INTRODUCTION
The epistle does not specifically address the church at Ephesus because it is encyclical,
i.e., written to many churches. The oldest manuscripts do not contain the words "at Ephesus" (Gr. "en Epheso"), but have a
blank space to be filled in. Colossians exhibits the same phenomenon and mentions an epistle to the Laodecians in Col 4:16.
THIS EPISTLE IS NOT LOST OR MISSING! It is the epistle we know as Ephesians.
IMPORTANT: To even entertain the thought that any
part of God's Word is either missing or lost calls the entire Bible into question. If one part is lost, why not 38
parts? Which ones are they?
- Most importantly, we would then make God a liar. Mk 13:31
is clear. If the Word is not whole, then Jesus Christ, the Word, is not whole. If Jesus Christ is not whole, then He
cannot make us whole and there is no salvation (Gr. "soteria"). BEWARE LEAVEN! Do not give place
to the devil.
We are warned about:
- "good words and fair speeches" Ro
16:18
- "any other gospel" Gal 1:8,9
- "enticing words" Col 2:4
- "philosophy and vain deceit"
Col 2:8
- "fables and endless genealogies" 1Ti
1:3,4
- "foolish and unlearned questions" 2Ti
2:23
- "fables" 2Ti 4:3,4
MOST OF ALL: REV 22:18,19
THE MYSTERY (Eph 3:1-12)
Jews and Christians/Gentiles are
individually "called out" and gathered to form the church - the body of Christ, where there is neither Jew nor Gentile.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE EPISTLE
The six (#of man) chapters are evenly divided for all topics.
1-3
4-6
KNOWLEDGE WISDOM
(application of knowledge)
OUR STANDING
OUR STATE
OUR POSITION
OUR LIFESTYLE (walk)
CLOSED w/ DOXOLOGY CLOSED
w/ BENEDICTION
Chapter 1 consists of only 3 sentences.
vv. 1,2
vv. 3-12
vv.13-23
Ch. 1:1 - "by the will" ="not by merit"
Sets the theme of "Grace"
"faithful"=Gr."pistos"="steadfast"
(as trustworthy)
2 - "Grace"=Gr."charis"=Free, undeserved favor - Occ. 12 times in Ephesians
3 - "Blessed"=Gr."eulogetos" - Used only of God: Thanksgiving
for something already accomplished. God is blessed as the object/source of blessing. Jas 1:17
- "spiritual
blessings" The heavenly citizen has spiritual blessings, privileges, and promises - not
carnal/material. This is not the O.T. prosperity and increase.
4 - "chosen"="chosen out" A 3-step process by God:
Accounting - Acceptance/Rejection - Taking to Himself
- "holy and without blame" - A sacrificial metaphor meaning "consecrated
and without blemish" as in Ex 29:1 and Lev 1:3,10
NOTE: Place "in love" after "predestinated" in v.5
5,6 - "His will" "His grace"
- "made accepted"=Gr."charitoo"="treated with grace" Ro 2:29:8:14-16
- "Beloved" (Heb. "David") Mt 3:17
7 - What we have. What it cost. What it does for us. How it was funded.
8 - The ransom paid for us is a measure of God's wealth as a provider and supplier.
Isa 52:3 1Pe 1:17-19
IMPORTANT: "wisdom and prudence" refers to the recipients (believers)
"prudence = insight placed into practice
Christians are endowed with higher knowledge. Col 1:9;3:16
9,10 - Continuation of the meaning of v.8. The "mystery" is explained.
- "having made known"="In that He made known"
Paul's emphasis is not the mystery, but
its revelation (Ro 16:25)
- "hath purposed..."="set before Himself" (Gr."protithemi")
- "He might gather...one"=Gr."anakephalaioomai"="to head
up(for Himself"
Christ does not only reconcile Jew and Gentile, but also heaven and earth. The redemption
in Christ is more comprehensive and universal than we commonly realize. Read Gen 3:17,18 and Ro 8:19-22. Sin impacted creation, not just man. Redemption must do likewise.
11 - "obtained" should be "received" - connects to v.5
See Jer 29:11 and Ro 8:28-30
"counsel of His own will" See Isa 40:13
12 - Place "who first trusted" after "we." A reference
to those of the Pentecostal church of the book of Acts.
13 - Ro 10:17 1Pe 1:23 Jas 1:18
"sealed" - showing ownership,
authority, authenticity, approval, protection, distinctiveness, security. Rev 7:3 Jn 3:33
"that" = "the" (emphatic to show the dual significance of what follows)
"holy Spirit"=One of 28 occ. "To Pneuma To Hagion" - The Spirit The
Holy - The Holy Spirit Himself - here signifying that the Giver of gifts and power is Himself a gift. We are given the Holy
Spirit and His power. (Compare receiving a car, but not the keys. Without the keys (prayer,devotion,meditation)
many of us attempt to "hotwire" the Holy Spirit with a few hours in church on Sunday).
"promise" = "the promise" Refer to Jn 16:13
14 - "Which...possession" enclose with parentheses
"earnest" - Not a "pledge." The thing given
must be of the same kind as the thing assured. It must be a part of the whole, the same in kind. (Compare to a downpayment).
See "firstfruits" Ro 8:23.
-"our inheritance" - "His inheritance" is in v.18
-"praise of His glory" - connects to v.6
15-17 - A prayer with a cause (their faith and love) and a
result (the knowledge of Him) which can only be obtained when God gives the spirit of wisdom and revelation.
18-23 - The effects of the prayer (enlightment) and the elements
of the result (knowledge).
(18) - Knowledge
of "the hope of His calling" Gal 4:5-7
- Knowledge
of "the riches of His glory". His inheritance in heaven will be the church. Compare Israel as a "peculiar treasure" on earth
(Ex 19:5) and Mal 3:17. This requires "in the saints" to distinguish the two.
See Titus 2:13,14 and Rev
21:9-27
The time comes when what we "know" = what we "hope for"
Compare Ro 8:18-30
Read 1Co 13:12
This is guaranteed by the "earnest" of v.14 which binds both parties.
The gift of the Holy Spirit is an obligation on God's part. Ro 11:29
(19) - "greatness"=Gr."megethos" Only
occ.="magnitude" Shown in v.21
"according
to..." connect to v.5 "according to..."
(20) - "heavenly places" connect
to v.3 See Mk 14:61,62 Lk 22:66-69
(21) - "all" should be "every" Note
the list of 5(#of Grace) things:
Principality,Power,Might,Dominion,Name
Every area of authority (Gr. exousia) as in Mt 28:18
"world"=Gr."aion"="age" A reference to Rev 21:22
(22,23) - "all in all" - "All things"
and "the church" are added to the list from v.21 yielding a total of 7(#of Divine Completeness).
- Compare the Head/body relationship to the Vine/branch relationship of Jn 15:4,5. Note that the One seated on the right hand
of the Father holds something in His Own right hand. Rev 1:12-20
- "fulness" - Members filling the body of Christ. Christ filling all ages and times. See Jn 1:1-3, Eph 1:10,Gal
4:4
Ch 2:1 - "And you..." should be "Even you..."
connecting to 1:19
IMPORTANT: Texts include "your" before "trespasses." We are not dead
due to collective sins, but our individual sins (as referenced in Ro 3:23).
2 - "Wherein...past" = "In which once"
"course"=Gr."aion"="age" as in v.21 See Ro 12:2
Jas 1:27
"prince"="ruler", i.e. Satan
"children..."="sons of disobedience"=sons of Satan See
Deu 21:18-21
This is a spiritual reference. Not literal "children" (See Jn 8:44)
3 - "we all" - No exceptions Lk 18:18,19
This is the old nature vs. new nature 2Co 5:16,17
Ro 7:5,6
4,5 - Our salvation is through God's mercy and grace,
never through merit. We are "made over" through the richness of His mercy to experience the riches of His
glory. Connect Jer 18:1-6 and Ro 9:14-24
- "His great love..." 1Jn 4:19 (Omit "Him")
6 - "together" - As we abide in Christ, so must we be with Him.
7 - Our condition (v.2) affords God the opportunity to demonstrate His grace
and kindness. Ro 5:6-11
8,9 - "through faith" - Grace flows through faith
as water through a faucet which must be opened. The mere possession of the gift of faith is insufficient. If our
faith is "turned off" the grace cannot be accessed (only mercy). hence, the use of "stedfast"
in Scripture - Col 2:5 1Pe 5:8,9 1Co 15:56-58
(Note that grace is a gift and there is a reason that it must be
a gift. Study 2Co 12:6-10 and Eze 28:12-17)
To illustrate grace accessed through faith,
read Mk 2:1-5. If their faith had wavered at the sight of the crowd, at the thought of the carrying and lifting, etc., they
would have "turned off the faucet" and not received the grace of v.5 despite God's power, willingness and availability to
heal.
Mercy is action (vv. 4,5). Grace
is a gift.
10 - The image of the potter from vv. 5,6 continues.
"before ordained" - See Jer 1:4-7
Our predestination of Chapter 1:3-6 includes our individual calling and determines
how God divides spiritual gifts. 1Co 12:4-14
11-16 - Physical differences and divisions are replaced by spiritual
unity.
(11) - "in time past" connects to
v.2 as the "old" vs. "new" as the subject continues. Circumcision of the flesh is replaced by circumcision of the heart.
Phil 3:3
(12) - "without" = "apart from"
"without God"=Gr."atheos"="godless" See 2Ki 19:18 2Chr 13:9
(13,14) - "now" Emphatic.
"sometimes"="once" "are"="were"
- "peace" Christ is peace AND its Author and Prince
Is 9:6 Jn 14:27; 20:19,21,26
- "broken down"="destroyed" Compare Lk 23:45 and Mt 27:51
- "middle wall"=Gr."mesotoichon" - A 6 foot high stone wall separating the Court of the Gentiles from the Court of the Jews
in the Temple. An inscription prescribed death to Gentiles who crossed.
(15-17) - "for to make"="so that
He might create" See Col 2:10-15
-
"making peace" connects to v.14
- "preached peace" connects to v.14
18 - "access" - the "introduction" of Ro 5:2
19 - Contrast to v.12 "foreigners"="sojourners" Heb 11:13-16
- "household"=Gr."oikeios"="the domestics", i.e., live-in servants
20-22 - The description of the Temple (Sanctuary) built by God
using the apostles and prophets to lay the foundation. Using Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. Using the saints "harmoniously"
(Gr."sunarmologeo") framed together to complete the structure.
IMPORTANT: This is a reference to the thousand year (millenial) kingdom
of Rev. 20 and the palace-temple of Eze 45-48.There will be no Temple afterwards. (Rev 21:22)
Ch 3 - This entire chapter should
be enclosed by parentheses. Within the chapter, vv. 2-13 should be enclosed by parentheses. Similar to Ro 9-11, Paul
releases his personal thanksgiving and inner feelings within the epistle.
1 - Paul describes himself as a bondservant assigned to the Gentiles.
2 - "dispensation"=Gr."oikonomia"="stewardship" - Our gifts and callings
are entrusted to us. Read Mt 25:14-30 and note the phrase "good and faithful"
3-6 - "by revelation" - A common disclaimer for Paul 2Co 12:1,7 Gal 1:12;2:2
- "...wrote afore..." - See Ro 16:25
- "the mystery" - Specified in v.6 -
NOT that Gentiles would be blessed, as stated in the O.T., BUT that they would be equal fellowheirs with the Jews. Read Ac
15:1-33
- "same body"=Gr."sussomos"="joint-body"-NOT added in, but part of a
new body (Eph 2:15,16) "partakers"="joint-partakers"
7 - IMPORTANT: Omit "a" - Paul alone
entrusted with the mystery. Selected by the sovereign will of God, not by his own merit. (Gal 1:1)
8,9 - "The" minister of "the mystery" who once "wasted" the church (Gal 1:13)
is humbled by the "gift of grace" of v.7
- "less than..."=Gr."elachistoteros" - Used as a title for himself by
Paul to describe what he was (old man) versus what he became (new man). See 1Co 15:9,10. Read Isa 40:29-31 and
note the regression from flying to walking as the natural
man experiences the grace of God and exchanges his power and will for God's. Paul's description of himself in 1Ti 1:15 is
noteworthy for saints.
- "unsearchable riches" - See Ro 11:33. Paul was entrusted to
"preach" and "make...see" (enlighten). The direct function of all pastoring and ministry.
- "fellowship" should be "stewardship" Same word as v.2.
- "hid"=Gr."apokrupto"="kept secret"
10 - This ministry was designed to reveal God's wisdom to heavenly beings also.
- "manifold"=Gr."polupoikilos"="infinitely diverse" See 1Pe 1:9-12
11-15 - Introduced by v.10, the subject is the universality of God's plan and
design. Extending beyond mankind to all of creation, both natural and supernatural.
(11) - "eternal purpose"="purpose of the
ages" -"Framed" by the word of God (Heb 11:3) where "worlds"=Gr."aion"="ages" and "framed"="prepared" and
"the word of God"=Jesus Christ (Jn 1:1-3 Rev 19:11-13)
(12) - Repeat of 2:18 "confidence"="assurance"
(13) - "desire"="beg"
"faint"="be downcast"
The parentheses end here for vv. 2-13 and v.14 picks up v.1 by repeating the phrase
"For this cause."
(14) - Place a period after "Father." Omit
"of our Lord Jesus Christ"
IMPORTANT: (15) - "Of Whom" connects to "Father", not to "Jesus Christ."
- "the whole family"=Gr."pasa
patria"="every family"
To limit this to the church is to wrongly divide the Word. "Patria" refers to an entire
lineage from a single father. Some of the families of heaven mentioned in Scripture include principalities, mights, dominions
(Eph 1;21;3:10), thrones (Col 1:16), angels and authorities (1Pe 3:22), and archangels (1Th 4:16, Jude 9). The earthly families
include the nation of Israel, the church of God (1Co 10:32), the Israel of God (Gal 6:16), etc.
-
"named" - A right of dominion (Gen 2:19,20 Rev 3:12)
16 - "according to..." the keynote phrase for this epistle regarding God's
sovereign will. "grant"="give" (Grace)
- "strenghtened...might" = God's innate power (dunamis) used to achieve
a specific result.
17 - "dwell"="to take up residence"
"grounded"="founded" See 1Jn 4:7-19
18 - "able"=Gr."exischuo" Only occ.="fully able" To comprehend God's love in
Christ
- breadth - boundless
- length - endless
- depth - bottomless
- height - measureless
19 - Joins v.18 to make the point of Chapters 1-3 leading to 4-6
"to comprehend...And to know..." Compare Dan
9:22,23
Consider the weight of Pr 3:7 + 4:7
20,21 - A closing doxology (praise) for the first half of the epistle.
- "exceeding abundantly"="infinitely"
- "glory"="the glory" Read Gen 18:14a
and Jas 1:17 to personally explore living short of God's grace and blessings.
NOTE: "the power that worketh in us"
- The indwelt Holy Spirit is the presence, power and consciousness of God in us. This is a direct link to v.16 and points
to prayer as the "activator" for the Holy Spirit as faith is the "activator" for grace. This is best illustrated by the intense,
repeated prayer of Jesus Christ in the garden (Mt 26:36-46) after the prayer of Jn 17 for the necessary "strengthening"
to endure and stand fast. This is the "power of prayer." It is rooted in surrender (Mt 26:42).
Ch 4: The epistle moves from knowledge to
wisdom (application), from our Position to our Practice, from Christ in us to us in Christ.
1 - "prisoner" connects to 3:1. "vocation"="calling"
We are called to a standard as good stewards of the gifts entrusted
to us. We are ambassadors, labourers and servants as well as children and fellowheirs with Christ. Briefly stated, Christians must represent!
2 - The standard is defined.
- "lowliness" - An attitude of humility 1Pe 5:5 Phil 2:3
- "meekness"(Gr."prautes") - Gentleness (not powerless, but controlled)
Mt 5:5 (from Ps 37:11)
- "longsuffering" - Willing patience despite having alternatives
- "forbearing" - Exercising longsuffering. The manifestation of the inner attitude.
3 - "Endeavouring" (translated "study(ing)" in 2Ti 2:15) - "Being diligent"
The keyword is "unity." See 1Co 1:10-13 as a warning of the sects
and denominations which have risen over time. See Jas 1:27 for "pure religion" versus our common understanding. Unity
"in the bond of peace" as opposed to the divisions and strife which troubled Paul. We do not bond through peace. Peace IS
a bond because we are united in Christ Who is our peace. (2:14-16)
4-6 - The list of 7 "one"s has 3 on each side with Christ in the middle as the "bond."
(4) - "There is" should be "Ye are"
"one body" See 1:10
"one hope" See 1:12
(5) - "one faith"=doctrine See Gal
1:6-9
"one baptism"=the baptism
of the Holy Spirit into the "body"
(6) - of all, above all, through all, in all (omit
"you") - Expressing sovereignty, omnipotence, omnipresence and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (presence, power and consciousness
of God)
7,8 - "Every one of us" Compare to 3:7 for Paul's "measure"
NOT a contradiction to 1Co 12:11 re: spiritual
gifts. the quote is from Ps 68:18 which reads "received" instead of "gave". The Hebrew word "lakah" has a twofold meaning
of both "receiving" and "giving". Christ gave what He received, as we are to do with mercy, love and forgiveness (Mt
16:19,18:18). the risen Christ was given all power (authority) Mt 28:18 and functions in complete accord with the Father and
Spirit.
9,10 - A parenthetical aside best understood as Jesus Christ fulfilling O.T. Scripture regarding the scapegoat (Azazel) released in defiance of the Evil One, freed by the atoning
grace of God (Lev 16:1-10).
- "lower parts..."=Hades (An unseen world inhabited by those
in a state of death according to Greek thought).
IMPORTANT: Read 1Pe
3:18,19 where "preached"=Gr."kerusso"="heralded" (in triumph) AND Jude
6. 2Pe 2:4 defines the "spirits in prison" as the fallen angels
of Gen 6:2,4. To avoid error, note that humans are NEVER referred to as "spirits"
in Scripture. Christ published victory over sin.
- "fill all things" (See 1:23) All gifts and
all grace.
11 - apostles - Sent forth for special messages and errands
- prophets - Receive inspired revelation from God to
comfort, exhort, educate and testify
- evangelists - Seed planters who bring the good news
(gospel) with an emphasis on reaching the unsaved.
- pastors/teachers - Shepherds/Instructors - All pastors
must be teachers, hence the connecting "and".
12 - A threefold statement on the objective of spiritual giftedness.
No gift is for personal gain or glory Heb 5:12 - 6:12
13 - The goal of spiritual giftedness - To attain full knowledge
of the Lord.
1Co 13:9-12
1Jn 3:1,2
- "perfect" = Complete, fully matured
14 - The mission of spiritual giftedness
- "children"=Gr."nepios"="not old enough to speak"
- "tossed to and fro"=Gr."kludonizomai" Only occ.="fluctuating"
- "sleight"=Gr."kubeia" Only occ.="fraud" (English "cube"
as in dice)
- "cunning craftiness"="with subtilty" See Gen 3:1
- "whereby...deceive"="with a view to a strategy of error"
Read and understand
Jas 1:5-8
Note: the Greek word "methodeia" is used
only here and 6:11 (wiles) in reference to the operations of Satan, not simply error.
15 - "Speaking the truth"=Gr."aletheuo"="Truthing it" - Not just speaking truth,
but living in truth, walking in truth.
- "growing up" See 1:22,23 and 2:21
The image of a child growing to maturity is applied to the entire church
(body) as well as the individual saints. The body must grow to match the Head, or it will topple.
16 - "fitly joined" = "being perfectly fitted"
- "compacted" = "knitted together" See Ps 139:13 where "covered"="woven"
- "joint" = "ligament" See 'bond of peace" in 4:3
- "of itself" - The body (church) must not depend on outside
resources.
17 - Paul makes a summary statement "for the record"
- Omit "other" Compare Pr 3:5-7 Ro 1:21-25
18 - "the life (Gr."zoe") of God" - Only occ. in Scripture. This alienation
is from the resurrection life and eternal life.
IMPORTANT: This verse refers to ignorance due to hardness ("blindness") of the
heart. Compare 2Pe 3:5 Contrast Lk 23:34 1Ti 1:12,13 Nu
15:28
Understand "eyes to see" and "ears to hear"
19 - "being" = "having become"
"past feeling"=Gr."apalgeo" Only occ.="apathetic"
"to work"=Gr."ergasia"="to pursue as a craft/profession
for gain"
Contrast this "work" with the "vocation" of 4:1
20,21 - Omit "the" Compare Jn 14:6 Contrast
Jn 8:43-45
22 - The old nature and behavior must be put away (Ro 6:6)
"deceitful lusts"="the lusts of the deceiver" This refers to the
devil, along with the "error" of v.14, as the enemy of truth. See Rev 12:9; 20:3,8,10
23 - Compare to Ro 12:2 where the "renewing" refers to renovation.
This "renewed" (Gr."ananeoo" Only occ.) refers to redirection.
Another reference to the devil's battlefield - our minds
2Co 5:17; 10:3-6
24 - Only after the old man is put off can the new man be put
on.
One suit of armor cannot fit over another.
- "is created...holiness" Should be "was
created in the righteousness and holiness of the truth."
This is a pointed reference to the original state of Gen 1:27 and the
circuit from Genesis to Revelation to return us to immortality in paradise. The "new man" is actually the original man as
created by God before sin entered.
25 - "Put off", "Put on", now "Put away"
IMPORTANT - "lying"="the lie"
as it does in Ro 1:25 and 2Th 2:11
- "speak...neighbor" from Zech 8:16,17
"for..." - As parts of the
same body, we should not damage one another.
This verse encompasses more than honesty. Speaking the truth (which is
Jesus Christ) necessarily includes witnessing.
26a - "Be ye..." - Imperative statement. We are to feel righteous
indignation when confronted with sin and evil. Our emotions are not sinful of themselves, hence the phrase "and sin not."
(see FAQ #23) Christians are not to be led or controlled by feelings and emotions (flesh)
26b - Easily misread/misunderstood. "Anger" (emotion)
is addressed in 26a.
"Wrath" (Gr."parorgismos"
Only occ.) is the effects/manifestation of anger.
The imagery of the sunset, the end of the day, means
that we are not to act upon, or respond in accordance with our anger - including its negative effects on ourselves.
Pr 19:19 Jas 1:19,20
27 - "place"="opportunity" "the devil" - "the deceiver" of vv.14,22,
"the lie" of v.25, "ruler of darkness" of 6:12.
IMPORTANT: This "place" is most commonly given by doubting the inerrancy
of God's Word. Doubt is the devil's doorway (Gen 3:1-5). For these 2 verses, it points to strife and division
within the body (Gal 5:13-15,19,20).
28 - Connects to the "redirection" of v.23 of the "work" done in v.19.Many criminals work as hard, or harder at their craft than those with legitimate occupations. The emphasis is on doing
"that which is good" Ro 12:13
29 - "corrupt communication"=Literally "putrid word" A reference to conversation
which cannot nourish (edify) the body. The grace given ("minister") is the proper use of our giftedness (v.7, 1Co 12:7). The
spoken word imparts our giftedness, is counted among our deeds, and we are accountable (Mt 12:35-37). The simple absence of
destructive talk is not enough.
30 - Misuse of our spiritual gifts is doubly distressful to the Holy Spirit
in His dual role as the Giver and the Sealer.
31 - More things to put away:
Bitterness,wrath,anger,clamor (outcry),evil speaking (Gr. blasphemia),malice
A list of 6 (#of flesh) things in reverse order of their
typical appearance to simulate the removal of garments
32 - What to put on:
Kindness, tender compassion,forgiveness - To line up
with v.27
Ch 5:1,2 - "Be ye..." Imperative as in 4:26
- "therefore" connects to "...as God..." in 4:32
- "followers"=Gr."mimetes"="imitators" Ro 8:29;12:2
- "love"="Gr."agape"="spontaneous love",i.e.,without requirement, justification, or partiality 1Co 13:4-7
- "us" should be "you" in correspondence with 4:32
- "sacrifice...savour" - first in Gen 8:20-22
3,4 - "fornication"=Gr."porneia" - Includes harlotry, incest, and adultery within
its meaning of "unlawful lust"
- "among you" - within the body
- "filthiness"=Gr."aischrotes"Only occ.="obscenity"
- "foolish talking"=Gr."morologia"Only occ.="buffoonery,silly
talk"
- "jesting"=Gr."eutrapelia"Only occ.="vulgar repartee,ribaldry"
- "convenient"=Gr."aneko"="appropriate,befitting"
5 - "whoremonger"=Gr."pornos"="a trafficker in sex", particularly a male prostitute
(See Heb 12:16 in reference to Esau)
- "covetous...idolater" - See and understand Col 3:5
6 - "deceive"=Gr."apatao"="to cheat" (out of the inheritance)
- "because of these things" refers to vv.3,4
7,8 - "partakers"=partners read 2Co 6:14-18 2Jn 5-11
- "darkness...light" - We are not just in the light. We do not
just have a light. We are light.
9 - Compare to Gal 5:22-24 (An aside breaking up the subject of 6-14)
10,11 - "fellowship"="partnership" "darkness"="the
darkness"
- "unfruitful works of darkness"="the works
of the devil" 1Jn 3:8
Compare: "works
of darkness" Ro 13:10-14
"wicked works" Col 1;19-22
- "reprove"="convict,condemn"
12,13 - "the light"=the saints of v.8 "reproving" the works of darkness
Jn 3:18-21
14 - From Isa 60:1,2
- "shall give thee light"="will shine upon you"
- "Awake...dead" - Figurative language echoing v.11. See the double
usage/meaning of "dead" in Mt 8:22.
15 - "See then" - Another imperative
- "circumspectly"=Gr."akribos"="accurately,exactly,diligently"
See Mt 7:14
Lk 13:23,24 Deu 5:30-33
- "fools"=Gr."asophos" and "wise"=Gr."sophos"=No 3rd option
16 - "Redeeming"=Gr."exagorazo"="to buy out"
- "time"=Gr."kairos"=a certain limited time/season/opportunity
To understand: We tend to value money more than time even though time
is an irrecoverable asset. Assume that we receive $2400 each day instead of 24 hours. At the end of each day we must return
all unspent money. We would quickly find ways to spend all the money each day. We are told to treat our time the same way.
See 2Ti 4:2 "instant...season;"
- "because..." We cannot afford to miss opportunities to serve. See
6:13
17 - Pr 4:5-7 "the will of the Lord" connects back
to 4:1
18 - A key verse regarding the evil one and spiritual warfare
- "excess"=Gr."asotia"="unsavedness" The devil deals in excess/extremes.
God is about moderation and self-control. The devil would have us practice intolerance or be totally permissive.He
would have us never attend church or spend so much time in church that we ignore our other responsibilities
(especially family).
19 - "yourselves"="each other"
- "psalms...songs" - Instrumental music, songs of celebration, and spiritually
sung songs of thanksgiving.
- "in your heart" - Aloud to each other, within to the Lord.
20 - "always"=in every way, on every occasion See 1Th 5:18
*******CRITICAL INFO*******
21- 6:9 - The fourth set of instructions in Chapter 5 begins.
-"4" is the # denoting created
works, the earth, things under the sun (as in seasons of the year). The four sets ("Redeeming" v.16, "Speaking"
v.19, "Giving" v.20, and "Submitting" v.21) deal with our daily earthly walk, the subject
of Ecclesiastes (note Ecc 12:13,14). Section 5 (# of Grace) BEGINS at 6:10 with "Finally" and CLOSES
with the fifth action, "Praying" (6:18), to frame this section and connect it to Eph 1:8. It is prayer as
part of our daily walk that puts us in position to receive God's grace. Without it, we are "short" at "4" instead of "5".
- This group consists of 6
(# of man) relationship designations in a specific, hierarchical order confirmed by the identical series in Col 3:18-4:1.
note the further correspondence between Eph 5:20 and Col 3:17 as well as between Eph 6:18 and Col 4:2. This is an indication
from the Holy Spirit of the interdependence of these relationships. To wrongly divide the Scripture is to do Satan's bidding.
This group is directly connected to the subject of spiritual warfare for this reason. To extract,
quote, or apply Eph 5:22 as a standalone verse is gross error, a violation of Eph 5:21, and a rejection of the lesson taught
in Jn 13:3-17.
21 - "Yourselves" brings the group of designations to a total of 7 (# of spiritual
completeness). This verse provides the context for the rest of the section and acts as an umbrella of understanding for "submitting"
- Sub/mission = Under the same mission, as one body
See Phil 2:3-8 "Dominance"
renders the verse impossible.
22-24 - WIVES
- Carefully
read 1Sa 25 (esp. v.19)
- Understand 1Sa 27:3;30:5 2Sa 2:2;3:3
1Chr 3:1
Despite being frequently portrayed as a heroine, Abigail's
betrayal and denigration of her husband is not in line with Scripture and is not viewed favorably by God.
(22) - "own husband" - Not a general male/female
doctrine. Not to be separated from v.23, connected by "For", i.e., "because". "as" is a qualifier.
(23) - "For a husband is
the head of the wife as Christ also is the Head of the church, He Himself being Saviour
of the body." Not to be separated from v. 24, connected by "Therefore"="But"
(24) - "subject" Same word as "submit"
"as"
is the qualifier to define the relationship
SUMMARY: Both
parties in the marital relationship have specific roles. The husband is the Head.The wife is the body. The husband is Christ.
The wife is the church. This relationship cannot be unilateral. A wife cannot submit
"as unto the Lord" if the husband is without Christ-like qualities. Submission "as unto the Lord" asks obedience, righteousness,
truth, etc. This is not possible if the "body" follows a "head" turned to iniquity. The definition of a "husband" in v.23
transcends legal unions. In addition to God's refusal to recognize Abigail as David's wife, we have other examples such as
Scripture referring to Bathsheba as Uriah's wife even after her marriage to David (2Sa 11:27-12:15). In the
role of Christ as Head of the church, the term "Saviour" (Gr. "soter") appears only here in Ephesians, not at all in Romans,
Corinthians or Galatians.
A Saviour: Protects, Delivers, Heals, Preserves, Makes Whole
A Saviour Does Not: Abuse, Neglect, Disrespect, Harm, Desert
A Saviour will sacrifice his own life if necessary.
The word "But" begins v.24 to keep
us from error. Marrying a "Clyde" cannot require a woman to become a "Bonnie."
"...as unto the Lord"
25-33 - HUSBANDS
(covering)
The epistle crystallizes the vertical, in-line structure
of God's design. Christ/The Word is the covering for the husband. The husband is the covering for the wife. (See 1Co 11:3 where "man"=Gr."aner"="husband" and "woman"=Gr."gune"="wife" when used in context with "aner").
When this design is misaligned, it causes separation. Note the difference
between the Word Adam received (Gen 2:16,17) and what he relayed to Eve (Gen 3:2,3). Thus, Adam is held responsible for the
ensuing events (Ro 5:12).
(25) - "love"=Gr."agapao"= Show favor (love) without
qualification,i.e., "because she is your wife"
- "gave"="gave up"
IMPORTANT: "it" should be "her"
(26) - "In order that..." "sanctify"
- It is the agape love that sets the wife apart, precluding polygamy and adultery.
IMPORTANT: "and cleanse" should be "having cleansed
"...washing of water"=Gr"loutron"= the vessel, not the process, as in O.T. "laver")
"by"="in"
An analogy to the sacrificial death and the blood of Christ, NOT to baptism. Think
"covered by the blood"
(27) - The concept of King-Priest comes into play.
See
Christ (Zech 6:13) and us (Rev 5:10)
PRIESTS
(Lev 21:10-15) KINGS (Esther 2:12,13)
- "not having..." - "spot"
See James 1:27
- "wrinkle"=Gr."rhutis" Only occ.= A facial wrinkle as a sign of aging/mortality/corruptibility
- "blemish"= cause for blame
- "holy" - See "sanctify" in v.
26
(28) - "wives" should be "own wives" as "own husbands" in
v. 23
- "their own bodies"="themselves"
as in Ro 12:1
As "one flesh", a united head and body, all emotions, words, actions, etc. are reflected between
spouses. This love is manifested in accordance with 1Co 13:4-7.
29 - Omit "yet". This verse is gender neutral. "no man"="no one"
- "nourisheth"=Gr."ektrepho"="to nurture,raise up to maturity"
- "cherisheth"=Gr."thalpo"="to foster, to treat tenderly and affectionately"
- "as...the church" - See vv.23,24,25 Review Eph 1:22,23
30 - "For" connects to v.29. TECHNICALLY, "the church" as defined in this verse, is part of the bridegroom, it is NOT the bride. The new Israel is the
bride of Christ. The church is natural, the new Israel is spiritual. Hence the supernatural relationship defined in v.31.
31 - From Gen 2:24. Two being one flesh is impossible according to natural law.
Marriage must therefore be a supernatural union which supersedes the parent/child relationship.
- "joined"=Gr."proskollaomai"="glued to"
As Christ loves the church,His own body, so should the husband love the wife,his own
body, and model himself accordingly.
32 - IMPORTANT: "a" should be
"the"
- Paul's statement explains that he is equating the two relationships
without declaring that the church, as the church, is the wife of Christ. The new Israel will be a further
refinement of the church.
33 - "Nevertheless" - Don't let v.32 dilute the power of the information given
in the prior verses.
- "reverence"- As given to the head. See 1Pe 3:1-7
Once again, the verse contains reciprocal instructions for
both parties.
Ch 6:1 - CHILDREN - Gr."teknon" - A
naturally descended child. This word does not indicate nor imply gender or age.
- "obey" - Note Deu 21:18-21 and the reference
to both parents
- "in the Lord" - Qualifying statement. Obedience is absolute only to
God Who will never require us to sin.
- "right" = "righteous" Pr 17:25; 23:22,24,25
2,3 - From Ex 20:12, the 5th (#of Grace) commandment.
- "long"=Gr."euthutes"="with rectitude" (moral integrity)
Pr 20:20
4 - FATHERS (includes
stepfathers in the same role)
- "And" connects the reciprocal nature of the relationship
- "ye" should be "the"
This instruction is specifically directed to fathers as are all Biblical references
to parental discipline.
See Heb 12:5-11 Pr 13:1,24; 15:5; 17:21
- "bring them up" = "nurture"
- "nurture" = "discipline"
The relationship between Jehovah (Father) and Israel (child) stands with natural examples
in Scripture to give us lessons regarding fatherhood.
- A reflection of character - 1Ti 3:1-5
- Using a "first offense" to set an example and a standard
Lev 9:23 - 10:11 Ac 5:1-11
- Using rules (law) to bring the young to maturity - Gal 3:23-26
- Punishing disobedience (without favoritism) - Nu 20:1-12
Deu 34:1-6
Results of showing
favoritism - Gen 37:1-4 ff
- Showing patience - Judges 6:36-40
Limiting patience
- Ex 4:1-17
- A lifelong responsibility - Ex 18:8-27
- Provision - Mt 6:31,32
David, Samuel and Eli stand out in Scripture as godly men who were not godly fathers, with
tragic results (1&2 Samuel)
SUMMARY: The Lord is the ideal father
setting the model for the earthly father. The father/child relationship should not be contentious or argumentative. It is
not a relationship between equals. Discipline is for the good of the child and should not be withheld. See Pr 19:18; 23:13,14
(These Scriptures do not dictate nor exclude corporal punishment).
- "admonition"=Gr."nouthesia"= words of warning
or rebuke
- "of the Lord" - Fathers responsible for example and Scripture.
5 - SERVANTS - A reference to position, not title.
The 5th commandment in Ex 20 leads to the commandments addressing
relationships with our "neighbors." Paul mirrors that structure by moving outside of the family.
- "obedient" corresponds to 6:1. Christians should respect authority.
See Mt 8:5-10 1Ti 2:1-4
- "according to the flesh" - There is but one spiritual
Master.
- "fear and trembling" - A phrase used to illustrate a lack of
strength or power, a subordinate attitude
- "singleness of heart" - without pretense or duplicity
6 - "from the heart" = "from the soul" - Christians are not to play the "good
servant" role in the presence of the "master" while belittling, denigrating or mocking the master to others. The motivation
for a good performance should not be promotion or financial gain.
7 - "good will"=Gr."eunoia"=benevolence as required by the nature of the relationship.
See the only other occ. of this word in 1Co 7:3 where it refers to a conjugal duty in marriage.
"as to the Lord" - Another qualifying statement. We are not to be blindly
obedient if asked to do something against the Word of God, but otherwise, we must adhere to God's standards. See Col 3:17-24
8 - We should keep in mind the workings of God's kingdom
Mt 18:18 Gal 6:7-10 Eph 5:1,2 Lk 6:31 Mt 5:16
MOST OF ALL 2Co 5:10
9 - MASTERS (same as v.5) Gr."kurios" = One in authority /control/ ownership
-"And ye masters" should be "The masters also" making the attitudes
of vv.5-8 applicable.
-"your Master" reads "both their Master and yours"
Ro 2:11 1Pe1:17 Ac 10:34,35
10 - "Finally"=Gr."toi loipou"="Henceforth",i.e, after the information given
in this epistle.
- "my brethren" Omit
- "be strong"=Gr."endunamao"="be empowered" (inherent
power)
- "power"=Gr."kratos" (effective power put forth to
govern)\
- "might"=Gr."ischus" (physical power)
There is NO aspect of our physical stature, condition or abilities involved in this
discussion. This is re-emphasized in v.12.
11 - "Put on" - This is done after 4:24, which is done after
4:22.
(The clothing under the armour is found at 1Pe 5:5)
- "whole armour"=Gr."panoplia"="panoply" See below at 6:13
- "stand" - Position for ministry (seated position is for judgment
Ac 7:55,56)
- "wiles" See 4:14
12 - "we wrestle" should be "to us the wrestling is"
- "flesh and blood...principalities" - Re-emphasis of the nature of
the conflict and the need to rely on God's power.
- "against..." - The principalities are defined
-"powers"=Gr."exousia"=authority, delegated
power
-"rulers"=Gr."kosmokrator" Only occ.="world-rulers"
Omit "of this world"
-"darkness" - The world condition of Jn 3:19
The
reassurance of Jn 1:5
-"spiritual..."="The spiritual hosts of wickedness
in the heavenlies"
Note the correspondence to 6:10 to understand the nature of the warfare. Inherent power vs. delegated
power. Governing force (God) vs. governing force (Satan). God has the ability to exert physical power over spiritual beings
- Jude 6 Rev 20;1-3
EPHESIANS 6:13 - “whole armour”=Gr.“panoplia”=“panoply”
Consists of 7 pieces. Only 2 offensive weapons: sword and spear. The spiritual armour also has 7 pieces, with the Word of
God as the sword and Prayer (v.18) replacing the spear. Of the 7 footsoldier types, only legionaries fit the description
in Ephesians 6, complete with throwing spear.
