Bible Commentary

Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all. Which is his body – This comparison of the church with a person or body, of which the Lord Jesus is the head, is not uncommon in the New Testament; compare the notes at 1Co 11:3; 1Co 12:27, note; Eph 4:15-16, notes. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 1:23”

And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church, 22. and hath put ] Lit. and did put; at the great act of Enthronement after Resurrection. Cp. 1Co 15:27 &c., where we have explicit reference to Psa 110:1, and in a way which … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 1:22”

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: Far above all principality – The general sense in this verse is, that the Lord Jesus was exalted to the highest conceivable dignity and honor; compare … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 1:21”

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places,] 20. which he wrought ] The verb is aorist. Another reading, but without equal support, gives the perfect: “He hath wrought.” The time-reference is to the actual past crisis of the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 1:20”

And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 19. And what is the exceeding greatness, &c.] The Gr. word rendered “exceeding” is, with its cognates, found, in the N. T., in St Paul’s writings only; a characteristic of the ardour of his … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 1:19”

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 18. The eyes, &c.] The Gr. grammar here is free, and difficult to analyse. We may explain it either, “[that He may grant you … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 1:18”

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 17. the God of our Lord Jesus Christ ] Cp. the Saviour’s own words on the Cross, “Eli, Eli” (Mat 27:46); and after Resurrection (Joh 20:17), “I ascend … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 1:17”

Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers, 16. cease not, &c.] For similar thanksgivings cp. Rom 1:8; 1Co 1:4; Php 1:3; Col 1:3 ; 1Th 1:2; 1Th 2:13 ; 2Th 1:3; 2Th 2:13; Phm 1:4. The thanks were literally “unceasing” in principle, and, in practice, came out on … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 1:16”

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 15 23. Prayer, that the Saints may fully realize their Divine privileges and prospects in Christ 15. Wherefore, &c.]. The Apostle now passes from the adoring view of Divine Redemption to prayer that its treasures of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 1:15”

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. 14. the earnest ] The Gr. word is arrhabn. It appears in the LXX. (only in Gen 38:17-18; Gen 38:20); in the later Greek classics (e.g. Aristotle); and in the Latin classics. It is Shemitic … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 1:14”