I have noticed people clicking on my little commentary on the Epistle to the Ephesians, which I did some time ago, so I thought it would be helpful to some to put them altogether. Et Voila! Introduction to Ephesians Ephesians 1:1-14 Ephesians 1:15-23 Ephesians 2:1-10 Ephesians 2:11-22 Ephesians 3:1-21 Ephesians 4:1-32 Ephesians 5:1-21 Ephesians 5:22-6:9 Ephesians 6:10-20 Commentaries on Ephesians …
Category: Ephesians
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Expository Studies
Chapter 6:10-20 The Christian’s Warfare and Armor. It would be remiss of the writer not to include a discussion of “a believer’s use of God’s resources, to help him stand against evil powers.” (Hoehner, 642) In an epistle that, more than any other, dwells upon the Christian’s role in the Church, a section such as this (6:10-20) would only be expected. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (v. 10). The believer’s …
Chapter 5:22 – 6:9: Relationships From here to chapter 6:9, Paul deals with relationships. First, he writes to husbands and wives, then to their children, and, finally, to servants and masters. A feature of this section is the way one’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ governs one’s approach to others in the home. The first thing God instituted was marriage. It is the very bedrock of a good society. The world does not provide a rationale for a good marriage, …
Chapter 5:1-21: An Illuminated Life. Be therefore followers of God, as dear children…(v. 1). The word therefore connects these verses to what preceded them. As a young child follows its parent, so we should be followers of God. To follow God it is necessary to have regard to His wonderful character. By this I mean, we follow God because of Who He is, and because we appreciate a little of His multifaceted perfection. We follow because we are attracted, and …
The fourth chapter marks the beginning of the practical section of the letter.From here on in the writer is concerned with our responses to the doctrines taught in the first three chapters.This is not to say that chapters 4‑6 do not contain doctrine, but the primary emphasis is the outworking of these truths upon Christians, both individually and corporately. Chapter 4:1-16 Unity in Service. Chapter 4 begins in the same way as chapter 3.But this time, Paul is using his …
Chapter 3:1-13: The Mystery of the Church. For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles…(v. 1). Most commentators believe that Paul wishes to speak about his situation as a Roman prisoner. He feared that his imprisonment might cause some to depreciate his teaching, and he did not want the Ephesians asking, “If God has done all Paul says He’s done, why is Paul in prison?” Paul addresses this in verse 13ff. But it appears verses …
Chapter 2:11-22 The One New Man. The Apostle has just shown that the way out of the deathly grip of sin and Satan is the way of God’s grace. Now he moves on to discuss some practical implications of salvation in Christ. The Gospel reaches out to all men, Jew and Gentile, and makes them brothers. In this way, it reconciles two opposing parties. But it also reconciles men to God. The Gospel therefore, brings peace both horizontally—between man and …
Chapter 2:1-10: Salvation by God’s Grace. This chapter can be divided between verses 1‑10, which speak of the method of our salvation; and verses 11‑22, which speak of reconciliation (first, that of the Gentiles and the Jews brought together in Christ vv. 11‑15, second, both reconciled unto God vv. 16‑22). Both argue from what has already been said in chapter one about the power of Christ in us as our resurrected Lord. And you has He quickened who were dead …
Chapter 1:15-23. Paul’s Prayer Verse 15 is supposed to be proof that Paul did not write this letter to the Ephesians. But as Paul had been away from Ephesus for a number of years, it is not unusual that he writes of having heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints. Faith in Jesus as Lord produces love between Christians. The fruit that God most desires to see His adopted children bearing is love …
Chapter 1:1-2: Salutation. The apostle Paul, now a prisoner in Rome, addresses the assembly of Christians at Ephesus, whom he had last seen about six years previously.1 In the opening verse, he states his apostleship as being by the will (thelema) of God. No one could take to himself the title and authority of an apostle of Jesus Christ without the special call unique to an apostle. This calling included sign-gifts (2 Cor. 12:12) and witnessing the resurrected Lord (cf. …
