Category: Philippians

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.

Abolished in His Flesh

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Ephesians 2:15-17 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 

‘Abolished’ – The Law of Commandments have been abolished [Greek: katargeo] make of no effect (Rom. 3:3; 4:14; Gal. 3:17; 5:4); come and bring to naught (1Cor. 1:28; 2:6); done away (1Cor. 13:10; 2Cor. 3:7, 11, 14); fail (1Cor. 13:8); cease (Gal. 6:11); vanish away (1Cor. 13:8); make void (Rom. 3:31); cumber (Luke 13:7); deliver (Rom. 7:6); loose (Rom. 7:2); put away (1Cor. 13:11); put down (1Cor. 15:24); destroy (Rom. 6:6; 1Cor. 6:13; 15:26; 2Thess. 2:8; Heb. 2:14); and abolish (2Cor. 3:13; Eph. 2:15; 2Tim. 1:10).

It is clear from these passages that whatever is abolished is completely null and void. What is it here that is abolished? It is the law of commandments in decrees or the law of dogmatic commandments. The word for ordinances is dogma, translated “decree” (Luke 2:1; Acts 16:4; 17:7) and “ordinance” (2:15; Col. 2:14). The law was made to expose sin (Rom. 3:19-20; 7:13; Gal. 3:19-25) and to keep the Jews a distinct people until Christ came. After that, it was no longer needed.

‘His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances’ – This means by His death the law was abolished (2:14-15; Col. 2:14-17; 2Cor. 3:6-15).

‘To make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.’ This was the purpose of doing away with the law that brought enmity and made the middle wall of partition between Jews and Gentiles. God planned to make of both classes one new man – the body of Christ – so making peace between all men (3:6; 1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11).

‘Reconcile’ [Greek: apokatallasso] to bring together again (Col. 1:20-21).

‘Slain the enmity thereby’ – If the enmity that the law brought is slain, then the law which caused this enmity is abolished (2:14-15).

‘You which were afar off’ The Gentiles (2:11-13).

‘Them that were nigh’ – The Jews (2:11-13).

He Is Our Peace

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Ephesians 2:14 For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us

‘Peace’ – Among many things, Christ is to us: Peace (2:14); wisdom (1Cor. 1:30); righteousness (1Cor. 1:30); sanctification (1Cor. 1:30); redemption (1Cor. 1:30); light (John 8:12); the way, truth, and life (John 14:6).

‘Both one’ – Jews and Gentiles are one in Christ (2:14, 16; 3:6; 4:4-6; 1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-13).

‘Wall of partition’ [Greek: mesotoichon] partition wall. Here it means that Christ broke down the wall that separated Jews and Gentiles. A wall of stone about 1,8 metres high separated the court of the Gentiles from that of the Jews in the temple. To cross it meant death to any Gentile. Jews always endeavoured to live by themselves among the Gentiles. They either wanted a river or a wall between them and their Gentile neighbours. Wherever they went, their own laws, rites, and customs made a separation between them and the Gentiles. This latter fact is what is referred to as the “middle wall of partition” between Jews and Gentiles. Christ abolished the law of Moses with all of its commandments, ordinances, and rituals, and provided a new covenant entirely for both Jews and Gentiles, making them one and on the same level in all things. To emphasize this, the literal veil of the temple was rented from top to bottom, indicating that the way into the holiest had been made for all men, that the old law was at an end and a new covenant ratified.

‘Partition’ [Greek: phragmos] a fence, protection, defence.

Now in Christ Jesus

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Ephesians 2:11-13 Wherefore remember, that you being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 

‘Gentiles’ – The first intimation that Paul is writing mainly to Gentile Christians (2:11, 19; 3:1, 8; 4:17). The sixfold former state of Gentiles: uncircumcised (2:11); without Christ (2:12); aliens to Israel’s blessings; strangers to the covenants; having no hope in God; without God in the world.

‘Made by hands’ [Greek: cheiropoietos] It refers to being made Jews by circumcision.

‘Aliens’ [Greek: apallotrioo] to estrange (4:18; Col.1:21).

‘Commonwealth’ [Greek: politeia] rights of a citizen (Acts 22:28).

‘Covenants of promise’ – The Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic covenants that promised the Jews all earthly and heavenly blessings (Gen. 12:1-3; Ex. 20:1-26; 2Sam. 7:1-29).

‘Now in Christ Jesus’ – Tenfold present state as Christians: In Christ (2:13). Brought near to God by the blood of Christ (2:13). Have peace with God (2:14). One with Israel (2:14-16). Part of the body of Christ (2:15-16). Reconciled to God (2:16). Access to God by the Spirit (2:18). Fellow citizens with saints (2:19). Built upon the true foundation (2:20; 2Cor. 3:11). God’s habitation (2:22).

‘You who sometimes were far off’ – here it refers to the Gentiles.

‘Sometimes were far off’ Literally, who were once far off.

‘By the blood of Christ’ – i.e., by His death (Rom. 5:9; Php. 2:8; Col. 1:14, 20; Heb. 10:19-23).

The Exceeding Riches of His Grace

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Ephesians 2:6-10 And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them. 

‘That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.’ This is the 4th New Testament prophecy in Ephesians (2:7) and it is unfulfilled. Eternity will be made up of time as we now know it. All affairs on earth will be regulated by seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, and ages upon ages (Gen. 9:14-18; 8:22; Ps. 72:5, 17; 89:34-37).

‘For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.’ A simple statement of how people are resurrected spiritually from death in sins (2:8-10; Rom. 10:9-10; John 3:16; 1Jn. 1:9). This faith is not to believe in God’s existence (Jas. 2:19) but to trust and believe in Him (Heb. 11:1, 6).

‘Workmanship’ [Greek: poiema] handiwork or new creation (Rom. 1:20 cp. 2Cor. 5:17-18; Eph. 4:23-24; Tit. 2:11-14).

‘Ordained’ [Greek: proetoimazo] Only here and in Romans 9:23. It refers to preparing people for good works by regeneration.

Rich in Mercy

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Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, have quickened us together with Christ, (by grace you are saved) 

‘Rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us.’ Seven things that God has done: He resurrected us from death in sins (2:1, 5). He loved us (2:4). He saved us (2:5, 8-9). He made us sit down with Him (2:6, 10). He made a plan for us (2:7, 10). He created us in Christ (2:10). He brought us nearby Christ (2:13).

‘Dead in sins’ Three kinds of death in Scripture: Physical death: the separation of the inner man from the body (Jas. 2:26). Spiritual death: separation from God because of sin (2:1, 5; Isa. 59:2; Matt. 8:22; Col. 2:13; 1Tim. 5:6). Eternal death: eternal separation from God because man chooses to remain separated from God in sin (Matt. 10:28; 25:41, 46; Rev. 2:11; 14:9-11; 20:11-15; 21:8; 22:15 Isa. 66:22-24). This is called the second death or second separation from God (Rev. 2:11; 20:14; 21:8). Death in all Scripture means separation from the purpose for which one was created, never annihilation or extinction of being. Physical death is the separation of the inner man from the body. Only the body dies at this time and goes back to dust (Gen. 3:19; Jas. 2:26). The spirit and soul are immortal and are either dead in sins or possession of eternal life in Christ at the time of physical death. In either case, they continue in consciousness whether in paradise or hell.

‘Quickened us together with Christ’ – This is spiritual resurrection from death in trespasses and sins (2:1, 5-6). It is just as definite and complete as the physical resurrection (2Cor. 5:17-18).