Bible Commentary

Wherefore remember, that ye [being] in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 11 22 . Regeneration of the Ephesians, an instance of the equal welcome of Gentiles to the Covenant Church, the true Temple 11. Wherefore remember ] … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 2:11”

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 10. For, &c.] The connexion is, “works are not the antecedent, but the consequent, of your acceptance in Christ; for the true statement of the case is, that you were re-made, re-born, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 2:10”

Not of works, lest any man should boast. 9. lest any man should boast ] Lit., any one; there is no emphasis on “man.” For the thought, cp. Rom 3:27, (and see Eph 4:2); 1Co 1:29; 1Co 4:7; Gal 6:14; Php 3:3; in all which passages the Gr. word is the same. The Apostle is … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 2:9”

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: 8. For by grace, &c.] The connexion of thought (“ for ”) is with the leading truth of Eph 2:4-7; the gratuitous “loving-kindness of the Lord” in the salvation of the Church. This, we have just … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 2:8”

That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 7. the ages to come ] All future periods of development in His Kingdom. The phrase must not be restricted to the future history of the Church on earth; it is akin … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 2:7”

And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: 6. and hath raised us up together, &c.] Better, did raise, &c. The radical idea of new life is here put into more detail, as a resurrection and ascension; the special form of the Lord’s Revival. “ Together: … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 2:6”

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by (grace ye are saved;) 5. dead in sins ] Better, in respect of our trespasses. See on Eph 2:1 the construction is the same. hath quickened ] Did quicken, i.e., bring from death to life; ideally, when our Lord and Head … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 2:5”

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 4. But God ] The Divine counter-fact now comes in, brighter for the awful contrast. who is rich in mercy ] See note on “riches,” Eph 1:18. The ultimate motive of the work of regeneration is here given, and it … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 2:4”

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 3. also we all ] Better we also all, the “also” emphasizing the “we.” “ We all: … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 2:3”

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 2. Wherein ye walked ] The transgressions were the road, or region, of the moral “walk,” i.e. the successive acts and practices … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 2:2”