1._For this cause. _Paul’s imprisonment, which ought to have been held as a confirmation of his apostleship, was undoubtedly presented by his adversaries in an opposite light. He therefore points out to the Ephesians that his chains served to prove and to declare his calling; and that the only reaso... [ Continue Reading ]
2._If ye have heard. _There is reason to believe, that, while Paul was at Ephesus, he had said nothing on these subjects, no necessity for doing so having arisen; for no controversy had taken place among them about the calling of the Gentiles. If he had made any mention of them in his discourses, he... [ Continue Reading ]
3._That by revelation. _Some might imagine, that, in attempting to discharge the office of an apostle, he had acted rashly, and was now paying the penalty of his rashness. It was this that made him so earnest in pleading the Divine authority for all his transactions. The present instance, on account... [ Continue Reading ]
4._By attending to which, ye may understand, _ πρὸς ὃ δύνασθε ἀναγινώσκοντες νοὢσαι. Erasmus renders it, “from which things, when ye read, ye may understand.” But to translate ἀναγινώσκειν τι as signifying _to read _is, I think, at variance with Greek syntax. I leave it as a subject of consideration... [ Continue Reading ]
5._Which in other ages was not made known. _He had simply called it a _mystery, _but now calls it _a mystery of Christ, _because it was necessary that it should remain hidden, until it was revealed by his coming; just as the appellation of “prophecies of Christ” may be given to those which relate to... [ Continue Reading ]
7._Of which I was made a minister. _Having declared the gospel to be the instrument employed in communicating grace to the Gentiles, he now adds, that he _was made a minister _of the Gospel; and thus applies to himself the general statements which had been made. But, to avoid claiming for himself mo... [ Continue Reading ]
8._To me, who am the least. _He labors to exhibit himself, and everything that belongs to him, in as humiliating a light as possible, in order that the grace of God may be the more highly exalted. But this acknowledgment had the additional effect of anticipating the objections which his adversaries... [ Continue Reading ]
9._What is the fellowship of the mystery. _The publication of the gospel is called a _fellowship, _because it is the will of God that his purpose, which had formerly been hidden, shall now be shared by men. There is an appropriate metaphor in the words φωτίσαι πάντας, _to enlighten all men, _— conve... [ Continue Reading ]
10._That now to the principalities and powers. _Some are of opinion that these words cannot apply to angels, because such ignorance, as is here supposed, could not be found in those who are permitted to behold the brightness of God’s countenance. They choose rather to refer them to devils, but witho... [ Continue Reading ]
11._According to the eternal purpose. _How carefully does he guard against the objection, that the purpose of God has been changed! A third time, he repeats that the decree was eternal and unchangeable, but must be carried into effect by _Christ Jesus our Lord, _because in him it was made. Thus he d... [ Continue Reading ]
12._Through whom we have boldness. _The honor of reconciling the Father to the whole world must be given to Christ. From the effects of this grace its excellence is demonstrated; for _faith, _which is possessed by Gentiles in common with Jews, admits them into the presence of God. When the words, _t... [ Continue Reading ]
13._Wherefore I desire. _His reason for alluding formerly to his imprisonment is now manifest. It was to prevent them from being discouraged when they heard of his persecution. (134) O heroic breast, which drew from a prison, and from death itself, comfort to those who were not in danger! He says th... [ Continue Reading ]
14._For this cause. _His prayers for them are mentioned, not only to testify his regard for them, but likewise to excite them to pray in the same manner; for the seed of the word is scattered in vain, unless the Lord render it fruitful by his blessing. Let pastors learn from Paul’s example, not only... [ Continue Reading ]
15._Of whom the whole family. _(135) The relative , ἐξ οὗ, _of whom, _may apply equally to the Father and to the Son. Erasmus restricts it entirely to the Father. I do not approve of this; for readers ought to have been allowed a liberty of choice; nay, the other interpretation appears to be far mor... [ Continue Reading ]
16._That he would give to you. _Paul wishes that the Ephesians should be _strengthened; _and yet he had already bestowed on their piety no mean commendation. But believers have never advanced so far as not to need farther growth. The highest perfection of the godly in this life is an earnest desire... [ Continue Reading ]
17._That Christ may dwell. _He explains what is meant by “the strength of the inner man.” As “it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell,” (Colossians 1:19,) so he who has Christ dwelling in him can want nothing. It is a mistake to imagine that the Spirit can be obtained without ob... [ Continue Reading ]
18._May be able to comprehend. _The second fruit is, that the Ephesians should perceive the greatness of Christ’s love to men. Such an apprehension or knowledge springs from faith. By desiring that they should comprehend it _with all saints, _he shows that it is the most excellent blessing which the... [ Continue Reading ]
19._And to know the love of Christ. _By those dimensions Paul means nothing else than the love of Christ, of which he speaks afterwards. The meaning is, that he who _knows _it fully and perfectly is in every respect a wise man. As if he had said, “In whatever direction men may look, they will find n... [ Continue Reading ]
20._Now to him. _He now breaks out into thanksgiving, which serves the additional purpose of exhorting the Ephesians to maintain “good hope through grace,” (2 Thessalonians 2:16,) and to endeavor constantly to obtain more and more adequate conceptions of the value of the grace of God. _Who is able.... [ Continue Reading ]