of the figure to represent “every congregation,” as a temple by itself resting on Christ as the cornerstone. Christ has but one body, and there is but one temple composed of Jews and Gentiles, in which God dwells by his Spirit.
All the parts of this temple are “fitly framed together,” sunarmologoume>nh . Intimate union by faith with Christ is the necessary condition of the increase spoken of immediately afterwards. The building however is not only thus united with the cornerstone, but the several parts one with another, so as to constitute a well compacted whole. This union, as appears from the nature of the building, is not external and visible, as a worldly kingdom under one visible head, but spiritual. “Groweth unto a holy temple,” nh au]xei eijv nao The words ejn Kuri>w|, in the Lord, at the end of this verse, admit of different constructions. They may be connected with the word temple immediately preceding, and be taken as equivalent to the genitive ‘Temple in the Lord,’ for ‘Temple of the Lord.’ But as the word Lord must refer to Christ, and as the temple is the house of God, this explanation produces confusion. They may be connected with the word holy; ‘holy in the Lord,’ i.e. holy in virtue of union with the Lord, which gives a very good sense.
Or they may be referred to the verb, ‘Grows by,’ or better, ‘in union with the Lord.’ This has in its favor the parallel passage, 4:16. The church compacted together in him, grows in him, in virtue of that union, into a holy temple.
V. 22. What was said of the whole body of believers, is here affirmed of the Ephesian Christians. “In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Builded together, sunoikodomei~sqe , may mean either, ‘you together with other believers;’ or, ‘you severally are all united in this building.’ The former appears more consistent with the context. Habitation of God, katoikhth>rion tou~ qeou~ , is only an equivalent expression to the phrase “holy temple” of the preceding verse. There seems to be no sufficient reason, for considering that the katoikhth>rion of this verse refers to individual believers, and nao The words ejn pneu>mati , at the end of the verse, are variously explained.
Some make them qualify adjectively the preceding word. ‘Habitation in the Spirit,’ for ‘Spiritual habitation.’ Others express the sense paraphrastically, thus: ‘Habitation of God in virtue of the indwelling of the Spirit.’ This is in accordance with other passages in which the church is called the temple of God because he dwells therein by the Spirit. The Spirit being a divine person, his presence is the presence of God. Finally, the words may be connected with the verb, and the preposition have an instrumental force. ‘Ye are builded by the Spirit into an habitation of God.’ This is perhaps the best explanation. The church increases in the Lord, verse 21, and is builded by the Spirit, verse 22. It is in union with the one, and by the agency of the other this glorious work is carried on.
CHAPTER -The Nature And Design Of Paul’s Commission, Vs. 1-13 — His Prayer For The Ephesians, Vs. 14-21.
SECTION 1 — VERSES 1-13 1. For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2. If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward. 3. How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4. Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5. Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6. That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7. Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power. 8. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9. And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10. To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,11. According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
ANALYSIS The office which Paul had received was that of an apostle to the Gentiles, verses 1-2. For this office he was qualified by direct revelation from Jesus Christ, concerning the purpose of redemption, of his knowledge of which the preceding portions of his epistle, were sufficient evidence, verses 3, 4.
The special truth, now more plainly revealed than ever before, was the union of the Gentiles with the Jews as joint partakers of the promise of redemption, by means of the gospel, verses 5, 6. As the gospel is the means of bringing the Gentiles to this fellowship with the saints, Paul was, by the special grace and almighty power of God, converted and made a minister of the gospel, verses 7, 8. The object of his ministry was to make known the unsearchable riches of Christ, and enlighten men as to the purpose of redemption which had from eternity been hid in the divine mind, verse 9. And the object or design of redemption itself is the manifestation of the wisdom of God to principalities and powers in heaven, verse 10. This glorious purpose has been executed in Christ, in whom we as redeemed have free access to God. Afflictions endured in such a cause were no ground of depression, but rather of glory, verses 11-13.
COMMENTARY V. 1. For this cause, i.e. because you Gentiles are fellow citizens of the saints, and specially because you Ephesians are included in the temple of God.
As there is no verb of which the words, ejgw< Pau~lov, I Paul, are the nominative, there is great diversity of opinion as to the proper construction of the passage. The most common view is that the sentence here begun is recommenced and finished in verse 14, where the words, “For this cause” are repeated. The apostle intended saying at the beginning of the chapter what he says in verse 14, “For this cause, I Paul, bow my knees,” i.e. ‘because you Ephesians have been brought to God, I pray for your confirmation and growth in grace.’
Others supply simply the substantive verb (eijmi< ). ‘For this cause I am the prisoner of Jesus Christ.’ But in this case to say the least, the article (oJ de>smiov ) before the predicate is unnecessary. Others make the clause, the prisoner of Christ, to be in apposition to I Paul, and supply the predicate I am a prisoner. The sense would then be, ‘I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ, am a prisoner, and in bonds for you Gentiles.’ This is better than any of the various modes of explanation which have been proposed, except the one first mentioned, which gives a far better sense. It is far more elevated and more in keeping with Paul’s character, for him to say, ‘Because you are now part of God’s spiritual temple, I pray for your confirmation and growth;’ than, ‘Because you are introduced into the communion of saints, I am a prisoner of Jesus Christ.’
The expression, oJ de>smiov tou~ Cristou~ , the prisoner of Christ, does not mean prisoner on account of Christ. Those for whom he suffered bonds are immediately afterwards said to be the Gentiles. It means Christ’s prisoner. As he was Christ’s servant, apostle, and minister, so he was Christ’s prisoner. In all his relations he belonged to Christ. He was a prisoner, ujpe V. 2. This verse is connected with the immediately preceding words. — ‘My apostolic mission is to the Gentiles; I am a prisoner for your sake, since ye have heard of the office which God has given me for your benefit.’ The word ei]ge rendered in our version by if, does not necessarily express doubt. Paul knew that the Ephesians were aware that he was an apostle to the Gentiles. The word is often used where the thing spoken of is taken for granted. Ephesians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 5:3. In such cases, it may properly be rendered, since, inasmuch as. It is only a more refined or delicate form of assertion. It is unnecessary, therefore, to assume either that this epistle was not addressed to the Ephesians particularly; or that ajkou>ein is to be taken in the sense of bene intelligere (if so be ye have well understood); or that Paul, when preaching at Ephesus, had preserved silence on his apostleship. He speaks of himself as a prisoner for their sake, inasmuch as they had heard he was the apostle to the Gentiles.
The expression, dispensation of the grace given unto me, is the designation of his office. It was an oijkonomi>a , a stewardship . A stewardship of the grace given, th~v ca>ritov th~v doqei>shv, means either a stewardship which is a grace, or favor, or which flows from grace, i.e. was graciously conferred. Compare verse 8, in which he says, “To me was this grace given.” Not infrequently the office itself is called ca>riv , a grace or favor. Romans 12:3, 15:15; 1 Corinthians 3:10; Galatians 2:9. Paul esteemed the office of a messenger of Christ as a manifestation of the undeserved kindness of God towards him, and he always speaks of it with gratitude and humility. It was not its honors, nor its authority, much less any emolument connected with it, which gave it value in his eyes; but the privilege which it involved of preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ.
Instead of understanding oijkonomi>a in the sense above given, of office, it may refer to the act of God, and be rendered, dispensation. ‘If, or since, ye have heard how God dispensed the grace given unto me,’ i.e. if ye understand the nature of the gift I have received. In Colossians 1:25, Paul speaks of the oijkonomi>a as given; here it is ca>riv which is said to be given. In both cases the general idea is the same, the form alone is different. His office and the grace therewith connected, including all the gifts ordinary and extraordinary, which went to make him an apostle, were both an oijkonomi>a and a ca>riv . The apostleship was not a mere office like that of a prelate or prince, conferring certain rights and powers; it was an inward grace, including plenary and infallible knowledge. You could no more appoint a man an apostle, than you could appoint him a saint.
Neither inspiration nor holiness come by appointment. An apostle without inspiration is as much a solecism as a saint without holiness.
Rome, here as every where, retains the semblance without the reality; the form without the power. She has apostles without inspiration, the office without the grace of which the office was but the expression. Thus she feeds herself and her children upon ashes. To you-ward. Paul’s mission was to the Gentiles. It was in special reference to them that he had received his commission and the gifts therewith connected. When Christ appeared to him on his journey to Damascus, he said to him, “I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the people and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” Acts 26:16-18. Here we have an authentic account of Paul’s mission. He was appointed a witness of what had been and of what should be made known to him by revelation. He was sent to the Gentiles, to turn them from Satan to God in order that they might be saved.
V. 3. How that by revelation was made known unto me, etc. This clause is connected with what precedes and explains it. — ‘Ye have heard of the grace which I have received, i.e. ye have heard how that by revelation was made known to me.’ Kata< ajpoka>luyin , after the manner of revelation, i.e. di ’ ajpokalu>yewv, Galatians 1:12. He was not indebted for his knowledge of the Gospel to the instructions of others as he proves in his epistle to the Galatians by a long induction of acts in his history. This was one of the indispensable qualifications for the apostleship. As the apostles were witnesses, their knowledge must be direct and not founded on hearsay. The thing made known was a “mystery”; i.e. a secret, something undiscoverable by human reason, the knowledge of which could only be attained by revelation. This revelation was a grace or favor conferred on the apostle himself.
The mystery of which he here speaks is that of which the preceding chapters treat, viz. the union of the Gentiles with the Jews. Of that subject he had just written briefly; ejn ojli>gw| , with little , i.e. few words.
V. 4. By reading what he had written, they could judge of his knowledge of the mystery of Christ. pro What Paul had written respecting the calling of the Gentiles in the preceding chapter, was an indication of his knowledge of the whole plan of salvation — here designated as “the mystery of Christ,” which includes far more than the truth that the Gentiles were fellow citizens of the saints. It has the same extensive meaning in Colossians 4:3, where Paul prays that God would open a door of utterance for him “to speak the mystery of Christ.” This verse is, therefore, virtually a parenthesis, in so far as the relative o\ at the beginning of the next verse refers to the word musth>rion in verse 3; or if referred to that word as used in verse 4, it is to it as including the more limited idea expressed in verse 3.
V. 5. God by revelation had made known to Paul a mystery, or purpose, which was not revealed as it now was to the apostles. That the Gentiles were to partake of the blessings of the Messiah’s reign, and to be united as one body with the Jews in his kingdom, is not only frequently predicted by the ancient prophets, but Paul himself repeatedly and at length quotes their declarations on this point to prove that what he taught was in accordance with the Old Testament; see Romans 9:25-33. The emphasis must, therefore, be laid on the word as. This doctrine was not formerly revealed as, i.e. not so fully or so clearly as under the Gospel.
The common text reads ejn eJte>raiv geneai~v , in other generations. But most editors, on the authority of the older MSS., omit the preposition.
Still the great majority of commentators interpret the above phrase as determining the time, and render it, during other ages. To this, however, it is objected that genea> never means, an age in the sense of period of time, but always a generation, the men of any age, those living in any one period. If this objection is valid geneai~v must be taken as the simple dative, and uiJoi~v tw~n ajnqrw>pwn be regarded as explanatory. The passage would then read, “Which was not made known to other generations, i.e. to the sons of men,” etc. But in Acts 14:16, 15:21, and especially in Colossians 1:26 (ajpo< tw~n aijw>nwn kai< ajpo< tw~n gejnw~n ), genea> is most naturally taken in the sense of age, or period of duration. In the same sense it is used in the Septuagint, Psalm 72:5, <19A225> 102:25; Isaiah 51:8. As it is now revealed to his holy apostles and to the prophets by the Spirit , wJv nu~n ajpekalu>fqh ejn pneu>mati . The apostles and prophets of the new dispensation were the only classes of inspired men; the former being the permanent, the latter the occasional organs of the Spirit. They therefore were the only recipients of direct revelations. They are here called holy in the sense of sacred, consecrated. They were men set apart for the peculiar service of God. In the same sense the prophets of the old economy are called holy. Luke 1:70; 2 Peter 1:21. The pronoun his in connection with apostles may refer to God as the author of the revelation spoken of, or to Christ whose messengers the apostles were. ‘My knowledge of the mystery of Christ, which, in former ages, was not made known, as it is now revealed to his apostles,’ etc.: By the Spirit, i.e. revealed by the Spirit. Pneu>mati , though without the article, refers to the Holy Spirit, the immediate author of these divine communications. It follows from the scriptural doctrine of the Trinity, which teaches the identity as to substance of the Father, Son, and Spirit, that the act of the one is the act of. the others. Paul, therefore, refers the revelations which he received sometimes to God, as in verse 3; sometimes to Christ as in Galatians 1:12; sometimes to the Spirit.
V. 6. The mystery made known to the apostles and prophets of the new dispensation, was ei+nai ta< e]qnh sugklhrono>ma, ktl. , i.e. that the Gentiles are , in point of right and fact, fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of this promise. The form in which the calling of the Gentiles was predicted in the Old Testament led to the general impression that they were to partake of the blessings of the Messiah’s reign by becoming Jews, by being as proselytes merged into the old theocracy, which was to remain in all its peculiarities. It seems never to have entered into any human mind until the day of Pentecost, that the theocracy itself was to be abolished, and a new form of religion was to be introduced, designed and adapted equally for all mankind, under which the distinction between Jew and Gentile was to be done away. It was this catholicity of the Gospel which was the expanding and elevating revelation made to the apostles, and which raised them from sectarians to Christians.
The Gentiles are fellow heirs. They have the same right to the inheritance as the Jews. The inheritance is all the benefits of the covenant of grace; the knowledge of the truth, all church privileges, justification, adoption, and sanctification; the indwelling of the Spirit, and life everlasting; an inheritance so great that simply to comprehend it requires divine assistance, and elevates the soul to the confines of heaven. Hence Paul prays (1:17, 18), that God would give the Ephesians the Spirit of revelation that they might know what is the riches of the glory of the inheritance to which they had been called.
They are su>sswma i.e. they are constituent portions of the body of Christ; as nearly related to him, and as much partakers of his life as their Jewish brethren. The hand is not in the body by permission of the eye, nor the eye by permission of the hand. Neither is the Gentile in the church by courtesy of the Jews, nor the Jew by courtesy of the Gentiles. They are one body.
What in the preceding terms is presented figuratively is expressed literally, when it is added, they are partakers of his (God’s) promise. The promise is the promise of redemption; the promise made to our first parents, repeated to Abraham, and which forms the burden of all the Old Testament predictions. Galatians 3:14, 19:22, 29.
The only essential and indispensable condition of participation in the benefits of redemption is union with Christ. The Gentiles are fellow heirs, and of the same body and partakers of the promise, says the apostle, in Christ , i.e. in virtue of their union with him. And this union is effected or brought about, by the Gospel. It is not by birth nor by any outward rite, nor by union with any external body, but by the Gospel, received and appropriated by faith, that we are united to Christ, and thus made heirs of God. This verse teaches therefore — 1. The nature of the blessings of which the Gentiles are partakers, viz. the inheritance promised to the people of God. 2. The condition on which that participation is suspended, viz. union with Christ; and 3. The means by which that union is effected, viz. the Gospel. Hence the apostle enlarges on the dignity and importance of preaching the Gospel. This is the subject of the verses which follow.
V. 7. Of which (Gospel) I was made a minister; a dia>konov , a runner, servant, minister. Minister of the Gospel, means one whose business it is to preach the Gospel. This is his service; the work for which he is engaged, and to which he is bound to devote himself. There are two things which Paul here and in the verse following says in reference to his introduction into the ministry; first, it was a great favor; and secondly, it involved the exercise of divine power. He was made a minister , kata< th The gift in question was given, kata< th V. 8. To me , adds the apostle, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles, the unsearchable riches of Christ.
By the word saints is to be understood not the apostles, but the people of God, who are “called to be saints,” 1 Corinthians 1:7; Romans 1:7. Less than the least , ejlacistote>rov , a comparative formed from a superlative. It was not merely the sense of his sinfullness in general, which weighed so heavily on the apostle’s conscience. It was the sin of persecuting Christ, which he could never forgive himself. As soon as God revealed his Son in him, and he apprehended the infinite excellence and love of Christ, the sin of rejecting and blaspheming such a Savior appeared so great that all other sins seemed as comparatively nothing. Paul’s experience in this matter is the type of the experience of other Christians.
It is the sin of unbelief; the sin of rejecting Christ, of which, agreeably to our Savior’s own declaration, the Holy Spirit is sent to convince the world. John 16:9.
To one thus guilty it was a great favor to be allowed to preach Christ. The expression to< ajnexicni>aston plou~tov tou~ Cristou~, unsearchable riches of Christ; riches which cannot be traced; past finding out , may mean either the riches or blessings which Christ bestows, or the riches which he possesses. Both ideas may be included, though the latter is doubtless the more prominent. The unsearchable riches of Christ, are the futileness of the Godhead, the plenitude of all divine glories and perfections which dwell in him; the fullness of grace to pardon, to sanctify and save; everything in short, which renders him the satisfying portion of the soul.
V. 9. It was Paul’s first duty to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ among the Gentiles, for he was especially the “apostle of the Gentiles.”
But his duty was not confined to them. He was commissioned both to preach to the Gentiles, and to make all see , etc. This is the common interpretation of the passage. Others, however, insist that the all is here limited by the context to the Gentiles. But the force of and , which marks the accession of a new idea, is thus in a great measure lost. And the following verse favors the widest latitude that can be given to the words in question.
The word fwti>zein properly means, to shine, as any luminous body does, and then to illuminate, to impart light to, as a candle does to those on whom it shines, and as God does to the minds of men, and as the Gospel does, which is as a light shining in a dark place, and hence the apostle, Corinthians 4:4, speaks of the fwtismo The thing taught was, hj oijkonomi>a tou~ musthri>ou tou~ ajpokekrumme>nou, the economy of the mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God . The common text in this clause reads koinwni>a , fellowship, but all the corrected editions of the New Testament, on the authority of the ancient MSS., read oijkonomi>a, plan, or, economy. The mystery or secret, is not the simple purpose to call the Gentiles into the church, but the mystery of redemption. This mystery, ajpo< tw~n aijw>nwn, from ages , from the beginning of time, had been hid in God. Compare Romans 16:35, “The mystery which was kept secret since the world began;” 1 Corinthians 2:7, “The wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom , which God ordained before the world;” Colossians 1:26, “The mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations.” In all these places the mystery spoken of is God’s purpose of redemption, formed in the counsels of eternity, impenetrably hidden from the view of men until revealed in his own time. It was this plan of redemption thus formed, thus long concealed, but now made known through the Gospel, that Paul was sent to bear as a guiding and saving light to all men. Who created all things by Jesus Christ . The words dia< ’ Ihsou~ Cristou< , (by Jesus Christ ), being wanting in the great majority of oldest MSS., are generally regarded as spurious. The all things here referred to are by some restricted to everything pertaining to the Gospel dispensation. For this interpretation there is no necessity in the context; and it is contrary to the common usage and force of the terms. There must be some stringent necessity to justify making “creator of all things,” mean “author of the new dispensation.” Others restrict the terms to all men: “He who created all men now calls all.” This however is arbitrary and uncalled for. The words are to be taken in their natural sense, as referring to the universe. It was in the bosom of the Creator of all things that this purpose of redemption so long lay hid. The reference to God as creator in this connection, may be accounted for as merely an expression of reverence.
We often call God the Infinite, the Almighty, the Creator, etc., without intending any special reference of the titles to the subject about which we may be speaking. So Paul often calls God, blessed, without any special reason for the appellation. Some however think that in the present case the apostle uses this expression in confirmation of his declaration that the plan of redemption was from ages hid in God — for he who created all things must be supposed to have included redemption in his original purpose.
Others suppose the association of the ideas is — he who created, redeems the same God who made the universe has formed the plan of redemption.
None but the creator can be a redeemer.
V. 10. To the intent that now might be made known , i[na gnwrisqh|~ nu~n. If this clause depend on the immediately preceding, then the apostle teaches that creation is in order to redemption. God created all things in order that by the church might be made known his manifold wisdom. This is the supralapsarian view of the order of the divine purposes, and as it is the only passage in Scripture which is adduced as directly asserting that theory, its proper interpretation is of special interest. It is objected to the construction just mentioned — 1. That the passage would then teach a doctrine foreign to the New Testament, viz. that God created the universe in order to display his glory in the salvation and perdition of men; which supposes the decree to save to precede the decree to create, and the decree to permit the fall of men. 2. Apart from the doctrinal objections to this theory, this connection of the clauses is unnatural, because the words ‘who created all things,’ is entirely subordinate and unessential, and therefore not the proper point of connection for the main idea in the whole context. That clause might be omitted without materially affecting the sense of the passage. 3. The apostle is speaking of his conversion and call to the apostleship. To him was the grace given to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ, and teach all men the economy of redemption, in order that through the church might be made known the manifold wisdom of God. It is only thus that the connection of this verse with the main idea of the context is preserved. It is not the design of creation, but the design of the revelation of the mystery of redemption of which he is here speaking. 4. This interpretation is further sustained by the force of the particle now as here used. Now stands opposed to ‘hid from ages.’ God sent Paul to preach the Gospel, in order that what had been so long hid might now be made known. It was the design of preaching the Gospel, and not the design of creation of which the apostle had occasion to speak. The natural connection of i[na , therefore, is with the verbs eujaggeli>sasuai and fwti>sai, which express the main idea in the context. “Paul,” says Olshausen, “contrasts the greatness of his vocation with his personal nothingness, and he therefore traces the design of his mission through different steps. First, he says, he had to preach to the heathen; then, to enlighten all men concerning the mystery of redemption, and both, in order to manifest even to angels the infinite wisdom of God.”
The Bible clearly teaches not only that the angels take a deep interest in the work of redemption, but that their knowledge and blessedness are increased by the exhibition of the glory of God in the salvation of men.
The expression, hj polupoi>kilov sofi>a , “manifold wisdom,” refers to the various aspects under which the wisdom of God is displayed in redemption; in reconciling justice and mercy; in exalting the unworthy while it effectually humbles them; in the person of the Redeemer, in his work; in the operations of the Holy Spirit; in the varied dispensations of the old and new economy, and in the whole conduct of the work of mercy and in its glorious consummation. It is by the church redeemed by the blood of Christ and sanctified by his Spirit, that to all orders of intelligent beings is to be made, through all coming ages, the brightest display of the divine perfections. It is tai~v ajrcai~v kai< tai~v ejxousi>aiv ejn toi~v ejpourani>oiv that this exhibition of the manifold wisdom of God is to be made dia< th~v ejkklhsi>av . This gives us our highest conception of the dignity of the church. The works of God manifest his glory by being what they are. It is because the universe is so vast, the heavens so glorious, the earth so beautiful and teeming, that they reveal the boundless affluence of their maker. If then it is through the church God designs speedily to manifest to the highest order of intelligence, his infinite power, grace and wisdom, the church in her consummation must be the most glorious of his works. Hence preaching the Gospel, the appointed means to this consummate end, was regarded by Paul as so great a favor. To me, less than the least, was this grace given.
V. 11. This exhibition of the manifold wisdom of God was contemplated in the original conception of the plan of redemption; for the apostle adds, it was according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Pro>qesin tw~n aijw>nwn purpose formed in eternity — which existed through all past ages — not, purpose concerning the ages, or different periods of the world. Compare 2 Timothy 1:9, pro>qesin — pro< cro>nwn aijwni>wn. The words h\n ejpoi>hse may be rendered either, as by our translators, which he purposed, or, which he executed. The latter method is preferred by the majority of commentators, as better suited to the context, and especially to the words in Christ Jesus our Lord as the title Christ Jesus always refers to the historical Christ, the incarnate Son of God. The purpose of God to make provision for the redemption of men has been fulfilled in the incarnation and death of his Son.
V. 12. Hence, as the consequence of this accomplished work, we have , in him comen th We have this free access to God with full confidence of acceptance through faith of Him, i.e. by faith in Christ. This is explanatory of the first clause of the verse, ejn w|= — dia< th~v pi>stewv aujtou~ , in whom, i.e. by faith of Him; faith of which he is the object. Compare 2:13. It is the discovery of the dignity of his person, confidence in the mercy of his blood, and assurance of his love, all of which are included, more or less consciously, in faiths that enables us joyfully to draw near to God. This is the great question which every sinner needs to have answered — How may I come to God with the assurance of acceptance? The answer given by the apostle and confirmed by the experience of the saints of all ages is, ‘By faith in Jesus Christ.’ It is because men rely on some other means of access, either bringing some worthless bribe in their hands, or trusting to some other mediator, priestly or saintly, that so many fail who seek to enter God’s presence.
V. 13. Wherefore , i.e. because we have this access to God, the sum of all good, we ought to be superior to all the afflictions of this life, and maintain habitually a joyful spirit. Being the subjects of such a redemption and having this liberty of access to God, believers ought not to be discouraged by all the apparently adverse circumstances attending the propagation of the Gospel. As neither the object of the verb aijtou~mai , nor the subject of the verb ejgkakei~n is expressed, this verse admits of different explanations. It may mean, ‘I pray you that you faint not;’ or, ‘I pray God that I faint not;’ or, ‘I pray God that ye faint not.’ Whether the object of the verb be “God ” or “you ,” it is hard to decide; as it would be alike appropriate and agreeable to usage to say, ‘I pray God,’ or, ‘I pray you,’ i.e. I beseech you not to be discouraged. The latter is on the whole to be preferred, as there is nothing in the context to suggest God as the object of address, and as the verb aijtei~n , though properly signifying simply to ask, whether of God or man, is often used in a stronger sense, to require, or demand, Luke 23:23; Acts 25:3,15. Paul might well require of the Ephesians, in view of the glories of the redemption of which they had become partakers, not to be discouraged. As to the second point, viz. the subject of the verb ejgkakei~n there is less room to doubt. It is far more in keeping with the whole tone of the passage, that Paul should refer to their fainting than to his own. There was far more danger of the former than of the latter. And what follows (“which is your glory”), is a motive by which his exhortation to them is enforced.
The relative h[tiv in the next clause, admits of a twofold reference. It may relate to qli>yesi>n, afflictions; or to mh< ejgkakei~n, not fainting. In the one case the sense would be: ‘The afflictions which I suffer for you instead of being a ground of discouragement are a glory to you.’ In the other: ‘Not fainting is an honor to you.’ The latter is flat, it amounts to nothing in such a context. It is perfectly in keeping with the heroic character of the apostle, who himself gloried in his afflictions, and with the elevated tone of feeling pervading the context, that he should represent the afflictions which he endured for the Gentiles as an honor and not as a disgrace and a cause of despondency.
SECTION 2 — VERSES 14-21 14. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,15. Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,18. May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all fullness of God. 20. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21. Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
ANALYSIS The prayer of the apostle is addressed to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is also in him our Father. He offers but one petition, viz. that his readers might be strengthened by the Holy Ghost in the inner man; or that Christ might dwell in their hearts by faith. The consequence of this would be, that they would be confirmed in love, and thus enabled in some measure to comprehend the infinite love of Christ, which would enlarge their capacity unto the fullness of God; that is, ultimately render them, in their measure, as full of holiness and blessedness, as God is in his.
COMMENTARY V. 14. This verse resumes the connection interrupted in vs. 1: 1. The prayer which the apostle there commenced, he here begins anew. For this cause, tou>tou ca>rin, repeated from verse 1, and therefore the connection is the same here as there, i.e. because you Ephesians are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ. I bow my knees . The posture of prayer, for prayer itself. Unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. f10 2. The peculiar Christian designation of God, as expressing the covenant relation in which he stands to believers. It is because he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our incarnate God and Savior, that he is our Father, and accessible to us in prayer. We can approach him acceptably in no other character than as the God who sent the Lord Jesus to be our propitiation and mediator. It is therefore by faith in him as reconciled, that we address him as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
V. 15. Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named . The word patria> is a collective term for the descendants of the same father, immediate or remote. In Luke 2:4, we read of the house and family of David, and in Acts 3:25, of all the families of the earth. The most important question here is, whether pa~sa patria> is to be rendered every family, or, the whole family. In favor of the latter are the considerations that the omission of the article, which usage doubtless demands, is not infrequent where either the substantive has acquired the character of a proper name, or where the context is so clear as to prevent mistake. (See Winer’s Gram. p. 131.) And secondly, the sense is better suited to the whole context. If Paul intended to refer to the various orders of angels, and the various classes of men, as must be his meaning if pa~sa patria> is rendered every family, then he contemplates God as the universal Father, and all rational creatures as his children. But the whole drift of the passage shows that it is not God in his relation as creator, but God in his relation as a spiritual father who is here contemplated. He is addressed as the “Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” and therefore our Father. It is plain therefore that those who are here contemplated as children, are those who are by Jesus Christ brought into this relation to God. Consequently the word patria> cannot include any but the subjects of redemption. The whole family in heaven therefore cannot mean the angels, but the redeemed already saved, and the family on earth, the company of believers still living.
As children derive their name from their father and their relation to him is thereby determined, so the apostle says, the whole family of God derive their name from him and are known and recognized as his children.
V. 16. This verse contains the apostle’s prayer in behalf of the Ephesians.
He prays that God, according to the riches of his glory, would strengthen them with might by his Spirit in the inner man. The riches of his glory , plou~tov th~v do>xhv , means the plenitude of divine perfection. It is not his power to the exclusion of his mercy, nor his mercy to the exclusion of his power, but it is everything in God that renders him glorious, the proper object of adoration. The apostle prays that God would deal with his people according to that plenitude of grace and power, which constitutes his glory and makes him to his creatures the source of all good.
Duna>mei krataiwqh~nai . Duna>mei may be rendered adverbially, “powerfully strengthened,” or it may be rendered as to power , indicating the principle which was to be confirmed or strengthened; or, “with power ,” as expressing the gift to be communicated. They were to receive power communicated through the Holy Spirit. This is to be preferred, because the subject of this invigorating influence is not any one principle, but the whole “inner man.”
There are two interpretations of the phrase krataiwqh~nai eijv to Even in 2 Corinthians 4:16, where the apostle says: “Though our outward man perish, our inward man is renewed day by day,” the meaning is the same. That language could not be used of an unrenewed man. It does not mean simply that though the body was wasted, the mind was constantly refreshed. The inner man that was renewed day by day was the renewed or spiritual man; the soul as the organ and temple of the Spirit of God.
V. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith , katoikh~sai to These are the truths contained in this passage.
As to the first, viz. the indwelling of Christ, it does not differ from what is expressed in the preceding verse, further than as indicating the source or nature of that spiritual strength of which that verse speaks. When Paul prayed that his readers might be strengthened in the inner man, he prayed that Christ might dwell in them. The omnipresent and infinite God is said to dwell wherever he specially and permanently manifests his presence.
Thus he is said to dwell in heaven, <19C301> Psalm 123:1; to dwell among the children of Israel, Numbers 35:34; in Zion, Psalm 9:11; with him that is of an humble and contrite spirit, Isaiah 57:11; and in his people, Corinthians 6:16. Sometimes it is God who is said to dwell in the hearts of his people, sometimes the Spirit of God, sometimes, as in Romans 8:9, it is the Spirit of Christ; and sometimes, as Romans 8:10, and in the passage before us, it is Christ himself. These varying modes of expression find their solution in the doctrine of the Trinity. In virtue of the unity of the divine substance, he that had seen the Son, hath seen the Father also; he that hath the Son hath the Father; where the Spirit of God is, there God is; and where the Spirit of Christ is, there Christ is. The passage in Romans 8:9,10 is specially instructive. The apostle there says, “The Spirit of God dwelleth in you. Now, if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his; and if Christ be in you, etc.” From this it is plain that Christ’s being in us, means that we have his Spirit; and to have his Spirit means that the Spirit of God dwells in us. When, therefore, the apostle speaks of Christ dwelling in our hearts, he refers to the indwelling of the Holy Ghost, for Christ dwells in his people by his Spirit. They thus become partakers of his life, so that it is Ch |
