_For this cause_ That you may be so built up together, and made the temple of God, and his habitation through the Spirit; _I bow my knees_, &c., see Ephesians 3:14, with which the words are evidently closely connected, (as they are also with the close of the preceding Chapter s) the subsequent parag... [ Continue Reading ]
_Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints_, &c. Here are the noblest strains of eloquence, to paint the exceeding low opinion which the apostle had of himself, and the fulness of unfathomable blessings which are treasured up in Christ. The word ελαχιστοτερω is a comparative, formed from the... [ Continue Reading ]
_To the intent that now_ Under the gospel dispensation, the last and best dispensation of divine grace and mercy to fallen man; _unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places_ To all the various orders of angelic beings; _might be_ made _known by the church_ Namely, by what is done in and fo... [ Continue Reading ]
_Wherefore_ Since by my ministry you have been called to the fellowship of the gospel; _I desire that ye faint not_ Be not discouraged or disheartened; _at my tribulations for_ preaching the gospel to _you, which is your glory_ A cause of glorying and rejoicing to you, inasmuch as hereby it appears... [ Continue Reading ]
_That Christ may dwell in your hearts_ May be always present with you, and may reside continually in you, by his purifying and comforting influences, so as to direct your judgment, engross your affections, and govern all your passions and tempers. See on John 17:23; Galatians 2:21. _By faith_ By mea... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now unto him_, &c. This doxology is admirably adapted to strengthen our faith, that we may not stagger at the great things the apostle has been praying for, as if they were too much for God to give, or for us to expect to receive from him. _Unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly_, &c. Her... [ Continue Reading ]