1Paul setteth before the Ephesians their former corrupt heathen state, 4and God's rich mercy in their deliverance. 8We are saved by grace, not of works, yet so as to be created in Christ unto good works. 11They who were once strangers, and far from God, are now brought near by Christ's blood, who having abolished the ritual law, the ground of distinction between Jew and Gentile, hath united both in one body, and gained them equal access to the Father. 19So that the Gentiles are henceforth equally privileged with the Jews, and together with them constitute an holy temple for the habitation of God's Spirit.
1AND youa1hath he quickened,b who were 2dead in trespasses and sins;
a Rom. 5:6; Col. 2:13.
1 The cursive words inserted here are put in for clarity’s sake out of the 5th verse following, where the exposition may be seen.
b brought to life*
2 That is, not only subject to temporal and eternal death, but also without any life and motion in spiritual things, as this word be dead is also taken elsewhere, Rom. 6:13; Eph. 5:14; Col. 2:13; 1 Tim. 5:6.
2Whereinc3in time past ye walked 4according to the course of this world, 5according to the princed6of the power of the air, the spirit 7that now worketh in 8the children of disobedience:
c 1 Cor. 6:11; Col. 3:7; Titus 3:3.
3 Namely, before your conversion unto faith in Christ.
4 That is, according to the common manner of living of worldly men.
5 That is, according to the will and instigation of the prince.
d John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; Eph. 6:12.
6 That is, of Satan, as is presently declared, who is so called because he has a spiritual being, and has retained great power in the moving of the air, as appears by the history of Job, and still seeks out of the air to trouble and to annoy the faithful, Eph. 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8.
7 That is, by his operations and instigations he leads where he wills. The word now he adds because Satan had now lost in the believers his working and dominion, which he had formerly exercised over all, although he still assaults them, but had retained his power only in the unbelievers, 2 Cor. 4:3, 4; 2 Thes. 2:9, 10.
8 Unfaithful people, who are disobedient to the Gospel, Eph. 5:6; Col. 3:6. Otherwise also called children of Belial. See Deut. 13:13.
3Among whom also 9we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts 10of our flesh, fulfilling 11the desires of the flesh and 12of the mind; and were 13by nature 14the children of wrath, even as 15others.
9 Namely, who are converted to Christ from among the Jews, which he adds to show that their conversion as well as the Gentiles were wrought out of mere grace.
10 That is, of our corrupt nature, as this phrase is generally used, which Paul expounds, Rom. 8:7, 8, etc.
11 Gr. the wills, that is, lusts and inclinations of the flesh.
12 The Greek word dianoia signifies the understanding, or the reasonable part of the soul of man, which before his conversion moves a man also to nothing but vanity and worldly things. See Rom. 1:22; 8:7; Col. 2:18.
13 Or, of nature, that is, from our birth, or even from our mother’s womb, as this word nature is also taken, Gal. 2:15 and elsewhere. See Job 14:4; Psalm 51:5; John 3:6; Rom. 5:12, 13, 14.
14 That is, subject to the wrath of God on account of our inborn sin. See Rom. 1:18; 9:22.
15 Namely, the Gentiles. See Rom. 3:9, etc.
4But God, who is 16rich in mercy, 17for his great love wherewith he loved us,
16 That is, abundant.
17 Or, by, by reason of.
5Even when we were 18dead in sins, hathe19quickened us together 20with Christ, (byf grace ye are saved;)
18 See the annotation on verse 1.
e Rom. 6:8; 8:11; Col. 3:1, 3.
19 That is, delivered from the death of sin, by our justification and regeneration, as immediately hereafter is declared.
20 For as Christ, Who died for our sins, is raised up, He has in fact shown that He had abolished the guilt of our sins and the body of our sins; which He, first for us and afterward also in us, has accomplished this by the power of His death and His resurrection, Rom. 4:25; 6:6, 7, 8, when He has freely granted us faith, has justified by faith, and has renewed and sanctified by His Spirit. See 1 Cor. 1:30.
f Acts 15:11; Titus 3:5.
6And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places 21in Christ Jesus:
21 Namely, as our Head, in Whom we already possess these benefits, and which we also possess in hope, Rom. 8:24, and shall certainly be partakers of the same in due time. See Rom. 8:11; 1 Cor. 15:20; Philip. 3:21; Col. 3:1, 2, etc.
7That 22in the ages to come he 23might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
22 Namely, to people of the ages or times to come.
23 The Greek word signifies as much as to propound an example or clear argument, for, God in that time has shown this example of His mercy to Gentiles and Jews, in order that we also, their successors, being informed thereof, might take our refuge to the same grace, 1 Tim. 1:16.
8For 24by grace are ye 25saved 26through faith; and 27that not of yourselves: itg is the gift of God:
24 Or, out of grace, namely, of God in Christ, as is declared in the previous verse.
25 That is, delivered from sin and the punishment of sin, and made heirs of eternal salvation.
26 Namely, whereby this grace of God in Christ is received by us, and appropriated by us, John 1:12; Rom. 3:24, 25.
27 Namely, it is not of you that you believe; for, otherwise the apostle would say one thing twice, and not only salvation itself, but faith also is a gift of God. See Philip. 1:29; 2 Tim. 1:9, etc.
g Mat. 16:17; Eph. 1:19.
928Not of works, lesth any man should boast.
28 Namely, neither in its totality, nor in part. See Rom. 4:4, 5; 11:6. As also the following words show forth.
h Rom. 3:27; 1 Cor. 1:29.
10For 29we are his workmanship, createdi in Christ Jesus unto good works, which 30God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
29 The apostle here does not speak of the first creation, but of the renewing and regeneration, which is called in God’s Word a second or new creation, see 2 Cor. 5:17.
i 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 1:4; 4:24; Titus 2:14.
30 Or, God hath prepared before, namely, in His eternal counsel, or also by His Spirit in us. See Heb. 8:10, etc.
11Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles 31in the flesh, who are called 32Uncircumcision by that which is called the 33Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
31 Some understand this of the uncircumcision of the Gentiles; but such they were also now being converted to Christ, and the name, uncircumcision, which follows, gives to understand this sufficiently. Therefore the word, flesh, is more fittingly taken for the corruption of nature, wherein they were before their conversion, as John 3:6; Rom. 8:5, etc.
32 Or, foreskin, and that in contempt, see 1 Sam. 17:26; Ezek. 44:7.
33 That is, by the Jews who were circumcised, which was a sign of God’s covenant with them, Gen. 17:11.
12That at that time ye were 34without Christ, being aliens from 35the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers fromj36the covenants of promise, having 37no hope, and 38without God in the world:
34 That is, without having communion with Christ, Who was to come, without Whom there was no salvation, John 14:6; Acts 4:12. The Israelites, who then waited for the Kingdom of Israel, had communion with Christ, Who was promised. See John 8:56; Acts 13:26, 32; 15:11; 26:6, 7; Heb. 11:26, etc.
35 That is, the congregation of God, which was contained in the commonwealth of Israel.
j Rom. 9:4.
36 That is, from the spiritual promises which God had made in His covenant with the Israelites, and had oftentimes renewed; wherefore He calls it, covenants, in the plural number.
37 Namely, no true hope of the forgiveness of sins and of eternal salvation.
38 That is, without the right knowledge and service of the true God. For, although they had many gods and religions, notwithstanding they were devised and contrived by them. See Rom. 1:21, etc. Although some knew God, as Creator, notwithstanding, seeing they knew not, nor honored the Son, they had not the Father also, John 5:23.
13But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were 39far off are made nigh by 40the blood of Christ.
39 Namely, from these benefits and advantages, of which is spoken in the previous chapter. And the apostle has respect here to the place in Isa. 49:1. See Acts 2:39.
40 That is, by the death and the bloody sacrifice of Christ, whereby this difference of nations is taken away.
14Fork he is 41our peace, who hath made 42both one, and hath broken down the middle wall 43of partition between us;
k Isa. 9:6; Micah 5:4; John 16:33; Acts 10:36; Rom. 5:1; Col. 1:20.
41 That is, the Author and Cause of our peace, between God and men, as well as between men themselves, namely, Jews and Gentiles.
42 Namely, Jews and Gentiles.
43 Or, of the fence; namely, which parted and partitioned the Jews from the Gentiles, as a wall does separate two houses or places one from another. Whereby the ceremonial law is understood, which made this difference between the Jews and Gentiles. Paul seems also here to have respect to the rending of the veil of the temple, which was rent when Christ suffered, Mat. 27:51; Luke 23:45.
15Having abolished 44in his flesh 45the enmity, even 46the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make 47in himself 48of twainl49one new man, so making 50peace;
44 That is, in His body, or human nature, offered on the cross, John 1:14; 1 Peter 4:1. A similitude from sacrifices, which flesh was burnt upon the altar.
45 Namely, between Jews and Gentiles, as appears from what follows, arising from the diversity of religion.
46 Namely, whereby the ceremonies were instituted, and given until the time of reformation, Heb. 9:10.
47 This the apostle says, because we must be united with Christ Himself through faith, before we can become one body out of Jews and Gentiles.
48 Namely, nations, that is, the elect out of both these nations; Rom. 9:24; 11:7.
l two*
49 That is, renewed by the Holy Spirit and power of regeneration. And the apostle speaks here of all believers as of one man, because they are all made up under Christ the Head as members of one spiritual body, as one renewed man.
50 That is, union and communion, since the cause and means of division is taken away.
16And that he might reconcile 51both unto God 52in one body by the cross, 53having slain 54the enmity 55thereby:
51 This the apostle says because by the cross of Christ not only Jews and Gentiles are brought unto one, but also reconciled together unto God.
52 That is, in one and the same congregation, which is Christ’s spiritual body. Some hereby understand the body of Christ Himself, which in verse 15 He has called His flesh.
53 That is, having entirely taken it away through His death. For, by one offering He has forever sanctified those who are sanctified, Heb. 10:14.
54 That is, between God and us by reason of sin, as well as also between Jews and Gentiles. For of both these reconciliations he has spoken before.
55 Namely, cross.
17Andm56came and preached 57peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
m Isa. 57:19; Eph. 3:12.
56 Namely, by Himself in the days of His flesh among the Jews, as well as a Minister of circumcision, as after His ascension by His apostles unto all without distinction; through and with apostles by whom He was powerful unto the conversion of all, of Gentiles as well as Jews, Mark 16:20; John 10:16; 2 Cor. 13:3, etc.
57 Namely, between God and men, and consequently also of men one with another, Luke 2:14; Rom. 10:15; 2 Cor. 5:19, etc.
18Forn58through him we both have access by 59one Spirit unto the Father.
n John 10:9; 14:6; Rom. 5:2; Eph. 3:12; Heb. 10:19.
58 Namely, Christ, received by faith, Rom. 5:2.
59 Namely, of adoption unto children, Rom. 8:15, who also gives this whole body its life and motion.
19Now therefore 60ye are 61no more strangers and foreigners, but 62fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the 63householdo of God;
60 Namely, Gentiles, who believe in Christ.
61 Namely, as in former times. See verses 11, 12.
62 Namely, of this spiritual Jerusalem; Gal. 4:26.
63 For, God’s congregation is everywhere called God’s house and temple. See 2 Cor. 6:16; 1 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 3:2, etc. They stand therefore under one Head and care, and each have their service and part in this house.
o Gal. 6:10.
20And are builtp uponq64the foundation of the apostles and prophets, 65Jesus Christ himselfr being the 66chief corner stone;
p 1 Cor. 3:9, 10.
q Isa. 28:16; Mat. 16:18; 1 Cor. 3:10; Rev. 21:14.
64 That is, the doctrine of the apostles and prophets, both of the Old and New Testament, even as therefore the names of the twelve apostles are set on the twelve foundations of the heavenly Jerusalem, Rev. 21:14.
65 For, the doctrine of the prophets and apostles in matters of salvation directs us to none upon whom we may rely, but upon Jesus Christ, on His satisfaction and merit, 1 Cor. 1:30; 2:2.
r 1 Peter 2:4.
66 Or, of which Jesus Christ is, etc., namely, whereon the entire building rests, with the walls and stones of the same, that is, all true believers both of Jews and Gentiles are gathered together, and by one Spirit cleave together, as follows. See also 1 Peter 2:4. Now that this utmost Corner Stone is also the only Foundation of this entire building, appears out of Isa. 28:16; 1 Cor. 3:10, 11.
21Ins whom all the building fitly framedt together groweth untou an holy 67temple in the Lord:
s Eph. 4:16.
t fitted together*
u 1 Cor. 6:19; 2 Cor. 6:16.
67 Namely, in which the Lord dwells with His grace, and therefore will be honored and served therein, as a father of a family in his house.
2268In whom 69ye also are builded together for an habitation of God 70through the Spirit.
68 Namely, that utmost Corner Stone Christ.
69 Namely, who, according to His purpose, are called out of the Gentiles, and consequently also believe in Him.
70 Or, in the Spirit.