CHAPTER 1
THE INTRODUCTION
THE WRITER AND READERS
Ephesians 1:1
In passing from the Galatian to the Ephesian epistle we are conscious
of entering a different atmosphere. We leave the region of controversy
for that of meditation. From the battle-field we step into the hush
and stillness of the tem... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 2
THE ETERNAL PURPOSE
Ephesians 1:3
WE enter this epistle through magnificent gateway. The introductory
Act of Praise, extending from verse 3 to 14, Ephesians 1:3 is one of
the most sublime of inspired utterances, an overture worthy of the
composition that it introduces. Its first sentenc... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 3
THE BESTOWMENT OF GRACE
Ephesians 1:6
THE blessedness of men in Christ is not matter of purpose only, but of
reality and experience. With the word grace in the middle of the sixth
verse the apostle's thought begins a new movement. We have seen Grace
hidden in the depths of eternity in th... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 4
THE FINAL REDEMPTION
Ephesians 1:12
WHEN the apostle reaches the "heritage" conferred upon us in Christ
(Ephesians 1:11), he is on the boundary between the present and the
future. Into that future he now presses forward, gathering from it his
crowning tribute "to the praise of God's glo... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 5
FOR THE EYES OF THE HEART
Ephesians 1:15
"BECAUSE of this": because you have heard the glad tidings, and
believing it have been sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13).
"I too": I your apostle, with so great an interest in your salvation,
in return give thanks for you. Thus St. Pau... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 6
THE DOCTRINE. WHAT GOD WROUGHT IN THE CHRIST
Ephesians 1:20
The division that we make at Ephesians 1:20, marking off at this point
the commencement of the Doctrine of the epistle, may appear somewhat
forced. The great doxology of the first half of the chapter is
intensely theological; an... [ Continue Reading ]