Bible Commentary

He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 10. He that descended, &c.] As if to say, “Yes, He once descended, as a step in the process, a means to the great end; but now we have to dwell on the result; this … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:10”

(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 9. Now that he ascended ] More lit., Now the [word, or thought,] He ascended. what is it ] As if to say, “What does it imply? It implies a previous descent, from the seat … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:9”

Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 8. Wherefore he saith ] Or it, i.e. the Scripture, saith. St Paul’s usage in quotation leaves the subject of the verb undetermined here and in similar cases (see e.g. ch. Eph 5:14). For him, the word … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:8”

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 7. But unto every one ] A motive to holy union from the opposite side; that of “diversity of gifts.” See Rom 12:3-8; 1Co 12:4, &c.; 1Pe 4:10-11. Harmony of spiritual life and work should be promoted … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:7”

One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all. 6. one God and Father of all ] The ultimate Source of spiritual unity. Baptism seals faith, faith unites to the Lord Christ, Christ reveals the Father as “the only true God” (Joh 17:3), with Whom He, one … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:6”

One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 5. one Lord ] Jesus Christ; Possessor and Prince of all His people equally. one faith ] Is “faith” here the “Christian creed,” or “trustful acceptance” of Christ, “saving faith”? Probably the latter, in view of the great rarity of the former meaning of the word in St Paul … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:5”

[There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 4. one body ] See on Eph 1:23; Eph 2:15-16; and below, Eph 4:15-16. Here as always the imagery of the Body suggests not only union but united energy and operation. Its frequent recurrence emphasizes its importance … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:4”

Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 3. endeavouring ] R. V., better, giving diligence. The A. V., to a modern reader, suggests (as the Gr. does not) a certain imperfection and precariousness of result. the unity of the Spirit ] The sacred Oneness effected and maintained by the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:3”

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 2. with all lowliness ] So, exactly, Act 20:19, in St Paul’s review of his own “walk” at Ephesus; “serving the Lord with all lowliness.” “ With ” : the idea is strictly of accompaniment, attendance. But in view of actual N. T. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 4:2”

Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. 21. glory ] Lit., and better, the glory; the glory due to the Father of the Saviour, and of the saints in Him. in the church by Christ Jesus ] Lit., in Christ Jesus. “The glory” is ascribed … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 3:21”