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. Ephesians
1.1-2
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, Ephesians 1.3-4
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, Ephesians 1.5-8
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. Ephesians
1.9-10
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. Ephesians 1.11-12
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. Ephesians
1.13-14
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: Ephesians 1.15-16
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 Ephesians
1.17-19
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. Ephesians 1.20-23
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.
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. Ephesians
2.1-3
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. Ephesians
2.4-10
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. Ephesians
2.11-13
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. Ephesians
2.14-18
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. Ephesians
2.19-22
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.
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.
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.
It begins in the thoughts and has corresponding action. It
speaks of a life of temporal pursuits without eternal value.
Satan has
created a false perception about God. They are alienated from the
life of God.
“Blindness”
could be translated as “dullness” or “hardness,” and in this
condition, 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. 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.
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.
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
Paul addressing
children suggests that they sat under the reading of his letters to
the churches. Paul's statement that obedience "in the
Lord" is right must find its basis in the fifth commandment that
says to honor your parents. Paul is addressing Christian
families, but I add that a believing child should still obey his
unbelieving parents unless they make demands contrary to the moral
will of God.
Notice that
fathers are addressed and not mothers. I believe this is because of
their role in the marriage as being ultimately responsible for the
decisions made. I think we can provoke our children by unjust or
unreasonable demands without first teaching them what is expected.
They need to be trained up in what God expects of them and why (God's
moral will according to Scripture).
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. Scripture
did not advocate a violent overthrow of slavery, but it seems that
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.
The words
"according to the flesh" reveals that slavery was temporal,
for "in Christ there is neither slave nor free": Galatians
3.28.
Slaves were to
serve their masters with sincerity--not just putting on a show of
doing a good job. Serving those in authority "as to
the Lord" has its reward from God, since they are really serving
God in this way as His representative. Their master needed
to see them as someone who is reliable, honest, and hopefully, what
motivates this.
I would think
Paul was addressing masters who were believers. They were to treat
those under their authority in a way that reveals you as one who
represents and fears God, someone who is honest and reasonable.
I believe the principles here should apply to our present-day
world.
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
The
believer's strength comes from The Lord. Paul speaks of putting on
the "whole armor of God" to stand against the cunning ways
of Satan. I believe the devil works where he can have the
greatest and broadest impact in opposing the purposes of God.
He wants believers to fail, so that they are ineffective. Paul uses
the analogy of a heavily armed infantry soldier of Ancient Greece for the believer's preparedness for spiritual conflict.
This
“armor” is so the believer can withstand and stand. I think
it's defensive more than offensive. Spiritually speaking, the
withstanding would be to not give into temptation, while to 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, whether
temptation to sin or being challenged in one's faith through some
difficulty. We may be putting this armor on through our
spiritual priorities without consciously thinking of it as an armor we
are putting on.
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; Ephesians
6.14-17
This
armor analogy begins with having the waist "girded" (like
with a belt) with truth, and since the word of God is connected with
the "sword," I tend to think this is that character of one who
speaks the truth. Paul said to put away lying in
Ephesians 4.25.
The breastplate protected the vital organs,
such as the heart. I think the "breastplate of righteousness"
portrays personal righteousness instead of justification.
In addition to being truthful, moral character is essential. I
believe the devil will defeat you if you are committing immorality.
Paul wrote, "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
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 them standing.
Believers can stumble when they are challenged about the assurance of
their salvation.
The "shield of faith" is to protect
the believer from another attempt by the devil to defeat them.
The faith here is trusting God in difficulties in which the devil
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. I think this "helmet of salvation"
is the understanding of salvation, past, present, and future.
Believers are saved from the penalty of sin, but deliverance from the
experience of sin is only potential in this life, depending on your
walk, but the believer will be finally removed from the experience of
sin in the resurrection. 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.
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 6.18-20
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 to be according to God's will, not only for us
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 and his companions' situation. This was to comfort the
Ephesians.
The letter
concludes with a desire for their spiritual well-being, to have peace, which, I believe, must
come through unity in the truth. Love and faith are essential
qualities for the Christian assembly to function. Grace is
God's benefits, and Paul makes the experience of them conditional.