Category: Philippians

Speaking the Truth in Love

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Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, make increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 

‘But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.’ The truth recommended by Paul is the whole gospel which centres around Christ and building the body of Christ into a working unit to throw off all error or waste to sustain itself like the human body (4:15-16).

In 1Corinthians 12:13-30 we see a brief description of the body of Christ and the members’ roles described. All that is in Christ make up the body of Christ (2:19-22; 4:1-6; Col. 1:18, 24). 1Corinthians 12:13 explains that “by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.” This shows how the body of Christ is constituted. The Spirit is the agent that brings one into the body of Christ by the new birth. This is not a baptism into the Spirit, but into the body of Christ. The body here is the element one is baptized into. The Spirit is the agent that does the baptizing into the body. The believer is the candidate. If it were the Spirit baptism, Christ would be the agent and the Holy Spirit would be the element baptized into.

If Christians would seek to please God in whatever part they are to have in Christian congregations or the body of Christ there would be no confusion or strife about anyone’s service to God’s glorification (1Cor. 10:31).

The Perfecting of the Saints

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Ephesians 4:12-14 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive

‘For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.’ There are seven duties noted here of N.T. ministers: To perfect the saints (4:12). All the work of the ministry (4:12). To edify the body of Christ (4:12). To unify people in the faith (4:13). To unify people in doctrine (4:13). To perfect Christians in Christ (4:13). To bring people to maturity in Christ (4:13). Christians must be brought to the height of the gospel standard and the unlimited promises of God. The measure of the stature of the fullness is seldom mentioned much less demonstrated, while the stature of littleness, emptiness, and powerlessness of Christianity is often emphasized and demonstrated.

‘Perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.’ This is the 7th New Testament prophecy in Ephesians (4:12-13) being fulfilled. The Greek word teleios means that which has reached maturity (Matt. 5:48; 1Cor. 2:6; Php. 3:15).

‘That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro.’ Seven blessings of perfection: Maturity – no longer children (4:14). Established in the faith – no longer of doubtful mind or tossed to and fro like the waves (4:14; Jas. 1:5-8). Rooted and grounded in truth – no longer carried about by winds of doctrine (3:17; 4:14; John 8:32-36; Col. 2:6-7; 2Pet. 1:12). Freedom from deception – able to discern truth from error (4:14; 2Tim. 2:15; Heb. 5:11-14; John 8:32-36). The ability to speak the truth in love (4:15; Rom. 15:14; Col. 3:16). Constant growth in spiritual things (4:15; 1Pet. 2:2; 3:18). Harmony with all others in Christ (4:16; 2Cor. 1:10; 13:11).

‘Wind of doctrine’ – Evil teaching of the prince of the power of the air (2:2; 1Tim. 4:1; 2Cor. 4:4).

‘Sleight’ [Greek: kubeia] cube. It refers to loaded dice against which no man can win. Those who play around with false doctrines cannot win eternal life.

‘Cunning craftiness’ [Greek: panourgia] cheating and subtlety. It signifies the art and wiles of the devil to destroy souls by fallacy (4:14; 27; 6:11; 1Tim. 4:1; 2Cor. 4:4; Matt. 13:19). It refers to the systematizing of error and making it such a perfect counterfeit of truth that only those who are experienced in truth can detect it.

‘Lie in wait to deceive’ – False teachers lie in wait to catch ignorant souls by their fallacies.

And He Gave Some… Part 2

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Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers

Five kinds of ministers continued: [3] Evangelists. [Greek: euangelistes] a bringer of glad tidings. Used of those spreading the gospel during the New Testament period as Christ commanded the apostles and disciples to do (Matt. 28:19) until all had access to the written Word of God. [4] ‘Pastors’ [Greek: poimen]. Translated “pastor” only here, but “shepherd” 16 times (Matt. 9:36; 25:32; 26:31; Mark 6:34; 14:27; Luke 2:8-20; John 10:2-16; Heb. 13:20; 1Pet. 2:25). The Hebrew: ra‛ah to tend a flock is translated “pastor” 8 times (Jer. 2:8; 3:15; 10:21; 12:10; 17:16; 22:22; 23:1-2) and “shepherd” 63 times. God, Christ, and men are called “shepherds” (4:11; Ps. 23:1; 80:1; Ezek. 34:1-23; Zech. 13:7; Heb. 13:20; 1Pet. 2:25). [5] Teachers. [Greek: didaskalos] translated master 47 times in the Gospels, 40 times of Christ. Translated “doctor” in Luke 2:46 and “teacher” in John 3:2. Always “teacher” in the epistles, except in James 3:1.

Besides the above, ministers are called: ambassadors (2Cor. 5:20); angels (Rev. 1:20; 2:1); elders (1Tim. 5:17; 1Pet. 5:1); fishers of men (Matt. 4:19; Mark 1:17); labourers (1Thess. 3:2); men of God (Deut. 33:1; 1Tim. 6:11); lights (Matt. 5:14; John 5:35); messengers (2Cor. 8:23; Mal. 2:7); ministers (2Cor. 3:6; 6:4; Rom. 15:16); overseers (Acts 20:28); preachers (Rom. 10:14; 1Tim. 2:7); servants (Tit. 1:1; Jude 1:1; Jas. 1:1); soldiers (Php. 2:25; 2Tim. 2:3-4); stewards (Tit. 1:7; 1Pet. 4:10); watchmen (Isa. 62:6; Ezek. 33:7); witnesses (Acts 1:8; 5:32; 26:16); workers (2Cor. 6:1); stars (Rev. 1:20; 2:1).

Ministering to others is not any individual’s priority. The Word of God (Ps. 119; Luke 8) and the Holy Spirit (John 16:8) will lead sinners to God and convict them, that is not our calling. Jesus Christ will be the only teacher one will ever need (Matt. 23:8,10) and the Holy Spirit will teach us His words, His gospel, His truth and life (John 14:26; 15:26). We must take what we learn from God’s Word for ourselves and allow Him to bring all necessary changes (Php. 1:6) as we grow as Christians to become faithful in self-denial and holy in living. The most faithful self-denial and holy living may, for a time, seem unfruitful – through no fault of the believer, but because of conditions on earth. Those who labour must learn to do as Christ did – commit themselves and their work to God’s glory, and toil on in faith. God assumes responsibility for salvation and keeps men free on condition of meeting His terms of repentance and holy living (Luke 13:1-5; Col. 2:6-7; Heb. 12:14-15; 1Jn. 1:7-9; 2:29; 3:5-10; 5:1-4, 18).

And He Gave Some… Part 1

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Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers 

‘And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.’ Five kinds of ministers: [1] Apostles. [Greek: Apostolos] a delegate, one sent with the full power of attorney to act in the place of another, the sender remaining behind to back up the one sent. In the case of the New Testament Christians, it means God sent them to do what He, Himself would do if He went. They were the ones who either wrote N.T. books or ministered the gospel of Christ to the congregations. It is found 81 times and translated apostle 78 times; messenger twice (2Cor. 8:23; Php. 2:25); and once he that is sent (John 13:16). Twenty-four apostles are recorded: Simon Peter and his brother Andrew (Matt. 10:2); James, son of Zebedee and John his brother (Matt. 10:2); Philip and his brother Bartholomew (Matt. 10:3); James, son of Alphaeus and Judas his brother (Luke 6:16) and Matthew, son of Alphaeus, perhaps brother of James and Judas (Mark 2:14; Luke 6:15). Thomas (Matt. 10:3), Simon Zelotes, brother of James and Judas, according to tradition (Luke 6:15). Judas Iscariot (Matt. 10:4), Matthias (Acts 1:26), Barnabas (1Cor. 9:5-6; Acts 13:1-3; 14:4, 14; Gal. 2:9), Andronicus and Junia (Rom. 16:7), Apollos (1Cor. 4:6-9). James, the Lord’s brother (Gal. 1:19; 2:6; Jas. 1:1). Silas and Timothy (1Thess. 1:1; 2:6), Titus (2Cor. 8:23), Epaphroditus (Php. 2:25), Paul (Gal. 1:1; 2:8), Jesus Christ (Heb. 3:1). We are warned to watch out for false apostles (2Cor. 11:13; Rev. 2:2), they are those that will try to add or take away from the written Word of God (Rev. 22:18-19). [2] Prophets. Prophets were those who spoke for God (Heb. 1:1; Acts 3:21). They were the Old Testament authors and receivers of God’s word during the O.T. period, the last one was John the Baptist (Matt. 11:11-13; Luke 16:16), even though some individuals were still operating under the name ‘prophet’ during the shift from Old to New Testament, the office ended with John the Baptist. To prophecy during the New Testament meant to edify, exhort and comfort (1Cor. 14:3) and is classified with the gifts of the Spirit (1Cor. 12:4-11, 28). Directions for the exercise of this gift are found in 1Corinthians 14:1-40. The office was next in importance to apostles (4:11; 1Cor. 12:28). We are warned in the New Testament to watch out for all the false prophets (Matt. 7:15; 24:11, 24; Mark 13:22; 2Pet. 2:1; 1Jn. 4:1), they are those that will try to add or take away from the written Word of God (Rev. 22:18-19).

To be continued…

He that Descended… Also Ascended

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Ephesians 4:8-10 …and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 

‘Gave gifts unto men’ – Psalm 68:18 reads, “Thou have received gifts for men.” The Hebrew here suggests that the gifts which He gave were received in man; that is, by virtue of His incarnation, He received these gifts to give to human beings. They are really gifts of God to people. Eight gifts of God: [1] Christ (John 3:16; 4:10); called the heavenly and unspeakable gift (2Cor. 9:15; Heb. 6:4). [2] The Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33, 38-39; 5:32; 8:20; 11:17). [3] Salvation (Rom. 5:15-18; Eph. 2:8-9). [4] Eternal life (Rom. 6:23). [5] Grace (3:7; 4:7). [6] Spiritual gifts (Rom. 12:6; 1Cor. 1:7; 12:4-11, 28-31; 1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6; Heb. 2:4; 1Pet. 4:10). [7] Ministers (4:11). [8] All good things (Matt. 7:11; Luke 11:13; Php. 4:17; Jas. 1:17).

‘He also descended first.’ Before He ascended to heaven, He descended to hell (Ps. 16:10; Matt. 12:40). He descended, not only from deity to humanity and from humanity to infamy and death (Php. 2:5-11), but also into the lower parts of the earth – into hell itself to conquer hell and liberate captive souls from satan (4:8-10; Ps. 16:10; 68:18; Matt. 12:40; Heb. 2:14-15).

‘Lower parts of the earth’ – Proof that hell is located in the lower parts of the earth, not on the surface of the earth as the grave (Matt. 12:40; Ps. 16:10; 63:9; Job 11:8; Deut. 32:22; Isa. 14:9; 66:22-24; Pro. 9:18; 15:24; Ezek. 31:14-18; 32:18-24). Hell, here is contrasted with the highest heaven as being the lowest and deepest part of the earth. It could not possibly refer to the grave on the surface of the earth.

‘That he might fill all things’ – That He might be the fountain of all spiritual, physical, and material gifts to human beings, dispensing them to all people liberally according to their needs and wants (Jas. 1:5-8, 17; Matt. 7:11; 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; Ps. 34:9-10; 84:11).

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.