Ephesians 4:15

speaking the truth The Gr. (one word) is wider and deeper, including the thought of livingand loving truth. Alford renders "being followers of truth." And the context is in favour of this. Not speaking truth, but avoiding false teaching, is in question. The Christian is to cultivate an instinct for Divine Truth, as against its counterfeits, in thought and in life. R.V., "speaking truth" and (margin) "dealing truly."

in love The holy condition under which alone the "follower of truth" would follow it truly, free from bitterness and prejudice, intent only on the will of God. It has been well said that some men find love the easier precept, some truth; but that the Gospel enjoins the harmony of both.

growup] The metaphor of the living Body reappears. See above, notes on Ephesians 4:12-13.

into him So as to deepen the realization of "in-ness" in Him, and more richly to derive its blessings. Just possibly we may render "untoHim." In that case the Lord would be viewed as the Archetype to which each believer, in his spiritual development and growth, growingly conforms. But this is less in harmony with the imagery of the Body and Headwhich we have here.

in allthings] Lit., "as to all things." Our growing sense of incorporation is to affect our whole being, not a part; "spirit, soul, and body" (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

the head See on Ephesians 1:22.