Ephesians (original commentary)

To the Ephesians (Original notes)

Ephesians (1.1-2)

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.

Ephesus was an important city under the Roman Empire; it was second to Rome, having a population up to 1/2 million, reaching its peek in 1st / 2nd century.  It had the 7th wonder of the world, the temple of Diana. Ephesus was located in Asia minor, which is Turkey today.  

Paul stopped there on his second and third missionary journey, meeting the 12 disciples of John, speaking in the local synagogue for 3 months, and teaching 2 years in the school of Tyrannus; therefore, Jews and Greeks heard the  word, Acts 19.8-10. Ephesus had the largest theater in the ancient world, seating 44 thousand, Acts 19.26-34.

Paul was divinely chosen and appointed as a messenger to the gentiles, to proclaim that not only that they could be saved, but they were of the same body with the Jews.  The truth of this is inseparable from Paul's divine appointment. 3.1-7. That appointment was manifested through miracles, Acts 19.11-12.

Paul wrote to the “Saints and faithful”: this is who they are before God--even these gentiles. Being called “saints” set them off as people of God, separate from those gentiles who do not know God, and even unbelieving Jews.  We can say Israel is chosen, but if they are unbelieving in Christ, they are not sanctified, and not capable of pleasing God.  These believing gentiles are sanctified by faith and are faithful by love for one another, 1.15.

Every Pauline letter contains the words “Grace and Peace.” Gentiles whom the Jews expected the day of the Lord to distress them in due time could actually be saved (a Jewish misconception), and be joined in one body with the Jew as heirs with them (the “mystery”); and therefore, be the people of his purpose, to serve him without anxiety and with the ability or function God gives each one, 4.7.

The Christ Connection

Ephesians 1.3-6

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,  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 has made us accepted in the Beloved.

“Every spiritual blessing”: I believe blessing speaks of being benefited, and here,. Spiritually, not physically.  These blessings are true for every believer, as no discrimination is given.   Why say in the “heavenly places,” unless these are salvation type blessings with view to the believer’s ultimate state?

“In  Christ”:  I believe this phrase means in connection with Christ; that is these blessings are in connection with Christ.

“Chose us”:  They are chosen in connection with Him.  This "us" speaks of those who believe, see 1.19. God chose believers in connection with Christ for holiness and to be without blame.

“Before foundation of world” speaks, I believe, of God’s predetermined plan before creation: it was not an afterthought, but a predetermined plan to have a people of a certain character. 

To be chosen, I believe, speaks of service, just like with Israel as seen in Isaiah 41.8-9: "Israel my servant, Jacob whom I've chosen."  That service is to be a people of a certain character; this was God’s plan to have such a people.  The word chosen means the same as elect.  Israel was God’s elect, but now His elect are those in connection with Christ through faith in Him for salvation.

"In love" if applied here, guards against a harsh atmosphere and treatment, or militarism, maybe the problem that happened with the church in Revelation 2.2-4—said to have left their “first love.”

“Adopted and  predestined”:  In connection with Christ, these gentile believers are adopted,  not natural born, into the family of God, thus being treated as children, and this is by His will and grace.   And in addition to this they/ we are born of God—it would be like adoptive parents who could infuse their nature into us.

God determined to adopt believers by Christ, by His grace.  This adoption manifests the glory of his grace.

“Accepted”:  It is in connection with Christ, the "beloved," that the "us," believers, are accepted by God.    Justification, as I understand it, is the conferral of the status of acceptance.  Those not justified are unacceptable before God.

Ephesians 1.7-14

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,  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.  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.  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.

“Redemption”:  this speaks of release by a payment.  Believers in connection with Christ have this redemption.  It was “through His blood.” It was the payment made.  This blood speaks of a life taken as payment for sin, as the animal sacrifices taught, and as the explanation of the redemption as “remission of sins” supports.  This redemption is by God’s grace:  it is not a result of good works but the work of Christ dying on the cross the death sin requires, and those who believe in Christ for this salvation from sin receive it.

“Wisdom and prudence” is with reference to insight and discernment concerning this grace, of which we learn from the word of God.

“Fullness of the times”:  I believe the point is that the time had come for this; it was the right time; that history had led up to this. The coming of Christ to provide redemption and reconciliation was according to a schedule and framework.  (Ephesians & Galatians 4.4 use differing Greek words for time, and one is plural, but the idea may be the same, since both relate to redemption and adoption.)  The gathering of all in one was by Christ's first coming, but it's revealing or manifestation is in eternity.  I have thought that the Church pictures the eternal reality of all as one in Christ, but the actual manifestation is in eternity, the new creation.

The summing up of all could be a cosmic thing the means not only that all people are united but Christ is head over all.  Christ taking away the sin of the world could speak of removing the cosmic affects of sin on creation. All creation will be reconciled to God, or else removed. Col 1.20, 2 Cor 5.19

”Inheritance”: Is this the future blessing in the kingdom or God's possession of the believer? Eph  1.18  Both are true:  believers are God’s “inheritance,” and therefore, they have an inheritance.

“First trusted”:  This “we” being the Jews, and then later the Gentiles who also were sealed, having believed…

”You were sealed”:  Sealing is a guarantee, earnest, or down payment.  The redemption speaks of the future transaction of exchange, release from this body and given a new one. Notice sealing is the result of believing.

Ephesians 1.15-23

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:  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  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.

“After I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus”:  Paul wrote Ephesians about 10 years after his 3rd missionary journey, after spending 2 years teaching there.  So his reference to their faith would probably not be that initial faith, but continuing faith.  Such is a primary concern due to the afflictions and temptations that cause believers to fail.  See 1 Thes 3.1-10 concerning Paul’s overwhelming concern for continuing faith.

Their faith and love motivate Paul’s prayer of thanks to God and request for discernment concerning the plan of God for believers in Christ.

Wisdom, knowledge, and enlightenment all come from special revelation concerning God's will.  There is overlap in their meaning, but they speak of understanding.  Paul wanted them to have understanding concerning the will of God concerning believers.

”Calling” speaks to vocation or induction. The believer’s induction, in this context, could be the placement into the world to come, the “hope” of which should impact the believer’s way of life.

”Inheritance” speaks of the people of God as His possession.  We belong to him.  What better thing could be wanted? 

The “power” that raised Christ and exalted Him is the same power that saves by new birth and ultimately glorification, and makes believers partakers of what Christ has authority over, the world to come.

The “fullness”:  the believer’s/ 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. Col 1.16-18  As creation is for Christ, so is creation for the Church, Heb 2.5. I can't fathom an everlasting existence in such circumstances.

The believer needs to understand that he is inducted into the people and purpose of God, he is God’s possession -- belongs to God, and God’s power will be worked in him as in Christ...1 Cor 3.21; Heb 2.13

Salvation is not by works

Ephesians 2.1-10

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.  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.

“You who were dead”:  The redemption, 1.7, is expanded upon in the chapter 2.  If believers are redeemed from sin, then they are redeemed from the effects.  The effect is death.  The redemption must deliver from death.

Death is first and foremost spiritual.  Physical death followed as part of the curse, because God did not want mankind to live forever in the spiritual effect, which must be inseparable from our natural body.

The natural state of mankind (according to the flesh) is that he is in his sins, and therefore dead, spiritually.  He lives life in of ignorance about God which keeps him alienated from God.  He may still have a certain degree of morality that keeps him from deserving immediate physical death, but he is still alienated from God. 

This death status and condition does not mean he is incapable to understand and respond to certain divine revelation, since we see several examples of unsaved people who fear God prior to salvation in Scripture.  The law is for the unrighteous, and this would be pointless, if he could not respond to its conviction.  

Due to nature and ignorance, the unsaved are prone to the inordinate desires of the flesh, which correspond to the course of this world and Satan, in opposition of God.   Morality is determined by practicality, and the knowledge of God is uncertain at best and promotes conflict.

"You" were dead in sin--you gentiles, but we all--Jews too-- walked according to the flesh.  

”God…made us alive”:  The mercy, love, and grace of God is in this:  though we were dead, he made us alive.  This speaks of the new birth.  It changes one’s status and condition.  See John 5.24  Redemption must undo the effects of sin.  

The grace that brings life speaks of future benefits as being present.   The believer is seen as seated with Christ-- where He is we will be. 

The grace that saves us has much more in store for us forever--the ages to come.

”For by grace you have been saved through faith”:  This grace that saves us is clarified as being through faith and not by works.  Salvation is not of us in that it is not by works.

Grace speaks both of the provision for salvation and the execution in that we are not saved due to moral achievement. Faith is not a work because it is in contrast to works.  It is not the gift of God, but persuasion by the word of God concerning the promise of God of everlasting life to anyone who believes in Christ for it.

”We are his workmanship”:  The life given is a new nature with the capacity to emulate God.  God's purpose is for the believer to do good works in connection with Christ.  This was God's predetermined plan, as we saw in 1.4.

The New People

Ephesians 2.11-22

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.  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.  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 corner[stone],  21  in whom the whole building, being joined 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.

As 2.1-10 expanded on redemption with the affect of new birth, 2.11-22, expands on the reconciliation (1.10), with the bringing together of Jew and Gentile into one body of people.

Like verse one, attention returns to who they were.  I believe particular focus is on who they were with respect to Israel's privileges as the people of God.

”Uncircumcision”:  There is nothing wrong with being Gentile or uncircumcised.  But as such, they were outside the relationship Israel had with God and all the benefits and advantages that provided.

Circumcision was the Jewish male ordinance that signified their covenant relationship with God and was a symbol and a proof of righteousness of faith. Romans 4.11.  The Gentiles being outside this relationship with God were uncircumcised.  "Uncircumcised" was a contemptuous nickname by the Jews.

Without Christ, hope, God, and outside the covenanted community, was the situation of the Gentiles.  This speaks in the general collective state of the Gentiles in comparison to Israel.

This does not mean there was no hope or all were without God, but the Messianic hope was a Jewish expectation, and Israel had a special relationship with God as an identifiable people.  The Abrahamic covenant promised blessing to all nations, and Isaiah spoke of salvation to all people, 45.22, and special relations with Gentile people, 19.24.

There were surely Jews who were in about as bad of a spiritual condition as the Gentiles.  But lack of privilege like the Jews made it less likely they would know God, just like today when people grow up in societies and cultures without any a Christian witness.

”Reconciliation”:   is in connection with Christ, there is another benefit of redemption (thru His blood) being reconciliation; here it is particularly between Jew and Gentile.

The Gentile was far off, compared to Israel, with respect to God, but in Christ they are brought near.

You can't have reconciliation without peace.  This peace is in Christ.  That "peace on earth"  is at first the peace between God and people, but also, it is peace between people who enter into it.  There is a place, sphere of peace, won by Christ, entered 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 there may be a hint to the physical barrier as well that existed in the Temple.

Paul describes this (Ephesians 2.14) as a "barrier," "separation," or "partition," and it was as a "dividing wall" or "middle wall." The Greek word, for the former, means simply a "fence" or "railing," while the latter means a "middle wall."

Josephus used each of these terms separately with reference to the balustrade in the Jerusalem 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 destroyed by Christ at the cross. See Ephesians 2. 11-18 quoted above.

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.

Actually, in Christ, both groups become a new people.  Thus the peace here goes beyond Divine relationship to people relationship.

That which separated them has 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 sane access to God.

”Fellow citizens”:  The gentiles were outside the community of God, but now are citizens with all others of the community.

This community is likened to a building that has as a foundation the Apostles and Prophets, the latter would include OT prophets, with Christ as cornerstone--the aligning rock of the structure.

This building is compared to the temple.  The Temple was the place of God's special manifested presence.  And so the Church as a body of people built upon God's truth (in the Spirit) the new place of God's manifested presence.

We Gentile believers should not forget who we were and where we came from, and who we have become in Christ.

Paul’s Dispensation

Ephesians 3.1-7

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.

”The  Prisoner”: Paul was imprisoned for his ministry.  It was done purposely and willingly, so he could have an audience before gentile authorities: this was his calling:  Acts 9:15.  He made this sacrifice for an opportunity with and benefit for the gentiles.  A prisoner is not much different than a slave: both have limited freedom. His only option would be disobedience.

”The Dispensation of Grace:” A “dispensation” means something dispensed.  It can be a stewardship.  Col 1.25 has "stewardship" for the Greek word. The system of theology by this name gets it general meaning from this word.  What was dispense to Paul was certain grace, in this case being his ministry function as Apostle to the gentiles.  This function was a stewardship and a gift.  His was obvious for Christ revealed it to him.  All believers have at least in principle a dispensation of grace, a function dispensed for the edification of the church, see Rom 12.3-4. Paul calls his function "the gift of the grace of God," in 7-8.  Paul says all believers have grace given to them in Ephesians 4.7.

”The Mystery of the Body”: A mystery in our understanding is something you know exists but lacks explanation concerning any known details.  The classical dispensational definition is that a mystery is concerning something that was  previously unknown but now revealed.  The non classic dispensational view says there were limited previous details in the Old Testament revelation, but later fully revealed.  The word "as" is said to be comparative, but classic dispensationalism says it is descriptive: the sun does not shine at night as it does during the day (it doesn't shine at all at night).  The mystery here is the body of Christ, being the Jew and Gentile assembly.  Col 1.26 says the mystery was hidden from ages and generations, no "as" as in a comparative sense as in Eph 3.  

The Greek word for church means assembly.  Church comes from the Greek word meaning the Lord's.  The mystery is not the salvation of gentiles, even apart from being proselytes--which Jews probably got wrong--but gentiles being joined to Jews as the same body, forever.  The designation for this body is the Assembly or Church.  This is the people of God for this dispensation.  (I differ with classical dispensationalism in that I believe the distinctive dispensations are according to the people of God for his purposes in time, but in eternity, there are no distinctions, of which the present dispensation foreshadows.)  Classic dispensationalism divides history into different periods of testing, there being 7 of these, but I suggest 4 dispensations based on differing people groups, being patriarchal, Israel under the old covenant, the church, and Israel under the new covenant.  And instead of  there being people group distinctions in eternity of gentile, Jew, and the assembly, I believe all believers are part of one group, being the assembly, who have home in the new Jerusalem.

Ephesians 3.8- 13

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.

“This Grace”:  Of this grace, Paul says he is the least deserving.Why such an opinion?  He surely acknowledges his previous activities of persecuting the Church.   God's choice has some strategic value, doesn't it? 

“I should preach”:  His message among the Gentiles was the unsearchable riches of Christ.

The gentiles who did not know about Christ, would learn the riches of him, being Christ himself.  He is Savior, redeemer, and hope of mankind, God, creator, the fulfillment of the Law, the focus of creation, the head over all creation, AND THE LIST GOES ON.

“The mystery”:  The word “fellowship" should be translated "dispensation," since it is in the majority of the manuscripts.  What was dispensed was this mystery concerning the Church.  A new revelation concerning the one body of Jew and Gentile, the new people of God, of which Paul was a steward to dispense.

God created all things with respect to Christ.  See Colossians 1.16.  The church is for Christ, His bride.

 “To principalities and powers”:  Paul's evangelism would be inseparable from this divine revelation.  The existence and function of the Church would be observed by the entities  of the heavenlies.   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.

“Access to God”: The richness that is Christ is in connection with salvation and an approach to God.  Christ is the go-between for man and God.  He is not only intercessor for the Jew but also for the Gentile. 

1 Tim 2.5:  “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.”

It is this Christ that Paul seeks to proclaim to the Gentiles and establish their faith in Him.

Paul is willing to suffer to accomplish this.  It was the plan of God to glorify and manifest Christ through the gentiles:  "Christ in you, the hope of glory."  Col 1.27

“My tribulations for you”:  The glory of the Gentiles is Christ manifested in them, the aim of Paul’s ministry and reason for his tribulations and imprisonment.

God according to His wisdom chose the Gentiles to manifest Christ, and this is a new thing for the angelic authorities to discover

Christ in the gentiles

Ephesians 3.14-21

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

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

“Strengthened with might”: the ability and boldness to endure tribulation and display God’s wisdom – this by aid from God – His image (glory) in them  2 Cor 3.18

This is done by the Holy Spirit by renewing the word of God through faith in it in our “new man.”

“That Christ would dwell in them”: This is probably an expansion: God would work in them to produce this character that is potential due to the new birth and principle of faith in the love of Christ. Col 1.27-29

“To know the love of Christ”: This is the means to the fullness of God.  It is through Christ that we know God. This love is beyond comprehension but try to know it, just as  Paul surely reflects on it in light of his calling (3.8)  The love of Christ should take hold of us, 2 Cor 5.14-15

“God is able”:  to produce this character in believers, and it is to His glory.

Everyone a Calling

Ephesians 4.1-6

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.

Previously, Paul addressed what should be their character, particularly boldness (strengthened) and in full possession of the love of Christ. Paul takes them from character to calling as a child of God, though character can be included in calling. Paul again makes reference to being a prisoner, of which is a result of both character and calling.

“Walk”: This word is a reference to the ordering of your life.

“Worthy”: This word is a reference to a walk that is "fitting" or "matches" the calling. 1 Thes 2.10-l2

“Calling”: This word speaks of invitation or vocation. Here it is one's vocation that corresponds to the purpose of God to have a special people on earth in time. We are to walk in a way that matches our calling, that being our place and purpose among the people of God. If we fail here, we fail of the spiritual reality and God's purpose for us. We must have the attributes of humility, meekness, patience, and love to work out in our experience the spiritual reality of this union as one body (see l Corinthians l2. l3). Each member is to always seek the edification (building up) of the church by doing his part in the church, the body. We are not to think of ourselves too highly, since we share a common faith and are all members of the same body: Romans 12.3

The word “called” can mean different things depending on use, and to whom it applies depends on context, though not always so easily determined. “Call” can mean to invite, summon, to name (called saints, 1 Cor l.l2), vocation as to purpose or induction as to being installed in a certain group or function.

“Unity of the Spirit”: This spiritual reality exists through the work of the Holy Spirit in uniting all believers in one body to God. Christ has accomplished a sphere of peace with God in which one enters by faith, and all believers (Jew or gentile, male or female) are united together in this peace as one body.

I make a distinction between what is the expected character of the believer and the calling he, she has, which, in this reference has to do with their relationship to other believers, particularly unity and maturity through the function God has given. The focus here is on unity, while the issue of each one’s function is to follow.

“One bodv, and one Spirit...”:  All these "ones" relate to the one people of God in connection with Christ through the Spirit.

One hope in Eph 4.4 is expounded in Eph 1.15-23: that you may know what is the hope of His calling. The one body with its hope is God's inheritance. As God's inheritance, we will experience His power in us.

One Lord means that Christ alone is our head.

One faith is that all believe the same truth for salvation.

One baptism is the one identification for all by being baptized into the body of Christ.

You are to order your life in a manner that is fitting your function in the people of God for service for the building up and unity of that people. Through this the Church will mature in faith and practice and impact the world around them concerning God and His salvation.

Ephesians 4.7-l6

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.

The calling is both vocation and induction of the believer with reference to function and placing into the people and purpose of God. There is one God, salvation, and people, and the believer is to keep the unity of this reality. He is to keep this unity by the grace given. Grace is gift which is a function in the body for the body, Romans l2.4

“Christ's measure and gift”: He gives with respect to His function as head over the Church.

His possession of the Church and the gifts he gives are associated with a Psalm of a warrior—king's victory. The Psalm speaks of God as a victorious warrior and the nation Israel benefiting from the victory and authority, though it may be historically of someone like David with

credit going to God, but Paul makes application to Christ.

The details are explained in various ways, but I would think there must be some continuity to the different aspects of the references. Christ is victorious over sin and death, and the church is benefiting from this victory and authority. I believe this compares to Col l.l3—l4. See

Deut 68. 5,6,1l,12,l4,l7—l8, 28-29 The Hebrew says he received gifts, but Paul says he gives

gifts. If this is not the more accurate translation, it could be Paul read into it into the outcome of Christ's victorious acquisitions (so to speak). The victor receives and gives gifts. They could be gifts of function to all, or certain functions to the church or both. He gave functions to all and certain functions were to help all in using their functions for the advance of all.

Paul lists four functions to benefit all.

Two are temporary and 2 permanent, though I might think the last 2 fall under teacher. But I do think for sure that pastor and teacher are the same function but not the same as elder, which is an office of qualification.  These functions assist believers in equipping them for the work of the ministry.

I don't believe this is the ministry of reconciliation specifically or the Christian walk and character in general, but functions for edifying the local church. “Full time ministry” is often used with the idea of full time paid religious vocation. Your ministry at your job is not a

full time ministry in the sense of a full time paid religious vocation, nor is it a fulfillment of the ministry  spoken of here. I can not say that my job is a full time ministry;

and therefore, justify saying I do not have time to have a function in the local church. Your ministry on your job is just a part of your Christian life, not a function in the Church. And neither your employer nor your church is paying you for ministry during work hours.

The goals in the use of the gifts are edifying, to build up. The goal is Doctrinal unity of the faith and knowledge of Christ. The Maturity is collectively, having the image of Christ in the church, and Doctrinal stability. All is done through love, speaking in love and each doing

their part according to their function. Love means each doing their part for the benefit of the

others.

“The work of ministry”:  Ministry means to “serve.” The Greek word is transliterated to give us “Deacon,” though a slightly different Greek word here. We use it in a more technical sense I think, but the word means serve.  (Acts 6.2 speaks of serving tables, which the 7 were chosen to do. The 7 were the first “deacons” of the Church.)

We use ministry in a more technical sense of having some spiritual focus, though it may meet a physical need. (The Apostles did not want to serve tables so they could minister the word of God, Acts 6.4: same word as Eph 4.12.)

Ministry is not speaking simply of  one’s conduct, walk, or character, but service to the church for its edification through the necessary functions, being called gifts.

Why not say I’m in ministry 24/7? Or 16/7 (I have to sleep)? Is it a specific task or is it my conduct all the time? Usually, we associate it with specific tasks or functions, whether paid or not. See Acts 1.17; 12.25; Rom 11.13  Whether I have a ministry outside the local church, not connected with the church, does not release me from the ministry I should have in or with a church. I think it can be a self-seeking thing to establish a ministry. So be discerning of your motives.

Except for maybe the role of a missionary/ evangelist, like the apostles, one should have a local church connection and role.

The “ministry of reconciliation” ( 2 Cor 5.18) is a role all believers should have a part in, though there is the specific role of the evangelist/ missionary.

The context in Eph 4.11-12 is about the local church functioning of each member doing his part for the benefit of the whole

The other New man

Ephesians 4.17-24

4.17  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.  

Paul, as the chosen apostle for the Gentiles, instructs them on how they should "walk."  

Paul is fulfilling his divine appointment to instruct the Gentiles of the Divine will, as seen earlier in the letter that the gentiles have been chosen for salvation through faith in Christ; and that they have been inducted into the people of God with the Jews who believe to form a "new man."  Instruction is given on how that new man, the Church, is to function and progress.  Now Paul turns to the Divine will of the individual's election to holiness, for the one body/ new man's progress depends on each new man's walk.

The words "Rest of the Gentiles" indicate the primary Gentile audience, for they are the Gentiles who know God, unlike the rest of the Gentiles who know not God.1 Thess 4.3:  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, revealed in following statements, that they are ignorant about God.  Futility begins in the thoughts and has corresponding action.  Futility speaks of uselessness.  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.  This is why many seek philanthropic activities later in life.

What Paul writes here corresponds to Romans chapter one in a general assessment of mankind.  In that text, Paul says that man became futile in his thoughts and his foolish heart was darkened, 1.20-21.  This was due to rejecting the knowledge of the nature of God.  Ignorance isn't  necessarily not knowing but  rejecting what is true for what isn't true, and the latter becomes so commonly held that the truth has no more impact in a society and culture.

Where the truth of God is rejected,  there will be moral decline that leads to destruction:  Rom 1.18:  "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness."

It's possible to know God and have a walk that is heavy in futility, being distracted by the cares of this life or lusts of the flesh.

Verse 18 traces the ignorance back to blindness.  Satan has created a false perception about God that blinds, producing ignorance and rejection.

The life of God they are alienated from is probably His true character.  This is why they have futile thoughts and immoral conduct.

Blindness in the Greek could be translated dullness or hardness. The word of God does not penetrate or is ineffective for whatever reason.  There is a role of the will here in which one needs to seek to understand.  

"Past feeling" speaks of being insensitized, and here morally.  The condition of society with respect to the knowledge of God is reflected in the moral conduct of society.  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.  It is to holiness we are called.

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.  

"This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief." 1 Tim 1.15

"If" used in the sense of since...an example

A man has a degree in electrical engineering...You say...So... if you have a degree in electrical engineering (I know you do), explain to me how it is that electricity flows through wires at different voltages...what makes it flow at 110 volts or 220 volts.

"If indeed you have heard him and have been taught by him":  then you know Christ's character, and should

"put off, concerning your former conduct...": Jesus didn't address this specifically but in principle. He came to deal with sin and give life. Paul addresses this more fully with reference to being  freed from sin.  Paul tells us the old man / self is already put off, but he says it must still be put 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." The "old man" is the former self, life.  It was your former eternal identity and being.  It is the former you with respect to your sin nature.  It's tendency is to get worse.  If you give yourself over to the lusts the the flesh, it corrupts your life.  Even unsaved people can see the depths of depravity in others and self as they indulge the lusts of the flesh.  They may ask: "How did this happen to me..what have I done?"  Some cast off conscience and continue into destruction.

The old man is put off in our experience by renewing of the mind.  This is the same thought as Romans 12.2.  "Spirit" here may not be significant other than it is not a physical thing but a spiritual thing.  It is a spiritual thing that comes through the intake and obedience to God's word. You put off the old man and put on the new by renewing your mind in the word of God...

The new man is in contrast to the old man.  The new is according to God's nature.  It is a new creation by the new birth.  The believer is a new creation, man because he possesses a new life within him.  He puts on, that is, he experiences that new man through renewing his mind.  Col 3.10: "and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,"

The gentile believer (and all believers) need to have a walk consistent with the new life they have in Christ so as to fulfill the purpose of God to be a people of God who manifest God.

A New Life continued

Ephesians 4.25-32

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.

We saw how one's new-life-walk is done:  put off the old man and put on the new by renewing the mind in God's word, 4.22-24. Now Paul gives character specifics of that walk, particularly in connection with other believers ("members of one another").This putting away (of lying) is the same as putting off the old man--same Greek word.  We often lie for selfish reasons, maybe to look good or avoid issues that need addressed.  Lying does not build up the Church.  Ephesians 4.15 says we are to speak the truth in love.   Lying could be placing the blame for something you did on someone else or telling someone you agree with them and will back them up, but you do not.  Speaking the truth in love may be exhorting or encouraging one to right behavior without being demeaning.  The quote from Zech 8.16 is in reference to Israel's requirement as the community of God.

Anger should be dealt with promptly. I suppose there could be 2 extremes with anger; one being losing your temper often and easily, and the other never getting angry about anything.
It seems that maturity is involved when one is appropriately angry and yet deals with it promptly.  They do what God is required of them, and then they leave it in God's will.  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, such as in the case when someone offends you or says or does something upsetting to you or another.

Do not steal but work. Commentaries say that those who had stealing in their past are now to work to provide for themselves, family, and be able to give something to those in need.  I believe the main point is that one's provisions are to be from a legitimate  honest means.  Does everyone have to have a job?  Not necessarily.  It depends on family situations and needs.  But stealing is wrong.  Also, if you do have an income, it isn't just for one's own material benefit--this may reflect back on walking in futility.  Every believer should consider sharing their resources to help others.  It is more blessed to give than receive, Acts 20.23.

Speak words good for edifying. I may think of this verse to justify not using course language.  Actually, there is another place that says this, Eph 5.4.  The focus here is on one's relationship with other believers in the local assembly.  Instead of speaking destructive words, speak words that are good for edification.  Imparting grace is speaking truth from God's word that are beneficial.

Grieve not the Spirit.  I doubt this is a parenthetical statement about the effects of sin in general on the Holy Spirit.  I believe we grieve the Spirit of God by unbecoming conduct towards believers we assemble with.  The Spirit has made us sons of God by the new birth, and by that we are members one of another of the household of God.  We are to edify one another for unity in the truth and not creating division and destruction. Eph 4.3 says there is a unity of the Spirit that we are to keep; this unity is the reality of the one body. We grieve the Spirit by conduct that brings division.  

Don't grieve the one who sealed you for the day of redemption; this looks back to Eph 1.13-14. A seal can be a stamp or impression or ring that has some identification with someone, usually of significance.  The seal primarily signifies a belonging to someone, while security can be its effect, usually connected to the authority of the one it belongs. We are sealed for the day of redemption, which Eph 1.13-14 says is the future inheritance--which is glorification of the believer in the resurrection.

I prefer to think the seal is actually the new birth by the Holy Spirit, as it is necessary to enter the kingdom of God.
Paul makes a list of several negative attitudes to put away.  These are anger type attitudes that can be destructive. He lists several characteristics here to make his point clear.  These things are divisive and destructive. Bitterness, resentment, intense anger  will disqualify you.  God can't use you this way, not build up his church.

Wrath is fierce anger, boiling up. Anger appears again, see vs 26, but  here probably for personal reasons.  Peter was angry at Simon, Acts 8.20. Clamor and Evil Speaking and Malice are an outcry but to the intent that it is 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, and forgiving means being gracious here.

The ability to have conduct becoming a child of God in relationship with other believers comes through renewing the mind in God's word which energizes the new man.  These character references  give specifics that need to be recognized as inappropriate which should be replaced with what is appropriate for the benefit of the Church.

A New Life -- Character specifics

 Ephesians 5.1-7

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.  

The word "therefore" means "what this all adds up to": you are to imitate God. Children often imitate their parents, and we hope it is of our godly character. 

Love as Christ: He is our example in dying for us.

Unfitting behavior is sexual immorality, covetousness, and immoral language.

The world becomes indifferent about sexual immorality even when they may have other relatively good values.  Believers should not do so.  Covetousness is a form of idolatry.  And the language of the believer should be such that it doesn't make light of sin--which sexual jokes do, instead give thanks instead

The unsaved who are identified by these vices will not inherit/ enter the kingdom.  This type of inheritance is non-meritorious, it speaks of entrance into the eternal kingdom which is by faith alone.  Paul is not trying to draw some line between degrees of unfitting behavior to say those who sin sometime are heirs and those who sin a lot are not. The point is that believers should not behave like unbelievers who are excluded from the kingdom.

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."

Don't be misled: this behavior has consequences.  Salvation does not free you to live immoral, disobedient lives.  Not only will you become disapproved and unuseful for God, but there is no blessing or joy and just as wrath is coming upon the unsaved for these things, so will it come upon you.  cp. Rev 2.20-23

The reason God's wrath eventually comes upon sin is because of it's effect on society.  Sin will have an hardening affect in which the truth has no impact, Rom 1.18.  As society digresses morally, it won't tolerate the truth and doesn't impact anymore. Hardship may bring a turn around, but then it might not.  See Rev 9.20-21; 16.8-11

Do not do these things: Believers should not participate in the things that bring God's wrath.  Cp Rev 8.4

A New Life continued

Ephesians 5.8-14

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." 

There are two realms, darkness and light.  In the unregenerated state, Paul says they personified darkness.  But now, being Children of God, they belong to the light.  Jesus called believers "Sons of light,"  Luke 16.8, Matt 5.14 Jesus is the "light of the world."  
I would think walking in the light is the same as walking in the spirit. The contrast of light and darkness is comparable to the contrast between spirit and flesh.  Other translations have "light" and not "spirit."  The fruit of walking in the light is moral (goodness, righteousness), the other is revelation (truth).

Darkness was the former status before salvation.  It is the condition of ignorance about eternal life and alienation from God.  The fruit was behavior contrary to the moral will of God.
The word "finding" means discernment (Grk is dokimos)... the believer as light is to discern (test) all things. Is this acceptable to God?  Should I be doing this?
As Children of light, they are not to participate in the works of darkness, but expose and  correct.

Verse 7 said not to be partakers with them.  This is where you must discern.  Have involvement with the unsaved but don't participate in their immorality--be light to them.  You should point out immoral behavior to other believers, but it is also ok to point out immoral behavior to unsaved as long as you do not set it forth as the way of justification.

Detailed discussion of some of the immoral things people do are shameful to discuss.  You can speak in general terms as Paul does about what's sinful, but avoid certain details and specifics that are inappropriate and could cause sinful thoughts.  
Light is that which exposes. The light is metaphorical for both moral purity and for revelation.  Light speaks of exposing, being able to see. 

To be awake is not to be asleep.  The word "awake" here means to give attention, take heed.  Actually light wakes one up  It is speaking spiritually here.  God's light/ word must be given heed to, by which we can receive more light/ divine truth. 

Being in darkness is like sleeping, both speak of ignorance and not giving heed to God's word. The result is spiritual unattentiveness. What is said here is similar to 1 Thes 5.4-8 about sleeping.  Verse 6 instructs the believers to not sleep but to watch--the contrast.  The Greek word for sleep here is different than sleep in 4.14 which speaks of physical death.

Being in darkness is like sleeping or sleeping is done at night, in the darkness.  It's also like death.  In either case, whether in darkness or sleeping, you are ignorant or unattentive to spiritual truth.  Spiritually, You are alienated from God.  You're spiritually dead. Instead of death, arise. 

Unlike physical sleep or death, one can still be responsive to the light/ truth and be capable to receive more light if they make that priority.

Christ gives us light.  He is the light of God.  Eternal life is through the knowledge of Christ.  He is light and life. Believers should imitate God in conduct and be light  to the world and other believers.

A New Life Continued

Ephesians 5.15-21

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.  

Just as they were once darkness but now light, they are now to be wise and not foolish.  

To walk circumspectly means to be carefully.  

The careful walk is by "redeeming the time." The Greek word translated redeem is not the usual one that speaks more of being saved from sin, but has the idea of buying.  This same phrase is used in Colossians.  Why Paul uses this word is uncertain to me.  I don't believe he means we must buy back time lost.  I think the idea is something like "make the most of your time," or "get the most value you can out of your time."  We might redeem a coupon, which is getting something back in exchange.  Or speak of the redeeming value of something.
You must walk carefully because the days are evil.  Moral evil is particularly in view. Evil lurks everywhere to overtake the believer to cause him to fail.
To be wise is to understand and do the will of God.  I don't believe this will of God is some select private will you must discover, but the very things Paul has been writing about.  People often wonder what God's will is for there lives, and the things that are already spelled out in Scripture go unfulfilled in there lives.

They are exhorted to be filled with the Spirit and not be drunk with wine. Why such a stark contrast?  
One reason may be what was characteristic 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  Divine will.  The word of God is the tool of the Spirit by which we receive a renewed mind and enabling to live a more careful walk.  Christianity, unlike the pagan religion and life, is a call to a careful, diligent, and God-charactered life.

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.
Be filled with the Spirit by being renewed in the word of God, transformed and in submission.

Being filled with the spirit and relationship roles

Ephesians 5.21-33

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. 

Wives are to submit to your husbands. Submit means to be subject to.  Does God know what he is asking?  This is a matter of obedience to and trust in God.  Verse 33 says she is to respect her husband.  The husband is the head of the wife and 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 final important decision making with their husband.  This submission is as obedience to God, just like we are to submit to government, but not in disobedience to God.

Husbands love your wives as Christ 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 their own body, that is, 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:  Christ and the Church.

More Relationship roles

 Ephesians 6:1-9

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.  5  Bond-servants, 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 bond-servants 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.  

Children sat under the reading of Paul's letters to the churches and, parents would know what was expected from their children and what was expected of them. Obedience is right according to God's word, and should be according to God's word.

Paul is addressing Christian families, but a believing child should still obey his unbelieving parents.  Both parents are to be obeyed.  And this is while under the parents authority until the child leaves the home.

The fifth commandment says to honor parents.  This includes an attitude of the heart.  There is no age limit on this, but it supports Paul's exhortation to children in the home.  It includes promise of probably both spiritual and temporal prosperity.  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 they are the head of the household and ultimate responsibility for supervision rests on them. 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 or severity or constant criticism.
They need to be trained in, that is instructed in the areas of right and wrong, self control, and godliness. They need to be trained up in what God expects of them. It is easier to teach them what we expect than what God expects, since we probably fail at what God expects of us. 

They need to know the benefits and blessing of right conduct. Admonition is a mild rebuke: they need to know of the accountability to God and consequences of wrong behavior.

Slavery was very much a part of the Roman Empire.  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 Cor 7.21 "Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it."

Of course, for us today,  we are not bound to stay in that relationship like a slave was, but while we are in a relationship that involves a certain submission to authority, we use the same principles.

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

They/we are to serve their masters/ employers/ boss non-hypocritically, that is not just putting on a show of doing a good job, but doing a good job.  The believer represents Christ, and he should serve from that perspective, because what they do, they are really doing it for Christ.  The master/ employer/ boss needs to see you as someone who is reliable and honest and what motivates this--which makes the knowledge and fear of God attractive to him.

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/ employer/ boss who are believers should also treat their servants/ employee as God would have them to:  authority does not give them permission to mistreat.  God will not give them slack because they are a master/ boss on earth.  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. 

The Christian Military dress Code

Ephesians 6.10-20

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.  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. 

In Verse 10, Paul writes "finally":  thus he comes to the concluding instructions to the Ephesians.

In Verses 10-12, Paul begins saying  our strength comes from The Lord.
Paul says we need all the armor of God to stand against the cunning ways of Satan, with whom the conflict really exists:  It is a spiritual one.

Our conflict is with this 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.

In some countries, he may use persecution, while others, immorality.  

In Verses 13-14, Paul again says we need 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.  It appears the goal here is more defensive than offensive.  Spiritually speaking, the withstanding would be to not give into temptation, while stand would be to hold your position, that is stand firm in the truth and faith and trust in God.

Paul speaks of the evil day. That day would be any day when evil comes, as temptation to sin or being challenged in your faith through some difficulty.

Paul begins this armor analogy with belt around the waist as having a belt of truth.  Since the word of God is connected with the sword in verse 17, 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 says put away lying in Ephesians 4:25.

The breastplate protected the vital organs; and as a breastplate of righteousness, it seems right to think of this righteousness as 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 in Ephesians 5:-7.  Paul said to the Corinthians that he beats himself into submission lest he becomes disqualified, 1:9:7.

In Verses 15-17, 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.

Though this could be seen as going on the offensive, yet in reference to standing in the evil day, we 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 of 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, Habakkuk 2:4.

The helmet protected the head.  I have to wear one at work because of the constant risk of getting hit in the head.  This helmet of salvation is the understanding of salvation, past, present, and future.  Through Christ, I'm saved from the penalty of sin and have eternal life.  Through walking in the light, as Paul said previously, one is being saved from the power of sin in their lives, and in the resurrection, one will be removed from the presence of sin.  Understanding this will protect you from Satan's attempt to deceive about your 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.

In Verse 18-20, Paul sets forth the importance of prayer.  He doesn't give it any armor analogy but it is definitely part of weaponry of spiritual warfare.

We need to make our requests according to God's will, not only for ourselves but persist in it for other believers.

Even Paul asks the Ephesians for prayer support that he would speak appropriately and boldly according to the ministry he has been chosen for.

This armor of God is the strength from God by which we will withstand and stand in our evil day when it comes.

In conclusion

Ephesians 6:21-24 

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. 

Tychicus was Paul's fellow laborer.  He would come with the letter and inform them concerning Paul's situation, who was in prison at the time, and the state of Paul's companions--this was to comfort them.

"Peace to the brethren" here is probably the request and desire for the Ephesian church to be in unity as previously covered in 4:3, for peace is the result of unity through each doing their part in the edifying of the church.

Love and faith must go together, as Paul writes about love in 1 Cor 13.2 being possibly absent from faith: " though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."    I believe the Ephesian Church does fail in the area of love as Rev 2.4-5 indicates :"  4  "Nevertheless I have [this] against you, that you have left your first love.  5  "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent."  Most believe this speaks of leaving love for Christ, but I believe it speaks of that love which characterized them in the beginning for one another; such departure will result in judgment.  Though some say this is still a love for Christ issue, it is not uncommon for the specific issue to be addressed.

Grace, God's favor and blessing,  is experienced by those who love Christ  1 Cor 16.22  If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed.