Bible Commentary

And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 30. grieve not ] A distinct indication of the Personality of the Blessed Spirit. “Grief is certainly a personal affection, of which a Quality is not capable” (Pearson, On the Creed, Art. VIII). Putting aside passages where “spirit” … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:30”

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 29. no corrupt communication ] Or, better, speech, as R.V. Another moral inference from membership in Christ. “ Corrupt ” : lit., “ rotten, putrid.” The Latin versions … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:29”

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 28. him that stole ] Another moral inference from Christian incorporation. Here again, as above (see on Eph 4:25), and more obviously than ever, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:28”

Neither give place to the devil. 27. give place to the devil ] The rendering suggested by some, “to the calumniator,” the heathen or Jewish slanderer, is quite untenable, in view of St Paul’s use elsewhere of the word diabolos (lit., “Accuser”) for the great Enemy. “ Give place ” : as to one who … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:27”

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 26. Be ye angry, and sin not ] Another inference from co-membership in the Lord. Anger, as the mere expression of wounded personality, is sinful; for it means that self is in command. Anger, as the pure expression of repugnance … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:26”

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. 25 32. The subject pursued: the revolution coming out in truthfulness, kindness, honesty, purity, patience, forgivingness 25. Wherefore ] From these deep principles come now the more detailed inferences of holy practice, and these fill most of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:25”

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 24. that ye put on ] See note on “put off,” Eph 4:22. Here again is an aorist infinitive in the Gr.; and we may correspondingly paraphrase, “(you were taught) with regard to the fact that the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:24”

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 23. be renewed ] A present infinitive in the Gr. The idea is thus of progress and growth, the antithesis to the “corrupting” just above. The decisive fact of new position in and connexion with Christ was to result, and was resulting, in an ever developed … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:23”

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 22. that ye put off ] The Gr. verb is the infinitive aorist. The tense tends to denote singleness of crisis and action. Some would render “that you have” (or “did) put off.” But the better … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:22”

If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 21. if so be ] The Gr. interrogative (used also above, Eph 3:2) does not imply any doubt, necessarily, but calls the reader to verify the statement. have heard him, &c.] Better, as “Him” is … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:21”