REASONS FOR RENEWING THE PRAYER FOR WISDOM 1-13. A digression, which, however, could not be spared. As in Ephesians 1:15, he begins to speak of himself, and this time he explains his unique interest in the conversion of the Gentiles. 'Many of his readers had not seen him, but they must have heard o... [ Continue Reading ]
AFORE IN FEW WORDS] in the first two Chapter s... [ Continue Reading ]
'The revelation is quite new; it has been hidden for many generations.' The Apostles and prophets are HOLY, as the readers are SAINTS (Ephesians 1:1), as being set apart for God's service; they had accepted St. Paul's doctrine of salvation for the Gentiles. The prophets are the NT. prophets, as in E... [ Continue Reading ]
The Apostle of the Gentiles enlarges on the greatness of his special mission. Thrice here he calls it a grace given to him: cp. Galatians 2:7; Colossians 1:24.... [ Continue Reading ]
UNSEARCHABLE] inexplorable; that cannot be traced out. RICHES] the comprehensiveness and power of the gospel.... [ Continue Reading ]
'That which for ages has been kept secret from the wisest and holiest is now brought to light for all to see.' 10. It is an amazing thought that, by means of the Church, God's varied wisdom in the scheme of redemption is made known to heavenly beings. 'Angels desire to look into' 'the manifold grac... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT YE FAINT NOT] It might mean 'that I may not faint.' But St. Paul is not afraid of losing heart; he rejoiced in tribulations (Romans 5:8), and took pleasure in weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:10). He is afraid that the Gentiles may lose heart, when they see him persecuted for helping them: they oug... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THIS CAUSE] because of their union with the Jews in Christ (Ephesians 2:13). The Jews stood to pray (Matthew 6:5; Luke 18:11), prostration being exceptional; but Christians are said to kneel (Acts 7:60; Acts 9:40; Acts 20:36; Acts 21:5), perhaps after Luke 22:41.... [ Continue Reading ]
'All fatherhood, whether earthly or celestial, derives its name from the Fatherhood of God.'... [ Continue Reading ]
THE INNER MAN] is the immaterial part of man's nature, the soul and spirit; 'the outward man' (2 Corinthians 4:16) being the flesh.... [ Continue Reading ]
MAY BE ABLE] 'may have _full strength_ to comprehend what is really incomprehensible.' THE four dimensions represent the _vastneas_ of the love of Christ towards us. 19. An audacious paradox: 'that ye may be filled up to all the fulness of God,' i.e. to the perfection of the Divine attributes (Matt... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE CHURCH BY CHRIST JESUS] RV 'in the Church and in Christ Jesus,' in the Body and in the Head. The Church in this Epistle is always the Church universal, never a local Church. This Church completes the Christ (Ephesians 1:23), reveals God's wisdom to the angels (Ephesians 3:10), is, with Christ... [ Continue Reading ]