Tag: Ephesians

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.

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.