Author: iolaHC

I am an Artwork in progress

The Gift of Christ

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Ephesians 4:7-8 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he said, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 

‘Every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.’ Proof of different measures of grace (Rom. 12:3). Different measures of the Spirit: Mosaic portion (Num. 11:17, 25). Mosaic portion divided into 71 portions (Num. 11:16-17, 25-29). Elijah portion (2Kin. 2:9). Double portion (2Kin. 2:9-10). Elijah portion on John the Baptist (Luke 1:15-17). Earnest of the Spirit (2Cor. 1:22; 5:5; 1Jn. 4:13; Php. 1:19). The Spirit “without measure” (John 3:34; Isa. 11:2; 42:1; 61:1; Luke 4:16-21; Acts 10:38); Spirit baptism or baptismal measure (Matt. 3:11; 20:22-23; Luke 3:16; John 1:31-34; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-21; 8:15-24; 10:44-48; 11:14-18; 15:7-11; 19:1-7; Gal. 3:14); the fulness of God (Eph. 3:19; Rom. 15:29); the rivers of living water (John 7:37-39); and the full anointing of the Spirit and enduement of power from on high (Luke 24:49; John 14:12-15).

‘When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.’ The first and last Old Testament prophecy is fulfilled in Ephesians (4:8; Ps. 68:18). This was at the ascension, 40 days after His resurrection (Acts 1:3-11; Luke 24:51; Mark 16:19). Three things which Christ did in His ascension: He liberated the righteous immortal souls from captivity in the lower parts of the earth (4:8; Ps. 68:18). He took these captives captive to heaven (4:8; Ps. 68:18). He gave gifts to men (4:8, 11).

‘High’ [Greek: hupsos] rendered “height” in Ephesians 3:18 and Revelation 21:16.

‘He led captivity captive’ – The captives that were taken to heaven with Christ were the saints who had died from Abel to Christ, and who were held captive by satan in paradise under the earth until Christ conquered death, hell, and the grave liberating them (Heb. 2:14-15; Luke 16:23). He got these captives in the lower parts of the earth (4:8-10; Matt. 12:40). They were still alive in soul and spirit since their physical death, but held captive, which proves the immortality of the soul. He could not have led captive, extinct souls. Now when a Christian dies, he does not go into the lower parts of the earth to be held captive but goes to where paradise is now (2Cor. 12:4) to live and await the resurrection of the body (2Cor. 5:8; Php. 1:21-24; Heb. 12:22-23; Rev. 6:9-11). ‘Captivity’ – He led a host of captives to heaven, like an earthly conqueror. Some were the many that were resurrected after Christ (Matt. 27:52-53), and the rest were the immortal souls that were not resurrected, but merely liberated from captivity to satan (Heb. 2:14-15; 12:23).

Walk Worthy

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Ephesians 4:1-6 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 

‘You that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called.’ Six exhortations to the Ephesians: Walk worthy of your calling (4:1). Walk in all lowliness or humility of mind (4:2; Acts 20:19; 1Pet. 5:5). Walk in meekness (4:2; Matt. 5:5). Walk in longsuffering (4:2; 1Cor. 13:1-13). Forbearing one another in love (4:3). Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (4:3).

‘Endeavouring’ [Greek: spoudazo] be forward (Gal. 2:10); be diligent (Tit. 3:12; 2Pet. 3:14); do diligence (2Tim. 4:9, 21); give diligence (2Pet. 1:10); labour (Heb. 4:11); endeavour (4:3; 1Thess. 2:17; 2Pet. 1:15); and study (2Tim. 2:15).

‘One body, and one Spirit’ – There are seven ones in Ephesians 4:4-6: One body, the body of Christ consisting of all reborn Christians. One Spirit, the Holy Spirit. One hope, the Christian calling. One Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ. One faith, the gospel form of doctrine. One baptism, a baptism into the body of Christ (1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12; Rom. 6:3-7). One God, the Father of all.

‘One baptism’ The one baptism of seven that saves the soul – a baptism into Christ and into His body. There are three baptisms for believers: [1] Into Christ or into His body at repentance and the new birth. Called “one baptism” (4:5), because it is the only baptism that saves the soul and brings into the body of Christ. Baptism into Christ and into His body (Rom. 6:3-7; 1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12). [2] Water baptism after one is saved. This is the Christian baptism in water (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38-41; 8:12-16, 36-38; 9:18; 10:47-48; 16:15, 33; 18:8; 19:5; 22:16; 1Cor. 1:13-17; 1Pet. 3:21). [3] Spirit baptism, the enduement of power for service (Matt. 3:11, 14; 20:22-23; Mark 1:8; 10:38-39; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; 7:37-39; Acts 1:5; 11:16; 19:2-3). It can take place before water baptism (Acts 10:44-48) or after it (Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-11; 8:12-21; 19:1-7). The Holy Spirit is the agent to baptize into Christ and into His body (1Cor. 12:13); Christ is the agent to baptize in the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11; John 1:31-33); and the minister is the agent to baptize into water (Matt. 28:19).

To Know the Love of Christ

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Ephesians 3:19-21 And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. 

‘To know the love of Christ’ – there is no greater privilege for any human and no greater obligation to accept this truth and live accordingly! We cannot live for God when we don’t accept His love and choose to live in obedience at all times (John 3:16; 1Jn. 3:16; Rom. 6; 1Pet. 2:21-23; 1Jn. 3:1-10; 4:16-17).

‘Be filled with all the fulness of God.’ To be filled with all the fullness of God is just as possible today as then, and as possible as the other things prayed for here and in Ephesians 1:17-19 (cp. John 14:12).

‘Exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.’ Superabundantly above the greatest abundance we may ask or even think, according to the power that works in us. His ability is connected with His willingness to do for His people. There are no limitations in getting things from God according to the promises and living in obedience (2Pet. 1:4).

‘In the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.’ This is the 6th New Testament prophecy in Ephesians (3:21, unfulfilled). This teaches that the body of Christ consisting of newborn believers will continue eternally.

According to the Riches of His Glory

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Ephesians 3:16-19 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fulness of God.

‘That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.’ Twelve things that Paul prayed for the Ephesians: The spirit of wisdom (1:17). The spirit of revelation (1:17). Full enlightenment of truth (1:18). The hope of His calling (1:18; cp. 3:16). The riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (1: 7; 18). The exceeding greatness of His power to those who believe (1:19; 3:19-20). Spiritual power in the inner man (3:16). Indwelling Christ (3:16; Luke 22:3). To be rooted in love (3:17). Spiritual understanding (3:18). To know the love of Christ (3:19). To be filled with all the fullness of God (3:19).

‘Grounded’ [Greek: themelioo] founded. God’s love is the soil in which we must grow and the foundation on which we must build.

‘The breadth, and length, and depth, and height.’ God’s love is: Boundless (breadth, 3:18); endless (length); fathomless, exhaustless (depth) and measureless (height). All that is included in the breadth, length, depth, and height is submerged in the immensity of the love of God which comprehends all that is above, below, and past, present, and future. It encompasses the universe, time and eternity. It reaches to the depth of sin and infamy, to the height of the infinite divinity. It passes all knowledge and wisdom. God’s gift to man is the measure of His love (John 3:16); the death of Christ is the measure of His love (Rom. 5:5-10), and the condescension of the Holy Spirit to transform men and work in their lives is the measure of the love of the Spirit to man (John 16:7-15).

The Whole Family

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Ephesians 3:14-15 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named

‘Bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Some willingly do this now, but all will be forced to do it in due time (Isa. 45:23; Php. 2:10). Examples of those kneeling in prayer: Solomon (1Kin. 8:54; 2Chron. 6:13); Elijah (1Kin. 18:42); Ezra (Ezra 9:5); Daniel (Dan. 6:10); Jesus (Luke 22:41); Stephen (Acts 7:60); Peter (Acts 9:40) and Paul (Acts 20:36; 21:5; Eph. 3:14). Not something that is a commandment, more a preference. Not a standard of holiness, for Solomon, fell away from God (1Kin. 11:4-11).

‘Family’ [Greek: patria] is used here and in Luke 2:4 and Acts 3:25. The whole family of God: The word “family” applies to all the free moral offspring of God – whether by direct creation, begetting, or adoption – past, present, and future. It includes all principalities, powers, and dominions, both earthly and heavenly, human and angelic, flesh and spirit, and unfallen and fallen redeemed (Eph. 1:21-23; 3:10; 1Pet. 3:22). To limit the family to believers only, as many do, and to interpret the passage in connection with New Testament Christians is unscriptural. In the spirit world, there are cherubim, seraphim, archangels, common angels, redeemed human spirits (Heb. 12:23), and living creatures of various kinds. In the flesh world, there are Jews and Gentiles, some in heaven and some on earth who, with the spirit beings and the spirits of redeemed men in heaven, make up the whole family of God in heaven and on earth.

The Eternal Purpose

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Ephesians 3:11-13 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Wherefore I desire that you faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. 

‘The eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ The 5th New Testament prophecy in Ephesians (3:11, unfulfilled). The eternal purpose is to have creations of free moral agents who have been thoroughly tested and purged of all possibility of rebellion so that God can show the exceeding riches of His grace toward them in all the ages to come without fear of eternal rebellions (1:4-12; 2:7; 3:9-11; 1Cor. 15:24-29; Rev. 21-22).

Sixteen things that people must learn: That God must be respected and obeyed in all things (3:9-11). That His laws are final and just (Psa. 119:89; Isa. 55:11; 2Tim. 3:16-17). That sin does not pay (Gal. 6:7-8). That sin will never be excused (Gen. 2:17; Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 6:23). That sin will be forgiven if God’s terms are met (2Cor. 7:10; 1Jn. 1:9). That God’s form of government is the only right one (Isa. 9:6-7; Rev. 20:1-15). That a loving and free submission to God is the highest and most noble principle of moral government (3:10; Matt. 22:37; John 3:16; Rev. 22:17). That justice and righteousness must prevail, if any society is to be eternally preserved in the universe (1:4-12; 2:7; 3:9-11; Rev. 11:15-18; 1Cor. 15:24-28). That consecration to the highest good of all is the nature and highest glory of the creature (1:4-12; Rev. 4:11; 5:11-14; Col. 1:15-18). That God is merciful and forgiving to rebels who will be penitent, and who learn obedience through their fall and redemption (2:4-10; Rom. 1:5, 16; 3:24-26; 16:26; Tit. 2:11-14; 3:5-6). That God is the only absolutely just and perfect Being, and the only one capable and worthy of unquestionable authority (Isa. 57:13; Rev. 4:8; 6:10; 15:4). That all the accusations of present rebels against God are untrue (6:16; Ezek. 28:16; Rev. 12:10). That God does only those things which are for the best good of creation (2:7; Matt. 7:7-11; Rev. 4:11). That He should, by His own history of justice and righteousness in all of His dealings, be recognized by all as the Supreme Moral Governor of the Universe (2:9-11; 1Cor. 11:3; 15:24-28; Col. 1:15-18; Rev. 4:11). That those who rebel will be punished forever as an everlasting monument of God’s wrath on sin and as examples of justice to all coming generations in all eternity (Isa. 66:22-24; Rev. 14:9-11; Matt. 25:41, 46; Mark 9:43-48). That all the redeemed and obedient will become eternal heirs of God and kings and priests under Him to help administer the affairs of the universe forever (2:7; 3:9-11; Dan. 7:18, 27; Rom. 8:17; 1Cor. 6:2-3; 2Tim. 2:12; Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 22:4-5).

‘In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.’ Three great blessings in Christ: Boldness or liberty of speech in prayer (Php. 4:6). Access with the confident assurance of an answer (Heb. 4:14-16; 10:19-23). Faith from Christ (3:12; Heb. 12:2; Acts 3:16; Gal. 2:20)

‘Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.’ Paul warns the Ephesians to not be disgraced by his sufferings for them. They were honourable and for their good to enable them to persevere in righteousness.

Principalities and Powers

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Ephesians 3:8-10 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world has been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God

‘Who am less than the least of all saints’ – An expression of extreme humility.

‘Unsearchable’ [Greek: anexichniastos] untraceable (Rom. 11:33). It refers to the footsteps of God in the unfolding of His plan for man of the riches of His grace in all ages to come (2:7; 3:8-9).

‘Fellowship’ [Greek: koinonia] signifying a fellowship or communion (1Cor. 10:16; 2Cor. 6:14; 13:14); communicate (Phm. 1:6; Heb. 13:16); fellowship (Acts 2:42; 1Cor. 1:9; 2Cor. 8:4; Gal. 2:9; Eph. 3:9; Php. 1:5; 2:1; 3:10; 1Jn. 1:3, 6-7); contribution (Rom. 15:26); and distribution (2Cor. 9:13). Other Greek texts read oikonomia, stewardship, dispensation of the mystery of Christ (3:3-6).

‘World’ [Greek: aion] ages; the beginning of the ages.

‘Who created all things by Jesus Christ’ – God created all things by Jesus Christ (John 1:3; Col. 1:15-18).

‘To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.’ God is making Jews and Gentiles one new body to demonstrate to the principalities and powers in heavenly places the manifold wisdom of God in the eternal purpose (3:10-11; 6:12). Please note that the word church is wrongly translated and should be congregation – there was never in Biblical times different business type buildings where each leader (1Tim. 4:1; 2Tim. 4:3-4) taught his group of people what to believe contradicting the Word of God and not teaching correct Biblical doctrines such as sin (Rom. 6; 1Jn. 3) and the resurrections (rapture and judgements) as well as last-day warnings (2Tim. 3:1-5).

‘Heavenly places might be known’ [Greek: epouranios] that which pertains to heaven. Translated “heaven” (Php. 2:10); “heavenly” (Eph. 1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10; Matt. 18:35; John 3:12; 1Cor. 15:48-49; 2Tim. 4:18; Heb. 3:1; 6:4; 8:5; 9:23; 11:16; 12:22); “high places” (6:12); and “celestial” (1Cor. 15:40).

‘By the church the manifold wisdom of God.’ By the submission of Christians to God and Christ and by the manifold wisdom of God to Christians, both angelic and demonic powers are being taught the eternal purpose of God (3:10-11; 1:11; 2:7). In Paul’s writings alone do we find the doctrine, position, unity, walk, and destiny of the body of Christ (Rom. 12:1-21; 1Cor. 12:1-31; Eph. 2-5; Col. 1:1-29).

Partakers of His Promise

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Ephesians 3:5-7 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 

‘Ages’ [Greek: genea] generation, not aion, is the common word for age.

‘That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.’ The mystery of Christ: That God was to save Gentiles was no mystery, for Adam’s whole race was to be restored to original dominion (Gen. 3:15). Abraham (who was a Gentile) was to have a seed to bless all nations (Gen. 12:1-3; Gal. 3:8). The prophets predicted their salvation (Rom. 9:24-33; 10:19-21). The great mystery hid in God in all past ages was that Gentiles should be saved without observing the law and that both Jews and Gentiles would be liberated from the law, being made one new body – the congregations (1:22-23; 3:1-11; 4:11-16; 5:23-33; Col. 1:18, 24), formed by the Holy Spirit (1Cor. 12:12-13, 12:27-31), under the terms of the new covenant, in which all distinction of privilege and blessing disappears (2:14-15; 1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27-28; Col. 1:18-29; 3:10-11; Heb. 11:10-16; 13:14; Rev. 21:9-10). This was a new revelation (3:1-9; Gal. 1:12; 2:2; 3:13-14).

‘Fellow-heirs’ [Greek: sungkleronomos] joint-heirs (Rom. 8:17; Heb. 11:9; 1Pet. 3:7).

‘Same body’ [Greek: sussomos] Members-of-a-joint-body; a new body, not joined to a Jewish body already in existence (2:15; 4:13).

‘Partakers’ [Greek: summetochos] joint-partakers. Only here and in Ephesians 5:7.

‘Minister’ [Greek: diakonos] a deacon, a servant acting under the direct orders of the great Master from whom Paul has received the gift of grace and the effectual power of God.

The Dispensation of the Grace

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Ephesians 3:1-4 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

‘This cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles.’ For the cause that the Gentiles are equal with the Jews in Christ, Paul said he was a prisoner of Jesus Christ for them.

‘Dispensation’ [Greek: oikonomia] stewardship (1:10) and dispensation (1Cor. 9:17; Eph. 1:10; 3:2; Col. 1:25; 1Tim. 1:4). Five dispensations are named in Scripture: Dispensation or administration of the unjust steward (Luke 16:1-9). Dispensation of the gospel (1Cor. 9:17), which is Paul’s administration of the gospel of grace. The dispensation of the grace of God (3:2); the same as pt. 2. The dispensation of God (Col. 1:25), God’s administration of grace given to Paul; the same as pt. 2. The dispensation of the fullness of times, in which God gathers together all things in heaven and the earth in Christ ridding the earth of all rebellion (1:10; 1Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 20:1-15).

‘Revelation he made known unto me’ [Greek: apokalupsis] to unveil or uncover. It implies the lifting up of a curtain so that all can see alike what is uncovered. When used of writing, it means to reveal or make clear (Eph. 3:3; Gal. 1:12); when used of a person, it denotes visible presence (Rev. 1:1; 2Thess. 1:7; 1Pet. 1:7, 13). ‘Mystery’ A mystery is a secret previously hidden but now made clear so that no mystery remains for anyone who will accept the truth as revealed (Matt. 13:19; 2Cor. 4:3-4).

Access by One Spirit

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Ephesians 2:18-22 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together grow unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom you also are built together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. 

‘Through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.’ Ten works of Christ: He died for us (2:13). He became our peace (2:14). He made Jews and Gentiles one (2:14-16). He broke down the wall of partition between Jews and Gentiles (2:14-16). He abolished the law (2:15). He made peace between Jews and Gentiles (2:15-16). He reconciled men to God (2:16). He slew the enmity between Jews and Gentiles (2:15-16). He preached peace to all men (2:17). He made access to God for all (2:18).

‘Him’ – Another clear reference and proof of a Trinity of separate and distinct Persons in the Godhead (1Jn. 5:7).

‘Access’ [Greek: prosagoge] the privilege of entrance (3:12; Rom. 5:2).

‘No more strangers and foreigners’ – No longer strangers and foreigners [Greek: paroikos] sojourners (Acts 7:6, 29; 1Pet. 2:11), but citizens with equal rights with the saints and of all who are of God’s household (2:19; Php. 2:20).

‘Household’ [Greek: oikeios] the domestics.

‘Foundation’ [Greek: themelios] foundation on which to build. Jesus Christ is the true foundation (1Cor. 3:11). The apostles and prophets have also been made part of the foundation of Christianity. Others are built into the structure of the body of Christ. All of them are the temple of God and a habitation of God through the Holy Spirit.

‘Chief cornerstone’ [Greek: akrogoniaios] In Jerusalem this cornerstone was laid and there Christ suffered and died for the sins of the whole world (Matt. 23:37-39; Luke 13:33). There the Holy Spirit fell upon the first large group of Christians after the death of Christ took place (Acts 1:8; 2:1-8:1).

‘Fitly framed together’ [Greek: sunarmologeo] harmoniously fitted together (4:16).

‘Grow unto an holy temple in the Lord.’ Continually increasing by new converts.

‘Habitation’ [Greek: katoiketerion] a dwelling place. This does not mean that God has no personal body and the only bodies He ever has to manifest Himself through are those of saints. God has His own personal body. This simply refers to God’s manifestations of His own nature and attributes through multiplied outlets. Each saint becomes a reflection of God and acts for Him as God would act in the world if He were visibly present. God dwells in men only as they live in union with Him.