Bible Commentary

In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord: 21. in whom ] In close and vital connexion with Whom. See last note. all the building ] R. V., “ each several building; ” as if the great Temple were viewed for the moment in its multiplicity of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 2:21”

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone]; 20. and are built ] Better, Having been built; once built (aorist), by your Redeemer. The metaphor here boldly changes, from the inmates of city and house, to the structure. Possibly the element “ house ” … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 2:20”

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 19. Now therefore ye ] He now turns direct to the Gentile believers, and rejoicingly recounts to them the actual grandeur of their privileges in grace. no more ] as you once were. See … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 2:19”

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 18. for ] It is possible to render “ that,” and so to make this the substance of the message of “peace.” The difference is not important. But it is grammatically better to retain A. V. (and R. V.). both ] Masculine … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 2:18”

And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 17. and came ] from the work of the Cross, from the Grave. “Peace” was His first word in Resurrection-life to His gathered Church (Joh 20:19); and that Church was then, and not till then, sent to the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 2:17”

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 16. reconcile both unto God ] The Gr. verb here rendered “reconcile” occurs elsewhere (in exactly the same form) only Col 1:20-21; but a form nearly identical occurs e. g. Rom 5:10; 1Co 7:11; 2Co 5:18-20. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 2:16”

Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, [so] making peace; 15. having abolished, &c.] Lit., The enmity, in His flesh, the law of the commandments in decrees, annulling. In this difficult verse our best guide is the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 2:15”

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us]; 14. he is our peace ] “ He: ” the glorious living Person gives its essence to the sacrificial Work. “ Our peace: ” i.e., as the connexion indicates, the “peace” between the Tribes … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 2:14”

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 13. but now ] under the changed conditions of actual and accepted Redemption. in Christ Jesus ] In living union with the true Messiah. Just before, Eph 2:12, we have “without Christ ” merely; here, “in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 2:13”

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 12. at that time ] Strictly, at that occasion. The Gr. word habitually marks limited periods; though this must not always be pressed. Here … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 2:12”