Discipleship

 Jesus gave some demanding requirements for discipleship.

Christians tend to conflate (combine, merge) evangelism with discipleship, but the two should not be confused with one another.  The terms of eternal life are not the same as the terms of discipleship.  Eternal life is by grace through faith, but discipleship is demanding of surrender and sacrifice.

"25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26 "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple." Luke 14:25-27

Many years ago, I had a college advisor send me a tape recording of a sermon he gave on discipleship. I remember him saying that "all disciples are Christians, but not all Christians are disciples."

I believe that is true, because the terms of eternal life are not the same as the terms of discipleship.   Jesus gave some demanding requirements to be his disciple.   I don't think one would want to fulfill these requirements without being a believer first, and that may be why he made the requirements so demanding, for a disciple is a pupil of a teacher, and to be Jesus' disciple, the demands were such that believing in him as the Christ must come first.

The hating one's parents should be understood in light of the fact that the fifth commandment says to "honor your father and mother."    The hating here has to do with priorities.  Your priority of commitment is to the Lord.   Though you are to honor your parents, they are not to have priority over the things of the Lord.  This is how to understand the Scripture that says "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated":  God's priority of commitment was to Jacob and Israel and not Esau and Edom.  There will be times when you have to make a decision of priority between doing God's will or your parents' (or family members') will or desire.   

Taking up the cross is about suffering for the truth.  To be a disciple of Christ, you have to be willing to suffer for the truth, just as Jesus did.   If they persecuted the teacher, they would persecute his disciples: "24 "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! 26 Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed and hidden that will not be known." Matthew 10:24-26

Ephesians chapter 6

 6:1  Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  2  "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise:  3  "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."  4  And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.     Ephesians 6:1-4

Children sat under the reading of Paul's letters to the churches.  Obedience is right and should be according to God's word. Paul is addressing Christian families, but a believing child should still obey his unbelieving parents.  A child is under the parents' authority until he leaves the home.
The fifth commandment says to honor your parents.   There is no age limit on this, but it supports Paul's exhortation to children in the home.  It includes a promise.  You would think that parents have your best interest in view, and they usually have some wisdom about life in the areas of right and wrong and self control.

Fathers are mentioned because of their place in marriage. If think that if parents disagree on a certain disciplinary action, they should discuss it privately, unless your child learns to use one parent against another.
Don't provoke your children by unjust or unreasonable demands, severity, and constant criticism. They need to be instructed in the areas of right and wrong, self control, and godliness. They need to be trained up in what God expects of them and why.

5  Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;  6  not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,  7  with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,  8  knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether [he] [is] a slave or free.  9  And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.  Ephesians 6:5-9

Sixty percent of the Roman population were slaves.  Surely many believers were still in a slave type relationship.  Scripture did not advocate a violent overthrow of slavery, but biblical principles eventually undermined the system.   Every person should live righteously in whatever circumstances he may be in.  1 Corinthians 7.21 says, Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it.

"Masters according to the flesh" speaks of the temporal relationship. This slavery is only temporal, for in Christ there is neither slave nor free, Galatians 3.28.

They were to serve their masters non-hypocritically, that is not just putting on a show of doing a good job.  The master needs to see you as someone who is reliable and honest and what motivates this. Serving those in authority as onto The Lord has its reward from God, since you are really serving God this way as His representative.

The master who was a believer should also treat his servants as God would have them, for authority does not give them permission to mistreat.   If you are in authority, treat those under your authority in a way that reveals you as one who represents and fears God, someone who is fair and reasonable and honest. 

10  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  11  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places].  13  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.   Ephesians 6.10-13

Paul says that strength comes from The Lord. Believers need all the armor of God to stand against the cunning ways of Satan, with whom the conflict really exists.
This conflict is with the dominion of satan.  I believe satan and his angelic followers work where he can have the greatest and broadest impact in opposing the purposes of God.  Satan wants believers to fail, so they are ineffective.
Paul says the believer needs all the armor of God.  He uses the analogy of the heavily armed infantry soldier of Ancient Greece for the spiritual armor of the believer in what follows.

This armor is so the believer can withstand and stand.  The goal seems to be more defensive than offensive.  Spiritually speaking, the withstanding would be to not give into temptation, while stand would be to hold your position: stand firm in the truth and trust in God.
The evil day would be any day when evil comes, as temptation to sin or being challenged in your faith through some difficulty.

14  Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  15  and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  16  above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  17  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18  praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--  19  and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,  20  for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.  Ephesians 6.14-20

The armor analogy begins with a belt of truth, and since the word of God is connected with the sword, it seems best to see this as the divinely produced character of truthfulness.  Christians are capable of lying, and it will lead to spiritual defeat.  Paul said to put away lying in Eph 4.25.

The breastplate protected the vital organs. The breastplate of righteousness seems to portray personal righteousness instead of justification.  In addition to being truthful, moral character is essential.  Satan will defeat you if you are committing immorality.  Paul gave a list of things a believer should not do, Eph 5.3-5.  Paul was concerned about being disqualified in 1Cor 9.7.

Paul speaks of the having the feet covered with the "preparation of the gospel of peace."
One commentary said that Roman Soldiers wore hobnailed sandals that allowed them firm footing in combat. In reference to standing in the evil day, believers need to have a firm grip on the truth of the gospel which will keep you standing. Believers can stumble when they are challenged about their salvation or on  how one is really saved.

The shield here refers to a large one the Roman soldier used in battle.  The shield of faith is to protect he believer from another attempt by Satan to defeat them.  The faith here is trusting God in difficulties in which Satan throws everything at you to get you to question God.  How many believers in difficult times question God and become angry at Him.  In difficult and uncertain times, “the just shall live by faith”--as it says in Habakkuk 2:4.

The helmet protected the head.  This helmet of salvation is the understanding of salvation, past, present, and future.  Through Christ, believers are saved from the penalty of sin and have eternal life.  Through walking in the light and Spirit, one is not fulfilling the lusts of the flesh. In the resurrection, one will be finally removed from the experience of sin.  Understanding this will protect from Satan's attempt to deceive about salvation.

The sword is both an offensive and defensive weapon.  Here the sword is said to be of the Spirit being the word of God.  The word of God is used by the Spirit to transform and edify the believer.  In the battle to stand and withstand, we can think of how Christ stood on the truth of the word of God in withstanding the temptations of Satan.

Paul sets forth the importance of prayer.  He doesn't give it any armor analogy, but it is definitely part of weaponry in spiritual warfare. Requests need be according to God's will, not only for ourselves but for other believers. Paul asks the Ephesians for prayer support that he would speak appropriately and boldly according to the ministry he has been chosen.

21  But that you also may know my affairs [and] how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you;  22  whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and [that] he may comfort your hearts.  23  Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  24  Grace [be] with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.  Ephesians 6:21-24 

Tychicus was Paul's fellow laborer, sent with the letter to inform them concerning Paul's situation and his companions--this was to comfort them.

The letter concludes with a desire for them to have peace, love with faith from the Father and Christ, and grace, God's favor and blessing, experienced by those who love Christ.

Ephesians Chapter 5

 5:1  Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.  2  And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.  3  But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;  4  neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.  5  For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.  6  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.  7  Therefore do not be partakers with them.    Ephesians 5.1-7

The believer is to imitate God like children (children often imitate their parents).  Christ's love is our example in dying for us. Unfitting behavior is sexual immorality, covetousness, and immoral language.

The unsaved who are identified by these vices will not inherit the kingdom.  I believe this inheritance speaks of entrance into the eternal kingdom.  I don't believe Paul is questioning one's eternal destiny because of unfitting behavior.

Rene Lopez writes:  "Paul combined a vice list and the phrase 'inherit the kingdom'...as a rhetorical device to motivate and exhort believers not to behave like those excluded from the kingdom, but rather like kingdom-bound saints.  That is, Paul used the lists with vices that characterize unbelievers to show that when believers behave that way, such conduct is inappropriate for their position as believers." (from the DTS journal, BibSac)

Don't be misled as this behavior has consequences.  Salvation does not free you to live immoral, and disobedient lives.  The believer will become disqualified for service through unfitting behavior:  I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27

I believe the reason God's wrath eventually comes upon societies is because of its affect on society.  Sin will have a hardening affect in which the truth has no impact. It will be as it was in the days of Noah.

8  For you were once darkness, but now [you] [are] light in the Lord. Walk as children of light  9  (for the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),  10  finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.  11  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose [them].  12  For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.  13  But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.  14  Therefore He says:  "Awake, you who sleep,  Arise from the dead,  And Christ will give you light."  Ephesians 5.8-14

There are two realms, darkness and light.  The unsaved state is darkness.  Believers belong to the light.  Jesus called believers "Sons of light," Luke 16.8.    In Matthew 5.14, Jesus said he was the "light of the world."   I believe walking in the light is the same as walking in the spirit.   The fruit of walking in the light / the Spirit is goodness, righteousness, and truth.

Darkness was the former unsaved status.  It is the condition of being alienated from the life of God.  The fruit  that condition was behavior contrary to the moral will of God. The word "finding" means “discernment.”  The believer as light is to discern (test) all things. Is this acceptable to God?  Should I be doing this?  Believers are not to participate in the works of darkness but expose them.

Believers are not to be participate in the unrighteous deeds of the unsaved.  This requires discernment.  You can be involved with the unsaved but don't participate in their immorality.  Be a light to them.  
Light is that which exposes. The light is metaphorical for both moral purity and for revelation. 

"Awake" here means to give attention.  Light wakes one up.  It is speaking spiritually here.  Give attention to God's light, by which you can receive more light. 

Being in darkness is like sleeping, being inattentive and unresponsive to God's word.  1 Thessalonians 5.5-6 says, You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. ⁶ Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6

15  See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,  16  redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  17  Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord [is].  18  And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,  19  speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,  20  giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,  21  submitting to one another in the fear of God.   Ephesians 5.15-21

To walk circumspectly means to walk carefully.  The careful walk is by "redeeming the time."  I think the idea is something like "make the most of your time," or "get the most value you can out of your time."  You must walk carefully because the days are (morally) evil.  Evil lurks everywhere to overtake the believer to cause him to fail. To be wise is to understand and do the moral will of God, being the very things Paul has been writing about. 

Believers are not to be drunk with wine but filled with the Spirit. 
The former may have been part of the unsaved Gentile's previous life, and it may have been part of their religious experience.  Being filled with the Spirit speaks of being under the direction of  the Divine will.  The word of God is the tool of the Spirit by which the believer receives a renewed mind and enabling to live a more careful walk.

Speaking to one another in psalms, etc., giving thanks, submitting to one another...these are expressions of being filled with the Spirit.  They are interactive things, since they are done "one to another."  They are edifying things by communicating divine truth, giving thanks to God,  and submitting by serving one another.

22  Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.  23  For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.  24  Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in everything.  25  Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,  26  that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,  27  that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28  So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29  For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord [does] the church. 30  For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.  31  "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."  32  This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.  33  Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife [see] that she respects [her] husband.  Ephesians 5.21-33

Submission means to be in subjection. Verse 33 says the wife is to respect her husband.  It seems that the husband as the head of the wife is ultimately responsible in the marriage and home. This submission of wives says nothing about their abilities as a woman, though each sex has their general, natural strengths. Some women may actually find relief to leave the responsibility in certain final important decisions with their husband.  This submission is as in obedience to God, just like believers are to submit to government but not in disobedience to God.

Husbands are to love their wives as Christ did for the Church. Marriage is a type of Christ and the Church: he gave himself for her, and seeks her eternal well being.  Husbands should love their wives as themselves. God designed marriage for the closest of relationships. Before marriage it was with the parents, after marriage, with the spouse.  Marriage pictures the closest of relationships throughout everlasting.

Ephesians Chapter 4

 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,  2  with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,  3  endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  4  [There] [is] one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;  5  one Lord, one faith, one baptism;  6  one God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all. Ephesians 4.1-6

I believe “calling” speaks of vocation which is the role and conduct the believer is to have. Paul again makes reference to being a prisoner, a result of fulfilling his calling.

“Walk” speaks of the ordering of your life, and “worthy” speaks of a walk that is "fitting" or "matches" the calling. Believers are to walk in a way that matches their calling, being humility, meekness, patience, and love to work out in our experience the spiritual reality of this union as one body. Each is to seek the edification (building up) of the other by doing his part in the body.

All these "ones" relate to the one people of God.

7  But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.  8  Therefore He says:  "When He ascended on high,  He led captivity captive,  And gave gifts to men."  9  (Now this, "He ascended"--what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?  10  He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)  11  And He Himself gave some [to] [be] apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,  12  for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,  13  till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;  14  that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,  15  but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ--  16  from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.  Ephesians 4.7-l6

Christ gives with respect to His role as head over the Church. His possession of the Church and the gifts he gives are associated with a Psalm (68.18) of a warrior-king's victory. The Psalm speaks of God as a victorious warrior with the nation of Israel, benefiting from that victory and authority, but Paul makes application to Christ.

Christ is victorious over sin and death, and the church is benefiting from this victory and authority. The victor receives and gives gifts. They could be gifts as roles to all or certain roles: Christ gave roles to all and certain roles help all believers for their part in ministry for the growth of the church body.

Four particular roles are given, assuming that pastor and teacher are the same function. These roles assist believers in equipping them for "the work of ministry" i.e. edifying (building up). The first two are believed temporal, and the last two permanent.  The aim is maturity and unity in the faith.

17  This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind,  18  having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;  19  who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.  20  But you have not so learned Christ,  21  if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:  22  that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,  23  and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24  and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.   Ephesians 4.17-24

The words "rest of the Gentiles" indicate that this letter primarily addresses Gentiles, for they are the Gentiles who know God, unlike the rest of the Gentiles who know not God. 1 Thessalonians 4.3 says,  For this is the will of God, your sanctification:that you should abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God.

The rest walk in "futility of their minds"; this is the general assessment of the Gentiles.  This futility of mind is connected to the fact that they are ignorant about and alienated from God.  Futility begins in the thoughts and has corresponding action.  Futility speaks of a life of temporal pursuits without eternal value.  Even unsaved people can come to realize they wasted their lives or lack a sense of fulfillment.  

Satan has created a false perception about God. They are alienated from the life of God.  “Blindness” could be translated as “dullness” or “hardness.” The word of God does not penetrate or is ineffective.  "Past feeling" speaks of being insensitized.  The degree of spiritual blindness will show itself in thoughts and actions.  The Gentiles were given over to idolatry which promoted immorality.

"But you have not so learned Christ": Christ was the manifestation of God's nature and moral perfection.  The words and works of Christ reveal morality contrary to idolatry.  To "hear" means to have given attention to and understand: it's like, "yeah, I hear you." The truth is in Christ and nothing else concerning the nature of God and the issues of sin and salvation.  

"If" means "since": since you know Christ's character, you should "put off, concerning your former conduct." Jesus came to deal with sin and give life. Paul addresses this more fully with reference to being freed from sin.  The old self ("man") or is already put off, but one must still put it off. This spiritual oxymoron is taught in Romans 6.6:  "knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin."  It was the former eternal identity and being with respect to the sin nature.  Its tendency is to get worse.  If one gives himself over to the lusts the flesh, it corrupts their life. 

The old man is put off in one's experience by the renewing of the mind.  One puts off the old man and puts on the new by renewing their mind in divine truth, particularly what you have and who you are in Christ.

25  Therefore, putting away lying, []"Let each one [of] [you] speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.  26  "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath,  27  nor give place to the devil.  28  Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with [his] hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.  29  Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.  30  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  31  Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.           Ephesians 4.25-32

Paul gives character specifics of that walk, particularly in connection with other believers. This putting away (of lying) is just like putting off the old man.  People often lie for selfish reasons, maybe to look good or avoid issues that need addressed.   Ephesians 4.15 says to speak the truth in love.   

Speaking the truth in love may be exhorting or encouraging one to right behavior without being demeaning.  The quote (vs. 25) from Zechariah 8.16 is in reference to God's requirement of Israel.

Anger (when appropriate) should be dealt with promptly.    Anger that is allowed to continue can be used by Satan for destructive purposes.  People respond out of uncontrolled emotion when angry.  Do what God wants you to do according to his word, and then leave the results with him.

Those who had stealing in their past are now to work to provide for themselves, family, and to be able to give something to those in need.  One's provisions are to be from legitimate honest means.  Does everyone have to have a job?  It depends on family situations and needs.  But stealing is wrong.  If you have an income, keep in mind that "It is more blessed to give than receive," Acts 20.23.

Speak words good for edifying other believers.  Instead of speaking destructive words, speak words good for edification.  Imparting grace is speaking truth from God's word that are beneficial.

The Spirit of God is grieved by unbecoming conduct towards believers with whom they assemble.    Believers are to edify one another towards unity in the truth and not create division.  

Don't grieve the Spirit by whom you are sealed for the day of redemption; this looks back to Ephesians 1.13-14.  A seal can be a stamp or impression that primarily signifies a belonging to someone, while security can be its effect, usually connected to the authority of the one it belongs. Believers are sealed for the day of redemption, being the resurrection.

Paul lists several negative attitudes to put away.  These are anger type attitudes that are divisive and destructive. Bitterness, resentment, intense anger will disqualify you:  God can't use you this way. Wrath is fierce anger, boiling up.  Clamor, Evil Speaking and Malice are destructive and mean-spirited.

The church is not all about you.  Deal with things from an eternal perspective, respond according to God's moral will, and let God take care of the outcome.  Responses to disappointment and offense should be the opposite of what the old self desires.  Put on the new man and be kind.  Tenderhearted means showing compassion, while forgiving means to be gracious.

Ephesians Chapter 3

 3:1  For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles--  2  if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3  how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,  4  by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),  5  which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:  6  that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,  7  of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.    Ephesians 3.1-7

Paul was a prisoner for his ministry.  He did this purposely and willingly, so he could have an audience before gentile authorities which was his calling: [Jesus said] he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. ¹⁶ For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake. Acts 9:15-16.    A prisoner is not much different than a slave, for both have limited freedom.

A “dispensation” means something has been dispensed, involving a stewardship.  The same Greek word is translated "stewardship" in Colossians 1:25: I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you.

Dispensed to Paul was certain grace, being his ministry role as Apostle to the gentiles.  It was an obvious role for Christ revealed it to him.  Paul calls his role "the gift of the grace of God" (vss 7-8).  All believers have at least in principle a dispensation of grace, a role for the edification of the church: to each one of us grace was given, Ephesians 4:7. 

Some believe a mystery is something that was  previously completely unknown but now revealed.  Others believe there were limited details in the Old Testament revelation.  It depends somewhat on how one understands the word “as.”  The mystery here is the body of Christ, being the Jew and Gentile assembly.  Colossians 1.26 says, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.

The mystery was not the salvation of gentiles as gentiles (apart from becoming Jewish converts), but gentiles being joined to Jews as the same body of people, the Assembly or the Church. 

8  To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,  9  and to make all see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;  10  to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly [places],  11  according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,  12  in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.  13  Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.   Ephesians 3.8- 13

Of this grace, Paul says he is the least deserving. Surely, he acknowledges his previous activities of persecuting the Church.   God's choice of Paul seems to have had some strategic value.

Paul's message among the Gentiles was the unsearchable riches of Christ, , such as He being the Son of God, Savior, High Priest, King, head over all things, etc..

The word “fellowship" should be "dispensation," since it is in the vast majority of the manuscripts.  What was dispensed was this mystery concerning the Church. 

God created all things with respect to Christ: Colossians 1:16 says, by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

The existence and function of the Church would be observed by the entities  of the spiritual realm;   this must refer to the non-human authorities of angelic nature.  They would learn of God's plan from those who were a result of it.  The angels are said to desire  to look into salvation: 1 Peter 1:10-12 says, Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully … things which angels desire to look into. Christ is the means of access for man, Jew and Gentile, to God. 

It was the plan of God to glorify and manifest Christ through the gentiles:  Colossians1.27 says, "Christ in you, the hope of glory."  This was the aim of Paul’s ministry and the reason for his tribulations and imprisonment.

14  For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,  15  from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,  16  that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,  17  that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,  18  may be able to comprehend with all the saints what [is] the width and length and depth and height--  19  to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.  20  Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,  21  to Him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen        Ephesians 3.14-21

God is not only Father of the Jews but of the Gentiles, and all belong to the household of believers, dead and living.

Paul's prayer for them was to be “strengthened with might,” to have the ability and boldness to endure tribulation and display truth about and the character of Christ.

God would work in them (all believers) to produce this character that is always potential due to the new birth and the principle of faith in the love of Christ. 

“To know the love of Christ” is the means to the fullness of God.  It is through Christ that we know God. The love of Christ should take hold of us: 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 says, For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

God is able to produce this character in believers, and that will be to His glory.

Ephesians Chapter 2

Ephesians Chapter 2

​1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

The "redemption" in 1:7 is from the consequences of sin, being death. 

The death is spiritual. It is alienation from God.  Physical death is a result of the curse.

By nature, all are dead spiritually.  By nature, all live alienated from the life of God.  There still can be a relative degree of morality, but the natural course is away from God's moral will. 

This death condition does not mean one is incapable to understand and respond to certain divine revelation.  The Law of Moses is for the unrighteous, to reveal the need for salvation.

Due to nature and ignorance, the unsaved, gentiles and Jews, are prone to the inordinate desires of the flesh, which correspond to the course of this world and Satan, in opposition of God.   

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

God's love, mercy, and grace made alive those who were dead (the new birth).  It changes one’s eternal status and gives the potential for holiness.  Redemption must undo the effects of sin.  

The new birth is the beginning of what's to come in the resurrection and "in the ages to come."

This salvation is not of ourselves in that it is not by our works of righteousness.

Grace speaks of both the provision and the execution of salvation.  It is not due to moral achievement (works of the Law of Moses). Faith believes the word of God concerning the promise of God that everlasting life is given to anyone who believes in Christ for it. 

God's workmanship is this new birth by which the believer has the capacity to imitate God.   God's plan (cp.1:4) for the believer was good works in connection with faith in Christ. 

11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Focus is on who the Gentiles were with respect to Israel's privileges as the people of God.

Gentiles were outside the relationship (benefits and advantages)  Israel had with God.

Circumcision was the ordinance that signified their covenant relationship with God. "Uncircumcised" was a contemptuous nickname by the Jews.

The Gentiles' situation was that they were without God, hope, and Christ.  This was the general collective state of the Gentiles in comparison to Israel.

The Messianic hope was a Jewish expectation, however, the Abrahamic covenant promised blessing to all nations. Isaiah spoke of salvation to all people: "Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:22 “I will also give You [the “servant”] as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth." Isaiah 49:6

Lack of privilege made it less likely that Gentiles would know God, but even today, people grow up in societies and cultures without any Christian witness.

Gentiles were far off, with respect to God, compared to Israel, but in Christ, both are brought near.

The Jew was nearer to God by his privileged relationship under the Law, but in connection with Christ, and His satisfaction of the demands of the Law, both groups are brought near to God.

14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

This peace is in Christ; it is a place, a sphere of peace, won by Christ. That "peace on earth" is at first between God and people, but it is peace between people who enter it by faith. 

The “middle wall of separation” probably refers to the spiritual barrier that existed between Jew and Gentile due to the Law of Moses, but it may hint to the temple's physical barrier.

Paul describes this (2.14) as a "barrier," "separation," or "partition," and it was as a "dividing wall" or "middle wall."

First Century Jewish Historian Josephus used each of these terms separately with reference to the balustrade in the  temple separating the court of the Gentiles from the temple proper. On it was an inscription that read: No foreigner may enter within the barricade which surrounds the sanctuary and enclosure. Anyone who is caught doing so will have himself to blame for his ensuing death.

When Jerusalem fell in A.D. 70, this partition was demolished along with the temple itself, but Paul saw it as already “broken down” by Christ at the cross.

In Christ, both groups become one new people.  The peace here goes beyond Divine relationship to people relationship: it goes from reconciliation with God to reconciliation between Jew and gentile.

That which separated them had been removed through the cross.  By the cross, what separated the gentiles from the Jews, and what gave the Jews special privilege, has been removed.

By the cross, both groups, through faith in Christ for salvation, are of the same privilege, same body, and have the same access to God.

19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. 

Gentiles were outside the community of God, but now are "fellow citizens.”

The community is likened to a building. Its foundation is the Apostles and Prophets, and Christ is the (chief) cornerstone, the aligning rock of the structure.

This building compares to the temple.  The Temple was the place of God's special manifested presence.  Likewise, the Church, is the (new) place of God's special manifested presence.

Gentiles should not forget who they were, where they came from, and who they have become.

Ephesians Chapter 1

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,

To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul was under house arrest in Rome when he wrote this “prison epistle.” He had an extended stay in Ephesus on his third missionary journey, speaking in the local synagogue for 3 months, and teaching 2 years in the school of Tyrannus. Jews and Greeks heard the word through Paul: Acts 19.8-10.  Ephesus was located on the western coast of Asia minor (Turkey).  Ephesus  was an important city under the  Roman Empire, second in size to  Rome, having a population up to 1/2 million.  It had the 7th wonder of the world, being the  temple  of  Diana.

1. Paul's apostleship qualifies this writing as Scripture.

"Saint" translates the same Greek as "holy [people/ ones]" (NIV/ Aramaic).

I believe this greetings references their standing and state. "Saints" speaks of standing. "Faithful" speaks of state.

The believer's standing is something that is always true. The state of the believer depends on their walk. It can be said that all believers are saints in standing, but they are not always holy in their conduct. The calling of the believer is to have conduct becoming with who they are.

2. Paul desires their spiritual well-being, to receive all God has for them (“grace”) and to be in harmony (“peace”) with God.

"Grace" signifies favor (unmerited) or enablement from God. "Peace" is the state of non-conflict or harmony. These are essential in our walk with and service to God.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,

3. "Blessed" can mean "praise" or "benefitted." We praise God who has benefitted us with every "spiritual" benefit.

"Heavenly places" speaks of the spiritual realm. I believe "in Christ" means in connection with or because of Christ.

These benefits are not seen in the physical realm. They are standing type benefits (spiritual realities). The unsaved cannot look at the believer and see these things, but they are true.

4. The "us" is "us who believe" (1:19) The word "chose" speaks with reference to purpose. This purpose was determined "before the foundation...." That purpose is to be "holy and without blame." These words speak of one's state and character. Our conduct impacts those around us.

5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,

5. "Predestined" means "beforehand": "before the foundation..." It was God's good pleasure (will) to adopt believers, by which they become heirs of eternal life. Believers are not children by nature. Unger's dictionary says that in Roman times, “the adopted one became, in the eyes of the law, a new creature. He was born again into a new family.”

6. Believers are "accepted.” He doesn't get into specific terms of how the believer is accepted such as “justification.”

7-8. This "redemption" is the “forgiveness” of sins. Both words speak of being released from something, being the obligation of sin. "Blood" speaks of a life taken, usually violently (the "shedding of blood"). This forgiveness is by the grace of Christ and not the Law which could not take away sins: 2 Corinthians 8.9 and Hebrews 10.1-14.

9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,

10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him.

9. There was a will of God previously unknown--”the mystery"--being the union of Jew and gentile as one body.

10. The word "dispensation" also translates as "administration" (preferred meaning) and "stewardship." Christ came at the divinely appointed time, the right time, to reconcile all things to himself. The Ephesians reference may speak of what was accomplished at the cross, but it will be fully manifested in the future kingdom of God. Galatians may be saying about the same thing: "when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons." Galatians 4:4-5

The mystery was this union of Jew and gentile as one body, the people of God at this time, and the eternal reality in the age to come. The mystery was not the salvation of Gentiles, though Jews may not have believed Gentiles could be saved without becoming Jews first.

11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,

12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

11-12. The "we" in verses 11 and 12 may make more sense if Paul writes of the Jews who first believed in Christ, otherwise, why this reference to those who "first trusted?" The Greek word for this “inheritance” only appears here, and means lot or allotment. Believing Jews still had a lot or allotment in the people and purpose of God. They were not exempt, but they were now part of a new people of both believing Jew and Gentile. It was God's plan to include those Jews who did believe at the first: "I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite..." Romans 11:1

13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

13-14. "You... heard the gospel of your salvation." It may not be that important at this point, but I think the “you” is addressing them as Gentiles, but nevertheless, he sets for what happened to them when they heard that messege that resulted in salvation: they “were sealed.”

This sealing is by the Spirit of God. This is further explained as a guarantee, like a down payment. The presence or work of the Spirit through the new birth is a guarantee of the future completion of salvation, the inheritance. Eternal life begins now, in this body and life, but it is complete in the resurrection. This “redemption” is the release that looks to the resurrection.

15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,

16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:

15 - 16. Paul's hearing about their faith is why some would say this letter was not directly intended for Ephesus, but 10 years had passed since he was there. "In Ephesus" in verse one is not in the oldest manuscripts. So his reference to their faith would probably not be that initial faith, but continuing faith.  If the letter was originally meant to circulate among churches with no specific destination, he still had someone specific in mind. Paul was encouraged by the news, so he encouraged them.

17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,

18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power

17 - 18. Wisdom, knowledge, and enlightenment all come from special revelation concerning God's will.  Paul wanted them to have understanding concerning the will of God concerning believers.

”Calling” can speak of invitation or vocation or maybe induction (into something). This calling has a “hope,” and I tend to think it is about the believer's induction into the people and purpose of God.

”His inheritance” speaks of the people of God as God's possession.  The children of God are His future and forever possession. 

19. The believer has God's power available to him/ her, the same that he worked in Christ...

20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,

21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,

23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

20-23. The “power” that raised Christ and exalted Him is the same power that saves believers by the new birth and ultimately, glorification in the resurrection.

Believers will be partakers of what Christ has authority over, being the world to come.

The believer’s and church’s  glory is in connection with Christ, and He will be manifested and glorified through the church with all His benefits. 

All things were created for Him and with Him in view:  Colossians  1:16-18  As creation is for Christ, so is creation for the Church: Hebrews 2:5.

The believer needs to understand that he/ she is inducted into the people and purpose of God and is God’s possession forever, and that God’s power will be worked in him/ her as in Christ.