This chapter Ephesians 3 consists properly of three parts: * A statement that the Gentiles were to be made partakers of the gospel, and that the work of proclaiming this was especially entrusted to Paul; Ephesians 3:1. In illustrating this, Paul observes: * That he was the prisoner of Jesus Chri... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THIS CAUSE - On account of preaching this doctrine; that is, the doctrine that the gospel was to be proclaimed to the Gentiles. I PAUL, THE PRISONER OF JESUS CHRIST - A prisoner in the service of the Lord Jesus; or made a prisoner in his cause. Not a prisoner for crime or debt, or as a captive... [ Continue Reading ]
IF YE HAVE HEARD - Εἴ-γε Ei-ge “If at least, if indeed, if so be, spoken of what is taken for granted.” “Robinson;” compare 2 Corinthians 5:3; Galatians 3:4; Ephesians 4:21; Colossians 1:23, for the use of the particle. The particle here is not designed to express a doubt whether they had heard of... [ Continue Reading ]
HOW THAT BY REVELATION - see the notes at Galatians 1:12. He refers to the revelation which was made to him when he was called to the apostolic office, that the gospel was to be preached to the Gentiles, and that he was converted for the special purpose of carrying it to them; see Acts 9:15; Acts 22... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEREBY, WHEN YE READ - By the bare reading of which you may understand the view which I entertain of the plan of salvation, and the knowledge which I have of God’s method of saving people, particularly of his intention in regard to the salvation of the Gentiles. IN THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST - This does... [ Continue Reading ]
WHICH IN OTHER AGES - The great purposes of God in regard to the salvation of mankind were not revealed; see the notes at Romans 16:25. AND PROPHETS - Those who exercised the office of a prophet or inspired teacher in the Christian church; see the notes at 1 Corinthians 12:1. BY THE SPIRIT - This p... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT THE GENTILES SHOULD BE FELLOW-HEIRS - Fellow-heirs with the ancient people of God - the Jews - and entitled to the same privileges; see the Romans 8:17, note and Ephesians 2:13, note.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEREOF I WAS MADE A MINISTER - see the notes at Ephesians 3:2. ACCORDING TO THE GIFT OF THE GRACE OF GOD - It was not by my own seeking or merit; it was a free gift. OF THE GRACE OF GOD - The sentiment is, that throughout it was a mere matter of grace that he was called into the ministry, and tha... [ Continue Reading ]
UNTO ME, WHO AM LESS THAN THE LEAST OF ALL SAINTS - This is one of the class of expressions unique to Paul. The ordinary terms of language do not express the idea which he wishes to convey, and a word is therefore coined to convey an idea more emphatically; compare the notes at 2 Corinthians 4:17. T... [ Continue Reading ]
AND TO MAKE ALL MEN SEE - In order that the whole human family might see the glory of God in the plan of salvation. Hitherto the revelation of his character and plans had been confined to the Jews. Now it was his design that all the race should be made acquainted with it. WHAT IS THE FELLOWSHIP OF T... [ Continue Reading ]
TO THE INTENT - Greek, “that” Ἵνα Hina. The sense is, that it was with this design, or that this was the purpose for which all things were made. One grand purpose in the creation of the universe was, that the wisdom of God might be clearly shown by the church. It was not enough to evince it by the... [ Continue Reading ]
ACCORDING TO THE ETERNAL PURPOSE - see the note, Ephesians 1:4. Literally, “the purpose of ages,” or of eternity. Locke, Chandler, and Whitby render this, “according to that disposition or arrangement of the ages which he made in Jesus Christ, or through him.” The object of such an interpretation se... [ Continue Reading ]
WE HAVE BOLDNESS - The word used here - παῤῥησίαν parrēsian - means, properly, boldness of speaking; 2 Corinthians 7:4; John 7:26; Acts 4:13, Acts 4:29, Acts 4:31. Here it seems to mean “freedom of utterance;” and the idea is, that we may come to God now in prayer with confidence through the Lor... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEREFORE I DESIRE THAT YE FAINT NOT - The connection here is this. Paul was then a prisoner at Rome. He had been made such in consequence of his efforts to diffuse the Christian religion among the Gentiles; see the notes at Ephesians 3:1. His zeal in this cause, and the opinions which he held on th... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THIS CAUSE - Some suppose that this is a resumption of what he had commenced saying in Ephesians 3:1, but which had been interrupted by a long parenthesis. So Bloomfield explains it. But it seems to me more probable that he refers to what immediately precedes. “Wherefore, that the great work may... [ Continue Reading ]
OF WHOM THE WHOLE FAMILY - This expression “of whom,” may refer either to “the Father,” or to the Lord Jesus. Commentators have been divided in opinion in regard to it. Bloomfield, Chandler, Erasmus, Koppe, and some others, refer it to the Father. Locke, Doddridge, Calvin, and some others, refer it... [ Continue Reading ]
ACCORDING TO THE RICHES OF HIS GLORY - According to the glorious abundance of his mercy; see Philippians 4:19. Out of those stores of rich grace which can never be exhausted. The word “riches,” so often used by Paul, denotes “abundance,” and the idea here is, that his grace was inexhaustible and amp... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT CHRIST MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS BY FAITH - see the notes, Ephesians 2:22. Expressions like this often occur in the Scriptures, where God is said to dwell in us, and we are said to be the temples of the Holy Spirit; see the John 14:23, note; 1 Corinthians 6:19, note. THAT YE BEING ROOTED - Firm... [ Continue Reading ]
MAY BE ABLE TO COMPREHEND WITH ALL SAINTS - That all others with you may be able to understand this. It was his desire that others, as well as they, might appreciate the wonders of redemption. WHAT IS THE BREADTH, AND LENGTH, ... - It has been doubted to what this refers. Locke says it refers to the... [ Continue Reading ]
AND TO KNOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST - The love of Christ toward us; the immensity of redeeming love. It is not merely the love which he showed for the Gentiles in calling them into his kingdom, which is here referred to; it is the love which is shown for the lost world in giving himself to die. This love... [ Continue Reading ]
NOW UNTO HIM - It is not uncommon for Paul to utter an ascription of praise in the midst of an argument; see Romans 9:5; Romans 11:36; Galatians 1:5. Here his mind is full of the subject; and in view of the fact that God communicates to his people such blessings - that they may become filled with al... [ Continue Reading ]
UNTO HIM BE GLORY - see the notes, Romans 16:27. IN THE CHURCH - Or, by the church; Ephesians 3:10. The church was to be the instrument by which the glory of God would be shown; and it was by the church that his praise would be celebrated. THROUGHOUT ALL AGES, WORLD WITHOUT END - There is a richnes... [ Continue Reading ]