_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Ephesians 1:1. TO THE SAINTS.—Dismiss the commonly accepted meaning. Not men who by hard and rigorous methods have reached the heights where but few abide, but those who, as the elect of God, are separated from everything unholy and kept for God’s peculiar possessio... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Ephesians 1:3. BLESSED BE THE GOD AND FATHER.—The Hebrew form for “hallowing the Name” was, “The Holy One, blessed be He.” The Prayer Book version of Psalm c. gives, “Speak good of His name.” WHO BLESSED US.—When old Isaac pronounces the blessing uttered on Jacob un... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Ephesians 1:15.—St. Paul is always ready to give a prompt acknowledgment of all that is best in his readers and to pray for something better. CEASE NOT TO GIVE THANKS.—My thanksgiving knows no end. Ephesians 1:17. THAT THE GOD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.—The connectio... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Ephesians 1:18. THE EYES OF YOUR UNDERSTANDING BEING ENLIGHTENED … TO US-WARD WHO BELIEVE.—Three pictures for heaven-illumined eyes: 1. THE HOPE OF HIS CALLING.—Meyer says “the hope” is not here (nor anywhere) the _res sperata_, “the object on which hope fastens, b... [ Continue Reading ]