The Book of Ephesians - Turner, Allan: Re: Thinking

39 Pages·2002·0.27 MB·English

by  Allan Turner

B Y T . A L L A N T U R N E R
A Study
of
Ephesians
A verse by verse study of God’s eternal purpose
in and through Jesus Christ
© Allanita Press
C O N T E N T S
An Introduction . . . . . 1
Chapter One . . . . . 4
Chapter Two . . . . . 9
Chapter Three . . . . . 13
Chapter Four . . . . . 17
Chapter Five . . . . . 23
Chapter Six . . . . . 31
A Study Of Ephesians
© 2002 by Allan Turner
An Introduction
I
n 133 B.C., Ephesus came under direct The Scriptures inform us that Aquila and
control of the Romans. During the first Priscilla stayed behind in Ephesus (vv. 18,19).
century A.D., the city was the capital of TheyarethechurchatEphesus.Sometimeafter
the Roman province of Asia. It was famous for Paul's departure, Apollos visited the city (Acts
its trade, art, and science, but it was even more 18:24--28).Describedasan“eloquentmanand
renowned for its Temple of Diana (Greek Ar- mighty in the Scriptures,” Apollos was an Alex-
temis), which was considered one of the seven andrian Jew who had been “instructed in the
wonders of the world. It was a building of Ionic wayoftheLord,”but“knewonlythebaptismof
architecture, four hundred and twenty--five feet John” (v. 25). As his knowledge was imperfect,
long and two hundred and twenty feet wide. It Priscilla and Aquila, upon hearing him speak
was supported by one hundred and twenty-- publicly, “took him aside privately and ex-
seven marble columns that were sixty feet high. plainedtohimthewayofGodmoreaccurately”
Thirty--two of these were beautifully carved. (v. 26). After this, Apollos desired to cross over
Some of the stones from this temple are on ex- toAchaiaand“thebrethren[atEphesus]wrote,
hibit in the British Museum. In modern times exhorting the disciples to receive him” (v. 27).
thistempleisincompleteruin,asisthecity,and The use of “the brethren” indicates there are
not a living soul resides within its walls. others at Ephesus who are now Christians be-
Ephesus is located about three miles inland sides Aquila and Priscilla. Who these other
fromtheAegeanSeaintheCaysterRivervalley. Christians are, we are not told. The church is
Theharbor,whichfrequentlysiltedup,madean probably still quite small and may possibly be
excellent seaport. Three important roads met at meeting in the home of Aquila and Priscilla.
Ephesus. One brought trade from the east via InA.D.54,afterbeginninghisthirdpreach-
Colossae and Laodicea. One came from Galatia ing journey, Paul returns to Ephesus. While
via Sardis and brought trade from Asia Minor. there, he discovers some disciples who had not
The third important road was to the north. This yetbeenbaptizedintoChrist.Afterthesetwelve
system of roads, coupled with the excellent sea- obeyed the gospel, they no doubt sought to join
port, made Ephesus the fourth greatest city in themselvestothelocalchurchandwerereceived
theRomanEmpire(afterRome,Alexandria,and with great rejoicing. Paul then goes into the
Antioch) with a population of approximately synagogue and speaks boldly for three months,
250,000. “reasoning and persuading concerning the
things of the kingdom of God” (Acts 19:7).
The Origin Of The Ephesian Church When strong opposition to his teaching arises,
he withdraws with the other Christians to the
When Paul was on his second preaching school of Tyrannus. There he continues daily to
journey,hewas“forbiddenbytheHolySpiritto teach the gospel for two years (Acts 19:10).
preach the word in Asia” (Acts 16:6). For some Bruce, in his Commentary on the Book of Acts,
reason unknown to us, the door of opportunity provides us with some interesting information
for the preaching of the gospel in Asia was not ontheschoolofTyrannus:“TheWesterntextin-
yet open. The opening was in Europe, and Paul dicates that Paul had the use of the building
was guided there by the Holy Spirit. On return- from11A.M.to4P.M.Tyrannusnodoubtheld
ing from Europe in about A.D. 53, Paul, along his classes in the early morning. Public activity
with his faithful helpers, Aquila and Priscilla, ceased in the cities of Ionia for several hours at
visited Ephesus (Acts 18:18--21). As was his 11 A.M., and...more people would be asleep at
custom, Paul “entered the synagogue and rea- 1 P.M. than at 1 A.M....so that they were will-
sonedwiththeJews”(v.19),butnothingissaid ingtosacrificetheirsiestaforthesakeoflisten-
about anyone obeying the gospel. Nevertheless, ing to Paul” (pp. 388,389).
they wanted Paul to stay a longer time with Altogether, Paul spent three years at
them, but, pressed for time, he was not able to Ephesuswithgreatsuccess(Acts20:31).Itsex-
doso(v.20),althoughhedidpromisetoreturn cellentlocationwasideallysuitedforthespread
to them, God willing (v. 21). of the gospel. Consequently, within the three
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years that Paul remained at Ephesus, the “word phimus, and Luke), returned to Asia via Mace-
of the Lord” radiated throughout the whole donia, stopping over at Troas. Sailing on to
province (Acts 19:10). This was no doubt ac- Miletus,aboutthirtymilessouthofEphesus,he
complished in part through the fact of the great calls for and meets with the elders of the Ephe-
number of people who, for one reason or an- sianchurch(Acts20:17--38).Lenski,comment-
other,passedthroughthecity,heardthegospel, ing on this meeting in Acts of the Apostles,
and then carried it back to their homes located writes:“Sosmallagroup:afewelders,Paul,his
throughout Asia. eight companions—yet an immortal meeting!
Ephesus and Asia were full of superstition, The great theater in Miletus, where the crowds
magic,charms,andalltheotherworksoftheoc- gathered,whichisnowinruins,isforgottenlike
cult. God, therefore, permitted “unusual mira- thenamelesscrowdsthatgatheredthere;butthe
cles by the hands of Paul, so that even words this one man Paul spoke to a handful of
handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his men somewhere in this harbor city still throb
body to the sick, and the diseases left them and with as much life and power as when they were
the evil spirits went out of them” (Acts utteredthatday.Hereareimmortaltruths;here
19:11,12). Furthermore, certain Jews who at- throbsaheartmovedwiththosetruthstoaten-
tempted to use as a charm the name of Jesus dernessandalovewhichtheyalonecouldbeget.
were utterly confounded by the evil spirits they Paul'saddresstotheEphesianeldersisashining
triedtoexorcise(Acts19:13--16).Asaresultof page even in the New Testament” (p. 836).
all this, “the name of the Lord was magnified. Timothy, a native of Lystra, was probably
And many who had believed came confessing convertedonPaul'sfirstpreachingjourney(Acts
andtellingtheirdeeds.Also,manyofthosewho 14:6--23). By the time of Paul's second preach-
had practiced magic brought their books to- ingjourney,hewaswellspokenofbythebreth-
gether and burned them in the sight of all.... So ren at Lystra and Iconium (Acts 16:1,2). As we
thatthewordoftheLordgrewmightilyandpre- have already mentioned, he was with Paul in
vailed” (Acts 19:17b--20). Ephesus on the third preaching journey but was
Timothy and Erastus also spent some time sent to Macedonia just prior to the disturbance
with Paul in Ephesus, but he eventually sent over the goddess Diana (Acts 16:3; 19:21,22).
them on into Macedonia (Acts 19:22). As soon AfterPaul'sreleasefromhisfirstRomanimpris-
as he did this, there arose a great commotion onment, he left Timothy at Ephesus (I Timothy
overDianaoftheEphesians.IfthewordsofDe- 1:3). While in Ephesus, Timothy received the
metrius are to be believed, she was worshipped epistles known to us as First Timothy and Sec-
by “all Asia and the world” (Acts 19:27). As a ond Timothy.
result,Paul'stravelcompanions,GaiusandAris- AlettertothechurchatEphesusisincluded
tarchus of Macedonia, were dragged into the inthebookofRevelation(Revelation2:1--7).All
theater. It is clear from the Bible account that early church tradition claims that the apostle
these men's lives were in danger. Paul, ever the John lived here for two decades, from about
courageoussoldieroftheCross,wantedtoenter A.D. 70 until his death.
the theater but was prevented from doing so by
the disciples who rightly feared the worst for The Time And Place Of Writing
him and his two companions if he showed his
face to this chaotic assembly of goddess wor- The place from which Paul undoubtedly
shippers. After Alexander was set forth by the wrote this letter was Rome during his first Ro-
Jews, apparently in an attempt to defend the man imprisonment, which was for two years
Jews from any association with renegade Jews (Acts 28:30). This would make the date of this
(i.e., Christians) like “this fellow Paul” whom epistle somewhere around A.D. 62. It was no
Gaius and Aristarchus abetted, pure pandemo- doubtdeliveredbyTychicus,whowasentrusted
niumbrokeoutforabouttwohoursasthe“dis- with this epistle (Ephesians 6:21) and the one
orderly gathering” cried out, “Great is Diana of Paul sent to Colossae (Colossians 4:7).
the Ephesians” (Acts 19:34). Eventually, the
city clerk was able to bring order to the theater The Purpose For Writing This Letter
and dismiss the crowd. After this, Paul called
the disciples together, embraced them, and de- PauldoesnotwritethislettertotheEphesi-
parted for Macedonia (Acts 20:1). He sailed to ans to rebuke them for any irregularity of con-
Macedonia and then traveled to Greece where duct, like he does the Corinthians, nor for any
he stayed for three months. Then, he, with his perversion of the gospel, as he does the Gala-
eight travel companions (Sopater, Aristarchus, tians. His letter was one of joyous praise for
Secundus, Gaius, Timothy, Tychicus, Tro- God'seternalpurpose.Assuch,itwouldserveas
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anantidotetothepaganmysteryreligionswhich applied.
were all around them, and to the arguments of
the Judaizers who would be using all their pow- In Conclusion
ers of persuasion to impress these former pa-
gans, who had prided themselves as guardians TheworkthatwentoninEphesuswasmag-
ofthegreatTempleofDiana,withthepompand nificent. The Christians there made up a great
ceremony of Judaism, along with its Jerusalem church. But, in spite of this, Paul warned the
Temple. But why, someone might ask, did God elders of this church of a coming apostasy that
permit Judaism and the pagan mystery religions wouldcorruptthedivinelyordainedgovernment
to exist so long before He revealed the gospel? of the local church. A generation later, a mes-
Was the gospel simply an afterthought of God? sage from the Lord in the book of Revelation
Absolutelynot!GodwasworkingoutHiseternal commends them for many wonderful things;
planfortheredemptionofmankindinChristJe- nevertheless, the Lord warns them, “you have
sus. In fact, the leading thought of this letter is: left your first love” (Revelation 2:4). They had
“The church of Jesus Christ, in which Jew and not maintained the fervor and devotion of the
Gentilearemadeone,isacreationoftheFather, love of their earlier history. If they did not re-
through the Son, in the Holy Spirit, decreed pentanddotheirfirstworks,theLordpromised
from eternity, and destined for eternity.” that He would repudiate them.
Inchapters1--3,Paulshowsthatthechurch The city of Ephesus now lies in ruins and
was foreordained by God, that it has been re- there is no church meeting there. As sad as this
deemed, and that Jew and Gentile have been is, we are encouraged by the words of the Lord
made one in Christ. In chapters 4--6, Paul em- inRevelation2:7:“TohimwhoovercomesIwill
barksuponthepracticalapplicationofthetruth give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the
stated in the first three chapters. He writes of midstoftheParadiseofGod.”Consequently,we
unity, love, newness of life, walking in the know that those who obeyed the gospel in
strengthoftheLord,andtheneedtoputonthe Ephesusandremainedfaithfulmakeupagroup
armorofGod.Consequently,thereisaclear--cut (i.e., the church) that will live eternally in
division in this letter between the exposition heaven.
foundinthesefirstthreechaptersandtheexhor-
tation found in chapters 4--6. In chapters 1--3,
the truth is stated; in chapters 4--6, the truth is
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Chapter One
Greeting —1:1, 2 2. Grace to you and peace from God our
Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the
(1)Paul,anapostleofJesusChristbythewill standard New Testament salutation. It is a
of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and prayer that God the Father and our Lord Jesus
faithful in Christ Jesus: (2) Grace to you and Christ may bestow favor and peace upon the
peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Ephesian Christians. The Father is the source
Christ. and the Lord is the mediator and procurer of
these blessings. It should also be clear that the
apostle Paul was not a Unitarian or “oneness”
1. Paul. It was the custom at this time to Pentecostal.
placethenameofthewriteratthebeginningofa
letter. An apostle of Jesus Christ. This was not Redemption In Christ—1:3 – 14
just someone who thought he had something to
say. No, indeed, this Paul is an apostle of Jesus (3) Blessed {be} the God and Father of our
Christ,andthisistobeunderstoodinthefullest LordJesusChrist,whohasblesseduswithevery
meaning of the term apostle. He received his of- spiritual blessing in the heavenly {places} in
fice directly from Christ. The marks of an apos- Christ, (4) just as He chose us in Him before the
tlewereabundantlyevidentinhislifeandwork. foundation of the world, that we should be holy
He belongs to Christ, and represents Him. andwithoutblamebeforeHiminlove,(5)having
Therefore, Paul's message is Christ's own mes- predestinedustoadoptionassonsbyJesusChrist
sage.BythewillofGod.Paulisemphasizingthe to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His
fact that his apostleship was not attained will,(6)tothepraiseofthegloryofHisgrace,by
through aspiration, usurpation, nor nomination which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.
byothermen.Hewas,instead,anapostlebydi- (7) In Him we have redemption through His
vine preparation, having been set apart and blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the
qualified by the activity of God's sovereign will. richesofHisgrace(8)whichHemadetoabound
To the saints at Ephesus. All Christians were towardusinallwisdomandprudence,(9)having
called saints in the early church. The saints are made known to us the mystery of His will, ac-
thosetheLordsetaparttoglorifyHim.Theyare cording to His good pleasure which He purposed
His chosen generation, His royal priesthood, His in Himself, (10) that in the dispensation of the
holy nation, His own special people, to proclaim fullness of the times He might gather together in
His excellencies (I Peter 2:9). And faithful in oneallthingsinChrist,bothwhichareinheaven
Christ Jesus. This is not another group. The and which are on earth—in Him, (11) in whom
saints and faithful form one unit. This is shown also we have obtained an inheritance, being pre-
in the original in that the definite article is not destined according to the purpose of Him who
repeated before the second word. The faithful works all things according to the counsel of His
saints at Ephesus are “in Christ Jesus,” that is, will, (12) that we who first trusted in Christ
they are what they are by virtue of their union should be to the praise of His glory. (13) In Him
with Christ. Without doubt, this expression is you also {trusted}, after you heard the word of
the most important one in this letter. It or its truth,thegospelofyoursalvation;inwhomalso,
equivalent (“in Him,” “in whom,” “in the Be- having believed, you were sealed with the Holy
loved”) or near--equivalent (“in the Lord”) oc- Spiritofpromise,(14)whoistheguaranteeofour
curs in 1:1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9--13, 15, 20; 2:5--7, inheritanceuntiltheredemptionofthepurchased
10, 13, 21, 22; 3:6, 11, 12, 21; 4:1, 21, 32; possession, to the praise of His glory.
5:8; and 6:10. It is in connection with Christ
that they receive “every spiritual blessing”
(1:3);electionbeforethefoundationoftheworld 3. Blessed be the God and Father of our
(1:4--6), redemption through His blood (1:7-- Lord Jesus Christ. The Greek word rendered
12), and certification (“sealing”) by the Holy “blessed” is eulogetos and gives us our modern
Spirit as sons and therefore heirs (1:13,14). word eulogize. It means to bestow high praises
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upon. Therefore, Paul is eulogizing (“Praise conclude that God foreknows the future, even
be...”) God for His marvelous blessings to the thecontingentfreewillchoicesofhumanbeings,
church.Whohasblesseduswitheveryspiritual and, therefore, can know not just the group of
blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. God the saved generally (i.e., the corporate body or
the Father has not held back a single blessing church), but the specific individuals who make
from the church. The heavenly places here is upthechurch.Thischoosingandpredestinating
where God dwells. In other words, God blessed on God's behalf is not of individuals uncondi-
us in the heavens above; therefore, these bless- tionally. Instead, God's foreknowledge has per-
ings are infinitely superior to anything here on mittedHimtoselectbeforethefoundationofthe
the earth below. All the blessings Paul will enu- world those who, of their own free will, would
merateinthisletterderivesfromthese“heaven- respondtoGod'sgraceinapositivewayandal-
lies,” the most notable being the very next lowthemselvestobe“conformedtotheimageof
blessing—God's eternal choosing or election of His Son” (Romans 8:29). In other words, these
the faithful saints in (i.e., in connection with) verses are speaking of the election and predesti-
His Son Jesus Christ. nation of individuals conditioned upon God's
4. Just as He chose us in Him before the foreknowledge of their obedience to the gospel
foundation of the world. Before the foundation (cf. II Thessalonians 2:13--17).
of the world, that is, in eternity before God cre- 6.TothepraiseofthegloryofHisgrace,by
ated the universe (i.e., while He was “in the whichHehasmadeusacceptedintheBeloved.
heavenly places”), the “God and Father of our Those who are adopted as sons are to manifest
LordJesusChrist,”elected,selected,pickedout, praise and honor to the wonderful and magnifi-
or chose (for this is the meaning of the Greek centgloryofGod'samazinggrace.Theyare,asa
word eklegomai) “us” in Christ Jesus. This, of result of such grace, acceptable to the Father
course,doesnotruleouttheactivitiesoftheSon only in their connection with Christ, who is the
andHolySpirit,butitdoesshowthatitwasthe Beloved of the Father (cf. Colossians 1:13).
Father who took the lead in the scheme of re- Since Christ, by means of His death, earned
demption. The “us” here are the faithful saints every spiritual blessing for us, and therefore
ofverse1,includingPaul,and,byextension,all wants us to have these things, and since the Fa-
whoatonetimeoranotherarepredestinedtobe- ther loves the Son, it is only reasonable to be-
come faithful saints. Contrary to what some lieve that, for the sake of this beloved One, the
think,theteachingofpredestinationisaBiblical Father will gladly grant unto us everything we
subject. We will have more to say about this need. In fact, the Father Himself gave His Son
whenwelookatverse5,butbeforewedoso,we for this very purpose. Hence, “He who did not
must learn the purpose of election. That we spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us
should be holy and without blame before Him all,howshallHenotwithHimalsofreelygiveus
inlove.Inotherwords,God,inHisinfinitewis- all things?” (Romans 8:32).
dom,choseorelectedthosewhowould,through 7.InHimwehaveredemptionthroughHis
Christ, be holy and without blame before Him. blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the
This wonderful relationship between Redeemer riches of His grace. In Him, that is to say, the
andtheredeemedwouldbeoneofmutuallove. Beloved, we have redemption. This word, as in
5. Having predestined us to adoption as Colossians 1:14, indicates deliverance as a re-
sonsbyJesustoHimself,accordingtothegood sultofthepaymentofaransom.Wewhowerein
pleasureofHiswill.InconnectionwithHishav- bondagetosinhavebeensetfreebyGod'sgrace
ing chosen before the foundation of the world throughourconnectionwiththebloodofChrist.
those who would, through their relationship Although the Beloved did many wonderful
with Christ, be holy and blameless before Him, things while He was in this world, for example,
He is said to have predestined or foreordained he stilled the tempest, cast our demons,
certainones(“we”)whowouldbefaithfulsaints cleansed the lepers, opened the eyes of the
toadoptionassons.But,howdidHedothis?He blind, unstopped the ears of the deaf, fed the
did it, the Scriptures tell us, by exercising His hungry, healed the sick, and even raised the
omniscience, particularly His foreknowledge dead,Hisultimatemissionwastoseekandsave
(Romans 8:29,30; I Peter 1:2). Furthermore, the lost, to give Himself a ransom for many
the death of Jesus involved a similar combina- (Isaiah 53:12; Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45;
tion of foreknowledge and predestination (Acts Luke 19:10; I Timothy 1:15). As we contem-
2:23). Because God foreknew certain free will plate this wonderful sacrifice, we join with the
choices of men like Judas and Pilate, He could fourlivingcreaturesandthetwenty--fourelders
predestinate (arrange in advance) the death of who are forever exclaiming, “You are wor-
Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Thus, we thy...for You were slain, and have redeemed us
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toGodbyYourblood”(Revelation5:9),andthe heaven and which are on earth. The plan was
tenthousandtimestenthousandandthousands that all things would come under the authority
of thousands of angels lifting up their voices in of“theChristofGod.”Consequently,theresur-
enthusiastic worship, shouting, “Worthy is the rected Lord said all authority was given Him in
Lambwhohasbeenslain...toreceivehonorand heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18). And in
glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12). Philippians 2:9--11, we learn that Christ Jesus
8. Which He made to abound toward us in has been given a “name which is above every
allwisdomandprudence.God'sgraceisstillun- name, that at the name of Jesus every knee
der discussion. He causes it to abound or over- shouldbow,ofthoseinheaven,andofthoseon
flow in our direction. In a similar passage, Paul earth, and of those under the earth, and that
wrote, “And the grace of our Lord was exceed- every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is
inglyabundant,withfaithandlovewhicharein Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” —Him.
Christ” (I Timothy 1:14). Consequently, as That is, Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of
God'swonderfulgraceaboundstowardus,itnot lords.
onlyprovokesfaithandloveinChrist,butitalso 11. In whom also we have obtained an in-
produces wisdom and prudence in the faithful heritance.Notethewordalso,meaning:notonly
saint. A parallel to this is found in Colossians did we, in connection with Christ, receive such
1:9,whichreads,“Forthisreasonwealso,since blessingsasredemption,forgivenessofsins,and
thedayweheardit,donotceasetoprayforyou, spiritualunderstanding(wisdomandprudence),
andtoaskthatyoumaybefilledwiththeknowl- benefits which have already been mentioned
edge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual un- (vv. 7--10), but, in addition to these (which, al-
derstanding.” Wisdom, of course, is knowledge though they have lasting significance, focus at-
plus. It is the ability to apply knowledge to the tention on the past) we have graciously been
best advantage. Prudence, or spiritual under- made heirs, which in turn causes us to look for-
standing, is penetratinginsight into what is true ward to future glory. This “inheritance” is
from God's standpoint. spelled out in its fullness in Romans 8:30,
9.Havingmadeknowntousthemysteryof “MoreoverwhomHepredestined,theseHealso
His will. All this wisdom and spiritual insight called; whom He called, these He also justified;
comes from God's revealing to us the “mystery andwhomHejustified,theseHealsoglorified.”
of His will,” which, according to verse 10, was It consists of two stages: certain blessings are
God's eternal purpose to gather together in one bestoweduponusinthehereandnow,andoth-
allthingsinChrist.AccordingtoHisgoodpleas- ers in the hereafter (cf. vv. 13 and 14 below).
ure,whichHepurposedinHimself.Inverse5, Being predestined according to the purpose of
weweretoldthatwewerepredestined“accord- Him who works all things according to the
ing to the good pleasure” of the Father's will. counsel of His will. Man's salvation in Christ
Again, we learn that in eternity it was the Fa- originated with our Heavenly Father, and flows
ther's good pleasure to set forth His plan to re- totally from His grace. Therefore, He predes-
deem fallen mankind through His only begotten tined (determined beforehand) that He would
Son, Jesus Christ. adopt us as sons by Jesus Christ (v. 5).
10.Thatinthedispensationofthefullness 12. That we who first trusted in Christ
of the times. In the Father's eternal plan, there shouldbetothepraiseofHisglory.Thehopeor
was a specific period of time when He would trust that Christians have in Christ is to the
sendforthHisSon,“bornofawoman,bornun- praiseoftheFather'sglory,specifically,Hismar-
derthelaw,toredeemthosewhowereunderthe velousgrace.Theredoesnotseemtobeanyrea-
law,thatwemightreceivetheadoptionofsons” son to contrast the “we” in this verse with the
(Galatians 4:4,5). Here, and in verse 10, as in “you” in the next verse, as if Paul were writing
other places, the expression “fullness of times” of two different groups. From verse 3, he has
or “last days” is often applied to the period of used “we” and “us” to refer to all the Ephesian
Christ's first coming (cf. Hebrews 1:2; I Peter Christians, plus himself, and by extension, any
1:20). All the previous time periods reached faithful saint. Consequently, in verse 13, he is
theirfullnesswhenthisdispensation(theChris- addressing the Ephesians more directly, who
tianera)began.Morespecifically,eversincethe had heard the gospel from him.
death,burial,resurrection,andcoronationofJe- 13. In Him you also trusted, after you
sus Christ, this dispensation of the fullness of heardthewordoftruth,thegospelofyoursal-
timeshasbeenineffect.Itwillnotenduntilthe vation. As was pointed out in our commentary
Lord returns and has executed judgment (I Cor- on the previous verse, the Ephesians had heard
inthians 15:24,25). He might gather together “the word of truth, the gospel of [their] salva-
in one all things in Christ, both which are in tion” from Paul himself. It was, therefore, ap-
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propriate for him to switch to “you” as he everynamethatisnamed,notonlyinthisagebut
directedhiswordstothem.Inwhomalso,hav- alsointhatwhichistocome.(22)AndHeputall
ing believed, you were sealed with the Holy {things} under His feet, and gave Him {to be}
Spirit of promise. All faithful saints, by their headoverall{things}tothechurch,(23)whichis
connection with Jesus Christ, are “sealed with His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
the Holy Spirit of promise,” which took place
when they were baptized into Christ (cf. Acts
2:38 and 5:32; II Corinthians 1:22). The seal 15. Therefore I also, after I heard of your
under consideration here does not refer to the faithintheLordJesusandyourloveforallthe
sealingawayofsomethinginacontainerforthe saints. It has been four or five years since Paul
purposeofpreservation;itrefers,instead,tothe has been with these brethren personally, but he
seal or “stamp of ownership” used by the an- continues to hear of their enduring faith in the
cientstovalidatesomething.TheJewconsidered Lordanditssubsequentresult—theirloveforall
circumcision as God's stamp of ownership on the saints. The fact that he starts this with the
him. Here Paul identifies the “gift of the Holy expression “I also” indicates there were others,
Spirit”receivedinbaptism(Acts2:38)withthe probably those who were then with him, who
“circumcision of Christ” (cf. Colossians 2:11-- were also thankful for the Ephesians' faith and
13). love.
14.Whoistheguaranteeofourinheritance 16. Do not cease to give thanks for you,
until the redemption of the purchased posses- makingmentionofyouinmyprayers.Theblos-
sion.TheindwellingoftheHolySpiritthateach soming of the gospel among the Ephesians gave
Christianreceives(cf.John7:37--39;Acts2:38 theimprisonedPaulreasontothankGod.Itwas
and 5:32; II Corinthians 1:22 and 5:5) is the he who had planted the gospel at Ephesus and
“pledge money” or “down payment” that as- heprayedforthemonaregularbasis.Asforhis
suresusthatwewillreceivethefullpaymentof prayers for others, see Romans 1:9; Philippians
our completed redemption in due time. This re- 1:4; Colossians 1:9; I Thessalonians 1:2; II
demption,whichisdescribedasan“adoptionas Thessalonians 1:11; and Philemon 4.
sons” (v. 5), is, of course, “in Christ” (v. 3). 17. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Consequently,itis“throughHisblood”thatwe theFatherofglory,maygivetoyouthespiritof
receivethe“forgivenessofsins”(v.7).But,and wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of
thisisthepointofthisverse,thisforgivenessof Him. Paul's prayer of thanksgiving flows over
sins that we receive through the blood of Christ into intercession. He prays to the glorious God
inbaptismisonlythebeginningofaprocess(cf. and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ that they
Romans8:29,30)thatwilleventuallyculminate would have a spirit that is rich in the wisdom
in the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23; thatisderivedfromGod'srevelation,thegospel
Philippians 3:20,21). To the praise of His of Jesus Christ (cf. Colossians 1:9). Paul wants
glory.Allthis,whichistheresultofGod'sgrace theEphesianstoreallyknowGod,theFatherof
toward us, is to the praise of His glory. glory,asaresultofthethingsHehasdone,isdo-
ing,andwilldofortheminconnectionwithHis
Prayer For Spiritual Wisdom—1:15 – 23 only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
18. The eyes of your understanding being
(15) Therefore I also, after I heard of your enlightened; that you may know what is the
faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the hopeofHiscalling.TheKJVreads“eyesofyour
saints, (16) do not cease to give thanks for you, heart.” The heart, as it is here used, means the
making mention of you in my prayers: (17) that innermostcenterofman.Itistheseatoftheun-
the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of derstandingandthesourceofthoughts,desires,
glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and emotions,words,andactions.Whateverisinthe
revelationintheknowledgeofHim,(18)theeyes heart rules the conduct. Paul wants these Ephe-
of your understanding being enlightened; that sians to understand in their hearts and minds
you may know what is the hope of His calling, the grandeur and wealth of their blessings in
whataretherichesofthegloryofHisinheritance Christ. He wants them to understand all the
in the saints, (19) and what {is} the exceeding wonderfulsignificanceof“hope”theyhaveasa
greatnessofHispowertowarduswhobelieve,ac- result of being “called” by the Father through
cording to the working of His mighty power (20) the gospel of Christ (cf. II Thessalonians 2:14).
which He worked in Christ when He raised Him The Father will deliver us from this present
fromthedeadandseated{Him}atHisrighthand world and will richly supply us “an en-
intheheavenly{places},(21)faraboveallprinci- trance...intotheeverlastingkingdomofourLord
pality and power and might and dominion, and and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Peter 1:11). This
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A Study Of Ephesians
© 2002 by Allan Turner
hopewehaveis“ananchorofthesoul,bothsure whenHewillraiseourbodiesfromthedeadand
and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:19). Of this hope glorify us as He did His Son.
Paul wrote: “But indeed I also count all things 21. Far above all principality and power
lossfortheexcellenceoftheknowledgeofChrist and might and dominion, and every name that
JesusmyLord,forwhomIhavesufferedtheloss is named, not only in this age but also in that
of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I which is to come. Jesus is “Lord of lords and
maygainChristandbefoundinHim,nothaving Kingofkings”(Revelation17:14).Theonlyone
my own righteousness, which is from the law, excepted from His authority is the Father who
but that which is through faith in Christ, the gave it to Him (I Corinthians 15:27). Christ's
righteousnesswhichisfromGodbyfaith;thatI lordship is universal and it shall never be
may know Him and the power of His resurrec- eclipsed in this world or in eternity.
tion, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being 22. And He put all things under His feet,
conformedtoHisdeath,if,byanymeans,Imay and gave Him to be head over all things to the
attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not church. “All things” (i.e., everything) is under
that I have already attained, or am already per- the ultimate authority and control of Christ.
fected;butIpresson,thatImaylayholdofthat Therefore,itshouldnotsurpriseusthatChristis
for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. alsoheadoverallthingstothechurch,thecalled
Brethren, I do not count myself to have appre- outbodyoftheredeemed,“whichHepurchased
hended; but one thing I do, forgetting those withHisownblood”(Acts20:28).Thisbodyre-
thingswhicharebehindandreachingforwardto ceives its instructions, its life, and its strength
thosethingswhichareahead,Ipresstowardthe from Jesus Christ.
goal for the prize of the upward call of God in 23. Which is His body, the fullness of Him
Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:8--14). What are who fills all in all. The church (i.e., the called
therichesofthegloryofHisinheritanceinthe out ones) is/are the body of Christ. See also
saints.Allfaithfulsaintsgenerally,andherethe Colossians 1:18, where this order is reversed.
Ephesians specifically, are “His inheritance” (v. Thereisonlyonecalledoutbodyandthisisthe
11). How could this be other than rich in glory church of (or in connection with) Christ (cf.
(cf. I Corinthians 2:9)? Ephesians 4:4). Christ, “who is the fullness of
19.Andwhatistheexceedinggreatnessof Him who fills all in all” (cf. Colossians 2:9), is
Hispowertowarduswhobelieve,accordingto given to the church, which in other places is
the working of His mighty power. All this de- called His “bride,” by the Father. In fact, in
rivesfromandcontinuestodependupontheAl- chapter five of this book, the relationship
mighty God. between a husband and wife is related to the
20. Which He worked in Christ when He relationshipbetweenChristandHischurch.In--
raised Him from the dead and seated Him at deed,whatmarvelousandmagnificentblessings
Hisrighthandintheheavenlyplaces.This,too, are ours in Christ Jesus our Lord.
istheresultoftheFather'salmightypower,and,
therefore, proof positive that He will one day
complete the redemption we have in Christ
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