For further examination of Ephesians, see also the following books in this library:
Introduction
The Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians was written while Paul was in prison. He writes about the great salvation, planned from eternity past, accomplished in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, and applied through the ministry of te Holy Spirit in the live of the believer. His heart is to share the richness of this salvation and the implication of what the Spirit of Christ was doing in their lives.
Paul teaches the importance of the unity of the body in the bond of love and shows how that body works together for the expansion of th kingdom of God. He teaches the Ephesians how their relationship with Christ impacted how they lived in society, how they treated their slaves or lived together as husband and wife.
Of particular signigficance in the book is Paul’s emphasis on the spiritual battle that raged around them. In a world filled with spiritual forces in dark places, Paul teaches the Ephesians the importance of putting on the armour of God if they were to overcome and live the victorious Christian life.
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Chapter 1
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Verse 1
Paul introduces himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ. The word Apostle is ἀπόστολος (apóstolos) which literally means, one sent. An apostle is one who is sent by Jesus Christ as an ambassador or representative.
Paul did not take this privilege on himself. He was an apostle “by the will of God.” That is to say, Paul had this special calling and gifting from God to represent His Son Jesus Christ. We do not take on these roles of our own accord. God chooses whom He will have to represent Him.
The letter is written to the saints in Ephesus. Paul describes them as “faithful in Jesus.” That it to say they walked in obedience and love for the Lord Jesus.
The city of Ephesus was a significant centre at this time. It was the centre for the worship of the goddess Diana. A great theatre, said to hold up to 50,000 people, was located in the city as well as a great stadium where competitions were held and criminals were torn apart by wild beasts to the entertainment of spectators.
It was in this worldly city that God was doing a work and raising up a people who belonged to Him.
Verse 2
Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians was for grace and peace. This seems to be a customary greeting and blessing.
Grace is the unmerited favour of God. Peace relates to our relationship with God and is a result of the work of His Son Jesus Christ in our lives. The need for God’s grace and peace is ongoing in the life of the believer. There are many things that can strip away our peace in this life. Paul’s prayer is that the Ephesians would walk always in the peace of God and experience afresh his grace each day.
Verse 3
Paul begins his letter with a word of praise to the Father – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The word “blessed” refers to something that is well spoken of and worthy of praise. It is Paul’s desire that the Father be worshipped and adored by all.
Notice that Paul speaks here of the “God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Of course, as God, the Lord Jesus always existed with the Father. Realize, however, that He came to this earth and took on the form of man. He had no earthly father. Mary’s conception was not of natural means but a miracle of God who placed His Jesus in her womb as a seed. He matured in her womb and was born as a human child to her. While Jesus had an earthly mother, His father was God, Himself. By calling God the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, Paul is recognizing both his human and divine nature.
Paul reminds the Ephesians that this God and Father of Jesus Christ has blessed us in His Son with every spiritual blessing. Notice four things about these blessings.
First, they are “in Christ.” The blessings the apostle speaks of here are through the work of the Lord Jesus.
Second, the blessings we receive in Christ are “spiritual blessings.” It is true that we receive also many material blessing, but the focus of Paul’s prayer here is the spiritual blessings we receive through the work of the Lord Jesus on the cross.
Third, note the words “every spiritual blessing.” The word “every” indicates that all true spirital blessings are the result of the work of Jesus Christ the Son of God. There is no spirital blessing apart from Him and His work. If you want to know this blessing, you must go to Him.
Finally, the blessings that come from Jesus are “in heavenly places.” While there are many earthly blessings from God in this life, the great hope of the believer is not here, but in heaven where they will be forever with the Lord, free from sin, enemies to the Gospel, and in perfect fellowship with their Creator.
Verse 4
The apostle tells the Ephesians that God the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ “chose us in him before the foundation of the world.” Notice two details in this phrase.
First, God chose us “in Him.” The word “him,” clearly refers to the Lord Jesus. Every one of us was a sinner by birth. This matter of sin needed to be addressed if we were to have any kind of relationship with God. The solution was in the person of Jesus Christ who would come to this earth and take our penalty upon Himself. God took the initiative to restore us to Himself through the work of His Son Jesus Christ. Salvation begins with the choice of God.
Second, that choice of God took place “before the foundation of the world.” Sin did not take God by surprise. Even before there was a need for salvation, God had it already planned out. Before He created the world as we know it, God determined to set apart a people for Himself through the work of His Son Jesus.
The people that God would call to Himself would be “holy and blameless before him.” That it to say, they would be forgiven and every sin paid for by the work of Jesus Christ. This is not to say that they were perfect in and of themselves, but rather that they would be pardoned by His Son’s work on the cross.
Verse 5
Verse four ends with the words “in love.” Many commentators believe that these words belong to verse 5 so that they read, “in love he predestined us for adoption to himself.”
Let’s break this phrase down. God’s love for His human creation was such that it moved Him to respond to their need. Paul tells us that His response was to predestine us for adoption to Himself. The word translated, predestined here is προορίζω (proorízō). It comes from two root words, pró meaning, before, and horízō meaning to determine. In other words the apostle is telling us that God determined beforehand to adopt us as His children. This determination of God to adopt a people to Himself took place, according to verse 4, before the foundation of the world. It was His loving response to the problem of sin that would result from the fall of Adam and Eve. Paul tells us three things in this verse about this adoption.
First, God would adopt us “as sons.” That is to say, He would make us His children with all the privileges and blessings that being a child of God involved.
Second, this adoption would come at a cost. The cost to adopt us would be the death of Jesus Christ. This adoption is only possible through the work of Jesus, God’s Son.
Finally, our adoption would be “according to the purpose of his will.” That is to say, it would all be on His terms and for His purpose.
Verse 6
In verse 5, Paul told the Ephesians that God chose to adopt a people to himself according to the purpose of his own will.
Notice here in verse 6 that this purpose was to “the praise of his glorious grace.” The adoption of sons and daughters was an act of “glorious grace,” according to Paul. It was an undeserved and unmerited favour towards those who were adopted. These individuals were sinners by birth and alienated from God. This was the result of the sin of Adam and Eve that was passed on to their children. While God could not accept them with their sin, He chose to send His Son to die for their pardon. God was not required to do this, but He did so “in love” (Ephesians 1:4) as a gracious act of compassion and mercy.
This gracious act was to His praise. In other words, He deserves to be praised and worshipped because of this act. Those who have benefitted from this marvellous pardon must give Him praise. In fact, it is the will and purpose of God that He be praised and honoured as a result of this grace.
Paul concludes the verse with a reminder that this “glorious grace” is a blessing that comes to us in the “Beloved.” In other words, the Lord Jesus Christ is that one who made this wonderful grace of salvation and adoption possible. It is His work alone that restores us to a relationship with the Father.
Verse 7
It is in and through the work of the Beloved Jesus Christ, that we have redemption and forgiveness of sin.
The word for redemption here is ἀπολύτρωσις (apolútrōsis). It has the sense of letting something go for a price. It is different from purchasing in that an object that is redeemed is usually restored to its rightful place by means of a payment. In our case sin had separated us from our Creator and only the payment of the penalty could restore us. This was the work of Christ Jesus who by His death, paid the penalty so that we could be released back to the Father. Our redemption was through the blood of Jesus Christ shed at the cross for us.
This death of Jesus Christ brought us forgiveness of sin. Forgiveness was not just a quick word, hastilly offered but required the payment of a great debt and cost the life of Jesus Christ. The payment of this price secured our forgiveness.
According to Paul this gift of redemption and forgiveness came from the rich storehouse of God’s grace. It was undeserved but given graciously by God as a free gift.
Verse 8
Paul tells us that the grace of God was lavished upon us. The word lavished (περισσεύω, perisseúō) refers to something that is given in excess, or more than is required. I often think about this world in which we live. God could have created a single planet but chose to give us more than we could possibly see with our most powerful telescopes. He could have created a world in black and white but chose to created it in multiple shades of colours that we cannot even distinguish with our human eyes. The beauty that surrounds us with all its complexity, reveals the lavish nature of His grace in this physical earth. How much more is He willing to shower upon those who belong to Him?
Paul goes on to tell us that this grace is lavished on us “in all wisdom and insight.” Consider the wisdom that created a universe that is too big for us to see or understand. Think about the mystery of life and how we walk, talk, think and relate to those around us. How does all of this happen? It is the result of the incredible wisdom and insight of God. What is true in this physical world is also the case in the spiritual realm. Can you explain the mystery of salvation? How do you understand how a man like Paul was on the road to Damascus to persecute Christians and was radically changed by an encounter with the Lord Jesus who had died on the cross years earlier? There is a mystery and wisdom that is far deeper than we can understand. We are beneficiaries of a grace and salvation that we can never hope to understand.
Verse 9
Paul has been speaking about the redemption and forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ. He calls this “the mystery of his will.” For years this will and purpose of God had been hidden from His people. They had heard of the Messiah and looked forward to His coming but they did not understand the purpose of God in the Messiah. Many thought He would be a political king, but few understood that it was His death that would bring us the victory. The Messiah and God’s plan through Him, was a mystery to God’s people.
When the Lord Jesus came to this earth He unveiled that mystery by “making it known to us.” He revealed the purpose of the Father which He had for Him as the sacrificial lamb who would die to pay for our sin.
Verse 10
This plan of the Father through Jesus Christ came “in the fullness of time.” In other words, the Lord Jesus came when the Father intended Him to come.
Notice the purpose of God in the death of His Son: “to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
This immediately causes a problem for us. How does the Father unite all things in Christ. Listen to the words of Jesus in Matthew 10:34-36:
34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. – Mt 10:34-36
Believers will not always be accepted. Jesus declares that we will be hated by all nations because of Him (Matthew 24:9). How can it be said than that the work of Jesus unites all things in heaven and on earth?
To answer this, we need to understand that while, at present, this world is filled with sin and rebellion against the Lord God, it will not always be this way. Consider the words of Paul to the Philippians about Jesus:
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. – Phl 2:9-11
There is a day coming when every knee will bow to Jesus Christ and recognize Him as Lord. There is a day coming when Satan, his angels, and sin itself will be cast into the bottomless pit. On that day, heaven and earth will be united under Christ to the praise of His name. It is the work of the Lord Jesus that will bring this unity of heaven and earth under God in the fullness of time.
Verse 11
Paul tells the Ephesian believers that “in him,” that is, in Jesus Christ, they had obtained an inheritance. This shows us something important. The work of Jesus Christ did not just forgive the sins of the believer but also made him or her a child of God with an eternal inheritance. God’s goal in sending His Son Jesus, was not just to free us from the penalty of our sin, but also to enter an eternal relationship with us. Paul does not go into detail about this inheritance in the verse, but recognize that if you are a believer today you have a rich eternal inheritance from your heavenly Father. That inheritance is a result of the work of the Lord Jesus on your behalf.
Paul tells the Ephesian believers that they had been predestined to receive this inheritance. The word “predestined,”(προορίζω, proorízō) means to decree or determine beforehand. He expressed this same thought in Ephesians 1:5 when he said:
5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, – Ep 1:5
What Paul appears to be saying, in verse 5, is that God determined beforehand to adopt the Ephesian believers through the work of His Son Jesus Christ. He repeats this again here in verse 11, except he tells them that they had been chosen beforehand to receive an inheritance through the work of Jesus. In other words, the adoption and the inheritance was God’s choice. My salvation is due entirely to the fact that God chose to adopt me, and give me an inheritance before I even knew Him..
Paul goes on to tell the Ephesians that this decision was made “according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.” Notice two details here.
First, this decision was made according to the purpose of God. It was God’s plan to have a people who would inherit His eternal blessings and live obediently in His presence forever. Paul told the Ephesians when that plan was formulated in the mind of God when he wrote in Ephesians 1:4:
4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love – Ep 1:4
The Ephesian believers were chosen by God to be holy and blameless as His adopted children before the world was created. Even before these believers in Ephesus were born, God had chosen them to be His children.
Second, God could make this happen because He “works all things according to the counsel of his will.” As human beings we have plans but find that those plans often change. This is not the case for God. He works out everything according to His plan. Nothing can stand in his way. Nothing can change His purpose. He accomplishes all He sets out to do. Paul reminded the Ephesians here that they were children of God because God determined before the world was created that they would be adopted and receive an eternal inheritance. He then worked out the details in their lives to make that happen.
Verse 12
Notice the reason God adopted and provided an inheritance for His people – “so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.”
Consider first the phrase “we who were the first to hope in Christ.” There is some debate over the “we” Paul is referring to in this verse. Many commentators believe that “we” refers to the Jews who converted to Christianity. Jesus came as a Jewish man, and preached to the Jewish nation. The apostles who accepted the Lord Jesus were Jews as well. The early church shared the Gospel with their Jewish neighbours. When persecution broke out against them, and believers were scattered, Acts 11:19 tells us that they spoke the word only to Jews:
19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. – Ac 11:19
It is quite possible that when Paul speaks of “we who were the first to hope in Christ,” he is speaking of the Jews who were the first to hear and come to Christ. Members of the Jewish nation were the first to be adopted and receive their eternal inheritance.
The reason God opened their eyes and heart to His Son was so that they could be to the “praise of his glory.” Let me say two things here.
First, the Lord revealed His glory to us through His Son Jesus Christ. Christ reflected the holiness, compassion, love, justice, mercy, and power of the Father. Those who came to Christ saw the Father in Him. As a result, they were moved to praise and honour the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Their hearts were drawn to Him in worship and praise for what He had done and what He revealed of Himself to them. It was the will of God in adopting a people, that they would honour and worship Him.
Second, we are to the praise of God’s glory when we demonstrate through our lives the character and person of God. Our lives reflect his glory as He changes us. Like Jesus, we begin to reflect His character in this world. We are called to be lights in this dark world, revealing the person of Christ in our actions and attitudes. Our lives demonstrate the purpose and character of God in a sinful world. It is the heart of God in adopting a people for himself that they would reflect His character and glory.
Verse 13
Paul told the Ephesians that they were among the first to hope in Christ. Notice how it these Ephesians came to hope in the Lord Jesus Christ – “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth…” The Ephesians heard the word of truth. It was the word of truth that brought a change in their lives. We must never underestimate the power of the truth of God’s word. In our day we have often depreciated the power of that word alone to transform a life. Paul tells us that this word of truth brought hope to the Ephesians.
The word of truth, according to Paul is the “the gospel of your salvation.” It is that good news that Jesus, fully God, came to this earth and became a man. He lived a sinless life, but took our penalty and died in our place so that we could be forgiven. He proved the effectiveness of his work on the cross by overcoming death, and ascending to sit at the right hand of the Father. Through Him, there is forgiveness of sin for all nations. It was this gospel that transformed the lives of the Ephesians and gave them hope of victory over sin, adoption through Jesus Christ, and an eternal inheritance.
Paul tells us here that when the Ephesians heard that truth of the gospel and believed. It is not enough just to hear the Gospel, we must also believe it. The word Paul uses for believe is πιστεύω (pisteúō) which can mean to believe, to have faith or to trust. To believe in this way means that I will not trust in any one else or any other means of salvation. He alone will be my confidence. In fact, I will renounce any other way and place my full and entire trust in Him.
Not only did the Ephesians believe the word of truth but at that time they were “sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.”
A seal was applied to a document to secure it. For example, if a document was private or secret, it would be sealed to keep it from being opened and read by anyone other than the intended person. The seal was also a mark of authenticity. For example, a king would seal a document or letter with his personal identification to identify it as his. Paul is telling us that when God wants to protect and identify a people as His, He seals them with his Holy Spirit. That is to say, He places His Holy Spirit in them to protect them. The Holy Spirit convicts the believer of sin and instructs him or her in the purpose of the Father. His presence in the believer proves that they belong to Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is God’s seal of authenticity in our lives.
Verse 14
It is the Holy Spirit in us who is the guarantee of our inheritance in Christ. We know that we belong to Jesus Christ because of the presence of His Holy Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to the things of God. More than that, however, He is the very life of God in us. The presence of God in the person of the Holy Spirit dwells in the believer. We know we belong to Christ because we have His life in us. That life is transforming us and shaping us into the image of Christ. This life is the Holy Spirit – the guarantee of our eternal inheritance.
Notice how Paul tells the Ephesians that they had not yet acquired possession of their full inheritance. It is true that we have the presence of God in us, but there is much more that God has in store for all who believe in Him. Heaven and eternal life is yet to come for all who have the seal of their salvation in them.
Paul reminds us that the sealing of the Holy Spirit, and the promised eternal inheritance will all be “to the praise of his glory.” That is to say, all this work of God in us will bring Him great praise. We will rejoice in Him and His purpose. We will delight in Him and His person.
Verse 15
As Paul wrote this letter to the Ephesians, he was a prisoner (see Ephesians 3:1; 4:1). He had heard a report, however, about the church in Ephesus. Notice two things Paul heard about the church.
First, Paul learned of their faith in the Lord Jesus. This church believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and trusted Him and His work.
Second, the apostle also heard of thier love toward all the saints. These two qualities needed to work together for the church to function as it should. In fact, you cannot truly love the Lord Jesus if you do not love those who belong to Him.
A healthy church must focus and maintain both their faith in the Lord Jesus and their love for the saints. To fail in either one of these areas is to fall short of God’s standard for the church.
Verse 16
Hearing of the faith of the Ephesian church and their love for the saints stirred Paul’s heart to give thanks to the Lord God for them in his prayers.
Often our prayers are petitions and pleas to God for blessing. Paul, however, found his heart overflowing in thanksgiving and praise to God for His many blessings. Seeing believers walk in faith and love for one another was one of those things that rejoiced the heart of the apostle and exploded in praise and thanksgiving to God.
Verse 17
While Paul thanked God for the faith and love of the Ephesian church for the saints, he also prays that God would them “the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him.”
Notice first what Paul says about God here. He is the “God of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We know that the Lord Jesus was God. He was equal to God in all things, but notice here that Paul tells us that God the Father was also the God of our Lord Jesus. Jesus, Himself tells us this when he said to Mary:
17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” – Jn 20:17
Throughout His earthly life, the Lord Jesus worshipped and obeyed the Father. He bowed in reverence to Him and willingly laid down His life for Him. He prayed to the Father, lifted up His name and submitted to His will. As man He saw the Father as His God.
Second, Paul tells us that God was the “Father of glory.” The word for glory here is δόξα (dóxa) which comes from the root dokéō, meaning to think. The idea is to think favourably about or to praise. The Father is one worthy of praise and recognition.
Paul’s prayer to God was that He would give the Ephesians “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.”
The Spirit referred to here is the Holy Spirit. Paul has already told the Ephesians that the Lord had sealed them with His Holy Spirit when they believed (see Ephesians 1:13). The understanding here is that these believers already had the Spirit of God in them as a guarantee of their salvation. When Paul speaks about God giving them “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation” here, the idea is that His Spirit would fill them with wisdom in living the Christian life and deeper revelation of God and His purpose.
Verse 18
Paul continues to reveal his heart for the Ephesian church. His desire is that their eyes and hearts would be “enlightened.” Paul speaks here to believers. While they had come to the Lord Jesus, their understanding of Him and His purpose is not complete. They need the Spirit of God to shine light on those truths that had not yet been revealed to them. I have met believers who have told me that they know all there is about Christ and the Christian life. It may be that they have a general sense of who Jesus is and what He expects, but I suspect that the Spirit of God wants to reveal the truth in a deeper way to them. I suspect that we all have much maturing to do. Paul did not want the Ephesians to become lazy and complacent in their spiritual lives. His prayer was that the Spirit of God continue to reveal Christ to them, mature them, and open their eyes in a greater way to the truth of God. Notice particularly what Paul wants to see the Spirit of God illumine in the lives of the Ephesians.
First, that they “would know what is the hope to which he has called you.” What is our hope as believers? It is that our sins have been forgiven through the work of Jesus Christ. That we have been adopted as children of God and given an eternal inheritance. That God has filled us with His Holy Spirit to give us life in Him. That no matter what happens to us in this life, we have a Saviour who watches over us. That in the Lord Jesus we are more than overcomers. That we will be forever with Him, free from sin, sickness and death. There are so many aspects to the hope of the believer. It is one thing to know this hope in theory, but quite another to experience it in the midst of struggle and pain. Paul’s prayer is that the Ephesians would experience and understand more and more the reality of this hope that had been given them through the work of the Lord Jesus.
Second, Paul prays that the Ephesians would understand and appreciate more and more “the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.” One of the great tragedies in the Christian life is that all too many believers have never come to understand the riches that have been given to them in Christ. Certainly some of these riches are stored up for us in heaven, but notice the phrase “his glorious inheritance in the saints.” This inheritance is not just in heaven but “in the saints” right now. The very life of God is in us in the person of the Holy Spirit. Have we grasped the power that God has placed in us to overcome this world and walk in His purpose? The resources of heaven are placed at our disposal right now. What a shame it is that so many believers live in defeat and sin, when the power to overcome is their inheritance in Christ. Paul’s prayer is that the Ephesian church would come to a greater awareness of, and tap into the inheritance that was given them through the work of Jesus on the cross and the indwelling of the Spirit in their lives.
Verse 19
In verse 18 Paul prayed that the eyes and hearts of the Ephesians be enlightened to the hope they had in Christ and the richness of their inheritance. He continues with this prayer here in verse 19 by adding another request to the Father on their behalf – that they would know “the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe.”
Paul speaks here about the power of God that is “toward us.” That is to say it is directed to us and focused on us, or works on our behalf. He describes this work as immeasurably great. It cannot be measured.
What is this power to which Paul refers? It is the power that overcame sin and death. It is the power that sets us free from condemnation. It is the power that transforms the hardened sinner into a child of God. It is the power the overcomes the forces of hell and works all things for good for those who love Him. It is the power that directs each step of our lives and orchestrates every circumstance to accomplish the purpose of God for us. It is the power that works in us to overcome sin and temptation. It is the power the enables us to live the life God requires. It is the power to accomplish the calling of God on our lives and to do what we could never do in the flesh. In fact it is the power of God’s “great might” that works on our behalf.
All too many believers live in the flesh. They only do what they can do in the flesh. They live the Christian life as if everything depended on them and their effort. These individuals are not aware of the powerful inner work of God’s Spirit to transform, renew and empower. Paul’s prayer for us is that our eyes would be enlightened to see the great might that is available to all who belong to Christ.
Verse 20
A clear demonstration of the power to which the apostle refers in verse 19 is seen in the life of Jesus Christ. Paul reminded the Ephesians of how the Lord God had raised Jesus from the dead and seated him at His right hand in heavenly places.
The power that God demonstrated toward Christ His Son is the same power that acts on our behalf. Just as Jesus rose from the dead so will those belong to Him. Just as the Father seated Christ at His right hand so will be bring us to be with Christ in heavenly places.
The power Paul refers to here is a power over sin and death. It is the power that transforms the sinner into the image of Jesus Christ.
Notice how God not only raised Christ from the dead but seated him “at his right hand in the heavenly places.” To seat someone at your right hand was to honour them. The Father honoured the son because of His willingness to die for us. This act of honouring Christ is also a reflection on how God sees us as His children. He honoured the Lord Jesus and gave Him a position at his right hand because of what He did for you and me. God valued us so much that He bestowed the highest honour on the One who set us free from our sin.
Verse 21
From verse 20, we learn that the Father seated Jesus Christ at his right hand in the seat of honour because of His work on our behalf. The apostle Paul has two things to say about Christ’s position of honour at the right hand of God.
First, his seat is “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named.” The word “above” here refers to His authority, power, dominion and name. The authority, power, kingdom and name of Christ is higher than any other. He is to be respected, honoured and worshipped. His kingdom will prevail above all others. There is no power greater than His. He is the final authority on all things.
Second, this position given to Christ is a position he will hold throughout all eternity, “not only in this age but also in the one to come.” In other words, nothing will take this authority, dominion, and power from Him. His name will be lifted high and worshipped throughout all eternity.
Verse 22
Paul explains to the Ephesians that when God seated Christ at His right hand, he did two things.
First, “he put all things under his feet.” To put something under ones feet is to have authority and power over that object. If you can picture a soldier who has conquered his enemy, placing his foot on the body laying on the ground to indicate that he has conquered his foe and he will never rise again.
Second, the Father gave to Christ the position as head over all things. The conqueror now becomes the absolute ruler. It is true that the Lord Jesus was God from the beginning and as such ruler over all things. Paul speak here, however, about a special glory the Father bestowed on Jesus Christ as a result of His work on this earth. He restored His people to the Father through His death on the cross, and was honoured by the Father for His work. This honour was to confirm Him as King of kings and Lord of lords.
There is one final detail we need to see in this verse. Notice the words, “to the church.” Paul reminds the Ephesians that this Jesus who was put all things under his feet and was head over all things was given to the church as her head. There is something quite marvellous about this reality. Our true leader and head, is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is Lord of lords and King of kings. He is over all and all things are subject to Him. He has conquered sin and death. Satan and hell will be banished to the bottomless pit because of His work. Every knee will one day bow before Him and recognize His Lordship. This is not something we can take lightly. Our head cannot fail. The church over which He is Lord will triumph. Despite the hardship and trials we must face in this sinful world, our Lord will lead us on to victory.
Verse 23
Paul concludes the chapter with a word about the church. Consider what he tells the Ephesians here.
First, the church is the body of Christ. Our bodies consist of may different organs and cells. Each of these individual parts plays an important role for the healthy functioning of the body. As each part faithfully performs its duty, the body works as it was intended. The image of the body is used often in Scripture to speak of how the church needs to operate. Each believer, under Christ and His headship, is unique but has a vital role to play. We are not the same but have a common goal – to serve our Head and King and accomplish His purpose.
Second, the church is “the fullness of him who fills all in all.” To understand what Paul is saying we need to see it from the perspective of the imagery of the body. The Lord God has given to the church various gifts and powers. Each of these gifts, personalities and powers represent something of God and His character. God has given to the church those who demonstrate His generosity and compassion. He also gives evangelists who reflect his passion for the lost. Teachers reveal His purpose for holiness. Others show us His power to heal. Others yet reveal Him as an all-knowing God by how He speaks so personally to us through them. As the body works together, each part reveals something of the fullness of God. Together we real to the world who this God is who fills us and whom the world cannot contain.
Chapter 2
Select Verse:
Verse 1
Paul begins the chapter by telling the Ephesians that they were dead in their trespasses and sin. Let’s break this down and examine its individual parts.
First consider the word tresspasses. The Greek word used here is παράπτωμα (paráptōma). It refers to weakness, mistakes or error. These shortcomings may not be intentional but the individual is still guilty as a result.
The word sin is ἁμαρτία (hamartía) and refers to anything that does not meet God’s standard. Sin may be intentional or unintentionally in nature.
Notice finally, the seriousness of these tresspasses and sins. This is reflected in the words, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins.” Our tresspasses and sins bring death.
The death Paul speaks of here is both physical and spiritual in nature. It is physical in the sense that sin brings physical sickness and death to us. God told Adam that because he sinned there would be a curse on the earth and that curse would being death.
Our trespasses and sin also brings spiritual death. They break all ties with God and the spiritual life He gives. As long as sin stands in the way, there can be no relationship with God. It is only through the forgiveness of this sin that we can know the life of the Spirit and the eternal life that is our inheritance.
Verse 2
Paul reminds the Ephesians that they were once dead in their tresspasses and sins. In fact, as those who were spirtually dead to God and His ways, they lived and walked in sin and transgression of God’s purpose. They knew no other way. Paul describes how the Ephesians walked prior to coming to know the life of God through Jesus Christ.
First, they followed the “course of this world.” The word Paul uses here for “course” is αἰών (aiṓn) which refers to an age or time. Each age or time has its characteristics. Paul seems to be referring here to the age of this world under the curse of sin and rebellion against God. The Ephesians were products of their age under rebellion and sin. They lived as everyone else, with no concern for God, doing what naturally came to them.
Second, they followed “the prince of the power of the air.” The Jews believed that demonic forces lived in the air, travelling to and fro. The prince or the ruler of these demonic forces was Satan.
Consider how Satan has influenced the media, government, advertising, entertainment and many other aspects of our world. How many people have been caught up in his evil purposes through these means. It is not likely that these individuals would declare themselves to be followers of Satan, but they have certainly been caught up in his ways.
Paul goes on to say that this demonic spirit of rebellion and death is still at work in “sons of disobedience.” The term “sons of disobedience” speaks of all who have never surrendered to Christ and His purpose. Paul tells those who have never bowed the knee to Jesus Christ that they are living in disobedience and will eventually pay the price for this.
Verse 3
The apostle Paul reminds the Ephesians that all of us once lived as “sons of disobedience” (verse 2).
Paul describes the life of the sons of disobedience here as one that lived in the passions of the flesh. That is to say, they sought to satisfy their fleshly desires and appetites with no regard for the purpose of God. Those desires and appetites were the passions and lusts of their eyes, heart, mind and body. If God is not our passion, the satisfaction of fleshly appetites will become our great temptation.
Paul reminded the Ephesians that, without God, their great passion in life was to “carrying out the desires of the body and the mind.” Those who do not know God live for this world, its pleasures, riches, comforts and satisfactions.
Notice one more detail here. Those who did not know God, were “by nature children of wrath.” Notice the phrase, “by nature children of wrath.” The words, “by nature,” are striking and imply that it is not so much what these individuals did or did not do that is in question here, but rather their nature. They were children of wrath because their nature was contrary to God and His purpose. If they were to be right with God, it was more than their actions that needed to change. They needed a whole new life and nature. They might be able to change their actions but only God could change their nature.
Paul concludes the verse by reminding the Ephesians that at one point, before they received a new nature in Christ, they were “like the rest of mankind.” They had been changed, however, and now the Spirit of God lived in them.
Verse 4
The Ephesians had at one time been “by nature children of wrath” under the judgment of God. Something happened, however, that changed their situation– God was “rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us.”
Consider what Paul has told us about the Ephesians and many like them.
First, they were “by nature, children of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3). That is to say, they had a nature that was contrary to God and His purpose.
Second, they followed the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). They were legally bound to Satan.
Third, they were dead (Ephesians 2:1). That is to say, they had no connection whatsoever to God. They did not know Him nor had they ever had a relationship with Him.
What obligation would you have to someone who was dead, married to another, completely uninterested in knowing you, and whose great desire in life was to keep following the passions of their heart without you getting involved in their life?
Despite this, however, verse 4 begins with the words, “but God,” indicating that while God had no obligation toward these individuals, He still chose to reach out.
Notice what motivated this reaching out – “God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us.” God’s love and mercy moved Him to do something about our condition.
Verse 5
Notice what God did for those who were dead in their trespasses and sin (2:1) and by nature children of wrath (2:3). Verse 5 tells us that He made them alive.
What is this life Paul speaks about here? Notice that he tells us that we were made “alive together with Christ.” The implication is that this life is in Christ and because of His work. It is a life that is so connected to Him that He literally becomes the life in us. In fact, Paul, writing to the Colossians put it this way:
4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. – Col 3:4
And writing to the Galatians he says:
20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Ga 2:20
In both of these verses, Paul describes the person of Christ as his life. We are made alive by means of the presence of Christ and His Spirit who live in us. The life we have is the life of Christ.
Paul goes on to tell us that we did nothing to deserve this life. According to the apostle it is “by grace you have been saved.” That is to say, it is the unmerited mercy and favour of God that reached out to you. He chose to give life to you when you did not know Him, and were living with a nature that was contrary to Him. You could not change that nature anymore than a pig could become a butterfly, but God did something wonderful and undeserved. He gave you a new nature, through the person of Jesus Christ.
Verse 6
Paul told the Ephesians in verse 5 that God made them alive in Christ. He goes on here to explain two more things that the Father did for them through the work of Christ.
First, He “raised us up with him.” How has God raised us with Christ? The word, “with” shows us that when Christ rose, we rose with Him.
In the context, Paul has been speaking about the Ephesians being dead in their sin but made alive in Christ. He has also been speaking about their promised eternal inheritance. To be raised up with Christ is likely connected to these two thoughts.
When the Lord Jesus was raised from the dead he accomplish two things. He gave new life to those who were spiritually separated from God because of their sin, and showed us that all who believe in Him will also conquer death and be raised on the last day. To be raised up with Christ then refers to the new life we were given and the hope of resurrection from the dead to enjoy our promised eternal inheritance.
Second, “He seated us with him in the heavenly places.” The idea here is that we have a place in heaven with Him. If I want to take an airplane and travel to a far away destination, I need to reserve a seat. The seat is bought and paid for and set apart for me. This is what is happening here. The Lord Jesus has bought and paid for our seat in heaven. It has been reserved for us and the day is coming when we will sit in that seat and fellowship with Him. This seat is reserved “in heavenly places” for all who belong to Jesus Christ.
Notice that Paul concludes the verse with the words “in Christ Jesus.” This shows us that all of these blessings are obtained in Him and apart from Him none of this would be possible.
Verse 7
God raised us up and seated us in heavenly places, according to Paul for a reason – “so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Consider several points here.
First, God wants to show us “immeasurable riches.” Consider the fact that we were dead in sin but given new life. Remember that we were sinners but Christ died for us. Imagine the countless blessings of heaven placed before us. Remember the innumerable blessings on this earth that you have received from His hand. This God certainly gives richly and abundantly.
Second, notice that God wants to show the immeasurable riches of His kindness to the world. Like an artist demonstrating a masterpiece, God is proud of the work of His Son. What happens when you see a masterpiece? You give praise to the artist. Ultimately, God shows us these immeasurable riches so that we will rejoice in Him and worship His name.
Third, notice the phrase “in the coming ages.” The phrase, coming ages, does not necessarily speak of a future time. The time from which Paul wrote this letter until now were, from his perspective, “coming ages.” From today until eternity, from our perspective are the “coming ages.”
It was the purpose of God to demonstrate the riches of His immeasurable grace and kindness to the world throughout all time. He wants the world to know His grace and kindness in and through His Son Jesus Christ. He wants the unbeliever to see His kindness in the work of Christ “toward us.” It is our obligation to make that grace known by our words and our life.
Verse 8
The apostle Paul make it clear that salvation is by grace through faith. Let’s break these words down to get a better understanding of what he is saying.
Paul speaks first about being saved. To understand what he means, we need to examine what he has been telling the Ephesians so far.
In Ephesians 2, the apostle told the Ephesians that they were dead in their tresspasses and sin (2:1). They were following the prince of the power of the air, that it to say, they were subjects to Satan (2:2). Finally, he told them that they were by nature children of wrath (2:3). All of this meant that sin and Satan had brought death, they were enemies to God and under his condemnation and there was nothing they could do about it. They needed a Saviour.
The apostle went on to tell the Ephesians in chapter 2 that God was merciful, made them alive (2:5), and seated them with Christ in heavenly places (2:6). He forgave their sin, rescued them from death and gave them an eternal inheritance in His presence. Salvation, in this context, is the act of God rescuing us from sin and death and giving us forgiveness, new life and an eternal hope through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
The second word Paul uses here in this verse is the word “grace.” Grace is unmerited favour. In other words, God saved us out of the goodness of His heart when we were completely unworthy of any action on our behalf. He reached out to us when we were at our worst. Nothing obliged Him to do this but He still chose to act in my favour.
Faith, is the next word Paul uses here. It refers to a belief and trust that leads to a commitment. In this case, it speaks of our belief in Jesus Christ and His work on our behalf. It is a trust in Him and His work alone for our salvation and a commitment to follow after Him.
Salvation then is an undeserved act of compassion and grace that creates belief, trust, and commitment in us, leading to forgiveness, new life, and an eternal inheritance.
The apostle tells the Ephesians something else about salvation here when he says: “this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”
Paul tells the Ephesians that they did nothing for their salvation. It was a gift of God from start to finish. Their new life, faith, forgiveness, and inheritance was completely undeserved and unmerited. All were gifts from God to them.
Verse 9
Paul reminds the Ephesians that their salvation was not a result of works. The word, “works” refers to anything that we would do in an attempt to deserve or merit our salvation. When an employee works, he is paid a salary as a reward for his or her efforts. Paul informs the Ephesians that this is not the case for salvation. Salvation is a gift and not a reward for anything we have done or deserved.
He goes on to say that this means that no one can boast. In other words, not one of us was worthy of salvation. When it comes to this matter of salvation, the only thing that counts is the work of Christ. God does not consider anything we have done or ever will do to be of any value in so far as our salvation is concerned. This places every believer on the same footing. No one is better than another, all have sinned and were under the condemnation of God. God, graciously reached out to us in our sin and rescued us. We were drowning in the sea of sin when the hand of God reached down to save us from certain death. We did nothing to save ourselves, God did everything. To Him alone belongs all the praise.
Verse 10
According to Paul, believers are the workmanship of God. The implication here is that God has done the work for our salvation. Beyond this, however, it is He who must also do the work of maturing us and shaping us into the image of His Son.
Notice that we were created in Christ Jesus. That is to say, it was by means of the work of Jesus Christ that we were given life.
Paul tells us that God worked in us so that we could do “good works.” It is important to note that we were created in Christ first before these good works were possible. In other words, we were not saved by good works but for good works. These good works are the result and purpose of our salvation.
Finally, notice that God prepared these good works “beforehand, that we should walk in them.” God prepared good works for us to do before we can’t to Him.. There is a task for every believer. God saves us, and equips us for a kingdom purpose. We all have a role to play. The challenge is for us to be open to letting God reveal that purpose and faithfully walk in it.
Verse 11
The apostle Paul speaks particularly here to Gentiles. A Gentile was a person who was not a Jew. Notice particularly that Paul speaks about “Gentiles in the flesh.” This is a reference to the practice of circumcision which was a Jewish tradition and requirement. In the Jewish mindset, circumcision was a sign of their covenant relationship with God.
The apostle tells us here that Gentiles were also called “the uncircumcision,” in reference to the fact that they did not carry on their flesh the physical sign of a covenant relationship with God. On the other hand, Jews spoke of themselves as the “the circumcision,” or the circumcised ones.
Notice that the apostle concludes the verse with the words, “which is made in the flesh by hands.” All this talk about the circumcised and the uncircumcised, the Jew and the Gentile, referred to a simple procedure made with human hands. In other word, the division between Jew and Gentile was all about the cutting off of the foreskin.
Verse 12
Paul continues his discussion about the Gentiles here. Let’s take a moment to see what he says about them.
First, they were “at that time separated from Christ.” The Jews were the chosen people of God. He chose to reveal Himself to them and work in their nation. Up until the days of Paul, even the Jews who came to Christ were uncertain if the Gentile could be saved. For the most part, the Gentile had not yet come to Christ nor had the church accepted that it was even a possiblity that a Gentile could be a Christian. The Gospel was going out only in those early days to Jews alone.
19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. – Ac 11:19
Second, the Gentiles were “alienated from the commonwealth of Israel.” God chose to work in the nation of Israel. He rose up prophets and kings for the nation. They were a people under God and connected to Him by means of a covenant. God’s particular blessing was upon the Israelite nation. He revealed His presence to them and chose to bless and protect them as His chosen people. Foreign Gentiles lived in the dark in so far as God was concerned. Many of them had never heard of the God of Israel nor did they experience His presence and blessings as the nation of Israel had experienced. The Gentiles did not have the same rights and privileges as the people of Israel, they were strangers to God and His covenant blessings.
Paul tells us finally that these Gentiles had “no hope” and were “without God in the world.” That is to say, they had no understanding of the salvation of God or hope of forgiveness. They lived in spiritual death and darkness.
Verse 13
The Gentiles were strangers to the covenant God made with the Israelites. Paul tells us that the Gentiles “once were far off.” In other words they were separated from God and His blessings.
All this changed when the Lord Jesus came. The door was opened for the salvation of the “uncircumcised” Gentile. They were “brought near by the blood of Christ.” Salvation was no longer just for the Jewish nation, but also for the rest of the world. The blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, was for people of every nation, and language. From that time forward, the Gospel has been going to every nation. People of every language and tribe are coming to know and experience the salvation of God.
Verse 14
Paul teaches the Ephesians that this “dividing wall of hostility” between Jews and Gentiles was “broken down” in the flesh of Jesus Christ.
In the Jewish mind, and religion, the Gentile was unclean. They would not enter a Gentile home nor would they allow a Gentile into their place of worship. Jews were not permitted to marry Gentiles. It was unimaginable that a Gentile could experience the salvation of God. A “wall of hostility” separated the Jew from the Gentile.
That wall was broken down, according to Paul, “in his flesh.” That is to say, when Christ died on the cross, He died not just for the Jewish nation but also for Gentile nations. His death opened the door for forgiveness for people of every tribe, language and nation.
Paul tells the Ephesians that Christ became our peace. This peace was two-fold. First, it restored our relationship with God. Second, it restored the relationship between Jew and Gentile and placed them both under one God and Saviour.
Verse 15
Paul has just told the Ephesians that the Lord Jesus broke down the wall of division between the circumcised Jews and the uncircumcised Gentiles. He goes on here to tell us how He did this – “by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances.”
According to Paul, Jesus abolished the “law of commandments.” The word for abolished here is καταργέω (katargéō). It comes from the root word argéō which means to be idle. The word katargéō means to make something inactive or of no more use.
The commandments Paul refers to here are those given to the Jewish nation. What Paul is telling us is that Jesus made these commandments of no more use as far as salvation is concerned. Consider the thief on the cross beside Jesus. He had disobeyed the command of God and hung on the cross to die as a result. Jesus told him, however, that he would be with Him in paradise. His disobedience of the commandment of God did not keep Him from heaven. Obeying the commandments of God are not the key to the door of heaven. Paul tells us that salvation is by grace through faith in what Jesus has done on the cross.
The principles of the Old Testament laws and commandments still have much to teach us about God and His purpose but they will not save us from our sin. The Law of Moses has no power to save our soul. Only Jesus can do that.
Notice also that these commandments were “expressed in ordinances.” The word translated ordinances is δόγμα (dógma). This same word is used by Paul in Colossians 2:14 when he told the Colossians what the work of Jesus did:
14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. – Col 2:13-14
The King James Version translates the phrase “record of debt” by the words “the handwriting of ordinances.” The ordinances here were the record of our debt to God.
Paul uses the Greek word “dógma” once again in Colossians 2:20 when he said:
20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations – Col 2:20
The word translated “regulations” is the Greek word “dógma.”
What Paul seems to be saying to the Ephesians when he tells them that the law of commandments was expressed in ordinances is that these laws of God were expressed as regulations and rules for God’s people to follow.
Paul reminds us, however, that those who belong to Jesus Christ are no longer under the old way of the Law. Christianity is not about a series of written ordinances we must follow but about new life and forgiveness in the person of Jesus Christ.
This “abolishing” of the law of commandments and ordinances, according to Paul created “one new man in place of the two.” In other words, it brought Jews and Gentiles together in one family under Christ. The work of Jesus is for every nation. The Jew and the Gentile can both experience salvation in Christ and live in peace with God as brothers and sisters.
Verse 16
Through the work of Jesus on the cross the Father reconciles “us both to God in one body.” There is no more division between Jews and Gentiles under Christ. At one time there was a great wall separating the two people. The cross of Christ abolishes that division and kills “the hostility” between them.
Prior to Paul’s day it was unthinkable that the Jew and the Gentile could worship together. In fact, it took the early church years to truly accept that Gentiles could be equal partners in salvation. The work of Jesus unites all who believe, regardless of nationality in one body under Him.
Verse 17
Paul has been speaking about the Lord Jesus and how He has united both Jew and Gentile in His death. Here in this verse he tells the Ephesians that Christ preached peace to those who were far off and to those who were near.
Consider first the preaching of peace. This preaching of peace refers to the message Jesus brought.
Writing in Ephesians 2:14 the apostle said about Jesus:
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility – Ep 2:14
He repeats much that same thing in Ephesians 2:16 when he says about the work of Jesus:
16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. – Ep 2:16
The message Jesus preached then was a message of reconciliation with God and the breaking down of the barrier between Jew and Gentile through His work on the cross.
This message of peace went to two different people groups. First, it went to those who were “far off.” The words far off can be taken in two ways. They can refer to the geographical distance from the nation of Israel, or to the relationship these individuals had with God. The reference to those who are far off likely refers to the Gentile nations around the world who were geographically distant from Israel and who had never even heard of her God. This message of peace was intended for the whole world.
The second group mentioned here is “those who were near.” It is generally agreed that this refers to the people of Israel. Their nation was the centre of God’s activity. They were in a covenant relationship with God and knew His presence among them. This message of peace with God was for them as well.
Verse 18
Paul reminds the Ephesians of the result of Christ’s work on the cross. Through His work, we have access to the Father through the Spirit. Notice all three members of the Trinity here.
The work of Jesus brought forgiveness and pardon for sin. He died on the cross taking our penalty upon Himself, granting us access to the Father.
The work of the Spirt is to apply this pardon to our lives. It is by means of His work that our eyes were opened and salvation applied.
The goal of what Christ and the Spirit do is to bring us to the Father. That is to say, to restore our relationship with God and bring peace and fellowship with God the Father.
Verse 19
Because of the work of the Lord Jesus on the cross, the application of that work by the Spirit to our lives, and the grace of Father in accepting us, we are “no longer strangers and aliens.”
Before coming to faith in Christ, we were strangers to God. We had no relationship with Him and would be eternally separted from Him. The work of Jesus Christ changed all this. We who were stangers to Christ, have now become “fellow citizens with the saints.”
This citizenship is in the eternal kingdom of God. As members of this kingdom, we have a relationship with God, forgiveness of sin, and an eternal inheritance with all those who love and worship the Father. There in that kingdom we will rejoice with our brothers and sisters in Christ and delight for all eternity in His presence and blessing.
Paul tells that Ephesians that they were not only fellow citizens with the saints but more than that, they were “members of the household of God.” In this world it is possible to be a citizen in a country but not a member of the king’s family. While a citizen has his rights and privileges, the family member enjoys greater intimacy and connection with the leader of that country. Paul is telling the Ephesians that through the work of Christ, they were not just citizens of the kingdom of God, but were brought into the very family of God to enjoy His presence and fellowship.
Verse 20
Paul has two things to say here about the kingdom to which believers now belonged.
First, the kingdom was built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. This is to say, it was built on their teaching. As apostles and prophets, they were inspired by God in what they taught. Their words have been recorded for us in the pages of Scripture. The kingdom of God is founded on the Word of God as spoken by the prophets and apostles.
Second, Christ Jesus was the cornerstone. The cornerstone was the first stone to be laid in the foundation. Once set in place, every measurement would be taken from it. To assure that the foundation was level, it would be compared to this cornerstone. The length and width and height of the building would be determined from this stone. The builder would constantly refer to this cornerstone as he laid the foundation. Jesus is compared to that cornerstone. He is the measure of what God requires. If we want to know if we are walking in righteousness, we must look back to Jesus and His example. If we want to understand the purpose of God, we must once again consider Jesus, His teaching and His example. He is the measure of all that is right, good and holy. Any foundation that is built without referencing Him will surely crumble.
Verse 21
Paul continues his example of Jesus being the cornerstone from verse 20. Notice how he tells us that it is from this cornerstone, that the whole structure is built and joined together (see note on verse 20). He is the example and measurement of all that is right, good and holy.
With this cornerstone securely in place, the “whole structure” would be joined together and “grow into a holy temple in the Lord.” This “holy temple” is a reference to the church of Jesus Christ with its various members. Each member is a brick in this temple. Each brick is joined to another to form the whole. The purpose of this temple is for the praise and glory of God.
Verse 22
Paul has been comparing the church of Jesus Christ to a great temple being built for the glory of God.
He tells us that in Christ Jesus we are “being built.” No building can be complete unless all the various parts are put together. According to Paul the church is still “being built.” That is to say, there are still many people who need to come to Christ and be added to this great structure called the church. God’s work is not yet complete.
Second, Paul tells the Ephesians that the structure is “being built together.” The word translated built together is one Greek word. The word συνοικοδομέω (sunoikodoméō) is comprised of two root words, sún, meaning, together, and oikodoméō, meaning to build. God is joining various pieces together to form a unified structure. Each piece has a place and role to play. Each brick is specifically laid in its proper place.
This magnificent structure is being built as a “dwelling place for God.” In other words, God chooses to dwell in the midst of His people and be surrounded by their praise and grateful service. With His presence, of course, comes His protection and love.
This great work of God is being accomplished “by the Spirit.” It is the Spirit of God who is moving in the hearts and lives of His people. He applies the salvation of Christ to their hearts and transforms them so that they can be added to the temple. He equips each of them for their role in that temple and gifts them for service to their God.
Chapter 3
Select Verse:
Verse 1
Paul tells us two details about himself in this verse.
First, he is a prisoner of Jesus Christ. Notice that he was not just a prisoner. He was a prisoner of Jesus Christ. It is not that Jesus was holding him as prisoner. The apostle was a prisoner because of the message he preached about Jesus. He was a prisoner because of his devotion to Jesus and the work to which He called him.
Second, Paul was a prisoner on behalf of the Gentiles. That is to say, it was because of his passion to carry the message of the Gospel to the Gentile world that Paul was put in prison.
Verse 2
The apostle assumes that the Ephesians had heard of the stewardship of grace God given to him. He is saying something like this: I am assuming that you have heard of the stewardship God has given me. Notice three details here.
First, this was a stewardship of God’s grace. The Greek word οἰκονομία (oikonomía) refers to a manager of a household. In this case Paul is a manager of God’s grace. God wanted to pour out His grace on Gentile nations and it would be through the preaching of Paul, that this grace would be showered on them. Paul was aware that God had called Him and given him an obligation to share His grace. This was a responsibility Paul took seriously.
Second, this stewardship was given to Paul. God chose to share this grace and salvation through the preaching of the messages of Paul and his interactions with the Gentile community. Like Paul, we are the channels through which the Lord Jesus imparts grace and salvation to those around us. He uses us to preach the message of salvation. He uses us to provide for the needs of neighbours and friends. His grace pours through you and me to the world.
The stewardship of grace that God gave to Paul was for the Gentiles. This was not to say that Paul was not also used to bring Jews to the Lord, but his primary calling was to share the grace of God with Gentiles. God gives us a stewardship of grace in various areas. Not only does He give us gifts, but He also calls us to a particular role in demonstrating that grace for the sake of His kingdom.
Verse 3
Paul has been speaking about the stewardship that God had given him to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentile community. Here in verse 3 he tells us how he came to know this Gospel message.
Notice first how Paul speaks of the mystery that was made known to him. He speaks of this in chapter 1 when he said:
9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. – Ep 1:9-10
The mystery spoken of in Ephesians 1 is described as God’s purpose “set forth in Christ” which would “unite all things in Him.” In other words it was God’s purpose of salvation though His Son.
Paul lays out this “mystery” in point form when he writes to Timothy:
16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:
- He was manifested in the flesh,
- vindicated by the Spirit,
- seen by angels,
- proclaimed among the nations,
- believed on in the world,
- taken up in glory. – 1Ti 3:16
The mystery that Paul was given as a stewardship, was the message of Jesus Christ become flesh, raised from the dead, proclaimed as Saviour in the world and taken up to reign with the Father. This is the message of the Gospel.
Why was this Gospel called a mystery? It was a mystery to many prior to Paul. The Jews understood there would be a Messiah, but they did not understand the true nature of His work. They understood that He would come to save, but they did not know how that salvation would be procured.
This mystery, was made known to Paul by revelation. In other words, God revealed Christ to Him personally. We are not told here in the passage how that revelation came to Paul. What it clear, however, is that Paul had a very powerful encounter with the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus. His world was turned upside down as a result of that encounter with the resurrected Lord. He came away from those days with a transformed life and and understanding of the stewardship given to him by God.
Paul tells the Ephesians in concluding this verse that he had written briefly on this matter already. He may be referring to what he told them about this mystery in Ephesians 1:9-10.
Verse 4
As we read the first two chapters of the epistle of Paul to the Ephesians, we discover that he speaks much about God’s purpose of salvation through Christ for the world. In fact, the first two chapters are devoted to this teaching. Paul told the Ephesians that God made this mysterious Gospel known to him by means of a revelation.
This is an important statement. It shows us that what Paul wrote in those days, was not his own thoughts or understanding. These truths were revealed to Him by God. They are reliable because they come from God and are not the inventions of human thought or philosophy. It was the privilege of Paul to be able to share that revelation with all who would listen.
Verse 5
The mystery of Christ and His salvation was not just made known to Paul but also to men who lived long before Him in previous generations. While these generations did not have as full an understanding as those who lived after the death of Christ, they still prophesied of His coming and work. Great prophets of old, predicted even the smallest details of Christ’s life and ministry. The tabernacle, its implements, its requirements all pointed forward to this coming Lord and Saviour. Every Jew know that the Messiah was going to come to bring salvation. Admittedly, many did not accept Him when He came, but the Spirit of God spoke through the prophets about Him.
Just as God spoke to the Old Testament Jews and revealed to them that the Messiah was coming, so He spoke to the apostles and prophets of the New Testament about Jesus as the Messiah. Paul was not the only one to receive this revelation. Other men of God in His day confirmed and attested to the truth he had heard from the Spirit of God.
Verse 6
The apostle tells us clearly here that the mystery that was revealed to Him what that the Gentiles were fellow heirs with the Jews in salvation. That it so say, God’s plan was to reach the whole world with the message of forgiveness through the work of His Son. Paul says three things about the mysterious purpose of God here.
First, that Gentiles “are fellow heirs.” That it to say, they can become children of God along side of the Jews and heirs to an eternal inheritance in heaven.
Second, the Gentiles are “members of the same body” as the Jews. As members of equal standing, they have the same rights and privileges as the Jews in regards to salvation and walk with God. Through the death of the Lord Jesus, this distinction between Jews and Gentile is no more. All who accept God’s Son are members of the same body.
Third, the Gentiles were “partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” What is the promise in Christ? It is the promise of forgiveness of sins and eternal live in His presence. The Gentile and the Jew both have access to these promises.
These were radical statements for the day. It would have been blasphemous for Paul to speak this way in the Jewish mind. The Gentile was unclean and unworthy of salvation in their mind. The Jews would not allow a Gentile into the temple to worship. To do so was a sin worthy of death.
In Christ, according to Paul, however, all of this changed. People from all nations, denominations and languages will populate the shores of heaven. The poor and the rich, young and old, popular and outcast all will partake in the wonderful pardon and privilege of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Verse 7
Paul tells the Ephesians that he was made a minister of the Gospel that brought the Gentiles to salvation through Jesus Christ. He has two things to say here about this calling and stewardship.
First, he was made a minister of this gospel “according to the gift of God’s grace.” Remember that the apostle Paul was a persecutor of the church. He actively sought out Christians and attempted to make them blaspheme the name of Christ.
11 And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities. – Ac 26:11
At one point in his life Paul was the greatest enemy to Christians. What would it take to change him into Christianity’s greatest ambassador? What would it take for Him to be forgiven of all his sin? Nothing but the gift of God’s grace showered upon Him. This is what Paul is telling the Ephesians. It was the gift of God’s wonderful grace that took a blasphemer and hater of Jesus Christ and made him a minister of the Gospel.
Second, this gift of God’s grace was given to Paul “by the working of his power.” It was the power of God that stopped Paul on his route to Damascus. It was the power of God that changed the bitterness in his heart toward Christians into love. It was the power of God that humbled him and empowered him in service. Nothing but the power of God working through grace could bring about these changes in his life. Paul testifies here to the grace and power of God to transform even the hardest heart.
Verse 8
As the apostle Paul looked back on his life, he saw how wrong he had been. He was aware of the pride of his heart and the hatred that fed his mission to remove Christians from the earth.
In response to this past, Paul sees himself as the “least of all the saints.” The word Paul uses here is ἐλαχιστότερος (elachistóteros) literally meaning less than the least. The apostle never forgot how he had persecuted believers in his early years. While God had forgiven him, somehow the apostle lived with the shame of his attitude and actions in those days. The realization of his sin, however, did not stop Him from accepting God’s call and serving His Lord with all his heart.
Paul accepted the call of God, (as unworthy as he knew he was), to preach to the Gentiles, “the unsearchable riches of Christ.” Understand here that Paul was forgiven much. He knew how unworthy of Christ’s pardon he was. He had become a leader in the persecution of the church. He watched as Stephen was stoned to death for preaching this very gospel.
If there was anyone in those days who understood the “unsearchable riches” of Christ’s mercy and grace, it was Paul. The worst enemy of the Church was fully pardoned. Not one of his sins would be held against him. For the rest of his life, the apostle would preach about these unsearchable riches.
Verse 9
It was the calling of Paul to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ and to “bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things.”
First, Paul’s calling was to bring God’s plan “to light for everyone.” This plan of God for the world, had not been revealed to everyone. There were many who had never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ and were living in darkness. It was the passion of the apostle, to reveal God’s purpose through Jesus Christ to everyone possible.
The plan of God had been a “mystery hidden from ages in God.” Prophets spoke about the Messiah who was to come, but no one knew the details of when He would come, or what His mission from the Father really was. God alone knew this plan and purpose.
Finally, Paul reminds the Ephesians that this was the plan of God from ages past. In other words, it was the plan of an all-powerful, awesome God of grace who created the world and everything in it. That plan was for you and me. The great creator has compassion and mercy on us. This was too marvellous to comprehend in the mind of Paul.
Verse 10
It was the call of God on the life of Paul to bring to light the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ (see verse 9). There were many reasons why God had called him to bring this mystery to light. Paul declares one of those reasons here in verse 10.
It was the purpose of God to make His plan of salvation known through that church, so that His wisdom would be revealed to rulers in heavenly places. Let’s break this down to examine what Paul is saying.
First, notice the words, “so that through the church.” God intention was to bring the gospel to light so that those who received it could become part of His church. More than this, however, the words, “so that through the church,” imply that God has a purpose for His people.
Second, the purpose of God for the church is declared in the words, “the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known.” The church is comprised of people from all ages, nationalities and languages. Each member has been forgiven through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. They are indwelt by the Spirit of God and are being transformed by His inner work. Through this multinational, and diverse group of people the purpose of God is being fulfilled and the kingdom of Satan challenged. Paul tells the Ephesians that the church reveals the manifold wisdom of God.
The word “manifold” in the original Greek is πολυποίκιλος (polupoíkilos) It come from the word polús, meaning much, and poikílos, meaning diverse. The general sense of the word “manifold” then is varied and multifacited.
The word wisdom, generally refers to the skill of living life but also refers to ones ability to manage the affairs of life with skill and competency. What Paul seems to be saying here is that the church reveals the diversity of God’s skill in managing and orchestrating the affairs of life in the expansion of His kingdom.
Consider how the Lord has orchestrated the events of your life. How he opened your heart to the message of the gospel. How he brings people and circumstances together for your good and His glory. Consider how every believer down through the ages has a testimony of God’s incredible work in their lives. Consider how God uses you to do what you could never do in the flesh. Consider how He has been transforming your life and shaping you into the image of His son. What He is doing in you, He is doing in billions of people from various nations and cultures around the world. I suppose if we could look back from the perspective of heaven and understand the incredible way in which God put all these pieces together, we would be overwhelmed simply by what He did in our own lives. God is working out His purpose through the church with a wisdom that is beyond anything we could ever imagine.
Finally, notice how Paul tells us that through the church, God is revealing His manifold wisdom to “rulers and authorities in heavenly places.”
Many commentators believe that these rulers and authorities are angelic beings. Remember that not all angelic beings serve the Lord. Satan and his angels are demonic and opposed God and His kingdom. Understand here that God is using you and me as members of the church, to reveal His wisdom to all angelic beings whether they be evil or good. He is showing them what He can do through pardoned sinners. He is building His kingdom to the amazement of the demonic forces of hell and the angelic hosts of heaven. They marvel at the wisdom that has built the church, broke the power of sin, and established the kingdom of God.
Verse 11
Notice here that the purpose of God for the church was an “eternal purpose.” This is to say that it was before the creation of the earth in eternity past. Before there was a need, God had the solution to the need. More than this, however, when Paul speaks of the eternal purpose of God, he also speaks of the future. This eternal purpose has no end. Forever and ever, the plan of God will be unfolded in our lives. This plan is from eternity past into eternity future. There is nothing more secure and trustworthy.
This purpose of God for the church, is being “realized in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The Lord Jesus is at the very centre of this purpose of God for the church. Without Him and His work this purpose would not be unfolded. His death and resurrection made the kingdom possible.
Verse 12
Paul reminds the Ephesians here about their access to God through the work of Jesus Christ.
He tells them first, that they have “boldness.” Consider what took place in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve sinned. Genesis tells us that they hid from God because they were afraid. Sin and disobedience brings fear. What sinner can stand before a holy God without fear? All of this changed, however, when the Lord Jesus paid for our sins on the cross. With our sins forgiven, we were given access to the Father without condemnation and judgement.
Paul goes on to tell the Ephesians that because of the work of Jesus, we can have access with “confidence.” If our salvation were based on our own works, we would never have confidence. We have all met people who are uncertain of their salvation because they are not sure if they were good enough. The Lord Jesus changes this also. Our salvation is not based on our efforts, but on His final work. He paid the price in full. Because our salvation is based on Christ’s work, it cannot fail. We can stand before the Father with great confidence because Jesus paid what we could not pay.
Finally, Paul tells us that we have access to God “through faith in Him,” that is, in Jesus. The faith referred to here is a complete confidence in what He has done for us. When it comes to our salvation and assurance of access to God, there is only one place we can look, and that is to Jesus. If we look to ourselves or our efforts, we will fall short. Where is your assurance of access to God? It is in the Lord Jesus. We trust by faith in what He has done alone.
Verse 13
Paul has reminded the Ephesians of the wisdom of God in salvation and the establishment of His church. This wisdom was to the amazement of rulers in heavenly places. Paul now goes on to tell them not to lose heart over what he, as an apostle, was suffering for them.
Remember that God had called Paul to share the message of the gospel with the Gentiles. The preaching of that message brought many to Christ but it also caused him to be stoned, cast out of cities, persecuted and ultimately imprisoned. Paul suffered greatly to bring the message of Jesus Christ to the Gentile community.
The apoatle tells the Ephesians, however, that the God of all wisdom was still in control. There was no reason for them to lose heart. Whatever happened would work out for good in the purpose of God. Paul trusted the Lord in His circumstance. He challenges the Ephesians to do the same.
Notice finally, how the apostle told the Ephesians that his suffering for them was their glory. Being thrown in prison is generally a shameful thing. But consider the cause of Paul’s imprisonment –his faithfulness in preaching the gospel. Paul was not ashamed of his imprisonment. Nor should the Ephesians be ashamed of what he suffered so that they could hear that good new of Jesus Christ. In fact it was a glorious thing to suffer for the Lord Jesus.
The word glory, speaks of honour. What Paul is telling the Ephesians it that it was to their honour that he was suffering. He was willing to go to prison to get the message of salvation to them. Instead of feeling shame for Paul in prison, they were to feel honoured that he would willingly risk his life to bring them the message of hope and salvation in Jesus Christ.
Verse 14
Paul begins verse 14 with the words, “for this reason.” These words refer to what he has just told the Ephesians in the preceding verses. In verse 7, he explained that he had been made a minister of the Gospel by God’s grace. As a minister of the Gospel, he was chosen to bring light to the Gentiles so that as they became part of the church of Jesus Christ. He also told them how the wisdom of God was being revealed to rulers in heavenly places (verses 9-10). He showed them that because of Jesus and His work on the cross, they had bold and confident access to the Father (verse 11).
For these reasons, Paul bowed the knee before the Father. That is to say, he worshipped and gave thanks to the Father for the work of His Son, and for calling him to be a minister on His behalf.
Verse 15
Paul told the Ephesians that it is from the Father that every family on heaven and earth is named. We should not limit the use of the word “family” to a mother, father and children. The term can also refer to any group of people with a common cause or purpose. A nation is a family of people with a common country. A church is a family with a common Saviour and Lord.
There is some debate over what Paul means when he speaks of every family being named. A name is an identification given to a person, family or nation when they are born, and distinguishes them from all other people.
When Paul speaks of families receiving a name, he speaks about the time of their birth. In other words, Paul is telling the Ephesians that God is the one who brought all families in heaven into being. He is their creator and Lord. It is by His power and will that they came into being and received a name and unique identity.
Verse 16
Paul tells the Ephesians here that he bowed the knee to God on their behalf. To bow the knee in this sense refers to petitioning God and pleading with God for them and their good. Notice what Paul requests from God for the Ephesian church.
First, he prays that God would bless, “according to the riches of his glory.” The apostle recognizes that God was was the source of infinite riches. He come to Him an behalf of the Ephesians petitioning Him on their behalf..
Second, Paul prays that God would strengthen the Ephesians with power. The word δύναμις (dúnamis) refers to strength, ability and capacity to achieve. Paul did not want to see the Ephesians failing to walk with God. To walk in victory, they needed the power of God.
Third, notice the source of the power to live the Christian life — “through his Spirit.” The power we need is in the person of the Holy Spirit. The power Paul prays for the Ephesians was not in them and their natural ability. It was the power of the Holy Spirit they needed to live and serve as God intended.
Finally, notice what Paul says about the Holy Spirit in the words, “his Spirit in your inner being.” The Spirit of God, as the source of power, lived in the Ephesians. If the Spirit of God already lived in the Ephesians, why then would Paul need to petition God to give them strength. The answer lies in the fact that while the Spirit of God lives in every believer, not every believer relies on the Spirit of God. Instead, many seek to live in their own strength and wisdom. Paul’s prayer is that God would teach the Ephesians to tap into the source of power that God had already placed in them as His children.
Verse 17
Paul has been telling the Ephesians about his prayer for them. He prayed that the Lord God would strengthen them with power through the Spirit (verse 16). In this verse the apostle shares with the Ephesians what the result of the Spirit’s power in their lives would be.
First notice the phrase, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” What is the work of the Spirit in the believer? His first work is to introduce us to Jesus Christ. Any work of the Spirit will have Jesus Christ as the central focus. He not only introduces us to Jesus Christ, but it is also His purpose to prepare our heart so that Christ may dwell there as Lord. He does this by giving us faith in the work and word of Jesus. Paul prayed that the Lord would strengthen the believers in Ephesus through the Spirit so that they would know the presence of Jesus in their hearts by faith.
The second great work of God’s Spirit is found in the phrase, “that you, being rooted and grounded in love.” Where the Spirit of God is given freedom, love will reign. It is the heart of God that His children love. Jesus told us that the greatest commandment was to love God and our neighbour as ourselves (see Luke 10:27).
Notice that Paul prayed that the Ephesins would be “rooted and grounded in love.” This shows us just how important love is. When a plants roots are solidly anchored in the ground it is able then to produce fruit. This is the work of God’s Spirit in our lives. He wants to break away bitterness, envy, strife and anger. He chips away at jealousy and opens our hearts to forgive. These are things that do not come naturally to us but when the Spirit of God works in us, He breaks these barriers to love and sets us free to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and our neighbour as ourselves (see Luke 10:27).
Verse 18
Paul continues his thought from verse 17. There he told the Ephesians that the Holy Spirit would fill their hearts with love. Here in verse 18, he takes this a step further and tells us that the Spirit of God will also give them strength to comprehend the love of Christ.
The word comprehend is καταλαμβάνω (katalambánō). The word has the sense of taking hold of something. We have an example of this in Mark 9:18 where Mark records what took place when an evil spirit took possession of a young man. Notice the word “seize” in this verse:
18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” – Mk 9:18
The word translated, comprehend in Ephesians 3:18 is a strong word. Paul’s prayer is that the Ephesians be overcome by the vastness of the love of God and that this love would take possession or “seize” every part of them.
Verse 19
Paul’s prayer in verse 18 was that the Ephesians comprehend or be overcome by the vastness of God’s love. Here in verse 19 he prays that they would “know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.” The word translated, “know” is γινώσκω (ginṓskō). This word speaks about receiving knowledge or understanding. In verse 18, Paul spoke about the Ephesians being overwhelmed with the experience of God’s great love. Here he speaks about their knowledge of the truth of God’s love. He qualifies this, however, with the fact that this love “surpasses knowledge.” This immediately brings up the question: How can I know the love of God if it surpasses knowledge?
Paul speaks here about the experience and knowledge of God’s love. Both of these realities are important. There are times when we need to experience the love of God in a deep way in our lives. All of us, however, have gone through times of dryness in our spiritual lives. For years I struggled with depression and did not feel the love of God in my life. What carried me through those times was the knowledge of God’s love as a truth that does not change with my feelings and emotions.
The Christian life is not all truth and no experience. Nor is it all experience and no truth. Both truth and experience must walk hand in hand. It is when the truth we believe is also our experience that we can truly be “filled with all the fullness of God.”
Verse 20
After speaking about the power and love of God, the apostle is moved to praise and thanksgiving in verses 20-21.
He begins here by recognizing that the Lord Jesus Christ is “able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.” Consider two details in this regard.
First, understand the limitations of our human body and mind. As human beings there is only so much we can do. I would venture to say that there is also only so much we can imagine. Paul tells us here that God is able to do “far more abundantly” than we could “think.” What is hopeless to us, is not with God. What is impossible to us, is not so with God. There is no limit to what God can do.
Second, consider also that Paul tells us that God can do “far more abundantly” than we could “ask.” The assumption is that we will be asking God for His favour and blessing. This makes what Paul says here very personal. It is not just that we have a God who is able to do great and marvellous things, it is that this God is able to do these things for me when I ask Him. This is not an invitation to satisfy our sinful lusts and greed. It is, however, an invitation to seek His favour, provision and blessing on the work He has given us to do. It is an invitation to be bold in our requests for His glory.
Notice what Paul tells us about this power of God. It is “at work within us.” The power of God that is able to do more than we could ever ask or think is already working in our lives. The very presence of the Spirit of God is in us, transforming and enabling us to do the will of the Father. The apostle John put it this way:
4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. – 1Jn 4:4
The power at work in us is greater than Satan and the powers at work in this world combined. Paul explodes in thanksgiving to God for this reality in His life. It is also the reality for every child of God.
Verse 21
Paul begins this section from verse 14-20 by telling the Ephesians that he bowed the knee to the Father:
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father. – Ep 3:14
He concludes the section by telling us that this heavenly Father, whose power is beyond anything we could ever imagine, is worthy of all glory and praise. Notice how the apostle expresses this here in verse 21:
First, he tells us that the Father is to be glorified “in the church.” Those who are the recipients of this power and love are to lift up the name of the Father. He is to be worshipped, and adored for His great power and majesty. We do this not only in our corporate worship but in our private lives as members of the body of Christ.
Not only is the Father glorified in the church, but He is also glorified in His Son Jesus Christ. The work of the Lord Jesus brought forgiveness and pardon to His people. They were restored to the Father through His death on the cross. The life and work of the Son continues to bring great glory to the Father as countless souls are rescued from sin and brought into His kingdom.
It was the cry of Paul’s heart that throughout all generations on this earth and forever in eternity, the Father be honoured and glorified for the mercy and purpose toward those who did not deserve His forgiveness and power.
Chapter 4
Select Verse:
Verse 1
Paul declares himself to be a prisoner for the Lord. His crime was walking with the Lord and serving Him. He demonstrates that walking with the Lord will not always be easy or acceptable in the eyes of this world.
The apostle challenges the Ephesians to walk worthy of their calling as well. Their calling was to be sons and daughters of the King of kings. They had been called to be followers of the Lord Jesus. This required obedience, faithfulness and devotion to the one who had died for their forgiveness and eternal life.
Paul does not say that the Ephesians were worthy of their calling, for all of us are unworthty of the salvation and the promised inheritance. Despite their unworthiness, God reached out to them in His grace to save them. Their only acceptable response to that offer of grace was to love and serve Him with all their heart.
Verse 2
Paul challenged the Ephesians in verse 1 to walk worthy of thier calling. He goes on to explain what he means here in verse 2. He lays out four qualities they were to cultivate in their lives as those called to be children of God.
The first quality they were to demonstrate was “humility.” The word ταπεινοφροσύνη (tapeinophrosúnē) refers to seeing ourselves as small. This does not mean that we belittle ourselves but rather that we have a proper understanding of who we are and do not see ourselves as being bigger or more important than we really are. Pride will lead us into many sins. Developing a proper understanding of who we are will keep us from falling into pride.
The second quality Paul mentions is “gentleness.” The word used here is πραότης (praótēs). It refers to an ability to calmly accept the circumstances that God brings our way. The gentle person is not constantly fighting with God but willingly submits to His purpose.
Thirdly, Paul encourages the Ephesians to walk “with patience.” The Greek word, μακροθυμία (makrothumía) described the ability to control one’s passions and emotions without lashing out or responding inappropriately. That inappropriate response may be in words, thoughts, or deeds.
Finally, the apostle speaks of “bearing with one another in love.” The word ἀνέχω (anéchō) literally means to hold up or to hold back. The idea is to support and keep another person from falling. The implication here is that each believer has an obligation toward his or her brother and sister.
Verse 3
The apostle shares yet another quality of the person who walks in a manner worthy of his or her calling. Such a person is, according to the apostle, “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Notice first the word “eager.” To be eager is to be motivated and disciplined.
The eagerness Paul speaks about here relates a desire “to maintain the unity of the Spirit.” That is to say, the oneness of believers in purpose and love for Christ and each other. Notice that the apostle describes it as the “unity of the Spirit.” In other words, it is the work of the Spirit to bring this harmony of God’s children in service, devotion and worship. It is the responsibility of each believer to maintain that unity by standing with each other, accepting each other, and forgiving offenses.
Paul tells the Ephesians finally that they were to maintain this unity of the Spirit “in the bond of peace.” The idea is that believers are bound together by peace. The peace referred to here is a peace with God that results in a peace with each other. Paul tells the Ephesians that they were to be eager to maintain this peace. The implication is that there to be disciplined and diligent in this matter.
The apostles shows us that maintaining peace is very important. The testimony of the church has often been damaged because this peace between brothers and sisters has been broken. The work of the church suffers because believers are unwilling or unable to live together in peace. If we are to walk in a manner worthy of our calling we must be eager to maintain the unity of the body of Christ and its peace.
Verse 4
Paul has been challenging believers to walk worthy of their calling. They were to do this by maintaining the unity of the body of Christ. He reminds them here that there is only “one body.”
In our day, there are many denominations and groups of Christians. Believers meet together based on their understanding of theology and practice. Realize, however, that in God’s eyes, what matters is the work of His Son to forgive and the presence of His Spirit in those who belong to Him. God’s children may belong to different churches and have different preferences but there is only one body.
Paul goes on to say that there is also only one Spirit. That Spirit lives in all who belong to Christ. Though believers my worship in different languages and cultures, the Holy Spirit works in them as he does in us. He does so with one goal in mind –to lift up the name of the Son to the glory of the Father.
Finally, Paul tells us that there is also only one hope. The word “hope” in our day often comes with a measure of uncertainty. A student may say, “I hope I will pass my exam.” The idea here is that he or she is uncertain but wants very much to have a passing grade. Hope, in the Biblical sense is very difference. Hope in the Bible is an expectation. The expectant hope of all believers is the forgiveness of sin and an eternal inheritance with Christ.
No matter where you live or worship there is only one body. The same Holy Spirit works in every true believer. We all have a common expectation -the forgiveness of sin, and eternal life through Jesus Christ and His work on the cross.
Verse 5
In verse 4 Paul told the Ephesians that there was only one body, one Spirit and one hope. He continues here in verse 5 by adding three more things we all have in common as believers.
First, there is only one Lord. That is to say, we all bow the knee to the Lord Jesus Christ and to Him alone.
Second, there is also only one faith. The word used here refers to the truth we believe. This is not to say that we do not have differences of opinion in certain matters of interpretation. It does mean however, that all believers accept Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Saviour. All believers accept that salvation is through Christ alone and His forgiveness offered at Calvary. The person who rejects Jesus as Saviour is not a believer.
Third, there is only one baptism. Baptism in the church is a sign of identification with Christ, His covenant promises, and His people. It was a command of God practiced by believers to publically declare their commitment to Christ.
Some believers see here a reference to the baptism of the holy Spirit, not in the sense of a second blessing, but rather the infilling of God’s Spirit at the time of salvation. While there may be some merit to this interpretation, the problem is that Paul has already spoken about the Spirit in verse 3. It may be best to see the baptism referred to here as water baptism which was practiced by all believers at the command of Jesus.
Verse 6
The apostle Paul continues his thought from verse 5 by revealing one more detail that all believers have in common — “one God and Father of all.”
All believers bow the knee to one Father. They believe Him to be God. They belong to Him as His children. As children of God, they undertand three things about Him as their Father.
First, His is “over all.” That is to say, He is greater than all and rules over all.
Second, their Father is also “through all.” There are a variety of opinions on what Paul means here. The word through, for example, might be interpreted by the phrase, “by means of.” In other words, God accomplishes His purpose through us. “Through” can also express movement of an object from one point to another. A river might flow through a valley, watering it as it passes. The presence of God flows through us as He works out His purposes on this earth. We have the privilege as believers to be the instruments God uses as He flows in and through us.
Finally, believers understand their father to be “in all.” That is to say, He lives in us in the person of the Holy Spirit. The oneness of the three persons of the Trinity is such that where one member is so are the others.
Let me say one final thing here about the word “all.” When Paul tells the Ephesians that God is over all, through all and in all, it is good to remember that he is speaking to believers here. The words, over, through and in, have an application in the life of a believer that they do not have in the unbeliever.
Verse 7
Having spoken about the things all believers share in common, Paul now moves on to speak about the different gifts or offices God has given to the church (see context in Ephesians 4:11).
The apostle begins by telling the Ephesians that “grace was given to each one of us.” The word, grace here refers to a special gift or calling from God. Notice particularly that this special gift of grace was given to “each one of us.” That is to say, God has given us each spiritual gifts and callings to use for Him. None of us are excluded.
Paul goes on to say that this grace was given “according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” To understand what Paul is saying here it may be helpful to examine what he told the Romans in Romans 12:
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. – Ro 12:3
Paul tells the Romans they were to think of themselves “according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” He goes on to explain this more fully when he them:
6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith – Ro 12:6
We see here than, that God has assigned a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) and we are to use our spiritual gifts in proportion to the measure of faith we have received from Him (Romans 12:6).
It seems to me that it is best to understand Paul’s words, “according to the measure of Christ’s gift” in the light of what he explains about spiritual gifts in Romans 12. In other words, God gives a measure of faith along with the spiritual gifts and offices. Those who exercise these gifts must do according to the faith He God has given them. That it to say, according to the leading of His Spirit and His Word. The faith to trust Him and to step out is equally as much a gift as are the offices and spiritual gifts themselves.
Verse 8
Quoting from Psalm 68:18 Paul uses the illustration of a military commander who is coming back from a great victory. The Psalm has three things to tell us about this military conqueror:
First, “He ascended on high.” When the victorious king had conquered his enemies, he would stand on a high place, whether that be on his chariot or some other elevated platform, so that all could see him. We do this in sporting events. The winners stand on a platform for all to see. In this case, the Lord Jesus, after His victory on the cross rose to be seated at the right hand of the Father.
Second, the conqueroring king “led a host of captives.” In this case, the king would take his enemies captive and lead them in chains to his homeland where they would become his servants. The Lord Jesus is pictured here leading His enemies into captivity where they would be judged.
Finally, the conquering king “gave gifts to men.” The wealth of the conquered lands would benefit the king’s subjects. The picture is of the king showering gifts on His subject as he returns from battle.
Paul uses Psalm 68:18 to describe what the Lord Jesus has done for us. He has conquered sin through His death on the cross and rose victoriously over death to be seated at the right hand of the Father. As a conqueror, He has defeated our foe and led it into captivity where it will never again stand against us. More than this, however, we benefit from His victory not only because He overcame, but also because, in His grace, He showers us with spiritual gifts and benefits beyond measure.
Verse 9
In verse 8 Paul quotes from Psalm 68:18. Here he emphasizes a particular point the Psalmist makes in the psalm by focusing on the words, “He ascended.”
Paul tells us that when the Psalmist used the words, “he ascended,” the implication was that the individual spoken of had also “descended.” In other words, anyone who ascends, does so from a descended position. In order to stand up, you first must either be sitting or laying down.
Paul uses the words of Psalm 68:18 here to show what the Lord Jesus, as a triumphant military commander, did for us. Before ascending to the Father, the Lord Jesus “descended into the lower regions, the earth.” There is some debate about how to translate this phrase. The King James Version and the New King James Version both translate, “the lower parts of the earth.” While the New International Version uses the phrase, “lower earthly regions.” What is Paul telling the Ephesians?
Paul seems to be saying here that the Lord Jesus descended from heaven to the lower region of earth. He did so to procure our salvation and forgiveness. For that to take place, Jesus not only humbled himself to come to earth but died on the cross and was buried in the grave or “lower regions of the earth” or the place of the dead, for our sin. Most commentators agree that “the lower regions,” either refers to the earth itself or to the grave.
Some people see the “lower regions of the earth” to be a reference to hell. The assumption is that hell is in the lower parts of this earth. Scripture teaches, however, that this earth will be destroyed:
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. – Rev 21:1
Even after the destruction of this earth, however, hell and the bottomless pit remain. The assumption then, is that hell is not on this earth that will be destroyed but located elsewhere. The lower regions of the earth, therefore, cannot refer to hell.
Verse 10
Paul continues in his explanation of Psalm 68:18 by telling us that the one descended “also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.”
After His work on earth was completed, and He rose from the dead, the Lord Jesus ascended, according to Paul “above all the heavens.” The Jewish understanding was that there were three heavens. The first is what we would describe as the sky with its clouds, birds, rain and snow. The second is what we call space, with the sun, moon and stars. Finally, there is the third heaven where God is preparing us a home to be with Him forever. What Paul is saying here is that Jesus ascended past the first and second heavens to be with His father in the third heaven. Paul speaks about this third heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:2 when he says:
2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. – 2Co 12:2
When teaching His disciples to pray, the Lord Jesus said:
9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. – Mt 6:9
It was the clear teaching of Jesus, therefore, that the Father was in this third heaven.
Notice the reason Jesus ascended to the third heaven to be with the Father – “that he might fill all things.”
How does the Lord Jesus fill all things? We know first of all that God is everywhere present. This is the clear teaching of Jeremiah 23:24:
24 Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the LORD. – Je 23:24
Paul speaks about something deeper than this, however, that is the result of Jesus ascending after His work on the cross. The filling of all things, speaks about conquering sin and rebellion. It speaks about breaking all resistance to the will and purpose of God and the presence of Christ filling every heart. This is the work the Spirit of God is doing now. He is bringing men and women to Christ, transforming lives and preparing for the time when all sin and rebellion is banished to the bottomless pit. Jesus ascended so that the earth would be filled with the glory of God (Numbers 14:21).
Verse 11
It is this Lord Jesus whose desire is to fill all things, who gave the church, apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers.
There is something quite incredible about this statement. The Lord Jesus has chosen to fill the earth with His glory through ordinary people like you and me. To do this, He descended to this earth and secured our salvation and pardon. He then filled us with His Spirit, calling and equipping us for a particular role in His body. Paul tells us that God has given the church apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers. Each of these offices has an important role to play in the proper functioning of the church.
Verse 12
According to Paul, God has given the church apostles, prophets, evangelists and shepherds and teachers for two reasons:
The first reason God gave these individuals to the church was to “equip the saints for the work of ministry.” It is easy to assume that these individuals, because of their calling and gifting, are to do the work themselves. While they certainly have their role to play, the apostle tells us that their purpose is to equip the saints for the work. In other words, every one of us has a role to play. To help us in exercising that role, God has given us individuals to equip us by teaching and example.
I may have a role to play as a teacher of the Word of God but I am not the only one who teaches the Word. By writing these Bible commentaries, my goal is to support those who teach and preach the word of God around the world. I serve as a pastor but realize that I cannot to the work on my own. It is my heart to demonstrate the love and compassion of Christ so that those in the congregation have an example to follow in their own conversations and dealings with those around them. God gives us pastors and teachers to stand with us and support us in our service for the Lord.
The second reason why God gives us these various offices in the church is so that the body of Christ is built up and strengthened. As each member learns to function as God intends and steps out to minister in His name, God’s people are encouraged and strengthened. The kingdom of darkness is pushed back and the name of the Lord Jesus exalted.
Verse 13
Paul has been speaking about the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers that God has given to the body. In the last verse he told the Ephesians that these offices were given to equip the saints for ministry. He goes on here to say that the ministry of these servants would be needed until four goals were achieved:
First, “until we all attain to the unity of the faith.” In Paul’s day there were many false teachers circulating among the churches. These teachers created division in the body of Christ by distracting people from the true faith taught by Christ and His apostles. In fact Paul warns the Romans about those who caused division in the church in Romans 16:17 when he wrote:
17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. – Ro 16:17
God has given the church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to instruct the church in the true faith so that all true believers can stand unified in the true faith of Jesus Christ.
The second purpose of God for these various offices in the church is that we all attain to “the knowledge of the Son of God.” It is not enough that we know the truth. It is of vital importance that we come to know that truth in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. There are many in the church who proclaim their belief in Jesus but they do not know Him as their Saviour and Lord. They attend church but they are not trusting Him for the forgiveness of sin. Paul tells us that God has given us apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to help these individuals to come to a true saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Third, God has given us these various officers in the church so that we can all attain “to mature manhood.” Not all who come to Jesus Christ grow in their relationshp with Christ. The writer to the Hebrews addresses this when he says:
12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. – Heb 5:12-14
The work of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers is to help these children in the faith, mature in thier understanding of their responsibility before God and His call on thier lives.
Finally, God has placed these offices in the church so that we can all attain “to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” This is the ultimate goal. It is the heart of the Father that we attain to the stature of Christ. That is, that we become like Christ in our thoughts, actions and attitudes. It is the desire of God that we experience the fullness of Christ in our live. In other words, that Christ fill every part of our life and that we know His transforming work in every thought, attitude and deed.
God has given to the church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers so that we can stand united in the truth about Jesus and His work, come to know Him personally, mature in our walk with Him and ultimately become like Christ in thought and deed. Until this is the case, there is still much work to be done. Know, however, that God has gifted and qualified servants to whom he has given this charge.
Verse 14
The aposte has been speaking about how God has given the church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. He has been emphasizing the importance of these various offices in the church. He continues here on this theme and tells the Ephesians that these servants of God were given to the church “so that we may no longer be children.”
Paul uses the illustration of children to convey immaturity. He is telling the Ephesians here that God gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to the church so that she might be matured (see verse 13). It is the will of God that we grow in our relationship with Him. Notice how Paul describes this immaturity here.
First, the immature believer is one who is “tossed to and fro by the waves.” Imagine a boat in the middle of the ocean during a great storm. These huge waves toss the boat about and threaten to sink it. There is nothing the captain of the ship can do. The boat is at the mercy of the waves. It is unstable. It is driven wherever the waves determine, and it does not have the strength to resist. This is what immature believers are like. The waves of false doctrine and temptation threaten to sink them and they do not seem to have the ability to resist or the wisdom to discern the truth.
Second, the immature believer is “carried about by every wind of doctrine.” Where I live, in the autumn season, the leaves begin to fall off the trees. They lay on the ground and a gust of wind comes by, picks them up and scatters them. These leaves are not anchored to anything and so they are easily blown by the wind. Immature believers are not fully grounded in the truth of God’s Word, nor are they living in the power of God’s Spirit. The wind of temptation and falsehood quickly pick them up and drive them into error and sin.
Remember here that Satan is quite cunning, crafty and deceitful. He deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden and continues to deceive many in our day as well. It is the role of the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher to give these immature believers the tools required to resist falsehood, error and temptation.
Verse 15
Paul tells the Ephesians that they were to “grow up.” In verse 14 he used the illustration of an immature child. He tells the Ephesians here that they were to mature into adulthood in regards to their faith.
Notice that the apostle tells the Ephesians that they were to “grow up in every way.” I have met believers who have had a very clear understanding of the truth, but who have not been able to love their brother or sister who differs from them in some minor doctrinal point or practice. There are believers who have never been able to forgive a brother or sister for an offense. Others never seem to be able to overcome some sin in their lives. Paul’s desire for the Ephesians was that they grow up in every way. That it to say, they learn to walk in the power of Christ in every part of their life. This of course, is a life long process but one that each believer must be committed to. Paul tells us two things about this maturing process.
First, we are to mature by “speaking the truth in love.” The implication here is that we influence one another as we speak the truth. That truth is laid out for us in the words of the apostles and prophets who were inspired by God. It is communicated by evangelists, pastors and teachers. It is shared between one believer to another. That truth corrects, warns and rebukes those who have gone astray. It comes in a word of encouragement from a fellow believer in a time of trouble. Paul tells the Ephesians, however, that this truth must be communicated in love. A harsh, judgemental and proud word, spoken in anger is not conducive to maturing a fellow believer in Christ. Truth and love must walk hand in hand if the words we speak are to have the effect of maturing the body of Christ.
Second, we are to mature “into him who is the head, into Christ.” The maturity Paul desired for the Ephesians was a maturity in Christ. That is to say, they were to become more and more like Christ in word, though and deed. They were to learn to abide in Him as the branch abides on the Vine. They were to died more and more to themselves and their own agendas and surrender more to Christ.
Verse 16
It was the desire of the apostle Paul that the Ephesians mature in the Lord Jesus Christ in every way. As each individual member of the body of Christ matured, they built up the whole. The unity and maturity of the church was dependant on the Lord Jesus and the it’s response to Him. Notice what Paul teaches the Ephesians here.
First, the body of Christ is part to the Lord Jesus – “from whom the whole body, joined.” There are many thing we try to base our unity on. Some base their unity on an agreement in every point of theology. Others feel they are one if they agree on a common lifestyle or worship. Paul tells us that our unity is in the Lord Jesus and our connection to Him. Through we differ in some doctrinal and lifestyle issues, we are one in our common salvation through Jesus Christ.
Second, it is from Christ that the body is “held together by every joint with which it is equipped.” Consider this illustration for a moment. The Lord God has designed our body of various parts. Consider the arm for example. It is joined to the body at the shoulder and held together by a joint. The upper arm is connected to the forearm by means of an elbow joint. The hand is connected to the forearm by a wrist joint. The fingers are connection to the hand by the knuckle joints. This is how the church has been designed. People with various gifts and functions are joined together by means of the salvation of Christ and the gifts of the Spirit. These members work with each other and function as a whole. How does the upper arm work with the forearm or the fingers with the hand? This is the work of God. In the same way, the church comprised of various members and personalities joined together to form one body functioning as a whole.
Third, Paul tells the Ephesians that “when each part is working properly,” it “makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Consider this from the perspective of the church. When the teacher takes his or her role seriously, and grows in their spiritual gift, the church is instructed in the truth. When I overcome the sin that keeps me from relating to my brother or sister as I should, my relationship is healed and the church benefits as a whole.
The apostle teaches us here that the church as a whole is built up as each individual member matures in character and service.
Verse 17
In this next section of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, the apostle has some words of advice to them about living the Christian life. He begins by challenging them not to walk like the Gentiles.
Notice how the apostle begins the verse: “Now this I say and testify in the Lord.” The word “say” here is λέγω (légō), which refers simply to speaking words. The word “testify” (μαρτύρομαι, martúromai) speaks more of being a witness or to affirm or attest to a situation or words spoken. Notice also that the saying and testifying is done “in the Lord,” declaring that what Paul has to say and testify to is from the Lord.
What Paul says and testifies to as being from the Lord is that the Ephesians (or all Christians, for that matter), were not to walk as the Gentiles do. These Gentiles did not know the Lord nor were the guided by His Word. The Ephesians were to be different. They were not to be influenced by the ways of the Gentiles or their manner of thinking.
It is easy for the church to become like the world in its thinking. Notice how the apostle defines the Gentile way of life as “futile.” In other words, it was empty of meaning and worthless in the end.
Verse 18
Having described the Gentile way of thinking as futile in verse 17, the apostle goes on here to explain what he means. He says three things in this verse about unbelievers and the futility of their lives.
First, unbelievers (Gentiles) “are darkened in their understanding.” This is not to say that they are not wise and skillful. The unbeliever is capable of great things. Paul refers here, not to their practical skill and wisdom but to their spiritual lives. The light of Christ is not in their hearts. They have never come to see the reality and delight of Christ and His work.
Second, unbelievers are “alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them.” The ignorance Paul speaks about here is the fact that they have never come to know Christ. In some cases, this ignorance is simply because they have never heard the gospel. In other cases it is because, though they have heard it, they have turned their back on it. In either case, they do not truly know the salvation of Christ.
The result of this ignorance, according to Paul is that they are “alienated from the life of God.” That is to say, they do not have the spiritual life that comes from a relationship with Christ. They are spiritually dead, never having been born again in the Spirit.
Finally, Paul tells us that unbelievers are alienated from the life of God, “due to their hardness of heart.” The blame does not fall on God for their alienation. Their hearts are naturally hardened to God and His purpose. Were it not for the grace of Jesus Christ in reaching out to me, and giving me a new heart, I would be among those whose heart was so hard, I too would be alienated from God and without His life.
Verse 19
Paul continues in his discription of unbelievers from verse 18. He shares three more details about those who do not know or acknowledge Christ. We have all known unbelievers who live a decent and compassionate life. It should be noted here that these are general statements about unbelievers as a whole.
Notice that Paul told the Ephesians that unbelievers “have become callous.” The word translated callous is ἀπαλγέω (apalgéō). The word ἀπαλγέω comes from two words. The first is apó which refers to an absence of something. The second word is algéō which refers to feeling. To be calloused then is to have no feeling. It speaks of those who have no longer any shame or feeling of guilt. Paul tells us that unbelievers have “become” callous. The implication here is that they have brought his upon themselves by their decisions and actions. It is easy to see how this callousness happens. Ultimately we become desensitized to the sin around. We see sinful acts and attitudes so often that we begin to accept them as normal. Even the church can become calloused to the sin and evil around it.
Paul goes on to tell the Ephesians that unbelievers have given themselves to “sensuality.” Sensuality refers to the pleasing of the appetites of the flesh with its lust, pleasures, and perversions. Sensuality is the never satisfied passion to please the flesh. By “giving themselves up to sensuality” these individuals have made a choice to allow their fleshly appetites to govern their behaviour instead of keeping it in control.
Paul takes this further to say that unbelievers are “greedy to practice every kind of impurity.” In other words they lust after impurity. Their flesh longs passionately for these ungodly ways.
Let me just say one more thing here. Paul speaks in this verse about unbelievers. He begins this section in verse 17, however, by challenging the Ephesians not to walk as the Gentile unbelievers do. While Paul spends verses 18 and 19 describing the unbelieving lifestyle, his challenge is to the church. It is hard to read these verses and not think of how the church has indeed fallen into the Gentile lifestyle. These issues must be addressed in the church of our day. There must be a distinction between how the unbeliever lives and how the child of God lives.
Verse 20
Having described the heart of the unbeliever, Paul shows his confidence that the Ephesians had learned to live another way. Notice how he expresses this in the verse: “that is not the way you learned Christ!”
The expression “that is not the way you learned Christ!” makes this first and foremost about Christ and not just a way of living. How the Ephesians lived was determined by their relationship with Christ. When they learned about the Lord Jesus and experienced His gracious love, their lives were transformed. When the Spirit of God came to take up residence in their lives, they became new people. Their heart was to honour the Lord. The passions and appetites of the past began to fade away. The evidence of Christ in them was a changed heart, reflected in a changed lifestyle. They were not the people they used to be, because they had come to know Christ.
Verse 21
Paul makes an assumption here in this section, about the Ephesians. But just in case, he takes the time to explain more fully what it means to live for Christ. He begins with a three-fold assumption about the members of the church of Ephesus.
The first assumption is that they “have heard about him.” That it to say, that the believers in the church knew about the Lord Jesus and His work on thier behalf. That truth in and of itself is a life changing truth.
The second assumption is that they “were taught in him.” It is one thing to hear about Christ but quite another to be “taught in him.” The expression “taught in him.” Implies a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. The Ephesians are “in Him” and Christ in them. They know His presence and were being taught by His Spirit in their lives. They were being changed as the Spirit of Christ convicted and transformed them more and more into the image of the Lord Jesus. There is a difference between the phrase “about him” in Paul’s first assumption and the words “in Him” in his second assumption. Both are necessary. We must hear about Christ but we must also be taught in Him.
Paul’s final assumption here is that “the truth is in Jesus.” While the unbelieving world followed the passions of the flesh, the believer chose instead to look to Jesus Christ as the source of all truth and righteousness. He showed them perfectly the will and purpose of the Father for their lifes.
Verse 22
Paul reminded the Ephesians in verse 21 that the truth is in the Lord Jesus. He goes on here to explain what the Lord Jesus taught and expected of them as believers in His name.
Paul tells the Ephesians that the truth the Lord Jesus taught was that they were to “put off your old self.” The assumption is that they were no longer the people they used to be because of the presence of Christ in their lives. The salvation of Jesus made a difference in their character.
The other assumption Paul makes is found in the words “put off your old self.“ While the Ephesians had been changed, that old nature was still present and needed to be “put off.” To put off is to renounce or lay down. Imagine a conquered soldier laying down his weapon in surrender. That soldier recognizes defeat and that his weapon is of no more value. This is how it is for us. We must concede the defeat of the flesh and that it is of no more value to us spiritually. The old ways must be surrendered to the Lord and all resistance stopped. In the place of these old ways is a commitment now to follow Christ and His purpose.
Just because we have accepted Jesus as our Saviour, does not mean that we will no longer struggle with the old nature. It will raise its head and reveal its presence on a regular basis. When it does, we renounce it and choose instead the purpose and will of Christ.
Notice how Paul speaks about the old self as belonging to “your former manner of life.” The believer chooses to live in newness of life. As children of God, we must renounce our former way of living. Paul describes that former way of living as a life that was alienated from God (verse 18). This demonstrated itself in a hardness of heart to the things of God (verse 18), callousness (verse 19), and a passion for sensuality and impurity (verse 19). Here in verse 22 the apostle describes this former lifestyle as “corrupt through deceitful desires.” These desires and passions were corrupt in that they were sinful and contrary to the purpose of God. They were deceitful in that while those who practiced these desires filled their lives with pleasures and luxuries, they would pay the price in the end when they faced eternal separation from God.
Verse 23
Paul tells the Ephesians that not only were they to “put off the old self,” (verse 22) but they were to be renewed in the spirit of their minds.
The word renew carries the sense of being made new. That is to say they were to be changed from the old self to the new self. This change comes about as a result of the work of Christ through which we receive new life and forgiveness. Realize, however, that this renewing is not just a one time event in our lives, but an ongoing process as the Holy Spirit of Christ changes us and transforms us day by day into the image of the Lord Jesus.
Notice the phrase “be renewed.” The implication here is that this is something that is happening to us as we surrender to the work of God’s Spirit. It is not primarilly something we do so much as something that is being done to us that reflects in a change of attitude, action and behaviours.
Paul speaks about this renewal taking place “in the spirit of your minds.” The apostle expresses a similar thought when he writes to the Romans:
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Ro 12:2
The mind is the place of rational decisions and understanding. It is the will of God that our minds be filled with an understanding of Christ and His purpose and that we would respond to circumstances in life in accordance with the will of God.
The mind is a secret place for our most private thoughts, attitudes and passions. We are good at hiding these things from the people around us but our mind influences how we respond and act in life. It is the desire of God to penetrate deep into the innermost recess of our thoughts, attitudes, understandings and passions. He wants to renew us at the very core of our being so that from there our actions and responses will follow. Putting off the old self without a renewal of the mind is futile. For our old self to be truly “put off” we must be renewed in our mind. The Spirit of God will bring about this renewal as we surrender to His inner working in our lives.
Verse 24
In Ephesians 4:22, Paul told the Ephesians that they were to put off the old self. They were then to be renewed in the spirit of their minds in verse 23. Finally here in verse 24 the apostle tells them that they were to “put on the new self.” The temptation here is to see how each of these points fit together and follow logically one after the other. The reality of the matter, however, is that they are all taking place at the same time throughout our lives. There never comes a time in this world where we stop putting off the old self. As long as we still struggle with sinful thoughts and attitudes we will still need to be renewed in our mind. As long was we are not like Christ, we will need to put on the new self. Notice what Paul tells us here about this new self.
First it is created after the likeness of God. That is to say, this new self in Christ-like. It walks in His purpose and desires His will.
Second, it is a life of “true righteousness.” Righteousness relates to conforming to the standard of God and refers to our stand before God through the work of Christ on our behalf. Because of sin, we were enemies to God and under His judgement. Christ’s death brought forgiveness and pardon, removing any condemnation. This places us in a right standing with God.
Third, the new self is a life of “holiness.” Holiness refers to living a life that is in tune with God and His purpose. If righteousness is our stand before God, then holiness is our walk with him.
Paul told the Ephesians that the new self was “created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Notice the use of the word “created” here. The implication is that this new self is created by God.
There is a world of difference between me determining that I will be a different person and the work of God’s Spirit in me. One has to do with human effort to please God, and the other with the transforming work of God despite my weaknesses and failures. Consider Paul, the author of this epistle. His life was radically changed on the road to Damascus. The moment he met the Lord Jesus, he was not the same person. His life, passion and heart were transformed by the Spirit of Jesus. This was not something Paul did for himself, it was a work of God in Him. The new self that God was creating in Paul was a righteous and holy character shaped in the image of God.
Notice one final detail here in this verse. Paul tells the Ephesians that they were to “put on” the new self. The Greek word translated “put on” is ἐνδύω (endúō) which means to enter, to go under or to put on. Because he loved his son Joseph, Israel, his father, made him a coat of many colours:
3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. – Ge 37:3
Joseph did not make this coat himself. It was the creation of his father. Having a coat and putting on a coat, however, are two different matters. It was Israel’s intention that Joseph wear and enjoy the coat he made him. It was Joseph’s privilege to receive what his father created for him and wear it proudly.
This seems to be the sense of what Paul is saying here. He is telling us that God has created the new self and is working by means of His Spirit in us to make us more like His son. He expects us, however, to take off the old rags and put on this cloak of righteousness and holiness that He has made for us.
Verse 25
Paul encouraged the Ephesians to “put on the new self.” He takes the time over the remainder of the chapter to explain what putting on the new self looks like. He begins here by telling his readers to “put away falsehood.” The new self is committed to truth. The apostle goes on to explain this by telling the Ephesians that each one was “to speak the truth with his neighbor.” By telling the Ephesians to “speak” the truth, Paul refers to the words we use with one another. In other words, when a believer makes a business deal with another, he or she is to keep that agreement. When a promise is made it is kept. The word of a believer is guaranteed.
Paul tells us here that the reason why we must speak the truth is because “we are members one of another.” No relationship can flourish if there is no trust. There can be no trust if we are not absolutely truthful to our word with each other. To put on the new self is to put away falsehood and speak truth one to another.
Verse 26
If we are to put on the new self, according to Paul, we must address anger in our lives. Paul has two things to say about anger here in this verse.
First, quoting from Psalm 4:4 the apostle says: “Be angry and do not sin.” We often think that anger is sinful. Jesus, however, was angry with the money-changers in John 2:14-17. God was often angry with His people in the Old Testament. If God can be angry, than anger in itself is not a sin. The fact that God gets angry shows us that there are times when we too should be angry. When we see injustice, the slaughtering of unborn children in the womb, and the moral decline of a nation that blasphemes a holy God, should this not stir up anger in our hearts?
One of the things about anger is that it can very quickly lead to sin. If we are not careful with our anger, it can cause us to say and do things we will regret later. Anger, needs to be for the right thing and channelled into a godly response. Righteous anger is always surrendered to the Word of God and the leading of His Spirit. It will never leave the flesh in control.
The second thing Paul has to say about anger is that we must never “let the sun go down” on it. In other words, we must not hold onto it very long. Anger has a way of controlling those it possesses. When we surrender control to our anger it will not be long before sin will find its way with us. We must daily cleanse our hearts from defilement and anger lest they hinder our relationship with God and cause us to fall. To put on the new self, we must learn to deal with anger.
Verse 27
Speaking about anger in the life of the believer, Paul tells the Ephesians that they were to “give no opportunity to the devil.” There are certain areas of our life where the enemy can quickly find openings. One of those opportunities is when we are angry. In these moments we let down our guard. We surrender to the flesh and in an instant the enemy’s arrow stikes its mark through the opening in our armour. Before we know it, we have spoken ungodly words or responded toward someone in an ungodly way. Sometimes, years of godly testimony is destroyed in that instant. Satan has been given an opportunity and you can be sure that he will not miss it.
Verse 28
Paul has been speaking to the Ephesians about what it means to put on the new self. He recognizes that in the church of Ephesus were individuals who had lived a sinful lifestyle before coming to Christ. He reminds them that they were to put this lifestyle aside to life instead for the Lord Jesus.
Speaking particularly to those converted believers who had been former thieves, the apostle says: “Let the thief no longer steal.” Paul does not hold their past against these former thieves but he does expect a change in behaviour. There was no place for this kind of behaviour in the life of the believer.
Paul challenges the former thief to find a job and work for a living – “but rather let him labor doing honest work with his own hands.” Notice, that the apostle expected that the thief do “honest work.” The implication here is that he would work to earn everything he made and that he would not take what was not his by right of hard work.
It was not enough for Paul that the thief no longer steal. Paul goes on to say that he was to work honestly “so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” The thief was motivated by greed before he came to know the Lord. He was now, however, to cultivated a spirit of generosity to provide for people who did not have. Some thieves were motivated by poverty to steal. If this was the case, than this former thief would be able to provide for these individuals by his hard work, so that they did not fall into the same trap as he did.
For the thief to put on the new self, he needed to put an end to his old ways and learn to work honestly and open his heart to be generous with those in need.
Verse 29
Another aspect to putting on the new self has to do with how we use our words. Paul begins verse 29 by telling the Ephesians that they were not to let any “corrupting talk” come out of their mouths. The word used for corrupt here is σαπρός (saprós) which speaks of something that has gone bad and is rotting. He does not go into detail here about this rotten speech. What he does do, however, is tell the Ephesians what kind of speech should come out of their mouth.
First, the speech Paul encouraged was “good for building up.” In fact, the apostle tell the Ephesians that they were to speak “only” what was good for building up. The question we need to ask here is what are we to build up with our speech. Ultimately it is the kingdom of God that we are building. We do this by encouraging believers. We do this by encouraging righteousness and holy living. In other words, everything we say should be for the glory of God and the expansion of His kingdom on this earth.
Second, our speech, according to the apostle is to “fit the occasion.” The writer of Proverbs 15:23 puts is this way:
23 To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! – Pr 15:23
Have you ever had a word of encouragement when you most needed it? A word spoken at the right time can bring great support and blessing to the one who hears it. On the other hand, words improperly spoken, can be a tremendous burden:
15 A continual dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are alike – Pr 27:15
Nobody wants to hear the constant dripping of a quarrelsome person. It does not edify or encourage.
The writer to the proverbs tells us that there is a time for our words. Even good words, spoken at the wrong time or occasion will not be well received:
14 Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, will be counted as cursing. – Pr 27:14
The believer must use wisdom in the use of his or her words. There is a time to speak but there is also a time to refrain from speaking:
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak – Ec 3:7
We must be sensitive to the timing of our words. The right word, spoken at the wrong time can be just as devastating as words spoken in anger.
The words we speak must communicate “grace to those who hear.” That is to say, our words must bring blessing and support to those who hear us. This is not to say that every word we speak will be easy or appreciated. Jesus spoke words that many people rejected because they were too hard for them to accept. He spoke a truth that sometimes hurt those who heard Him. Sometimes the gracious thing to say is difficult for the listener, but it will bring healing and correction for his or her good.
To put on the new self, we must learn how to use our words. Our tongues must be surrendered to the Lord and instruments for the building up of His kingdom.
Verse 30
If we want to put on the new self, then it is of utmost importance that we do not “grieve the Holy Spirit of God.” The work of putting on the new self is not one we can accomplish on our own. We can’t just stir up within us a spirit of generosity when we have been a thief all our lives. How do we stop speaking corrupt words and only speak what is edifying? This requires a power greater than ourselves. The qualities we put on as believers are not the result of our human effort at self-improvement but the fruit of God’s Spirit in us. This is why it is so important that we not grieve the Holy Spirit by resisting what He wants to do in us.
Notice that Paul tells the Ephesians that they were sealed by this Holy Spirit for the day of redemption. A king would put a seal on an object to make it official, protect it, or identify it as belonging to him. This is what the Holy Spirit does for us. He sets us apart for God, and keeps us secure for the day of redemption.
The day of redemption refers to the time when Christ returns to judge the world and we are raised to be with Him forever. The Holy Spirit in us is our guarantee in that day. He is a confirmation that our sins have been forgiven and that we have the life of Christ in us.
If we are going to put on the new self, we must be careful not to resist or grieve the work of His Spirit in us for it is His work in us that make us more like Christ.
Verse 31
To put on the new self requires putting off the old ways of the flesh. As long as those old ways still have root in our lives we will never truly be able to put on this new self. Paul has a list of fleshly characteristics that need to crucified in our lives in order for us to become more like Christ.
First “all bitterness” must be put away. The writer to the Hebrews describes bitterness as a root that springs up and defiles many:
15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled – Heb 12:15
Bitterness refers to a evil root in our lives that will cause us to become angry, resentful or even hostile toward another person or situation. There are various things that can cause us to become bitter. What the apostle tells us here is that “all bitterness” must be put away. Bitterness has no place in the life of the believer and will ultimately only hinder our walk with God and our ability to put on the new self.
Second, if we want to put on the new self we must put off wrath. The word θυμός (thumós), translated by wrath means to move with a violent motion. In essence it is the response of a bitter or angry spirit that lashes out to harm or hurt.
The third quality that needs to be put off, according to Paul is anger. The word used for anger is ὀργή (orgḗ). It speaks of the passions of the mind. While wrath is an outburst, anger is what takes place in the mind and heart. This anger may or may not be expressed, but it is the breeding ground for evil and sin. Paul tells the Ephesians that it they not only need to put off outbursts of wrath but also deal with the hidden attitudes of the heart.
Fourth, Paul addresses “clamour” in the life of the believer. The word κραυγή (kraugḗ) speaks of controversy. There is certainly a time to stand up for what it right but there are also those who seem to desire to stir up controversy in the church and society. These individuals never seem to be content unless everything is going their way. They stir up division an strife. Jesus, however, challenges us to be peacemakers when he says:
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. – Mt 5:9
Next Paul addresses the matter of slander. The word translated here is βλασφημία (blasphēmía) from which we get the word blaspheme. To slander is to blaspheme another person. That is to say, to speak evil and disrespectfully of that person sometimes with an intention to hurt or damage their reputation. The words spoken her may either be true or false but the depreciation of their character and reputation is inevitably the result. Paul has already told the Ephesians in this chapter that they were only to speak what was for the building up of the body. Slander causes division, stirs up anger, and ultimately breaks down the relationship between brother and sister.
Finally, the apostle tells the Ephesians that they were to put away all malice. The word κακία (kakía) speaks of an attitude of the mind that thinks and responds sinfully toward another. While this is an attitude of the heart toward another, it is the breeding ground for sin and evil outbursts and must be addressed.
Paul shows the Ephesians that if they are to put on the new self, they must first take off the old self. In other words, they cannot put on new clothes over the old. The old must be removed and destroyed before they clothe themselves with the new.
Verse 32
Paul concludes the chapter with three final words of counsel to the church.
First, he tells them to “be kind to one another.” The word kindness here is χρηστός (chrēstós). It is defined as providing what it needed. In other words, Paul is telling the Ephesians not to think only of themeselves but to consider the needs of their brother and sister as well. Where there was a need, they were to do what they could to minister or provide for that need.
Secondly, the apostle encouraged the Ephesian church to be “tender–hearted.” That is to say, they were to be compassionate toward one another. This was not just in regards to physical need but also in emotional and spiritual struggles. The compassionate or tender-hearted person shows patience with a brother or sister who is struggling. They are not quick to judge but will seek to understand and come alongside to encourage and support.
Finally, Paul tells the church to forgive one another. There will be offenses in the church. People will say things or do things that hurt us. Paul reminded the Ephesians, however, how God sent His Son to die for our forgiveness when we were His enemies. We who have been forgiven at such a great cost, must forgive those who have offended us.
Chapter 5
Select Verse:
Verse 1
Paul begins this verse with the word, “therefore.” This connects it to what he has just been saying in chapter 4 about putting off the old self, being renewed in mind, and putting on the new self. It is in light of this three-fold challenge that the apostle makes his appeal here in verse 1: “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.”
Paul tells the Ephesians first, to be “imitators of God.” The word imitators is μιμητής (mimētḗs) which can mean, imitator or follower.
There are many who claim to follow the Lord God who are not true imitators. There are also imitators of God who are not true followers. Both of these words are important if we are to understand what Paul is saying here. We must follow God with all our heart with the intention of being like Him in character.
Now there is a sense in which not one of us could ever imitate God. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere present. None of us will ever achieve this in this world or the next. None of us will be gods, but we can follow after Him and strive to walk in His purpose. We can make it our goal in life to be more and more like Him in character and manner of life.
The apostle concludes the verse with the phrase, “as beloved children.” We seek to imitate God as beloved children. Notice two details here in this phrase.
First we are “beloved.” This gives us the motivation. This love was demonstrated to us when we were in our sin. Jesus died on the cross to save us from the penalty of death. There is no greater demonstration of love than that someone would lay down His life for us. Not only was our penalty paid, but we received new life and entered a relationship with God through the work of His Son. We have been rescued from death and given eternal life in the presence of God. If there was ever a motivation to be an imitator and follower of God, this is it.
Second, Paul tells the Ephesians that they were also “children.” If being loved is our motivation, than being chidren is our power. As children of God, we know the presence and power of His Spirit in us. We are the recipients of His grace and favour. He hears our prayers, and desires our holiness. The authority and power of God our Father is at our disposal for every victory.
Verse 2
Paul challenges the Ephesians to imitate God in their character and behaviour in verse 1. He goes on here in verse 2 to explain how to do this. They were to “walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.” Notice several details in this phrase about Christ’s love.
First, it is a love that gave itself up for us. This is not a selfish, feel good type of love. The love Paul speaks about is a selfless, and self-sacrificing love that will suffer for those it desires.
Second, the example we must imitate is that of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are to love as Christ loved. He left the glories of heaven, put aside His privileges and died a cruel death on the cross as an example for us to follow.
Third, Paul tells the Ephesians that they were to “walk” in this kind of love for one another. The word walk puts feet to this command. It is not just a feeling but a way of life. In other words, we demonstrate this love by practical actions and deeds.
Finally, notice how Paul speaks of this love as a “fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” The love Paul speaks about here is an “offering and sacrifice.” That it is to say there is a cost to pay. It is also, a “fragrant offering.” In other words, it is pleasing to God and accepted by Him as an act of love. It is also a “sacrifice to God.” Those who walk in love, offer a sacrifice to God. When we respond in loving sacrifice to a brother or sister in need, we honour the Lord God. We worship Him by serving others. We sacrifice to Him when we lovingly lay down our lives for a brother or sister.
Verse 3
The love Paul called the Ephesians to walk in was a love that respected brothers and sisters. This respect, according to Paul is demonstrated in three ways in this verse.
First, by abstaining from sexual immorality. The sexual relationship was to be reserved for a loving, exclusive, committed, lifetime relationship with a single partner of the opposite sex. Anything outside of this, was contrary to God’s purpose. We demonstrate true love for God and for each other when we respect these barriers.
Second, we respect and love each other by refraining from impurity. The word used for impurity here is ἀκαθαρσία (akatharsía) which refers to uncleanness, either physical or moral. God is the definition of moral purity. What is forbidden by Him is immoral. This would include relationships or acts that are forbidden in Scripture. For example, adultery is forbidden in Scripture and would be an act of impurity and immorality. If we truly walk in love, we will refrain from any action, relationship or thought that God defines as impure.
Thirdly, if we truly love as God intends us to love, we will resist and cast off all “covetousness.” The Greek word πλεονεξία (pleonexía) is derived from two roots. The first is pleíōn, which means, “more,” and échō, meaning, “to have.” The word πλεονεξία (pleonexía) then refers to the desire to have more, or to be greedy and jealous of the blessings of others. Covetousness is the cause of many problems in relationships. Covetous people struggle to accept that someone has something they do not have. They cannot rejoice in the blessings of another and find themselves discontent with what they have, always wanting more. This ungodly discontent and greed, according to Paul, was not to be “named” among the Ephesians. We cannot truly love one another if we cannot rejoice with the blessings of a brother of sister and find ourselves jealous and resentful of everything they have. The love Paul speaks about here is a sacrificial love that gives what it has for the blessing of another. Covetousness wants to take what other have. The true believer who seeks to walk in love and imitate God, sacrifices what it has for others.
Verse 4
The believer who walks in love and imitates God, will be careful in how he or she uses their words. Paul gives and Ephesians an example of three types of speak to avoid as believers in this verse.
First, there was to be “no filthiness.” The word αἰσχρότης (aischrótēs) refers to indecent actions, thoughts and words which, if revealed, would bring shame to the individual concerned. These actions, words, or thoughts are contrary to the will and purpose of God. Paul tells the Ephesians that there are some things that are so filthy that the believer should not even speak about them. Consider what Paul says to the Ephesians later in this chapter:
12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. – Ep 5:12
The words we speak should be free of filthiness. Generally speaking, there is no reason for us to speak of shameful and filthy things that grieve the heart of God.
Paul speaks secondly about “foolish talk.” He does not define what he means by foolish talk here. The word used is μωρολογία (mōrología). It is derived from the word mōrós meaning stupid, silly of foolish. We get the English word “moron” from this Greek root. The second part of the word is légō which refers simply to speech. The idea here is that the words spoken are unprofitable, idle, vain, empty and devoid of any value. We need to be careful in how we use our words. We should treat our words like we treat our money, investing them wisely in what will be useful and beneficial and not wasting them on frivolous things.
Third, Paul tells the Ephesians that they were not to use their words in “crude joking.” The Greek word Paul uses here is εὐτραπελία (eutrapelía), which is derived from “eú,” meaning, “easily,” and “trépō,” meaning, “to turn.” This particular Greek word does not appear anywhere else in the New Testament so it is somewhat difficult to get a clear sense of it’s meaning. The word “eutrapelía” speaks about a type of speech that is easily turned off course. For example, in the interest of a good story, an individual may disregard the truth. That peraon may exaggerate facts in order to get a good laugh. Consider, however, the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:37
37 Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil. – Mt 5:37
Jesus tells us that the more we move beyond the simple facts of a matter the more we are tempted to stray into error. It is easy to manipulate facts to prove our point. Paul tells the Ephesians that the words they use should not easily turn from the truth to serve their own purposes. They were to stick to the facts and the truth lest they fall into error through the use of their words. Such a use of words, according to Paul, was “out of place,” for the believer.
Before concluding his thought in this verse, Paul speaks about one more use of words when he says: “But instead let there be thanksgiving.” Thanksgiving is an expression of gratitude and an acknowledgement of grace. The believer is to be a thankful person and his or her words are to express gratitude to God and to others for blessings bestowed. This thankfulness is not just in times when blessings flow freely, but also in times of struggle and pain. Paul expresses this to the Thessalonians when he writes:
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1Th 5:18
Even in times of great suffering and trial, it is the will of God that we express words of thanksgiving and praise. This requires opening our eyes to see His presence, blessing and purpose in these times.
Paul encourages us to use our words wisely as believers. If we are to be imitators of God, then we will be careful in how we use our words.
Verse 5
Paul begins verse 5 with a certainty – “you may be sure of this.” What he is about to say was clear in his mind and he assured the Ephesians that it was a true statement.
Paul tells the Ephesians that there were certain people who had “no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” This inheritance belonged to the children of God alone. Paul is telling the Ephesians that these particular individuals did not belong to God, nor were they part of His kingdom. He goes on in the verse to describe two groups of people who would have no inheritance in God’s kingdom.
The first group is those who are “sexually immoral or impure.” The apostle said something quite similar to the Corinthians when he wrote:
(9) Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, (10) nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. (11) And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.- 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 ESV
What is important for us to note here in 1 Corinthians is the Corinthians who had formerly been sexually immoral, but were forgiven and and given an inheritance in the kingdom of God. The implication here is that there is forgiveness for sexual immorality.
Paul took this a step futher in his letter to the Corinthians when he said:
(9) I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— (10) not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. – 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 ESV
According to the apostle, believers were not to associate with someone who bore the name of believer, but lived a sexual immoral lifestyle. They were not even to eat with this person. In other words, they were to treat these individuals as unbeliever. Paul was telling the Ephesians that there was no place for sexual immorality in the church or the kingdom of God on this earth or in the the age to come. Anyone who wants to be part of the kingdom of God, must confess sexual immorality as sin, give up this lifestyle and submit to God’s purpose.
The second group that had no inheritance in the kingdom of God were the covetous and idolaters. A covetous person is one who has never learned to be content. This person always wants more and makes the accumulation of worldly possessions a god. Paul tells us that this type of covetousness is idolatry. That it to say, these individuals worship their possessions and turn their back on the true God and His purpose to obtain more of this world. The apostle James speaks about this when he says:
(2) You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. (3) You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. (4) You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. – James 4:2-4 ESV
The apostle James speaks about how believers coveted and committed spiritual adultery in their pursuit of this world and its possessions. He tells them that by lusting after this world, they made themselves enemies to God and His kingdom.
When we come to the Lord Jesus, we surrender to Him. We turn our back on this world to serve Him. We commit all we are and have to Him. He is not only Lord of my life but also of my possessions. Anyone who chooses to put this world before God, is not worthy of the kingdom of God and has no place in it.
Just as the Corinthians were forgiven for sexual immorality, so there is also forgiveness for covetousness and idolatry. The true believer, however, must confess this, and surrender all he or she has to the Lord.
Let me make one final point in closing. Is it possible for the believer to fall into the sins of sexual immorality, impurty, idolarty, and covetousness. We do not have time here to speak of men like David, the man after God’s own heart, who fell into adultery. No believer lives a perfect life.
Notice how the apostle Paul words his statement in the verse – “everyone who is sexually immoral or impure,” and “who is covetous.” The apostle speaks of these individuals in the present tense. In other words, they are currently living in this condition. That is to say, they are living in sin and doing nothing about it. Until such time as these individuals confess their sin and turn from this sinful lifestyle, the church is to treat them as unbelievers who are not governed by the principles of God’s Word, nor are they surrendered to Christ and His purpose.
Verse 6
Paul warns the Ephesians about those who would try to deceive them with “empty words.”
Empty words are devoid of any spiritual or moral value. This challenge of Paul comes in the context of his words about sexual immorality, covetousness and idolatry. They are followed up in verse 7-12 by a discussion about “works of darkness.” This leads us to understand that these empty words relate to the deception of a sinful lifestyle.
Paul warns the Ephesians about being deceived with these empty words. Consider the words of the adultress to her lover when her husband is away, as recorded for us in Proverbs 7:
(13) She seizes him and kisses him, and with bold face she says to him, (14) “I had to offer sacrifices, and today I have paid my vows; (15) so now I have come out to meet you, to seek you eagerly, and I have found you. (16) I have spread my couch with coverings, colored linens from Egyptian linen; (17) I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. (18) Come, let us take our fill of love till morning; let us delight ourselves with love. (19) For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey; (20) he took a bag of money with him; at full moon he will come home.” (21) With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. – Proverbs 7:13-21 ESV
The sinful life is certainly a temptation to the flesh. The fact that Paul warns the Ephesians about being deceived, shows us that even believers can fall for the clever and seductive words of the tempter. The unbelieving world around us promotes a lifestyle that focuses on worldly pleasure, comfort and riches. It is all too easy for the church to fall prey to this philosophy.
The apostle reminds the church of Ephesus, however, that it was “because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” These sinful ways are contrary to the purpose of God for the believer. In fact He will judge the world because of their impurity and sinful ways. We would do well to remember that as tempting as these things may be, they are not God’s purpose for His children.
Verse 7
In verse 6, Paul challenged the Ephesians not to be deceived by the philosophy of the “sons of disobedience.” These unbelivers were living an ungodly and disobedient lifestyle, pleasing themselves and their fleshly lusts. Paul tells the Ephesians that they were not to become partners with them. That is to say, they were not to join them in their evil ways.
All too often the church has allowed itself to be influenced by the world and its ways. How easy it is for the church to re-interpret the Word of God to suit the culture of the day. On other occasions it is completely ignored. In the guise of building up the church, we have compromised the truth and God’s standard. Paul’s words here are important – “do not become partners with them.”
Verse 8
The apostle warns the Ephesians about not becoming partners with the sons of disobedience (verse 7). He reminds them that this is how they once lived, but they had been rescued from that lifestyle to become children of light.
The Ephesians were at one time “darkness.” This darkness is a reference to sin and a life that does not walk in the light of Christ and His salvation.
The apostle reminds the Ephesians that while they had at one time lived in darkness, the Lord God had rescued them. They were now “light in the Lord.” When they came to know the Lord Jesus, it was as if someone turned on a light. They saw what they could never have seen in the darkness of sin. For the first time their eyes were opened to see their sin. The Spirit of God also revealed the Lord Jesus and opened their heart to Him. They came to see the futility of a life lived in the flesh and the blessedness of a life in Christ.
This revelation of Christ was life transforming. They were renewed by the Lord Jesus and became children of God. Paul encouraged them now to “walk as children of light” and renounce the former deeds of darkness.
It is important to note that Paul speaks these words to believers in Ephesus. He does so because while they were “children of light” they could still be tempted by the deeds of darkness and needed to be on their guard lest they fall prey to these temptations.
Verse 9
There is some confusion in verse 9 in regards to the original words used by Paul.
The “Greek New Testament Editio Regia (1550) Textus Receptus” literally reads:
light walk the for fruit the spirit in all goodness and justice and truth – Ephesians 5:9
The “New Testament in the Original Greek” compiled by Wescott and Hort reads:
child light walk the for fruit the light in all goodness and justice and truth
These two important Greek text, from which our English Bibles are translated differ in the words used. The Textus Receptus reads “fruit of the Spirit.” The Westcott and Hort text reads “the fruit of light.” This accounts for the differences in the King James Version and more modern version.
The English Standard Version uses the Westcott and Hort text here and translates: (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true).
Whatever the correct translation may be, the sense is the same. The proof that something is the fruit of light, or the fruit of the Spirit, is found in the fact that it is good, right and true. The measure of good, right and true, of course is the Word of God. Whatever does not pass this test of goodness, rightness and truth does not come from God.
Verse 10
Having told the Ephesians that the fruit of the light or the fruit of the Spirit is goodness, rightness and truth, Paul now challenges them to discern what was pleasing to God.
Remember that these Ephesians did not have ready access to the Scriptures. Copies of the Old Testament were likely available in the Jewish tabernacles, but the New Testament had not been completed at this time so believers were dependant on the teaching they had heard from the apostles and the leading of the Holy Spirit to discern what was from God.
Paul encourages the Ephesians to “try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” He encourages them to take a moment to consider their thoughts, actions and attitudes and to submit them to the test of truth, goodness, and righteousness. Anything that failed this test was not from God nor was it the fruit of light or the fruit of the Spirit.
Verse 11
Anything that did not pass the test of goodness, righteousness and truth was considered to be the “works of darkness.” Paul has three things to say about these “works of darkness.“
First, the Ephesians, having discerned that something was a “work of darkness,” were to have “no part in it.” That is to say they were to resist any temptation to participate in these works.
Second, notice that Paul speaks of these works of darkness as being unfruitful. In other words, they are of no spiritual or moral benefit to those who participate in them. The believer is to make the most of his or her time and effort. These unfruitful works were of no use in the expansion of kingdom of God nor did them elevate the person of Christ.
Finally, the believer upon discerning that a work was an unfruitful work of darkness, was to expose it as such. By exposing these unfruitful works, the believer kept others from falling prey to its temptations.
Verse 12
There is a strange paradox in this verse. Paul has just told the Ephesians that they were not to take part in the “works of darkness,” but rather to “expose them” (verse 11). After telling the church to expose the deeds of darkness, he goes on to say that it is shameful even to speak of the things unbelievers do in secret.
The question we must answer is this: How do you expose something that is too shameful to speak about?
Consider first that Paul tells us that it would be shameful to speak about the practices done in secret. There are some things that are not helpful for people to know. These things serve no purpose in the edification of the church. By openly sharing these details, we may provide a foothold for Satan to infiltrate with division, gossip, bitterness and many other temptations. It is not helpful for the believer to focus on such activities and behaviours. Why should we fill our minds with impurity and immorality, things that God hates?
Our bodies and minds are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We are to do our best not to let anything impure or ungodly enter, lest they defile the place where the Spirit of God dwells. This means paying attention to the kind of things we listen to and watch.
On the other hand, if we allow ungodliness, immorality and impurity to remain in the church, it will fester and drive away the blessing of God, putting us under His judgement instead. Where there is sin, it must be exposed and addressed for the glory of God. We must do our part to maintain the purity of the church as the body of Christ.
There is a balance we must learn to maintain here. We must expose and root out evil in our midst, but it is not helpful to focus on it, lest it take root once again. When dealing with sin in our midst we must remember two things. First, sin is shameful and grieves the heart of God. Second, we have a sinful flesh that is attracted to it and but for the grace of God we would speedily fall prey to its cry.
Sin in our midst must be addressed with the utmost of care. It is the source of the problems we see in our world. It’s curse has brought sickness, death and disasters of all kinds. It is not something we can play with. It is not something we can take lightly. We must root is out of our midst with the utmost caution and under the protection and grace of God.
Verse 13
Paul continues to speak about exposing sin. He tells the Ephesians that when something is exposed by the light it becomes visible.
There are times when we become blinded to the truth. Satan has a way of dulling our sensitivity to what it happening around us. People are very adept at hiding what they do not want us to see. Have you ever been surprised to find out that someone you greatly admired for their spiritual walk has fallen into grevious sin? What is going on in the hearts and minds of the people around us? What is happening behind closed doors when noone is present?
There are times when God brings these things out into the open and we see things for what they really are. It’s like He kicks in the door and, to our utter shock, the deed is exposed. As Paul says here: “When anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible.”
What we need to understand is that this exposure is an act of grace on God’s part. Until the deed is exposed there can be no resolution. Exposure, is the first step to victory.
Verse 14
Things become visible when they are exposed to the light. Paul explains what he means by quoting an unknown passage: “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” There is no Scripture passage that corresponds completely with these words, so we are not sure what Paul is quoting here.
The meaning of Paul’s quote, however, is quite clear. The quote calls the “sleeper” to awake and “arise from the dead.” Remember that the context speaks about sin and deeds of darkness. The death referred to here is a spirtual death. The call goes out to the sinner who is lost in his or her evil deeds and practices to awake from their spiritual slumber and rise from the dead. This is the call of Christ and the gospel.
Notice the promise to all who hear this call: “Christ will shine on you.” The light of Christ’s salvation will penetrate into the darkness of sin and death and bring life.
The light of Christ, exposes sin and evil, but it does more than that. It drives that darkness away and replaces it with light and life. Sin must be exposed not only for the good of the body of Christ, but also so that the light of Christ can shine into the dark corners and bring salvation and hope.
Verse 15
Paul has been reminding the Ephesians that the shameful deeds of the flesh would be exposed and Christ would shine His light on humankind to reveal their deeds. The apostle speaks here about the practical application of this truth. If the shameful deeds of darkness will be exposed to the light of Christ’s holiness, than Paul’s advice to the Ephesians was to “look carefully then how you walk.”
The King James Version translates as “see then that you walk circumspectly.” The word used here is ἀκριβω̃ς (akribṓs) which speaks of something that is exact, or accurate. In other words, the Ephesians were to do their utmost to walk exactly as God required. They were not to divert from the path he had laid out for them. That path was to be a path of holiness.
Notice also here that Paul told the Ephesians that they were to walk “not as unwise but as wise.” There are all kinds of ideas about what is wise. For the believer, however, the source of true wisdom is God Himself. Writing to the Romans the apostle Paul describes God as the “only wise God:”
27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. – Ro 16:27
He told the Corinthians that the wisdom of this world was “folly with God.”
19 For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” – 1Co 3:19
He walks in wisdom who walks in God’s purpose. The fool strays from the path of God to do things his own way.
Verse 16
We have here another practical application of the truth that God will bring the shameful deeds of the flesh to light. Paul tells the Ephesians that they were to make “the best use of the time.” The word used here is ἐξαγοράζω (exagorázō) and literally means to buy out or to buy up. What Paul seems to be saying is that the Ephesians were to buy up every moment of time and use it wisely. The idea that one buys up time gives is value. Each moment we have on this earth has value. We can waste our time, or we can use it for the sake of the kingdom. Paul encourages us to use all the time we can to invest in the building up of God’s kingdom.
Notice the reason why Paul tells us to make the best use of our time: “because the days are evil.” We can understand this in a number of ways. Let me suggest three possibilities.
First, we need to make the best use of our time because, in these evil days, there will be persecution, struggle and death. We will be opposed and many will have to lay down their lives for the cause of Christ. Paul was one example of this. We must use our time wisely because we only have a limited amount to use at best, and that might be cut short because of the evil and sinful days in which we live, whether by persecution, sickness or tragedy of some kind.
Second, we need to make the best use of our time because, many believers have never matured in their faith and service. Even in the church there are those who have been caught up in the evil of the day. The time is racing toward the Day of Judgement when all will stand before our Judge to give an accounting.
Finally, the context of the chapter reminds us that we are living in evil days among a people who practice shameful deeds of darkness. Paul challenges the Ephesians to discern what was pleasing to God (verse 10), have no part in the deeds of darkness (verse 11), and watch how they walked (verse 15). It is in this context that Paul tells the church in Ephesus that they were to make the most of their time. In other words, they were to abstain from the temptations of this evil world, and live each moment for the Lord. They were to make every moment count for the sake of the kingdom of God by walking in holiness and obedient service.
Verse 17
The apostle has been challenging the Ephesians to be careful in how they walk and use their time. He ties these both thoughts together here by telling them: “do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
Notice the contrast between foolishness and understanding the will of the Lord. To walk wisely is to walk in the will of the Lord. To be foolish is to ignore that will and do things one’s own way.
It it important also to note that Paul tells the Ephesians that they were to understand the will of the Lord. To understand the will of the Lord requires searching and praying. They were to seek out the purpose of God in all they did. They were to pray for a clearer revelation of His purpose for their lives. This will was not just in how they were to live but also in the use of their time. It required a willingness to surrender themselves fully each moment to God. All too often we live our lives doing the best we know how but not actively seeking to understand the purpose of God. How much energy and time has been wasted because we have not been discerning about God’s will?
Verse 18
Remember here that Paul is speaking to the believers in the church of Ephesus and surrounding regions. He speaks now about getting drunk with wine.
Paul had no problem with wine in general. In fact, he suggested to Timothy, who was suffering from “frequent ailments,” that he should use “a little wine” for his stomach.
23 (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) – 1Ti 5:23
Notice the words, “a little wine.” I saying this Paul is cautioning Timothy about the use of excessive wine and the potential for drunkenness as a result.
Paul speaks of drunkenness as “debauchery.” This word speaks of an uncontrolled excess and lawless behaviour. This is especially true when the individual has no longer any control over their thoughts and actions resulting from an excess of alcohol. The result is that the sinful flesh is given control over their body and thoughts.
Instead of allowing wine and strong drink to control their thoughts and actions, Paul encouraged the Ephesians to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It is true that the Holy Spirit lives and works in each believer. This is the clear teaching of Paul when he wrote to the Romans:
9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. – Ro 8:9
The words, “anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him,” make it clear that the evidence that an individual belongs to God is in the presence of this Spirit of God in them.
Having said this, the apostle also tells us that it is possible to grieve the Holy Spirit by our actions, and attitudes:
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. – Ep 4:30-31
Being filled with the Holy Spirit implies that we surrender to His sanctifying and empowering work in our lives. It implies that there is no part of our life over which we have not given Him willing access and in which we are not seeking to submit to His reign.
Verse 19
This verse is a continuation of Paul’s words in verse 18 about being filled with the Holy Spirit. In fact, verses 18-21 are part of a single sentence and thought. The apostle seems to be telling the Ephesians what the result of being filled with the Spirit would be. In verses 19-21 the apostle shares three characteristics of those who are filled with the Holy Spirit. The first quality is found here in verse 19.
Paul tells the Ephesians to “be filled with the Holy Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” This tells us something important about the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. It is His role to enable you to worship and praise “the Lord with your heart.” God’s Spirit within us will move us to elevate and worship the name of the Lord Jesus. In particular, Paul speaks about corporate worship in singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. While it is possible for anyone to sing hymns and spiritual songs, the role of the Spirit of God is to enable us to sing these hymns and songs from our heart. In other words, to sing with a genuine heart of praise to the Lord Jesus for His work. Those who are filled with the Spirit of God are empowered to worship the Lord Jesus.
Verse 20
The second demonstration of the filling of the Spirit is thankfulness. Addressing the Ephesians the apostle Paul says: “Be filled with the Spirit, …giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The role of the Holy Spirit is to give us a heart of thanksgiving. Notice three details here in these words of Paul about thanksgiving.
First Paul told the Ephesians that they were to give ” thanks always and for everything.” It is easy to give thanks when everything is going well but how do we give thanks “always and for everything?” When tragedy strikes, how can we be thankful. Humanly speaking, this is not possible. This is the work of God’s Spirit in us. He enables us to have a heart of thanksgiving even in the most difficult circumstances. He shows us the presence of God in our trials. He reminds us of the power and blessing of God when everything seems to be going wrong. He lifts our hearts to Jesus and they are filled with gratefulness, despite the tragedies around us.
Second, our thankfulness is directed to God. It is true that we have been blessed by fellow believers, but we recognize the work of God in bringing these people to us. We recognize that God is behind everything that takes place. We see His sovereign hand directing circumstances and people to accomplish His purpose for our lives. The role of the Holy Spirit is to open our eyes to see this reality and lead us to thankfulness and gratitude to God.
Finally, note that this thankfulness is in the “name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The name of Jesus here represents His work and character. It is because of Christ that all this is possible. Jesus paid the penalty for our sin. He opened the door for the Spirit of God to dwell in our hearts. The Holy Spirit, sent by Christ gives us this heart of thanksgiving.
Verse 21
The final demonsration of the filling of God’s Spirit here in this section relates to “submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
The work of God’s Spirit is evident in the relationships that exist in the church. Where there is division, His presence has been grieved. The work of the Spirit of God is to bring untity in the church under the Lordship of Christ. The Spirit of God does this by transforming our character. He removes pride, jealousy, bitterness, anger and all other works of the flesh and replaces this with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and all the other fruit of the Spirit. This creates unity in the church. More than this, however, the Spirit of God leads us into submission to God and to one another. We seek the will and purpose of the Father even if it means sacrificing our ambitions and desires for a brother or sister. We do this with a joyful heart.
Verse 22
Paul begins a section here on the relationship between husbands and wives. As we examine this section of Paul’s letter, I am aware of the various opinions of our day about the roles of men and women. Realize, however, that while the world may have its views, Paul presents to us here what He knew to be the will of God for Christian marriage.
The apostle begins with a word to Christian wives: “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” There are several details we need to see here.
First, notice that Paul specifically addresses wives in this passage. Listen to what God told Eve after she and her husband feel into sin:
16 To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.” – Ge 3:16
Notice two details here. First, Eve and every woman after her would bear children “in pain.” Second, her desire would be “contrary” to her husband. That is to say she would resist him and his “rule” over her.
Now just as Eve’s desire would be affected by the fall, so would Adam’s “rule.” He would rule from a sinful heart with selfish ambitions and desires. Christian marriages from that point onward would be affected by a corrupted desire, and a sinful rule. Paul wants to address this matter in this section. He begins by speaking to wives.
Second, Paul tells wives that they were to submit to their “own husbands.” The implication here is that this submission is not to someone eles’s husband. Her devotion and submission was to this one man in particular.
Thirdly, Paul tells Christian women to “submit” to their husbands. The word “submit” in Greek is ὑποτάσσω (hupotássō). The word is derived from two root words. The first is hupó, meaning, under, or beneath. The second word is tássō, meaning, to place, to set or to arrange. Together they carry the sense of arranging oneself under another person. In this case Christian wives were to arrange themselves under the authority of their own husband. The implication is that they supported, and stood behind him in the role God had given him as a leader and head of the family unit.
Finally, wives were to submit to their own husbands “as to the Lord.” Some people interpret the words “as to the Lord” to mean, submit to your husband in the same way you would submit to the Lord. The problem with this interpretation is that it gives the husband too much authority. No man should have this kind of authority. As a mere man, I make mistakes and sometimes lead from a sinful heart. Submitting to me as a husband, father or pastor is not the same a submitting to the Lord.
It is better to understand the words, “as to the Lord” to say: Submit to your husband, because this is what God is asking you to do. Do this for the Lord. The Lord is your authority, and He is asking you to arrange yourself under the headship that He has established. Respect this headship as being established by God and submit.
There is another dimension we need to examine here. The words “as to the Lord” also imply that her ultimate submission is to the Lord. In other words, she is to submit for Him and His purpose. Should her husband demand she do something contrary to the purpose of God, the wife is to recognize her first priority is to do everything “as to the Lord.” If she cannot do what is required for the Lord, she is obligated to the Lord alone as His higher authority.
Verse 23
Paul tells the Christian wife that her husband had been determined by God to be her head: “For the husband is the head of the wife.”
According to Paul, God has established an order in Christian marriage. This order is not unique to marriage. God also required an order in the church by the creation of the offices of pastors, elders and deacons. These leaders were given the task of leading the people of God. In the same way, God has determined that the Christian family have an established order with a head.
The apostle goes on to describe this headship in marriage by comparing it to Christ who “is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.” Notice several details in this phrase.
First, consider the words, “even as Christ is the head of the church.” The husband is to be head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. In other words, He is to take Christ’s headship as an example. In every decision, the husband should ask, “How did Christ demonstrate His headship?” The Christian husband only exercises true headship when his decisions and actions are in conformity and submission to Christ and according to His will and example.
Second, note the word, “his body.” Paul tells the Ephesians that Christ, as head of the church, considers her to be His body. What do you do when your body is in pain? You do whatever you can to ease that pain. What do you do when you are hungry? You feed your body. If Christ considered the church to be His body, than husbands who follow His example, will also consider their wives as their body. With the responsibility of headship comes the joining of two bodies into one. This means that God has given the husband responsibility for his wife’s needs, hurts and struggles. He is to see those needs as his own and will be accountable to God for meeting them. When his wife hurts, he must learn to hurt. When she is in need, he must also feel that need and respond in compassion. If the husband is to be the head God requires him to be, He must consider his wife’s needs as his own and care for them as he would care for his own.
Finally, Paul tells us that Jesus, as head of the church is also “its Savior.” As Saviour, the Lord Jesus was willing to lay down His life for the church. This is the example of headship the husband must follow. He must be willing to take this responsibility so seriously that he would make any sacrifice for his wife. He must be willing to lay down his life for her. If the headship being exercised by the Christian husband is all about his needs and wants alone, then he is not the head that God requires. True headship is a responsibilty for the care and wellbeing of ones wife. The true head will sacrifice for his wife. This is the obligation of every Christian husband.
Verse 24
In verse 23 we examined the headship of Christ and His willingness to care for and even die for His bride. He forgave us when we were at our worst. We have the promise of forgiveness in 1 John:
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1Jn 1:9
I have met believers who have taken all of these blessings for granted. They live their lives with no particular concern for holiness. They flirt with the world and do not seem to be overly concerned about their poor relationship with God. They are lukewarm believers whose testimony has been severely tarnished.
What would you say to these believers? Would you not tell them that they were not living in a right relationship with Christ. Would you not encourage them to surrender their worldly lusts and passions to Him? Wouldn’t you encourage them to turn from the world and submit to God?
The church is comprised of those who have committed themselves to walking in submission to Christ and His purpose. In fact, any individual in the church who refuses to do this, is to be disciplined and in some cases removed from the church until such time as they repent and submit to God and His will for their lives.
Paul told the Ephesian husbands that they were to be the head of the family. As such they were to follow Jesus Christ and His example of forgiveness, compassion, sacrifice and mercy.
Imagine, however, a wife who determines that because her husband is bound to forgive and care for her, she can live as she pleases. She chooses to spend her time with other men and disrespects her husband. She belittles him and shows him no respect. She speaks badly of him and constantly clashes with him in their day to day routine. She lives only for herself and has no thought of him. What would you say to such a wife?
How does the church submit to Christ? She does so by respecting Him and His wishes. She does so by her faithfulness to Him. She is willing to die to herself and gives sacrificially to her Lord.
This, according to Paul is how a Christian wife should respond to her husband. She should demonstrate her submission to God by loving her husband, respecting him, giving saccrificially and by being faithful to him alone.
Verse 25
Speaking now to husbands, the apostle challenges them to love their wives. If Christ is the example of headship, He is also the example for this love. Husbands were to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Paul explains what he means by this when he adds the phrase “and gave himself up for her.”
The demonstration of Christ’s love for the church was found in His willingness to lay His life down to die for her. This was a sacrificial love that willingly went to the cross and died on her behalf. This is the kind of love the husband needs to have for his wife.
This love demands sacrifice of time, effort and resources. It is not a love that can focus on its own interests alone but must willingly die to those interests to provide and care for his wife. Paul tells the Corinthians that the married man must be interested in worldly things because he has an obligation toward his wife and his interests are, by necessity, divided:
33 But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, 34 and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. – 1Co 7:33-34
A married man needs to be concerned about how to please his wife. This requires time and effort on his part. The love spoken of here is not just a feeling but a commitment with feet and hands and very real sacrifice for his wife.
Verse 26
Paul continues his statement about the example of Christ’s love for His bride, the church. Jesus laid down His life for her on the cross. She did not deserve His love, but He chose to die, pay her penalty, and “sanctify her.” The word used here for sanctify is the Greek word ἁγιάζω (hagiázō) which means to make holy. The fact that Christ has to make her holy show us that she was not so at first. In fact, she was a sinner, undeserving of the blessing and mercy.
Despite her uncleanness, the Lord Jesus cleansed her. Paul tells us that He did so by the “washing of water with the word.” In other words, He gave her His word and instructed her in the path of righteousness. He applied the truth of that word to her heart and transformed her into a new person. Under His tender care, His bride, the church, flourished and became a beautiful and holy woman.
Verse 27
The Lord Jesus took a sinful and rebellious people, and transformed them into a beautiful bride. Notice how Paul describes the church, as the bride of Christ.
First, Christ presented the church to himself. He transformed the life of dirty sinner into a radiant bride. The picture is of this bride being presented to Christ as a delighted husband who is proud to call her His own.
Second, she is presented to Christ in spendour. The word used here is ἐˊνδοξος (éndoxos) meaning, glorious, honoured or noble. The work of God’s Spirit in the church has transformed her into a noble and honourable person. She stands before Him dressed in her royal robes. He clothed her with these robes. He cleansed her. She is a long way from what she used to be. She stands forgiven, sanctified and beautiful before her husband.
Third, the bride stands before Christ without “spot or wrinkle or any such thing.” All sin has been forgiven. Her past with all its failures is forgotten. In His eyes, she is “holy and blameless.” No sin will be held to her charge.
Paul describes this loving work of God for the church to show husbands how they were to love their wives. They were to care for them, forgive them and cherish them even as Christ did the church.
Verse 28
Paul tells husbands that they are to love their wives as their own bodies. There are those who interpret this to mean that the husband should treat his wife as he would like to be treated. There is an element of truth to this statement, but Paul seems to have a deeper meaning than this.
When Paul tells the Ephesian husbands to “love their wives as their own bodies,” he is not telling them to do for their wives what they would want them to do to them. Though the principle is a good one, it is not what Paul is communicating here. He is telling husbands that they were to consider their wives body as theirs and love it as such.
He confirms this by the words. “He who loves his wife loves himself.” Paul believed that the married couple were one and not two separate individuals. This is the teaching of Jesus in Mark 10 when He says:
7 ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. – Mk 10:7-8
The prophet Malichi says a very similar thing when he wrote:
15 Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. – Mal 2:15
According to Paul, there is a union between husband and wife. They become “no longer two but one flesh.” The husband was to strive to see his wife as part of himself. Just as he could not pull off his legs and go to work, so his wife was to be taken into consideration in all that he did.
Verse 29
Paul continues with the illustration from the last verse of the husband and wife being one body.
He tells the Ephesians that no one ever hated his own flesh. It is true that many people commit suicide and harm themselves. Realize, however, that even these individuals are looking out for themselves. They want release from the pain and sorrow they feel in their body and mind.
It is a natural thing for us to care for our bodies. If you see an object heading in your direction you get out of the way. If you are hungry, you look for something to eat. If you are sick you naturally do what it takes to get better.
Paul reminds the Ephesians that the Lord Jesus cares for, nourishes and cherishes the church as His body. He comforts us in our sorrow. He provides for us in our need. Husbands were to see their wives as their own body. Her pain is his pain. Her needs are his needs.
Verse 30
Paul tells us that Christ nourishes and cherishes the church “because we are members of his body.” We are one with Him and He with us. You cannot separate Christ from me nor me from Christ. My passion is to be one with Him in mind, heart, soul and body. I want His life in me. I want to be like Him. I want every decision I make to be in line with Him. I want every thought I have to be His throught as well. I do not want a corner of my life for myself. I want Him in every part of my life. I want to so identify with Him that I am lost in Him. According to Paul, marriage and the oneness of a couple in marriage, is a symbol of this type of relationship and intimacy between Christ and the church.
Verse 31
To underscore what he has been saying about the husband and wife being one flesh, Paul quotes from Genesis 2:24. Genesis 2:24 tells us that it was the intention of the Lord that a man should leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife. The word used here for “hold fast” is προσκολλάω (proskolláō). The word means to glue one thing to another. The idea is that two things are bound together for life. In fact, the passage tells us that they are glued together in such a way that they are no longer two but one – “and the two shall become one flesh.” That is to say, they function as one. They support, and strengthen each other in the work God has given them to do.
Verse 32
Notice how Paul begins the verse with the words, “this mystery.” To what mystery does Paul refer? He has been speaking about the relationship between a husband and wife and how it symbolizes the relationship between Christ and the church. He makes this clear in the words, “it refers to Christ and the church.”
As the apostle reflects on the way in which Christ has chosen the church to be His bride, his mind is overwhelmed. As he considers how Jesus willingly laid down his life on the cross to win this bride to Himself he finds himself at a loss to explain it. It was a mystery that God would love sinners to this extent.
God has chosen to reveal this great mystery of the passion and desire of Christ for His church through the union of a husband and wife. As married couples this ought to be central in our thoughts as we live out our lives. To what extent does our marriages reflect this incredible mystery?
Verse 33
The apostle concludes the chapter with a final two-fold exhortation.
The first challenge is to the husband. He tells husbands to love their wives as themselves. That it to say, they were to care for, honour and cherish them as they would their own body.
The second challenge is to the wife. He tells wives to respect their husbands. The word respect in the Greek language is φοβέω (phobéō). It literally means to fear, to be frightened, or terrified. We are so accustomed to seing fear in a negative sense. Fear, however, is not always a negative thing. Expressed in a more positive way, to fear is to reverence and respect. To fear God is to reverence Him as God and live our lives in submission and loving devotion. This is the sense that Paul is trying to convey. For the wife whose husband loves her as he would love himself, there is no fear of harm or abuse. Her fear of her husband is one of respect, honour and submission.
Chapter 6
Select Verse:
Verse 1
Having spoken to husbands and wives in the last chapter, the apostle moves now to the children in these families.
Paul commanded children to obey their parents. The word used here is ὑπακούω (hupakoúō) which means to hear and surrender to a superior authority, whether that be willingly or unwillingly. In telling children to obey, Paul is placing them under the authority of their parents.
Notice that the apostle tells these children to obey their parents, “in the Lord.” The implication is that these children were to obey their parents as they would obey the Lord.
We can imagine some of these children would have come to the Lord from unbelieving families who worshipped idols. Imagine this family requiring their child to sacrifice to their family’s pagan deities. Should parents require something that would dishonour the Lord God of Israel, these children were to recognize their higher obligation to the Lord God and refrain from doing what would disrespect Him.
The apostle concludes the verse with the words, “for this is right.” It is God’s purpose that children allign themselves under the authority of their parents.
Verse 2
Paul’s first challenge to children is to obey their father and mother (Ephesians 6:1). Here in this verse he speaks about children honouring their parents.
The word honour, in the original language is τιμάω (timáō) which means to reverence, esteem or value. When we honour someone, we are careful about how we use our words when speaking to them or about them. Our actions demonstrate the value we place on those we esteem. Children who wish to honour their parents will not shame their parents by how they live. They will respectfully listen to their instructions and walk faithfully before them.
Paul reminds the Ephesians that this commandment is “the first commandment with a promise.” Paul speaks here about the promise made in Exodus 20:12:
12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. – Ex 20:12
The land that God gave to His people was a blessing from Him. There was a time, however, when the Lord took that land from them because they rebelled against Him and disobeyed His law.
What God told the young generation is that if they dishonoured their parents, His hand of judgement would fall on them and He would strip them from their land. If, however, they honoured their parents, they would know His ongoing blessing in their land.
Consider this for a moment. When chidren begin to turn from their parents and disrespect those who brought them into this world, this is just the beginning of the downfall of a society. Where parents are disrespected, teachers, government, law officials, religious authorities are not spared. I would dare say that Scripture itself will not be respected or obeyed. When this happens, the blessing of God is often removed from the land.
Verse 3
Paul reminds the Ephesians about the promise attached to honouring father and mother. According to Paul there are two aspects to this promise.
First, it would go well with them. In other words, the blessing of God would be on the society that honoured parents. When children learned to respect parents, they would also respect other authorities in the land. When they valued their parents, they would also value others members of their community. Supportive and respectful communities such as this were a blessing.
Paul tells the Ephesians, secondly, that when parents are honoured in a society, those who live in that society live long. Long life was a sign of God’s blessing. Sin and rebellion against God brought the curse of sin and death to this world. Sickess, plagues, crime and violence of all kinds ravaged the earth when sin entered.
When a society loses this respect and honour, it quickly deteriorates into sin and rebellion. Where the values taught by parents are ignored the society plunges into chaos. Anxiety, worry, crime, sickness, disease of all kinds are the natural result, shortening life and deteriorating its quality.
According to Paul, society and each individual in it, benefits greatly when children are taught to respect and honour their parents from an early age. The values they learn through this, will have a rippling effect on the quality of our life.
Verse 4
Paul has two words of counsel to fathers in this verse.
First, fathers were not to “provoke their children to anger.” The phrase provoke to anger, in the Greek is παροργίζω (parorgízō). It is comprised of two root words, pará, meaning, at the point of, and orgízō meaning, anger. Together these words imply bringing someone to the point of anger.
There are many ways fathers can provoke their children to anger. They can do so by breaking their spirit. They can disrespect their children and belittle them. They can be controlling and domineering. None of these things come from God and can create resentment, and rebelliousness in the end.
Second, fathers were to bring their children up in “the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
The word for discipline here is παιδεία (paideía) which refers to correction. It is not so much punishment for improper behaviour as it is correction for the purpose of training and teaching a child what is right.
The word, instruction, in the Greek is νουθεσία (nouthesía) and speaks of an admonition, warning or encouragement that directs a child to the right path and proper behaviour.
Notice here that fathers were to bring their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. In other words, they were to correct and encourage their children to walk in the ways of the Lord. They were not to be harsh and overbearing in this, lest they anger their children to the point where they wanted nothing to do with their faith.
Verse 5
Slavery was a common practice in those days. Some of these slaves were coming to know the Lord and were part of the church. While Paul does not encourage slavery here, he recognized it as a reality in the culture of the day, and addresses these Christian slaves as part of households in Ephesus.
The apostle challenged bondservants to obey their “earthly master with fear and trembling.”
The fear spoken of here is not so much a terror of their masters, but rather a reverence and respect. In other words, they were to honour their masters by diligent work and faithful service.
Bondservants were also to obey with “trembling.” Some see here the idea that because their masters had the legal right to punish disobedience, slaves were to be fearful of this discipline and do all they could to serve faithfully and obediently. The combination of the words “fear and trembling” in Scripture, however, seems to refer to a deep seriousness and respect. Consider for example how the Corinthians received Titus:
15 And his affection for you is even greater, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling – 2Co 7:15
The phrase, “fear and trembling” here does not mean that the Corinthians were afraid of Titus, but rather that they treated him with deep reverence and respect.
Paul challenges the Philippians to work out thier salvation with fear and trembling:
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, – Phl 2:12
Paul is not telling the Philippians to worry and fret with no assurance of savlation here. What he is saying is that they were to take this matter of living out their Christian life very seriously.
What Paul seems to be telling slaves is that they were to respect their masters and serve them faithfully. They were to take this seriously and demonstrate their faith in Christ by how they served their earthly masters.
The apostle goes on in the verse to explain how these slaves were to obey their earthly masters with fear and trembling.
First they were to obey from a sincere heart. This shows us that the fear and trembling Paul speaks about is not so much about terror and being afraid of their masters, as it is about respect. Paul is not telling slaves to be afraid of their masters from a sincere heart. He is telling them rather to respect them from a sincere heart. That is to say, they were to submit willingly to their masters. Until the Lord freed from from their bondage, they were to respectfully serve these earthly masters from a sincere and genuine heart of submission and devotion.
Secondly, they were to serve their masters as they would serve Christ. How did they serve Christ? They did so by submitting to Him and His purpose. They did so faithfully and obediently with sacrificial heart. This is how they were to serve their masters.
Verse 6
In verse 5, Paul told slaves to serve their masters as they would serve Christ. He explains this more fully here. He has three things to say about how slaves were to serve their masters:
First, they were not to serve by the way of “eye-service.” Eye service is service rendered only when someone is watching. When those eyes are no longer present, they no longer work. Paul encouraged slaves to be faithful even when the master was not watching them. They were to serve with integrity, doing their best for the master.
Second, they were not to serve as people-pleasers. A people-pleaser is one who seeks to gain favour and recognition from people. While slaves were certainly to do their utmost to please their masters, this was not to be their primary goal.
Third, the primary goal of the Christian slave was to do the will of God from the heart. It was to honour God and bring pleasure to Him. If that meant sacrificing their freedom as a slave to serve even a cruel earthly master, they would do all they could to bring honour to thier God in it.
Verse 7
Not only were slaves to serve their masters from the heart, but they were to render their service “with a good will.” Having a good will refers to a cheerful and willing spirit. In other words, they were not to offer their service with a bitter and angry spirit. Paul goes on to explain how they could do this.
Slaves were to render their services for their master to the Lord. They were to serve the Lord by serving their masters. Their alligience was to be first and foremost to God. They were to harvest the master’s fields for the Lord. They were to clean the master’s floors for the Lord. They were to do these things as if they were doing them for the King of kings. Even the most tedious of tasks has deep significance when done for the Lord.
Verse 8
Paul reminded Ephesian slaves that whatever good they did would be rewarded. As slaves the good they did would not always be easy. They would sometimes suffer greatly to be faithful to their earthly masters. What these slaves needed to understand is that God was not blind to the things they suffered. God saw their pain and struggle and would reward them in His time. No good done for God would go unrewarded.
Notice the phrase “whether he is a bondservant or is free.” It would be possible for slaves to feel that because they belonged to their masters they were obligated to obey. A free man could choose to do good and would be rewarded for this choice. The slave, on the other hand, did not have a choice. He had to obey or be beaten. Paul reminds these slaves, however, that by serving their masters with a willing and cheerful heart, they would also be rewarded.
Verse 9
Where there were slaves, there were also masters. This was the case even in the church in Ephesus. Paul concludes his exhortation to slaves with a word to Christian masters. Consider here Paul’s exhortation to Christian slave owners.
First, Paul tells Christian slave masters to “do the same to them.” This takes us back to Paul’s challenge to the salves. They were to serve their masters from the heart, with a good will toward them, as they would serve the Lord. This same challenge went out to Christan slave masters. They were to treat their slaves with fear and trembling, knowing that by disrespecting them they would answer to God. They were to demonstrate their Christian faith by how they treated their slaves.
Second, slave masters were to stop “threatening.” Many masters, in order to get work done by their slaves, would threaten to beat or harshly discipline them. The threat of beating, whipping or deprivation was the motivation used to encourage slaves to work harder. Paul challenges this mentality by forcing Christian slave masters to ask whether this was how God would have them treat their servants. Was it the will of God that Christian masters ruled over their slaves by fear and beating?
Admittedly, there are many people who live their lives in fear of God’s wrath. The question, however, is whether this is the kind of relationship God wants with us. Does God want us to live in terror of Him beating or punishing us for every failure? Paul has just told the Christian slaves that they were to serve their masters from their heart with good will. This is the attitude God expects from us as well. He wants us to willingly submit from a joyful heart. If this is the case, then Christian slave masters were to follow this example. They were to do all they could to encourage their slaves to serve from a willing and joyful heart and not a heart constantly fearful of beating.
Christian slave masters were to be aware that they too had a Master in heaven. Their heavenly Master showed no partiality. In other words, He loved the slave as much as the master. He would demand an accounting for any mistreatment of His children whether they be slave or free. If the earthly masters were to honour their heavenly Master, they would treat their servants with respect and dignity, accepting that before God they were equals.
Verse 10
Paul begins a new section on the armour God. As he opens the section he challenges the Ephesians to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”
The apostle uses three words here: strong, strength and might. Each of these words is attributed to God. Paul tells the Ephesians to be strong “in the Lord,” and in the strength of “his” might. Clearly the strength and might Paul speaks about here is not human but divine. He is telling the Ephesians that God’s stength is available to them. More than this, however, he tells them they are to make use of this strength in the battle that is before them.
The word used here for “be strong” is ἐνδυναμόω (endunamóō). It means to be strengthened or to be equiped with power. Paul uses this same Greek word in Philippians 4:13 when he says:
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Phl 4:13
He speaks here about a strength that came from Jesus Christ that equipped him to do His will and purpose.
The second word, translated “strength” is κράτος (krátos). This word denotes might, power and dominion. It is often used in the New Testament to speak of the dominion of God. Consider it’s use in Jude 25 and Revelation 1:6. In both cases it is translated by the English word “dominion.”
25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. – Jude 22,25
5… To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. – Rev 1:5-6
Paul is reminding the Ephesians that the God who stengthens them is the God who has dominion over all of His creation.
The final word, translated “might” is the Greek word ἰσχύς (ischús). It conveys the idea of physical or moral stregth. Those who have this might are powerful, healthy and able. All of this is a gift from the Lord.
Verse 11
Paul encourages the Ephesians to put on the “armor of God.” Over the course of the next few verses, he will explain more about this armour. Notice two details here.
First, the apostle tells the Ephesians that they were to put on the “whole” armour of God. The word “whole” is important. Imagine a soldier going into battle with everything but his sword. Imagine that this soldier left his shield at home. When even one piece of the soldier’s armour is missing, that soldier is at a serious disadvantage and risks falling to the enemy’s arrows. It is of utmost importance then that the soldier put on every piece.
The second point Paul makes here is that this armour is designed to help the believer “to stand against the schemes of the devil.” The apostle Peter describes the devil as a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour:
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. – 1Pe 5:8
We need to be protected from his trickery and deceit. The armour that Paul is about to describe is not ordinary armour, but specially conceived to help us to stand up against the devil’s attacks. The opposite of standing up against the devil’s schemes is falling to these schemes. If we want to be victorious over him, we need to put on every piece of this armour.
Verse 12
The apostle tells the Thessalonians here about the nature of the battle that is before then and why they need this special armour from God.
Consider first that the battle we must fight is not against flesh and blood. It is important that we consider this.
When Paul tells us that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, he was aware of his own past history. The apostle, persecuted, in flesh and blood, those who belonged to the Lord Jesus. After becoming a believer in Jesus, this very same man was stoned, mocked, beaten, and imprisoned by flesh and blood human beings for the gospel he preached.
Paul’s life and ministry was certainly made difficult by flesh and blood human beings who opposed him. He was aware, however, that behind all this flesh and blood was an even greater battle raging. This was a spiritual battle for the souls of man and women around the world. There was a cancer that ravaged this earth that was far more important to address than the symptoms revealed in individual hearts and lives. That cancer was sin, spurred on by the demonic forces of hell. The true battle we wrestle against is not people but the power of sin and Satan.
Paul goes into greater detail about the nature of the enemy we must address as believers here. He tells us first that we wrestle against “rulers” The Greek word Paul uses here is ἀρχή (archḗ), which literally means, beginning. It can refer to time but also to the origin of something or the ruler and authority over a dominion or cause. The word takes us back in time to a self-made authority that opposed the kingdom of God and set itself up in opposition to its Lord.
The second enemy Paul lists here is described simply as “authorities.” The Greek word ἐξουσία (exousía) conveys the idea of right, power and ability. Those who have authority have power over people. This power and authority is not necessarily for their good. They can have the power and ability to abuse humanity for its own end.
The third description of the enemy before us is, “cosmic powers over this present darkness.” The Greek word, κοσμοκράτωρ (kosmokrátōr) comes from kósmos, meaning, world, and kratéō, meaning to hold. These are forces that hold the world in its grip. Satan is one of those cosmic powers over this dark world filled with sin.
Finally, in this verse Paul told the Ephesians that they were wrestling against “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Notice that these forces are forces of evil. Evil spirits, for example would be spiritual forces of evil. These are spiritual in nature. That it to say, they do not have a physical body like we do. They dwell in heavenly places. In other words, they live in the air.
Paul is reminding the Ephesians here of the nature of the forces allied against them. Flesh and blood was nothing compared to these powerful and evil forces. In fact, the power of these enemies was such that no human being would ever be able to stand against them were it not for the armour that the Lord God has provided to protect those who belong to Him.
Verse 13
Paul begins this verse with the word, “therefore.” This connects it with what he has been telling them about the nature of the enemy in verse 12. Notice Paul’s challenge to the Ephesians here in light of the enemy that surrounded them: “take up the whole armor of God.”
Paul is quite particular here. He uses the Greek word πανοπλία (panoplía) which is derived from pás, meaning all or every, and hóplon meaning weapon. It was quite important that the soldier put on every piece of armour. This armour was designed to work as a whole. No individual piece protected the whole person. Every piece was to be warn if it was to be effective against the enemy.
The purpose of this armour of God was to enable them to “withstand in the evil day.” Paul remind the Ephesians that the day was evil. That it is say, the powers that they were fighting against were allied with Satan and stood firmly against the kingdom of God. All who belonged to God’s kingdom would be subject to their attacks. If they were going to resist and stand firm against these evil forces, they needed to put on every piece of the armour of God.
Notice finally Paul’s words, “and having done all, to stand firm.” The idea here seems to be that after having sucessfully battled and conquered their foes, protected by the armour of God, they would stand firm in the faith handed down to them to the honour of their Lord.
Verse 14
Paul begins his description of the armour of God by first telling the Ephesians to “stand.” The idea of standing has a military meaning. To stand in this sense is to take a stance against the enemy, to dig in, and to hold one’s position. This kind of standing would not be possible were it not for the armour that Paul is about to describe. Let me mention two details about this armour before examining each piece.
First, the pieces of armour Paul speaks about here are not mentioned in order of importance. Paul has already told the Ephesians that they were to put on the whole armour. Every individual piece was important. The enemy would penetrate wherever there was no protection.
Second, while there may be some significance to where each piece of armour is placed on the body, it is also possible to go beyond what is necessary in the interpretation of this passage. For our purposes, I do not want to put too much focus on why Paul calls the different pieces of armour what he does. What is of importance for us here is that we understand the nature of our defense against Satan, the world and the flesh and be sure that we demonstrate these qualities in our lives.
The first piece of armour the apostle mentions is the belt of truth – “having fastened on the belt of truth.”
Paul tells the Ephesians that this belt was to be “fastened” on. The word he uses here is περιζώννυμι (perizṓnnumi). Perizṓnnumi is made up of two roots. The first is, perí, meaning, about or around. The second word zṓnnumi, refers to the act of wrapping something around oneself. In some cases, the long garments worn in the day were gathered up and knotted so that they did not hinder walking or running.
The belt Paul refers to here is the belt of truth. Truth in this sense, refers to the reality or stated purpose of a matter. In other words, God created this world for a purpose. Anything that does not line up with that purpose is error and falsehood. Jesus declared Himself to be the truth in John 14:
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – Jn 14:6
What does not conform to Jesus, is falsehood and error. He is the standard and measure of all truth.
We need to see from this that if we are to overcome the enemy, we must do so in truth and in conformity to the will and purpose of God. We cannot live in error and falsehood, outside of the will and purpose of God, and expect to win the battle against evil. We cannot turn our backs on the source of all truth and defeat the enemy. Our eyes and hearts must be devoted to the truth as found in the person of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit if we are going to overcome.
The battle that rages around us is a battle against the truth of God. Jesus described Satan as a “liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). That is to say, he and his angels stand against the purposes of God. He promotes a lifestyle and worldview that denies the will of God for our lives. We battle against the falsehoods and exaggerations of the enemy. Our great need is to put on the belt of truth to protect us from his deceitful schemes and cunning philosophies.
The second piece of armour mentioned by Paul in this verse is the breastplate of righteousness. Understand here that the breastplate of righteousness cannot be separated from the belt of truth. The righteousness Paul speaks about here is conformity to the will and purpose of God. You cannot experience the reality of righteousness without walking in truth. I say this to show that both pieces of armour work together to protect the believer.
The word used for breastplate here is θώραξ (thṓrax). This particular piece of armour was comprised of a front and back section covering from the neck to the top of the thighs. It protected a soldier in front and behind.
The breastplate, according to Paul, was a breastplate of righteousness. The word δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosúnē) is derived from the word díkaios, meaning, just. To be righteous is to be in a right standing with God. The New Testament speaks often about this righteousness. Paul wrote about it in Philippians 3:9 when he said:
9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— – Phl 3:9
Paul tells us that true righteousness is not found in our own efforts but in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. The righteousness Paul speaks about here comes by faith in Jesus Christ:
22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: – Ro 3:22
Consider this for a moment. Not one of us could ever measure up to God’s perfect standard. All of us have fallen short and sinned. How could we ever be made right with God? The only way for that to become a reality is through the forgiveness of our sin. Sin kept us from being right with God. Jesus died for our sin, paid the penalty and now all who receive this pardon can be restored to a right relationship and standing once again. This is not because they merit this status, but because Jesus provided it to them as a gift received by faith in what He did for them on the cross.
How does the breastplate of righteousness protect us from the attack of the enemy? The enemy will do anything he can to keep us from God. He surrounds us with sin and temptation and blinds us to our need of a right standing with God. He tells us that we are good enough to go to heaven on our own. He causes us to question why a loving God would ever allow anyone to go to hell. He tells us that all roads will lead to heaven. He tells us that we have not done enough to merit the salvation of God. These attacks bombard the hearts and minds of men and women around the world. What is our assurance in these times? What will repell the attacks of the enemy at this level –only the breastplate of righteousness. That is to say, a right standing with God through the work of Jesus Christ. Knowing our forgiveness through the rightouesness of Jesus Christ on our behalf is our assurance. If my right standing with God depended on me, I could never do enough. When my right standing is a gift from Christ, I can be sure that it will never fail. Satan will bombard me with his arrows of doubt but I cling to what I have received from Christ – a breast plate of righteousness, given as a gift of grace that covers me from front to back. The enemy cannot penetrate this breastplate for it gives me a right standing with God for all eternity.
Verse 15
The next piece of armour is, according to Paul, “shoes for your feet.” Paul equates these shoes with the “readiness given by the gospel of peace.”
The word translated, “readiness” is ἑτοιμασία (hetoimasía). While it has been translated as “readiness,” here in this verse, the word also refers to solid base, a foundation or firm footing. In essence this is what a shoe does. It provides us with a foundation upon which we can walk and assures us a secure footing. The soldier who had shoes on his feet, was ready to move out at a moment notice to face any territory his feet would be required to tread in the course of his day.
Paul equates this shoe with the readiness “given by the gospel of peace.” Many see this readiness as a preparedness to share the gospel with other people. The wording of Paul here, however, leads us to understand that this readiness is not something we give to others but rather something “given by the gospel” to believers.
What is the gospel and how does it protect us in the spiritual battle that rages around us. The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ come to this earth to die for the forgiveness of our sin. It is the promise that all who accept His offer of pardon procured by the cross of Calvary, can know eternal life. This is the foundation of our hope. Like a shoe, this is what we stand on and what supports us over the rough terrain of life.
If there is a truth the enemy does not want us to stand on, it would be the message of gospel of Jesus Christ. The cross is the power of salvation and victory over Satan. This gospel of Jesus Christ is a powerful weapon against the forces of hell. Satan’s legal claim to sinners is broken at the cross. Our enemy flees at the mention of the cross for He knows that he has been defeated there by the Lord Jesus.
If we are going to face the battle before us, we must know it’s power to forgive sin. Only then are we prepared to stand against the lies of the enemy. No matter how difficult the terrain before us, with our feet firmly buckled into these gospel shoes, we are ready to hold our ground or advance as God calls us.
The knowlege and experience of the power of the gospel in our lives is a powerful protection against the lies of Satan and his angels. It is in this truth and confidence that we can stand strong.
Verse 16
We move now to the shield. The word used here is θυρεός (thureós) which literally means door or gate. It would later be used to refer to the large shields used by the Romans. These leather-covered shields were about four feet (1.2 metres) high and in many ways, looked like a door, thus the use of this particular word to describe them.
Paul compares this shield to faith and encourages the Ephesians to keep it with them at all times. The word for faith here in the Greek language is πίστις (pístis). It is derived from the word peíthō meaning to persuade. In this case, it is a conviction about the truth of Christ and what He taught. It is more than a belief, however. It is also a full and willing surrender to that truth, and a commitment to walk in it no matter the cost.
Notice how Paul tells the Ephesians that this shield was to be used in all circumstances. Often faith is seen as something to be used in certain circumstances. This, however, is not what Paul teaches. The apostle tells us that there is never to be a time when our faith in Christ Jesus and His Word does not direct us. There is never to be a time or circumstance when we are not acting from the faith we profess. The nature of this faith is such that it governs and watches over every aspect of our lives. Everything we do is because of Christ or for Christ.
The apostle goes on to tell us that this faith can “extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.” In the ancient battles of Paul’s day, one of the tactics of the enemy was to shoot flaming arrows at these large wooden shields in the hope of setting them on fire. You can imagine how difficult it would be, in the heat of the battle, to take the time to pull out a flaming arrow from a wooden shield. In an attempt to address this problem, the Romans covered their shields with leather which they dipped in water before going to battle. When the flaming arrow struck the wet leater it was extinguised.
The faith Paul speaks about here is like wet leather to a flaming arrow. When Satan shoots his arrows at us, they are extinguished by our faith in Christ Jesus and our confidence in His word.
Verse 17
The helmet is the next piece of armour required for the Christian soldier. The Greek word used for helmet is περικεφαλαία (perikephalaía). The first part of the word, “perí” means, “about.” The second part (kephalḗ), means, “head.” The helmet in very simple terms then, is a piece of armour put around the head to protect it from harm.
Paul tells the Ephesians that the helmet represented salvation. Let me explain what Paul means by salvation here by four simple words.
First, for salvation to be possible there must first be a situation. The situation we are dealing with is sin. Sin has been ravaging our land and has separated us from God. Because of sin we are under the condemnation and judgement of God. The problem is that we cannot do anything about it. We are guilty and under the eternal wrath of God. Satan and sin have defeated us.
Second, if salvation is going to be possible there must also be a Saviour. Our situation was grim and we were under the wrath of God. In the midst of this horrible reality, Jesus Christ came to this earth as the Saviour. He chose to die in my place, paying the penalty for my sin and releasing me from its legal obligations.
Third, for this salvation of Christ to become a reality there must be a surrender. This surrender is to the work of the Lord Jesus on my behalf. This implies that I cease all my efforts to make myself right with God, and recognize that everything depends on what Jesus has done.
Finally, the result of this work of Christ in my life is a second birth. He pardons my sin, seals the deal with the presence of his Holy Spirit , and gives me a new life. Those who experience this second birth, are transformed by the presence of Christ in them and guaranteed eternal life.
This salvation releases me from the legal hold of Satan and transfers me into the kingdom of God. It empowers me by the indwelling of God’s Spirit and equips me to stand firm against the devil and his flaming arrows. Without this salvation, there is no hope of overcoming the enemy.
The “sword of the Spirit” is the next piece of armour available to the Chrisitan soldier. There were two types of swords used by Roman soldiers. The first is described by the Greek word ῥομφαία (rhomphaía). This was a long broadsword carried over the shoulder. The second type of sword is described in the word μάχαιρα (máchaira). It was a short sword, more like a dagger. It is this shorter sword that Paul refers to here as the sword of the Spirit. This shorter sword was used in close encounters with the enemy, By using the illustration of the shorter sword, Paul is telling the Ephesians that they would battle in close proximity to the enemy.
The sword, according to Paul, represented the Word of God. The word here is contained in the inspired Scriptures handed down to us in written form. These Scriptures have been given to us to reveal the truth and expose error. They will show us how to live, encourage us in our struggle, and reveal God and His purpose to us. If we want to navigate around the temptations of the enemy, this word is essential. We must read it, and study it if we are to be protected from the delusions and deceptions of the enemy.
Verse 18
Paul concludes his reflection on the armour of God with a word about prayer. While he does not have a piece of armour he uses to illustrate prayer, it is nonetheless a valuable tool in overcoming the assults of the enemy. Paul has a number of things to say about prayer here in this passage.
First, Paul encourages the Ephesians to pray “at all times.” The word used here is καιρός (kairós) which describes seasons or special opportunities of time. It is different from the Greek word chrónos which describes time as a series of minutes or hours that continue without stopping. By using the word kairós, Paul is telling the Ephesians to take ever opportunity to pray. They were to pray in times of joy, sorrow, confusion or trial. Prayer was to become a regular part of every event and circumstance of life.
Second, Paul tells the Ephesians that they were to pray “in the Spirit.” The word for “Spirit” is πνευ̃μα (pneúma). It refers to breath or the movement of air. By extention it also refers to the human spirit or to the Holy Spirit.
The spirit is somewhat difficult to understand. It is not physical nor visible to the human eye. It is clear, however, that it is by means of our spirit that we are able to communicate with God.
Writing to the Romans, the apostle Paul says:
16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God – Ro 8:16
Note that the Spirit of God communicates to our spirit. Speaking to the Corinthians, the apostle tells them that when he prayed in a tongue his spirit prayed but his mind was inactive.
14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. 15 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. – 1Co 14:14-15
While we do not have time to develop this further, in this context, what is clear from Scripture is that the Spirit of God communicates with our Spirit. Our spirit is also able to communicate with God.
Paul tells the Ephesians that they were to “pray in the Spirit.” Most translations spell the word spirit with a capital “S,” indicating that the Holy Spirit is being referenced here. If that is the case, than the idea is that we pray under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit and not by our own ideas and agendas. As we communicate from our spirit to God’s we must be careful not to create static and interference on the line, due to our own ideas. Prayer is not just about telling God what we want, but also about aligning our spirit with His so that His purpose is accomplished. To truly pray for God’s will to be done, we must be directed by God’s Spirit in how to pray in the purpose and will of God.
Paul goes on to challenge the Ephesians to pray with all prayer and supplication. The phrase “all prayer” may be a reference to all kinds of prayer or different types of prayer. Supplication refers to requests for blessings and benefits. Paul is telling the Ephesians that they were to pray prayers of thanksgiving, praise, petitions, prayers for guidance, prayers for justice, or prayers for mercy and forgiveness. The idea here is that they were to make prayer a regular part of their daily life and practice.
Paul calls the Ephesians to be alert in prayer. The word “alert” is ἀγρυπνέω (agrupnéō) which means to be without sleep, or to be watchful. The idea seems to be that the Ephesians were to be always watching out for the needs around them and committing them to the Lord God. They were to be faithful in committing all their needs to God.
The apostle concludes the verse by asking the Ephesians to make “supplication for all the saints.” That is to say, they were to seek God’s blessing and benefits for His people. By their prayers they were to call down from heaven the wisdom, blessing and benefits of God for the saints around them. This prayer, would certainly have an impact on the enemy forces allied against these saints.
Verse 19
Paul has asked that prayers be made for all the saints. If we are going to overcome the enemy and become all that God wants us to become, we need the blessings of God that can only come by asking.
It is true that God could give us all the blessings we need without us ever having to ask, but He has determined that many blessings will only be ours when we come to Him, recognize our need and ask Him to fulfil it.
Notice what Paul asks the Ephesians to pray on his behalf – “that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.” There are really two requests here.
First that words would be given… “to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.” We can be sure that Paul knew the message of the gospel. This was a message he had often proclaimed. Yet, despite knowing the truth of the gospel, he still asked for words to be given him to proclaim its mystery
Paul’s request here is not so much about the words as it is about the empowering and leading of God in those words. Listen to how he expresses this when writing to the Corinthians.
3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. – 1Co 2:3-5
When Paul ministered to the Corinthians he did not depend on his “plausible words of wisdom” but in a “demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” What Paul is asking the Ephesians to pray for was for utterance to be given him to speak the word of God in power. He knew that apart from that power, there would be no salvation or change of life in those who heard his words.
The second request of Paul here is that he would open his “mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.”
The word translated boldly is παρρησία (parrēsía) refers to the ability to speak frankly, and with freedom. The question may legitimately be asked, when did the apostle never speak boldly? Why would he need people to pray for boldness in his speech? Paul understood that this boldness was from God and not in him naturally. What is the natural thing to do when you are beaten and left for dead because of what you preach? What is the natural response of the one who has been thrown in prison and facing a death sentence for the cause of preaching Christ? Paul was no superhuman. He had fears like anyone of us. He also had a calling on his life that he wanted to fulfill. That calling demanded that he face these fears to be obedient. Thus, Paul asks for prayer for boldness in his preaching the mysteries of the gospel.
Notice lastly, the phrase, “the mystery of the gospel.” What is the mystery of the gospel? Why is it a mystery? The gospel is a mystery for a number of reasons.
It was a mystery because, from the first hint of it in the book of Genesis until Jesus came, scholars of the Scriptures debated about this salvation and the Messiah who would come to bring it. They did not understand who this Messiah was or what His ministry would be like.
The gospel is a mystery not only because it was hidden in prophesies and pictures in the Old Testament, but because of it’s incredible message. The message of the gospel is that the Creator God send His Son to die for a rebellions people who wanted nothing to do with Him. The Son of God took on human flesh, died on the cross, taking a penalty that was not his and rose victoriously over death. All who believe in Him will receive new life and live with Him forever. If there is no mystery to you in that message, than you are not understanding what took place. We will never fully grasp why God did what He did for rebellious sinners. The message we preach is foolishness to many in this world and unless the Spirit of God opens their eyes, they will never be able to fully grasp what it is all about. We proclaim a mystery that is foolish to many, but to those who believe, it is the power of life and forgiveness.
Verse 20
In verse 20 Paul asked the Ephesians to pray that he would be given words to speak the mystery of the gospel boldly. Once again, in this verse he communicates his desire to be bold in his speech. The reason Paul asks the Ephesians to pray for this boldness is two-fold.
First, he was “an ambassador.” That is to say, God had called him to represent him on this earth. Paul took that calling seriously and wanted to faithful in this task. As an ambassador for Christ, he needed to be bold.
The second reason Paul asked the Ephesians to pray for boldness for him was because he was in chains. Paul’s preaching of the gospel had put him in prison. He did not know whether he was going to live or die. This likely stirred up within his a deep sense of urgency.
As I write this, my mind is reflecting on a sister in the Lord who is fighting inoperable cancer. She knows her time on this earth may be limited and this has driven her to speak all the more boldly to those around her about the Lord. She knows that if she is going to share the message with her loved ones and acquaintences, this is the time to do so. Fear of what these individuals might think or say must be banished if she is going to share the Saviour with them before she passes. I believe that this is what Paul is feeling here. He knows his time might be limited and so he asks that he would be given boldness to risk everything before he stood before his Saviour.
Verse 21
Concerned that they be worried about him, Paul informs them that Tychicus would bring them up to date on what had been happening with him.
According to Acts 20:4, Tychicus travelled with Paul on one of his missionary journeys. Evidently, Paul had great confidence in him and sent him to Ephesus:
12 Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. – 2Ti 4:12
The apostle also considered sending Tychicus to Crete to visit Titus (Titus 3:12). According to Colossians 4:7 the apostle sent him to Colossae.
Tychicus is described here by Paul as a beloved brother and faithful minister. The apostle had full confidence in him and sent him to different locations to represent him.
Verse 22
Paul tells the Ephesians that he sent Tychicus to them for two reasons.
First to communicate with them about how Paul was doing. Paul knew the concern and love this church had for him and so he wanted to update them on how he was doing.
Second, “that he may encourage your hearts.” The Ephesians would be encouraged in part, to hear of how the apostle was doing. It may be, however, that as a servant of God and fellow missionary with Paul, Tychicus would have been an encouragement and blessing to the church of Ephesus in other ways as well.
What is important for us to note is that Paul wanted to bless the Ephesians. He did not focus on his own suffering and limitations, but used every opportunity to encourage and bless his brothers and sisters in Christ.
Verse 23
Paul concludes his epistle with a blessing for the Ephesian church. The blessing is two-fold.
First the apostle prays for peace to the brothers. The word used here for brothers is ἀδελφός (adelphós) which comes from the word delphús, meaning, “womb.” Brothers, in this sense, are individuals who have shared the same womb. The meaning of the word expanded from this, however, to refer to individuals of either sex who had a shared origin or fellowship. In this case, Paul speaks of the fellowship of believers in Ephesus.
His desire for these individuals is that they would experience peace among themselves. The word εἰρήνη (eirḗnē) refers to harmony among brothers and sisters, but also included prosperity and good health and general contentment in life. Of course in the case of the Ephesian church, the peace Paul refers to here is also a peace with God through the work of His son Jesus Christ.
The second part of Paul’s blessing relates to “love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” While Paul wished the Ephesians harmony and peace among themselves, his desire is that they also experience love “with” faith from God. His prayer is that God would pour out His love upon them and give them faith to see Him and trust His purpose in their lives.
Verse 24
The apostle ends his letter with the blessing: “Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.” Grace is the unmerited favour of God. Notice to whom this unmerited favour is extended: “to those who love the Lord Jesus Christ with sincerity.” You would think that these individuals were the ones who deserved this favour of God, but was not the case in the mind of Paul. No one deserved grace. Even the most sincere believer was undeserving. The nature of grace, however, is such that it extends itself despite our unworthiness. Paul was confident that the Lord God would reach out His hand to the Ephesians and bless.
Finally, observe two comments about this epistle in the closing words.
First, it was written from Rome. This is where Paul was in prison at the time.
Second, the epistle was written by Tychicus to the Ephesians. Tychicus was a co-worker with Paul. This comment needs to be understood in light of Ephesians 1:1 which identifies Paul as the author:
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus – Ep 1:1
While Tychicus wrote down the words, Paul was the author of this epistle. It appears that Paul often dictated his letters. There is evidence that his eyesight may not have been very good so it may have been for this reason he had others write his letters for him.
