_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Ephesians 5:1. FOLLOWERS OF GOD.—R.V. _imitators_. St. Paul gathers up all duties into one expression, “imitation of God,” and urges them on his readers by a reminder of their high birth laying them under obligation, and rendering their copying easier. Ephesians 5:... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Ephesians 5:3. LET IT NOT BE ONCE NAMED.—After the things themselves are dead let their names never be heard. Ephesians 5:4. NOR JESTING.—“Chastened insolence,” as Aristotle’s description of it has been happily rendered. “Graceless grace” [of style], as Chrysostom... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Ephesians 5:15. SEE THEN THAT YE WALK CIRCUMSPECTLY.—R.V. “Look then carefully how ye walk.” The way of life must be one of exactitude; and that it may be so the steps must not be haphazard, but carefully taken. Ephesians 5:16. REDEEMING THE TIME.—R.V. margin, “buy... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Ephesians 5:19. PSALMS AND HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS.—When the spirit is elevated so that ordinary prose conversation is inadequate to express the feelings let it find vent in sacred music. St. James’s advice to the “merry” heart is, “Sing psalms.” The “psalm” is pr... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Ephesians 5:22. SUBMIT YOURSELVES.—Same word as in previous verse; neither here nor there does it involve any loss of self-respect. The wife’s tribute to her husband’s worth is submission—the grace of childhood to _both parents_ equally is obedience. Ephesians 5:23... [ Continue Reading ]