Ephesians 4:21

Ephesians 4:21. If indeed; comp. chap. Ephesians 3:2; their experience is to be recalled to test the matter; not doubt, but certainty is implied.

Ye heard him; when they became disciples. Even if they heard through the instrumentality of others, they did not truly hear, unless they heard Him, for this is the emphatic word. Nothing is truly heard through the gospel message, until He is heard.

And were taught in him; ‘and in Him were taught; ‘not ‘by Him,' nor ‘concerning Him,' but, in fellowship with Him. This fellowship was not only the result but the essential condition of the instruction; for saving knowledge is referred to.

As is truth in Jesus. ‘ As' is not = ‘inasmuch as,' but ‘according as.' ‘Not thus,' but in this manner were they taught ‘Is' points to what is real and permanent ‘Truth ‘here includes both what is true and what is real, over against ignorance and vanity, but is not to be understood as meaning ‘Christian doctrine' (comp. the frequent misquotation: ‘the truth as it is in Jesus'), nor ‘true holiness.' The whole may be thus paraphrased: ‘If you were taught so that what you received was according to what is true (true and real) as permanently embodied in the personal Saviour.' The word ‘Jesus' has the article in the original, pointing to the known Person, whose human name, rather than His official title, is used here, where He is represented as Himself speaking to His individual followers.