In the previous chapter, the apostle had showed what a true Christian ought not to follow after. He had warned the Colossians against the dangers of false philosophy, and the doctrines of erroneous teachers. In this chapter, he teaches them what they ought to pursue and to seek. He therefore enjoins... [ Continue Reading ]
IF YE THEN BE RISEN WITH CHRIST - The apostle in this place evidently founds the argument on what he had said in Colossians 2:12; see the notes at that passage. The argument is, that there was such an union between Christ and his people, that in virtue of his death they become dead to sin; that in v... [ Continue Reading ]
SET YOUR AFFECTION - Margin, “or mind.” Greek” think of” - φρονεῖτε phroneite. The thoughts should be occupied about the things where Christ now dwells, where our final home is to be, where our great interests are. Since we are raised from the death of sin, and are made to live anew, the great obje... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR YE ARE DEAD - Dead to the world; dead to sin; dead to earthly pleasures. On the meaning of the word “dead,” see the Romans 6:2 note; Ephesians 2:1 note. The idea of the apostle is, that as Christ became literally dead in the tomb, so we, in virtue of our connection with him, have become dead to... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEN CHRIST, WHO IS OUR LIFE - Notes, John 1:4; John 11:25, note. SHALL APPEAR - In the day when he shall come to judge the world. THEN SHALL YE ALSO APPEAR WITH HIM IN GLORY - 1 Thessalonians 4:16. Christians shall then be raised from the dead, and ascend with the Redeemer to heaven.... [ Continue Reading ]
MORTIFY THEREFORE YOUR MEMBERS - Since you are dead to sin and the world, and are to appear with Christ in the glories of his kingdom, subdue every carnal and evil propensity of your nature. The word mortify means to put to death (Romans 8:13, note; Galatians 5:24, note), and the meaning here is tha... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR WHICH THINGS’ SAKE ... - See the notes at Ephesians 5:6, where the same expression occurs.... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE WHICH - In all which evil passions. YE ALSO WALKED SOMETIME - You formerly lived. These were the common vices of the pagan; Ephesians 5:8, note; 1 Corinthians 6:10, notes; compare Romans 1:24, notes.... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT NOW YE ALSO PUT OFF ALL THESE - All these which follow, as being also inconsistent with the Christian calling. ANGER, WRATH - Notes, Ephesians 4:26. MALICE - Notes, Ephesians 4:31. BLASPHEMY - Notes, Matthew 9:3. The word here seems to mean all injurious and calumnious speaking - whether agai... [ Continue Reading ]
LIE NOT ONE TO ANOTHER - Notes, Ephesians 4:25. SEEING THAT YE HAVE PUT OFF THE OLD MAN WITH HIS DEEDS - Your former corrupt and evil nature; Notes, Ephesians 4:22. The reason for putting away lying, stated in Ephesians 4:25, is, that we “are members one of another” - or are brethren. The reason ass... [ Continue Reading ]
WHICH IS RENEWED IN KNOWLEDGE - In Ephesians 4:24, it is said that the new man is “created after God in righteousness and true holiness.” In this place it is added that to the renewed soul knowledge is imparted, and it is made in that respect as man was when he was first created. This passage, in co... [ Continue Reading ]
WHERE THERE IS NEITHER GREEK NOR JEW - See this fully explained in the notes at Galatians 3:28. The meaning here is, that all are on a level; that there is no distinction of nation in the church; that all are to be regarded and treated as brethren, and that therefore no one should be false to anothe... [ Continue Reading ]
PUT ON, THEREFORE, AS THE ELECT OF GOD - The fact that you thus belong to one and the same church; that you have been redeemed by the sameblood, and chosen by the same grace, and that you are all brethren, should lead you to manifest a spirit of kindness, gentleness, and love. BOWELS OF MERCIES - N... [ Continue Reading ]
FORBEARING ONE ANOTHER - Notes, Ephesians 4:2. AND FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER - Notes, Matthew 6:12, Matthew 6:14. IF ANY MAN HAVE A QUARREL AGAINST ANY - Margin, “or complaint.” The word used here - μομφή momphē - occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It means, “fault found, blame, censure;” and... [ Continue Reading ]
AND ABOVE ALL THESE THINGS - Over, or upon all these things; compare the notes at Ephesians 6:16. CHARITY - Love. Notes, 1 Corinthians 13:1. WHICH IS THE BOND OF PERFECTNESS - The bond of all perfection; the thing which will unite all other things, and make them complete; compare the parallel place... [ Continue Reading ]
AND LET THE PEACE OF GOD - The peace which God gives; Notes, Philippians 4:7. RULE IN YOUR HEARTS - Preside in your hearts; sit as umpire there (Doddridge); govern and control you. The word rendered here “rule” - βραβεύετω brabeuetō - is commonly used in reference to the Olympic and other games. I... [ Continue Reading ]
LET THE WORD OF CHRIST - The doctrine of Christ. DWELL IN YOU RICHLY IN ALL WISDOM - Abundantly, producing the spirit of true wisdom. That doctrine is adapted to make you wise. The meaning is, that they were to lay up the doctrines of the gospel in their hearts, to meditate upon them; to allow them... [ Continue Reading ]
AND WHATSOEVER YE DO IN WORD OR DEED - Whatever ye say or do - whether relating to temporal affairs or to religion. The command here extends to all that we do. DO ALL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS - Do it all because he requires and commands it, and with a desire to honor him. His authority should... [ Continue Reading ]
WIVES, SUBMIT YOURSELVES ... - Notes on the parallel passage in Ephesians 5:21.... [ Continue Reading ]
HUSBANDS, LOVE YOUR WIVES ... - Notes, Ephesians 4:25.... [ Continue Reading ]
CHILDREN, OBEY YOUR PARENTS ... - Notes, Ephesians 6:1.... [ Continue Reading ]
FATHERS, PROVOKE NOT ... - Notes, Ephesians 6:4. LEST THEY BE DISCOURAGED - Lest, by your continually finding fault with them, they should lose all courage, and despair of ever pleasing you. There is much sound sense and practical wisdom in this observation of the apostle. Children should not be fla... [ Continue Reading ]
SERVANTS, OBEY IN ALL THINGS ... - ; see the notes at Ephesians 6:5.... [ Continue Reading ]