Bible Commentary

In whom ye also [trusted,] after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, 13. In whom ye also trusted] Here then (see last note) the thought moves from the general case of Christians to … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 1:13”

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 12. That we should be, &c.] On the time when of this, see next note but one, at the end. his glory ] His revealed Character, of which the Gospel of the Son is the grand illustration; being thus “the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 1:12”

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 11. In whom also we ] “We” is not emphatic. The emphasis (“also” or “even”) is on the actual attainment, not on the persons attaining. Not only was … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 1:11”

That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him: 10. in the dispensation, &c.] Lit., in view of the stewardship of the fulness of the seasons. The word rendered “dispensation” is lit. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 1:10”

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 9. Having made known ] An aorist participle. The time-reference is to the actual revelation of the Gospel. Cp. e.g. Rom 3:21; Rom 16:25-26; 2Ti 1:10. And see last note. unto us ] the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 1:9”

Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 8. Wherein he hath abounded ] Better, probably, Which He made to abound; at the time of manifestation and impartation, the great crisis of the Gospel proclamation. This time-reference is fixed by the next verse. Ideally, and for the Church as a body, this … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 1:8”

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; In whom we have redemption – On the meaning of the word here rendered redemption – ( apolutrosis) – see the notes at Rom 3:24. The word here, as there, denotes that deliverance from sin and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 1:7”

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 6. To the praise, &c.] I. e., that the grace of Redemption might be adored and praised in respect of that glory of God which is the harmony of His attributes, His Character. See Rom 3:23 and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 1:6”

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 5. Having predestinated us ] Again an aorist, not a perfect, in the Greek; referring to a definite past act. For the same word, in the Greek, cp. Eph 1:11; Act 4:28 (E. V. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 1:5”

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 4. According as he hath chosen, &c.] Better, According as He chose, &c. The time-reference is the same as just above; to the Divine premundane deed of purpose. “ … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 1:4”