1._Paul, an apostle. _As the same form of salutation, or at least very little varied, is found in all the Epistles, it would be superfluous to repeat here the observations which we have formerly made. He calls himself “an apostle of Jesus Christ;” for all to whom has been given the ministry of recon... [ Continue Reading ]
3._Blessed _(108) _be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. _The lofty terms in which he extolls the grace of God toward the Ephesians, are intended to rouse their hearts to gratitude, to set them all on flame, to fill them even to overflowing with this thought. They who perceive in themselve... [ Continue Reading ]
4._According as he hath chosen us. _The foundation and first cause, both of our calling and of all the benefits which we receive from God, is here declared to be his eternal election. If the reason is asked, why God has called us to enjoy the gospel, why he daily bestows upon us so many blessings, w... [ Continue Reading ]
5._Who hath predestinated us. _What follows is intended still further to heighten the commendation of divine grace. The reason why Paul inculcated so earnestly on the Ephesians the doctrines of free adoption through Christ, and of the eternal election which preceded it, has been already considered.... [ Continue Reading ]
7._In whom we have redemption. _The apostle is still illustrating the material cause, — the manner in which we are reconciled to God through Christ. By his death he has restored us to favor with the Father; and therefore we ought always to direct our minds to the blood of Christ, as the means by whi... [ Continue Reading ]
8._In all wisdom. _He now comes to the formal cause, the preaching of the gospel, by which the goodness of God _overflows upon us. _(113) It is through faith that we receive Christ, by whom we come to God, and by whom we enjoy the privilege of adoption. Paul gives to the gospel the magnificent appel... [ Continue Reading ]
9._Having made known to us the mystery of his will. _Some were alarmed at the novelty of his doctrine. With a view to such persons, he very properly denominates it a _mystery of the divine will, _and yet a mystery which God has now been pleased to reveal. As he formerly ascribed their election, so h... [ Continue Reading ]
10._That in the dispensation of the fullness of times. _That no man may inquire, why one time rather than another was selected, the apostle anticipates such curiosity, by calling the appointed period _the fullness of times, _the fit and proper season, as he also did in a former epistle. (Galatians 4... [ Continue Reading ]
11._Through whom also we have obtained an inheritance. _Hitherto he has spoken generally of all the elect; he now begins to take notice of separate classes. When he says, _WE have obtained, _he speaks of himself and of the Jews, or, perhaps more correctly, of all who were the first fruits of Christi... [ Continue Reading ]
12._That we should be to the praise of his glory. _Here again he mentions the _final _cause of salvation; for we must eventually become illustrations of the glory of God, if we are nothing but vessels of his mercy. The word _glory, _by way of eminence, ( κατ ᾿ ἐξοχὴν) denotes, in a peculiar manner,... [ Continue Reading ]
13._In whom ye also. _He associates the Ephesians with himself, and with the rest of those who were the first fruits; for he says that they, in like manner, trusted in Christ. His object is, to shew that both had the same faith; and therefore we must supply the word _trusted _from the twelfth verse.... [ Continue Reading ]
14._Which is the earnest _(115) _of our inheritance. _This phrase is twice used by Paul in another Epistle. (2 Corinthians 1:22.) The metaphor is taken from bargains, in which, when a pledge has been given and accepted, the whole is confirmed, and no room is left for a change of mind. Thus, when we... [ Continue Reading ]
15._Wherefore I also. _This thanksgiving was not simply an expression of his ardent love to the Ephesians. He congratulated them before God, that the opinion which he had formed respecting them was highly favorable. Observe here, that under _faith and love _Paul includes generally the whole excellen... [ Continue Reading ]
16._Making mention of you. _To thanksgiving, as his custom is, he adds prayer, in order to excite them to additional progress. It was necessary that the Ephesians should understand that they had entered upon the proper course. But it was equally necessary that they should not turn aside to any new s... [ Continue Reading ]
17._That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ. _But what does Paul wish for the Ephesians? _The spirit of wisdom, _and _the eyes of their understanding being enlightened. _And did they not possess these? Yes; but at the same time they needed increase, that, being endowed with a larger measure of the Spi... [ Continue Reading ]
18._The eyes of your understanding being enlightened. The eyes of your heart _is the rendering of the Vulgate, which is supported by some Greek manuscripts. The difference is immaterial, for the Hebrews frequently employ it to denote the rational powers of the soul, though more strictly, being the s... [ Continue Reading ]
19._According to the working. _Some consider this clause as referring solely to the word _believe_, which comes immediately before it; but I rather view it as an additional statement, tending to heighten the greatness of the power, as a demonstration, or, if you prefer it, an instance and evidence o... [ Continue Reading ]
20._Which he wrought in Christ. _The Greek verb is ἐνέργησεν, from which ἐνέργεια is derived. It might run thus, _According to the efficacy which he effected_. But the translation which I have given conveys the same meaning, and is less harsh. With the greatest propriety does he enjoin us to contemp... [ Continue Reading ]
21._Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion. _All these names, there can be no doubt, are applied to angels, who are so denominated, because, by means of them, God exercises his power, and might, and dominion. He permits them to share, as far as is competent to creatures, what... [ Continue Reading ]
22._And gave him to be the head. _He was made the head of the Church, on the condition that he should have the administration of all things. The apostle shews that it was not a mere honorary title, but was accompanied by the entire command and government of the universe. The metaphor of a _head _den... [ Continue Reading ]
23._The fullness of him that filleth all in all. _This is the highest honor of the Church, that, until He is united to us, the Son of God reckons himself in some measure imperfect. What consolation is it for us to learn, that, not until we are along with him, does he possess all his parts, or wish t... [ Continue Reading ]