Our apostle, in the foregoing chapter, began to treat of relative duties, and concluded that chapter with the duties of husbands and wives; he begins this with the duty of children and parents to each other. And here we have observable, that he begins this with the duty of the inferior first, of th... [ Continue Reading ]
Here the duty of both parents to their children is laid down. Where note, 1. The apostle's dehortation, or negative precept, PROVOKE NOT YOUR CHILDREN TO WRATH, that is, Be not too severe towards them, abuse not your parental power over them, provoke them not, nor embitter their spirits against you... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The general duty incumbent upon servants: that of obedience TO THEIR MASTERS, ACCORDING TO THE FLESH, that is, in temporal things only; obey your earthly masters in things pertaining to the world, leaving the soul and conscience to God only, who alone is the sovereign Lord of it. Ch... [ Continue Reading ]
Here the master's duty to his servant is directed to, both generally, and more particularly; in general, he directs masters TO DO THE SAME THINGS TO their servants; not the same things for kind, but for manner of doing them; that is, in obedience to the same command of God, with an eye to the same g... [ Continue Reading ]
Our apostle, calling us here forth to the Christian warfare, gives forth the first word of encouragement to battle: BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND IN HIS MIGHTY POWER. A Christian, above all men, needs resolution, and. daring courage: if he be possessed with fear, he is unfit to go into the field; if di... [ Continue Reading ]
The apostle mentioned our enemy in the former verse; here he describes the combat in this verse, WE WRESTLE.. Christian's life is. perpetual warfare,. continual wrestling; but with what, and with whom? ANS. Negatively, NOT WITH FLESH AND BLOOD; that is, not only or chiefly with flesh and blood, wit... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. How our apostle having described the enemy in the foregoing verse, and set him forth in all his formidable strength and power, comes forth in the head of his Ephesian camp, gives. fresh alarm, and bids them arm! arm! TAKE UNTO YOU THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD, THAT YE MAY BE ABLE TO STAN... [ Continue Reading ]
Our apostle having directed the Ephesians to the duty of prayer in general, desires them here to pray for himself in particular. Where observe, 1. His exhortation and direction to pray for himself, and all the ministers of the gospel: AND FOR ME. Learn hence, That the ministers of Christ are and ou... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The tender love and affectionate regard which St. Paul bore to these Ephesians in the midst of his sufferings, and during his imprisonment: he not only wrote, but sent to them. No doubt, the apostle had but few, very few, fast friends with him at Rome, whom he could repose entire co... [ Continue Reading ]
Our apostle being now come to the close and conclusion of this excellent epistle, he shuts it up with very fervent and affectionate wishes and prayers for them. 1. He wishes the brethern, the converted christians, in and about Ephesus, PEACE, peace with God, peace with conscience, peace especially... [ Continue Reading ]
Still our apostle goes on praying: he began and closes his epistle with prayer; and the blessings prayed for are grace and peace; peace in the former verse comprehending all temporal felicity; and grace in this comprehending the special favour and loving kindness of God: this he prays may be the por... [ Continue Reading ]