Bible Commentary

But ye have not so learned Christ; 20. ye ] Emphatic by position. have not learned ] Better, did not learn; at their conversion. “ Learn ” implies the instruction then received in the Lord’s precepts, and in the holy bearings of His work. For a similar reference to the first apprehension by new converts … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:20”

Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 19. who being past feeling ] The Gr. relative pronoun indicates a certain conditionality; almost as if it were, “ as being those who.” But the shade is too slight for translation. “ Past feeling ” : lit., “having … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:19”

Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 18. having the understanding darkened ] Lit., haying been darkened in the understanding. On “the understanding” see note above on Eph 2:3 (where A.V., “mind”). The Gr. word may fairly … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:18”

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 17 24. Practical Results: a spiritual revolution of principle and practice. The Old Man and the New 17. testify ] A word of solemn appeal occurring elsewhere in N. T. only … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:17”

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 16. from whom ] He is the vital Source to which the whole complex organism now … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:16”

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ: 15. speaking the truth ] The Gr. (one word) is wider and deeper, including the thought of living and loving truth. Alford renders “ being followers of truth.” And the context is in favour of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:15”

That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 14. that we henceforth, &c.] This verse takes up the thought of Eph 4:12. The mutual activity and influence of Christians, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:14”

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 13. till we all come in ] Render, come unto. The thought is of the holy Community converging into the spiritual … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:13”

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 12. for the perfecting of the saints, &c.] More lit., with a view to the equipment of the saints for [their] work of service. Latin versions, ad consummationem sanctorum in opus ministerii. The noun rendered … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:12”

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 11. And he gave ] The “ He ” is emphatic; it was He who gave. See above on Eph 4:7. Immediately, the Holy Spirit is the Giver (1Co 12:8, &c.; cp. Act 2:4; Act 13:2). But His action … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:11”