STUDIES

IN
THE BOOK
OF
EPHESIANS

Bob Buchanan

RUINS AT EPHESUS
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INTRODUCTION TO EPHESIANS
I.

AUTHOR of the book of EPHESIANS

A. The apostle PAUL is mentioned as the AUTHOR (Ephesians 1:1; 3:1)
B. The author called himself the PRISONER OF THE LORD (Ephesians 3:1; 4:1; 6:20)
1. The books of EPHESIANS, PHILIPPIANS, COLOSSIANS, and PHILEMON
are called the PRISON EPISTLES.
2. NOTE the following passages that show these epistles to be the prison epistles
(Ephesians 3:1; 4:1; Philippians 1:12-23; Colossians 4:3; Philemon 1:1; 13,
etc.
3. OBSERVE Pauls imprisonment in Acts 27, 28.
4. Paul was IMPRISONED at least on FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS and
PLACES:
a. He was imprisoned in PHILIPPI (Acts 16:23-25)
b. Paul was imprisoned in JERUSALEM (Acts 21:33-23:32)
c. He was imprisoned in CAESAREA (Acts 23:33-26:32)
d. After the shipwreck, Paul was imprisoned in ROME (Acts 27:1-28:31)
5. The MOST LIKELY IMPRISONMENT in the PRISON EPISTLES is the
imprisonment in ROME (Bruce, page 12).
C. HOW the apostle Paul is DESCRIBED in the book of EPHESIANS
1. He is described as an APOSTLE of Christ (Ephesians 1:1)
2. He is described as a PRISONER (Ephesians 3:1; 4:1)
3. Paul is described as the one who PROCLAIMED THE GOSPEL to the GENTILES
(Ephesians 3:1-9)
4. He is described as the one who taught the ESSENTIALS of CHRISTIAN LIVING
(Ephesians 4:17-32). He said, This I say therefore and affirm with the Lord
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II. The PEOPLE WHO RECEIVED the book of EPHESIANS

A. There is a papyrus manuscript dated about 200 A. D. that does NOT contain the phrase
in Ephesus in Ephesians 1:1.
B. The VATICAN and SINAIITIC MANUSCRIPTS of the FOURTH CENTURY also
DO NOT have this phrase, at Ephesus or in Ephesus.
C. Marcion, a false teacher who wrote about 140 A. D., thought that this book was the letter
to the LAODICEANS mentioned in Colossians (See Colossians 4:16)
D. The letter that is called Ephesians may be a GENERAL letter sent to several
congregations in ASIA MINOR, and the church at Ephesus could be a MAJOR
RECIPIENT. It is noted that PETER wrote to congregations in several provinces
(I Peter 1:1)
E. IT IS NOTED that there is only A SMALL AMOUNT OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
ABOUT SPECIFIC PEOPLE in the book of EPHESIANS. See Ephesians 6:21, 22.
F. Whether the book was written ONLY to EPHESUS or to SEVERAL CHURCHES in that
area, the book is a GREAT MASTERPIECE of the inspired apostle Paul.
G. NOTICE this statement by Boles; .It is logical that it (Ephesians) would have been sent
first to the leading City (Ephesus Editor) (in Asia Minor), and from there copies
would be circulated. It is likely, then, that Paul did send this epistle to the Ephesians,
but, not to them alone (Boles, page 183, Bruce, page 13).).
H. Observe also that inspired epistles were circulated among the churches (Colossians 4:16)
III. The DATE of the book of EPHESIANS
A. The book would be written approximately 62-64 A. D. F. F. Bruce suggests 60, 61 A. D..
during Pauls ROMAN IMPRISONMENT (Bruce, page 12).
B. It is dated during the ROMAN IMPRISONMENT of Paul that is recorded in
Acts 28:16-31.
IV. The EMPHASIS on the CHURCH in the book of EPHESIANS
A. This emphasis on the CHURCH in Ephesians is an emphasis on the CHURCH
UNIVERSAL. It is the CHURCH as the UNIVERSAL BODY of Christ.
B. FIGURES OF SPEECH in Ephesians that describe the CHURCH
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1. In Ephesians, the CHURCH is compared to a PHYSICAL BODY

(Ephesians 1:22, 23; 2:16; 4:4, 12, 16; 5:23, 30)
2. In Ephesians, the CHURCH is compared to a BUILDING, therefore,
an ARCHITECTURAL FIGURE (Ephesians 2:19-22)
3. In this book, the CHURCH is emphasized as a FAMILY. It is the BRIDE
of Christ (Ephesians 5:22-33)
V. The UNITY THAT MUST BE FOUND IN THE CHURCH
A. In Ephesians, the CHURCH is pictured as composed of BOTH JEWS AND GENTILES
UNITED IN CHRIST (Ephesians 2:11-22)
B. The CHURCH is a UNIFIED BODY in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:22, 23;
2:14-16; 4:1-6)
C. There are several uses of the word, ONE in the text of EPHESIANS
1. ONE new man

(2:15)

2. ONE body (2:16; 4:4), ONE Spirit, (2:18; 4:4), ONE hope (4:4),
ONE Lord (4:5), ONE faith (4:5), ONE baptism (4:5), ONE
God and Father (4:6)
D. NOTE ALSO the use of the words, EACH ONE, EACH PART, etc.
(4:7; 4:16; 5:33). These expressions emphasize UNITY!
E. UNITY is also emphasized by the words, TOGETHR or WITH, etc.
1.
2.
3.
4.

ALIVE TOGETHER (3:5),

HEIRS TOGETHER (3:6), Fellow heirs
MEMBERS TOGETHER (3:6), Fellow members of the body
PARTNERS (3:6), Fellow partakers of the promise.

F. The word, UNITY is found TWICE in Ephesians, (4:3, 13). The UNITY of
Christians is emphasized much in Ephesians and throughout the New Testament..
G. The word, PEACE is also emphasized in the book of EPHESIANS
1. Bringing JEWS and GENTILES together in Christ and in PEACE (2:14-17)
2. The BOND OF PEACE (4:3)
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3. The GOSPEL OF PEACE (6:15)

VI. EPHESIANS has many SIMILARITIES to the book of COLOSSIANS
A. About 1/3 of the words in Colossians are also found in EPHESIANS (Weed, page 111)
B. EXAMINE the following SIMILARITIES in EPHESIANS and COLOSSIANS:
EPHESIANS

COLOSSIANS

2:12
2:14
3:5, 6
5:20

1:21
1:20
1:26, 27
3:17, etc. etc.

VII. Consider the USAGE of the word, MYSTERY in the book of EPHESIANS
A. A MYSTERY in the Scriptures refers to that which was formerly CONCEALED,
but is NOW REVEALED. NOTE how the prophets of the Old Testament did NOT
understand Gods great salvation through Christ (I Peter 1:10-12).
B. The word, MYSTERY is used in Ephesians to refer to GODS GREAT PURPOSE
IN CHRIST (Ephesians 1:9).
C. It refers to the UNITING OF JEWS AND GENTILES IN CHRIST (Ephesians 3:4-6).
D. It is used in the COMPARISON of MARRIAGE to the relationship of CHRIST and
HIS CHURCH (Ephesians 5:32). Note Ephesians 5:22-33.
VIII. SOME NOTES concerning the CITY OF EPHESUS
A. Ephesus was the leading city in the Roman Province of ASIA.
B. It was located at the intersection of TWO TRADE ROUTES. Therefore, it was a
leading commercial center.
C. The temple and worship of ARTEMIS (Diana) was located there. Note Acts 19.
D. The great stadium or amphitheatre in Ephesus would seat between 25,000 and
50,000 people. That theatre is still there in the ruins of Ephesus.
E. Some estimates suggest that as many as 330,000 people lived there in the days of Paul.
This included a large number of Jewish people.
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F. The Scriptures teach that the apostle Paul taught for two years in the lecture hall of
TYRANNUS (Acts 19:9, 10).
G. A RIOT took place that was caused by the loss of business in the making of images of
ARTEMIS (Acts 19:20-41).
IX. NOTE a possible SERIES OF CHRONOLOGICAL EVENTS Concerning EPHESIANS,
COLOSSIANS, and PHILEMON
A. During his imprisonment in ROME, Paul converted a RUNAWAY SLAVE named
ONESIMUS. See the book of PHILEMON.
B. A FALSE TEACHING was brought into the church in COLOSSEE. Paul wrote the
book of COLOSSIANS. Study Colossians 1:3-12 concerning information from
Epaphras (Colossians 2:8, etc.) Colossee was the home town of Onesimus
(Colossians 4:9).
C. Paul sent ONESIMUS back to Philemon, no longer as a slave, but as a beloved
brother (Philemon 9-17)
D. Perhaps, Paul then wrote EPHESIANS, intending for it to be circulated among the
churches of Asia Minor (Boles, page 185).

AN OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS

Gods Wonderful Plan For The Salvation Of Man (Ephesians 1:1-3:21)
I. Gods Spiritual Blessings In Christ

(Ephesians 1:1-23)

A. Salutation (1:1, 2)
B. The PRESENT BLESSINGS in Christ
C. Possible Blessings in Christ (1:15-23)

(1:3-14)

II. The Salvation Which Comes From God (2:1-22)

A. Salvation From SIN (2:1-10)
B. Salvation From ENMITY and SEPARATION (Jew and Gentile) (2:11-22)
III. Gods PARTICIPATION In This SALVATION (Ephesians 3:1-21)
A. The Lord was working THROUGH PAUL (3:1-13)
B. God is AT WORK in ALL OF HIS DISCIPLES (3:14-21)
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RESPONSIBILITIES of ALL DISCIPLES

(Ephesians 4:1-6:24)

I. The Christians LIFE in the CHURCH (Ephesians 4:1-16)

A. UNITY in the BODY (4:1-6)
B. Different RESPONSIBILITIES in the BODY (4:7-11)
C. The NEED for MATURITY in the BODY (4:12-16)
II. The PERSONAL LIFE of the DISCIPLE (Ephesians 4:17-5:21)
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

OUT WITH THE OLD MAN! The NEW MAN in Christ (4:17-24)
The LIFE OF ALL MEMBERS in ONE BODY (4:25-32)
Walking In LOVE (5:1, 2)
Walking In LIGHT (5:3-14)
Walking In WISDOM (5:15-21)

III. The DISCIPLE in his DOMESTIC LIFE

(Ephesians 5:22-6:9)

A. HUSBANDS and WIVES (5:22-33)

B. CHILDREN and their PARENTS (6:1-4)
C. SLAVES and their MASTERS (6:5-9)
IV. The SPIRITUAL WARFARE of the DISCIPLE of CHRIST (Ephesians 6:10-24)
A. The ENEMY which we must FACE (6:10-12)
B. The ARMOR of the Lord (6:13-18)
C. The FAREWELL of the apostle Paul (6:19-24) (Boles, pages 187, 188)

STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS

GODS GREAT PLAN FOR MANS SALVATION THROUGH CHRIST
(Ephesians 1:1-3:21)
I. The SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS of God in Christ (Ephesians 1:1-23)
A. The GREETING of the apostle Paul

(1:1, 2)

1. Paul was an APOSTLE (1:1). This word means one who is sent forth on
a mission. NOTE Mark 3:14. Paul was sent forth to the GENTILES
(Acts 26:16-18; Romans 15:16-18)
2. His calling was according by the will o God (1:1)
a. He had been the chief of sinners, SAVED BY THE GRACE OF GOD
(I Timothy 1:12-16)
b. Consider Pauls feelings about this as noted in Ephesians 3:6-8;
I Corinthians 15:8-10 and I Timothy 1:1. Paul was a SINNER
SAVED BY GRACE
3. NOTE that TIMOTHY is NOT MENTIONED in this greeting as he is in the
Colossian epistle (Colossians 1:1)
4. Paul was writing to SAINTS, or holy ones, those purified by the blood of
Jesus (1:1). (Arndt and Gingrich Greek Lexicon, pages 9, 10). NOTE:
In the following pages, this GREEK Lexicon will be abbreviated to A. and G.
a. The Greek word for SAINTS, (hagioi) may be used as an ADJECTIVE
to mean HOLY, those consecrated to God through Jesus blood
(I Peter 1:15, 16).
b. But, this word is also used as a NOUN and is translated SAINTS or
HOLY ONES (Philippians 1:1)
c. Observe that Christians are called SAINTS several times in the book of
EPHESIANS (1:1; 1:15; 2:19; 3:8; 3:18; 4:12; 5:3; 6:18).
5. These saints are also FAITHFUL BRETHREN (1:1)
a. The word, pistis (faithful) comes from the word which means to believe
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in. These brothers in Christ are believers. They are trustworthy.

(A. and G. pages 670, 671).
b. Believers were OBEDIENT believers (Acts 2:36-38, 44-47)
c. Believing in the Scriptures describes those who FOLLOW JESUS
(John 3:36)
6. These faithful brothers, who were saints, were IN CHRIST JESUS (1:1)
a. Please COUNT the number of times that the phrase IN CHRIST or
IN HIM, or IN THE BELOVED, or similar terms are found in
Ephesians 1:1-14. HOW MANY DID YOU FIND?
b. This phrase, IN CHRIST means THROUGH CHRIST, through WHAT
JESUS DID FOR MANS SALVATION.
c. BUT, this phrase, IN CHRIST also means in a relationship with Christ.
Examine II Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14;
II Timothy 2:10; I John 5:11, 12, etc.
d. NOTE ALSO that people are baptized into Christ (Romans 6:1-4;
Galatians 3:26, 27).
7. Concerning the phrase at Ephesus or in Ephesus, PLEASE SEE THE
INTRODUCTION TO THIS STUDY.
8. Consider the words, GRACE and PEACE (Ephesians 1:2)
a. A common greeting in the Greek world was chairein as seen in
Acts 23:26.
b. However, the word here is charis, the word for GRACE. This refers
to Gods favor which man does NOT DESERVE or MERIT. See
it use in Ephesians 2:8, Romans 3:24, etc..
c. The word PEACE is eirene which would seem to be equivalent to the
Hebrew word, shalom. It desires well being of the soul for the
ones addressed (Judges 6:24). (Boles, page 189).
9. Note the beautiful thought of the FATHER-HOOD, of God in Ephesians
a. Grace and Peace from God, the FATHER. (1:1)
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b. Observe the various times in Ephesians when the word FATHER is used
(1:1; 1:2; 1:3, 1:17; 2:18; 3:14; 5:20; 6:23).
c. The FATHER OF GLORY is the One who RAISED Jesus from the dead,
and made him HEAD over all things to the CHURCH (Ephesians
1:17; 1:20; 1:22, 23)
d. There is ONE FATHER (Ephesians 4:6)
10. See also the emphasis on the LORDSHIP of Jesus in Ephesians
a. Grace and Peace from . The Lord Jesus Christ (1:2)
b. JESUS IS LORD (Examine Ephesians 1:2, 3, 15, 17; 3:11; 4:1, 5, etc.)
c. The word, LORD was used also as the OWNER OF A SLAVE.
The word, Master in Ephesians 6:5 is the word kurios, LORD.
(A. and G. pages 459, 460).
d. WE ARE TO BE THE SLAVES OF THE LORD
4:5; II Timothy 2:24; Philippians 1:1, etc.)

(II Corinthians

B. The BLESSINGS which disciples NOW have IN CHRIST (Ephesians 1:2-14)

1. It is true that material, PHYSICAL BLESSINGS come from GOD! (James 1:17;
Deuteronomy 28:1-14).
2. NOTE: Ephesians 1:3-14, ALL OF THESE VERSES, consist of only ONE
BEAUTIFUL SENTENCE in the Greek text.
3. Consider ALL of the SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS that are mentioned in these
TWELVE verses (1:3-14)
a. Christians are CHOSEN, the ELECT of God, CHOSEN IN HIM
(1:4)
b. They are PREDESTINED to be the adopted children of God (1:5)
c. Disciples are given GRACE by God (1:6)
d. Christians are REDEEMED and this redemption is IN CHRIST
(1:7)
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e. The Lord has revealed the MYSTERY of His will to them (1:9)
f. Christians have obtained the promise of the INHERITANCE (1:11)
g. They have been sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT of promise (1:13, 14)
3. The word, BLESSED (eulogetes), to speak well, means PRAISE be to
God! (1:3). We PRAISE GOD for His GRACE, HIS GREATNESS, HIS
POWER, etc. (A. and G. page 323).
4. These SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS are to be found IN CHRIST!

(1:3)

a. IN CHRIST means THROUGH CHRIST, that is, through Jesus

SACRIFICE
b. BUT, ALSO, this phrase means that, when a person is in Christ, he is
incorporated into Jesus body, the church (Weed, page 124).
c. NOTE the phrase IN WHOM that is used in Ephesians 1:7 and
Colossians 1:14.
5. These SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS are found in the heavenly places, the
heavenlies. This phrase is found FIVE times in the book of Ephesians
(1:3; 1:20; 2:6: 3:10; 6:12). (Bruce, page 27).
a. There is a great spiritual realm, an eternal realm
b. Christ RULES in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:20).
c. Christians are SEATED with Christ in the heavenly places (2:6)
d. The CHURCH is to show Gods WISDOM to those who are in the
heavenly places (3:10)
e. The Christians BATTLE against wickedness is in the heavenly
places (6:12)
6. Gods PLAN to SAVE MEN THROUGH CHRIST was formed BEFORE THE
FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD (Ephesians 1:4).
a. See this ETERNAL PLAN discussed in I Peter 1:20, Titus 1:2, 3 and here
in Ephesians 3:10, 11.
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b. PLEASE NOTE THIS IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE: God did NOT

ELECT us, or CHOOSE us arbitrarily WITHOUT the
EXERCISE of our FREE WILL. We have the POWER to
CHOOSE! (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:14-16; Luke 24:44-49;
Luke 13:5; Acts 2:36-38; Acts 17:30, etc.)
c. God FOREKNEW those who would CHOOSE to come to Him.
Someone has said, GOD CHOOSES THOSE WHO CHOOSE
CHRIST!
d. GOD HAS A WONDERFUL GOAL: He wants to present us to
Himself BLAMELESS and HOLY! Note I Peter 1:15, 16.
GOD WANTS A HOLY PEOPLE!
e. Therefore, OUR ETERNAL DESTINY DEPENDS ON OUR RESPONSE
TO JESUS!
7. The phrase, IN LOVE (en agape) found in 1:4 may actually fit better into 1:5.
That is, IN LOVE, He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus
Christ. (Bruce, pages 28, 29). This is Gods Will! He wants ALL TO BE
SAVED! (I Timothy 2:3, 4; II Peter 3:9).
a. The word PREDESTINED (prooridzo) means to set boundaries
in advance. God set the plan into action that, ALL WHO WILL
COME TO CHRIST WILL BE SAVED! God CHOSE all of those
who are IN CHRIST! (Boles, page 203).
b. NOTE AGAIN: The phrase, IN CHRIST, or IN HIM, or IN THE
BELOVED is found about ELEVEN TIMES in Ephesians 1:1-14.
It is only THROUGH HIM and IN HIM that mankind is saved.
8. THE GOAL IS: TO THE PRAISE OF THE GLORY OF HIS GRACE
(Ephesians 1:6). This GRACE was bestowed on us in the Beloved (Jesus).
a. Notice that this joyous statement, To the praise of His glory is also
found in 1:12, 14.
b. Everything in SALVATION is centered in the BELOVED! NOTE:
This is My Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased (Matthew 3:17;
17:5). NOTE the kingdom of Gods dear Son (Colossians 1:13).
9. Mans REDEMPTION is IN CHRIST (1:7). Note: In whom.
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a. To REDEEM is to PAY THE PRICE TO FREE A SLAVE. The

SINNER is set free from the SLAVERY of sin (Romans 6:16-18)
(A. and G. page 95).
b. The PRICE that Jesus paid to REDEEM the SINNER is the BLOOD
of Jesus (I Peter 1:18, 19). He gave His life as a RANSOM
(Matthew 20:28).
c. AN IMPORTANT POINT: The payment for SIN WAS NOT MADE TO
SATAN!
d. JESUS PAID THE PRICE OF HIS OWN BLOOD TO SATISFY GODS
JUSTICE! (Boles, page 206).
e. Forgiveness of trespasses is the total blotting out of mans
transgressions (1:7) (See Colossians 1:14)
f. God has a WEALTH of GRACE! (1:7). The RICHES of His
GRACE! Observe the RICHES of His grace also in 2:7, the
WEALTH of His GLORY (3:16), and the WEALTH of His
KINDNESS (Romans 2:4).
10. Gods GRACE has been POURED OUT ON HIS PEOPLE OVERFLOWINGLY (Ephesians 1:8).
a. Where SIN ABOUNDED, GRACE ABOUNDED EVEN MORE!
(Romans 5:20).
b. See again the RICHES of Gods GRACE in the previous
verse (Ephesians 1:7).
11. God has BLESSED man so much by REVEALING the MYSTERY of
the ages, SALVATION IN CHRIST (Ephesians 1:9).
a. The word, MYSTERY, (musterion), means a SECRET. It was a
Secret until GOD CHOSE TO REVEAL IT (Ephesians 3:4, 5, 9).
b. NO ONE knew in ages past what Gods MYSTERY REALLY MEANT.
Examine SALVATION through Christ that was NOT understood by
the prophets of long ago (I Peter 1:10-12).
c. Gods KIND INTENTION (eudokia) is also seen in Ephesians 1:5. It
was truly Gods PLEASURE to save man through Christ
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12. The word, ADMINISTRATION (oikonomia) (1:10) comes from a word

which refers to the wise ruling or governing of a FAMILY (Boles, page 208).
(Also A. and G. page 562). Gods MASTER PLAN was to go into effect in
harmony and according to Gods TIMETABLE. Study this thought in Galatians
4:4 and Titus 1:2, 3.
a. Gods PLAN was to SUM UP all things in Christ! Truly, as Jesus said
on the CROSS, IT IS FINISHED! (John 19:30)
b. JESUS is HEAD over ALL THINGS concerning the CHURCH
(Ephesians 1:22, 23)
c. ALL THINGS can be RECONCILED only through Christ
(Colossians 1:20)
13. Christians have obtained an INHERITANCE (Ephesians 1:11)
a. The American Standard Version translates it, In whom also we were
made a heritage
b. This verse, (1:11) may also convey the idea that disciples are the
inheritance of God. Study Deuteronomy 9:26 and 32:9. It is true
that God inherits His people. (Bruce affirms this, page 33).
c. We, as Christians, are a people for GODS POSSESSION
(Titus 2:14). TRULY, WE GET HEAVEN, AND GOD GETS

US (Boles, page 209).

d. The word, PREDESTINED in this passage is the same Greek word
that is found in 1:5. God has determined the boundaries of His
Will. People are CHOSEN IN CHRIST!
e. GOD IS IN COMPLETE CONTROL! Everything is in harmony with
His WILL!
14. Consider those WHO WERE THE FIRST TO HOPE IN CHRIST (1:12)
a. The Scriptures say that CHRIST IS OUR HOPE (Colossians 1:27;
I Timothy 1:1)
b. The JEWS were the FIRST to receive this HOPE (Romans 1:15)
c. THEN, the GENTILES (Ephesians 2:11-22). (Bruce, page 34).
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d. We PRAISE the splendor, the glory of GODS GRACE! NOTE

AGAIN: Ephesians 1:6 and 14.
15. The phrase, YOU ALSO. may refer to GENTILES! (1:13). Examine
Ephesians 2:11-18. BOTH JEWS AND GENTILES SHARE IN THE
GREAT MYSTERY OF GOD!
a. GENTILES are fellow members, and fellow heirs and fellow
partakers of the PROMISE IN CHRIST JESUS THROUGH THE
GOSPEL! (3:5, 6)
b. ALL DISCIPLES LISTENED to the MESSAGE of TRUTH!
c. This MESSAGE is the GOSPEL OF YOUR SALVATION! Study
also Romans 1:16; I Corinthians 15:1-4; Acts 19:10.
d. This MESSAGE was BELIEVED! Biblical belief is always a
RESPONSIVE TRUST, and NOT JUST A MENTAL ACCEPTANCE
IN THE MIND! (John 3:36).
e. These BELIEVERS, these DISCIPLES, were SEALED with the
HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE! (Acts 2:38; 5:32; II Corinthians
1:21, 22; Galatians 4:4-6; Romans 8:9-11, etc.).
16. The HOLY SPIRIT is a PLEDGE of our INHERITANCE

(1:14)

a. The word, PLEDGE is similar to a DOWN PAYMENT on a purchase

such as a PIECE OF LAND. It is similar to some PRECIOUS
POSSESSION that is given to the SELLER until the FULL PRICE
is completely paid (A. and G. page 109).
b. The Greek word for PLEDGE is the modern Greek word for an
ENGAGEMENT RING (Bruce, page 37). Therefore, the presence
of the Holy Spirit is a FORETASTE OF HEAVEN!
c. Christians look forward to Gods full redemption and Gods possession
of His people. BECAUSE OF THIS, WE PRAISE GOD!
C. POTENTIAL FUTURE BLESSINGS IN CHRIST (Ephesians 1:15-23).
1. Paul desired EVEN MORE BLESSINGS FOR HIS BROTHERS AND
SISTERS!
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2. The apostle Paul had HEARD of their FAITH and LOVE for the SAINTS
(Ephesians 1:15).
a. It is to be noted that Paul HAD NOT SEEN the EPHESIAN Christians
FOR A FEW YEARS!
b. ALSO, this epistle would possibly be READ THROUGHOUT ASIA
MINOR to people whom PAUL DID NOT KNOW!
c. NOTE: Our FAITH and LOVE FOR ALL THE SAINTS are so
very important in our Christian WALK! (II Thessalonians 1:3;
Philemon 5; Colossians 1:4).
d. Observe how important BROTHERLY LOVE really is: (John 13:34, 35;
Hebrews 13:1; I John 3:14-19; 4:9-11; 4:18-21, etc.)
3. PAUL PRAYED SO VERY MUCH FOR HIS BRETHREN (Ephesians 1:16).
a. Perhaps, five or six years had passed since Paul had LAST SEEN his
brothers and sisters in Christ at Ephesus, BUT, HE WAS STILL
PRAYING FOR THEM!
b. Notice the PRAYER LIFE of the APOSTLE PAUL
(1) He taught Christians to PRAY (I Thessalonians 5:17;
I Timothy 2:1, 2)
(2) He PRAYED so much for his brothers and sisters (Romans 1:8;
Philippians 1:3; Colossians 1:3; I Thessalonians 1:2;
II Thessalonians 1:3; Philemon 4).
4. Paul PRAYED to the FATHER of the LORD JESUS CHRIST (1:17)
a. JESUS called God, MY FATHER, and MY GOD (John 20:17)
b. God is the FATHER whom Jesus REVEALED (John 1:18)
c. God is the FATHER OF GLORY!

(See also Ephesians 1:6)

d. Paul prayed that his READERS would be blessed with a spirit of

wisdom and revelation, that they WOULD KNOW THE LORD
BETTER!
18

e. Some writers believe that the word, SPIRIT here refers to the Holy
Spirit rather than an attitude or disposition. Certainly, it is true
that the Holy Spirit has REVEALED the Will of God (Ephesians
3:4, 5; I Peter 1:10-12, etc.).
5. Paul PRAYED that his READERS (listeners) would have BETTER SPIRITUAL
EYESIGHT! (Ephesians 1:18).
a. Paul wanted them to KNOW CLEARLY the HOPE to which the Lord
had called them. Certainly, they were walking by faith
(II Corinthians 5:7)
b. Our HOPE for the future will produce STEADFASTNESS in our
Christian WALK! (I Thessalonians 1:3).
c. With reference to this, please examine Titus 1:2, 3; Romans 8:24, 25;
and Ephesians 4:4, the ONE HOPE! IF WE UNDERSTAND OUR
HOPE MORE CLEARLY, WE WILL BE HAPPIER HERE ON
EARTH!
d. We truly need to see the GLORY of Gods INHERITANCE! He
inherits us. God sees the CHURCH as a BEAUTIFUL BRIDE!
(Ephesians 5:27) (Boles, page 215).
6. Paul ALSO PRAYED that the BRETHREN would KNOW GODS POWER!
(Ephesians 1:19).
a. Gods INCOMPARABLE POWER works in the BELIEVER! Study
also Philippians 2:12, 13.
b. The word, POWER here is dunamis from which we get the English
word, DYNAMITE! See this word also in Romans 1:16.
c.

God, in His power, raised us to a NEW LIFE at our baptism

(Romans 6:1-5)

d. May we also see GODS POWER at work in OUR SERVICE to Him

(Ephesians 3:20, 21).
7. GODS POWER was seen MOST OF ALL in the RESURRECTION of JESUS
(Ephesians 1:20).
a. The RESURRECTION of Jesus is the HEART of OUR MESSAGE
19

(I Corinthians 15:1-4; Acts 17:30, 31; Romans 10:9; I Thessalonians

1:8-10, etc.).
b. Jesus ASCENDED to SIT at the RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER
Jesus RULES in the heavenly places! (Acts 2:33-36; Hebrews 1:1-3;
NOTE also Psalm 110:1).
c. The RESURRECTION OF JESUS is the FOUNDATION of our HOPE!
(I Corinthians 15:12-19; I Peter 1:3, 4)
d. Jesus RULES in the HEAVENLY PLACES! Examine again Ephesians
1:3 and 2:6. Even though Jesus RULES, there is still the SPIRITUAL
BATTLE that we must fight against Satan (Ephesians 6:12)
8. JESUS is EXALTED ABOVE ALL RULE AND AUTHORITY AND POWER
AND DOMINION, BOTH HUMAN AND HEAVENLY! (Ephesians 1:21).
a. JESUS has a NAME that is SUPERIOR to EVERY NAME! Note
Philippians 2:9-11.
b. That SUPERIORITY is evident, NOT ONLY in this age, BUT ALSO,
in the age to come, HEAVEN! This is true in spite of the fact that
Satan is called the god of this age (II Corinthians 4:4; John 12:31).
9. JESUS is SUPREME IN GODS PLAN AS THE HEAD OF THE BODY, THE
CHURCH (Ephesians 1:22, 23).
a. ALL THINGS are in SUBJECTION to JESUS! This word, subjection
is hupotasso. Note this word being used in Ephesians 5:21
(A. and G. pages 855, 856)..
b. The HEAD and the BODY receive great EMPHASIS in BOTH of the
epistles to the Ephesians and Colossians (Ephesians 4:4; 5:22-33;
Colossians 1:13-18; 1:24, etc.).
c. The VARIOUS MEMBERS of the BODY and their FUNCTIONS
are emphasized in I Corinthians 12:12-31 and Romans 12:4-8.
d. Paul emphasized the SUPREMACY of CHRIST in Colossians 1:12-18.
(1) JESUS is SUPREME in REDEMPTION (Colossians 1:12-14)
(2) JESUS is SUPREME in CREATION (Colossians 1:15-17)
20

(3) JESUS is SUPREME, He is PRE-EMINENT in the

CHURCH (Colossians 1:18).
e. The word, CHURCH (ekklesia) is used in Ephesians 1:22 in the
UNIVERSAL SENSE. That is, it refers to GODS PEOPLE
EVERYWHERE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. See also Matthew
16:18.
f. NOTE the word CHURCH used in a LOCAL SENSE in Scripture such
as I Corinthians 1:2, To the church of God which is at Corinth.
g. The CHURCH is the FULNESS (pleroma) of CHRIST (1:23). This
word means, that which makes something full or complete (A. and G.
page 678). The Lord WORKS THROUGH HIS BODY! The church
complements Christ, as the BODY does the HEAD (Bruce,
page 45). The Lord depends on His people to function as they should!
h. The word, FULNESS can also be understood as that which is filled.
We can be filled by Christ. NOTE that we can also be filled by
God (Ephesians 3:19).

II. THE SALVATION THAT COMES FROM GOD

(Ephesians 2:1-22)

A. SALVATION FROM SIN! (Ephesians 2:1-10).

1. The phrase, AS FOR YOU. In 2:1 probably refers primarily to Gentile
Christians.
a. They had been spiritually DEAD in their trespasses and sins.
b. They had been ALIENATED from God by their SIN (Isaiah 59:1, 2).
The meaning of the word, DEAD means SEPARATED. This
is seen in James 2:26, The body WITHOUT the spirit is dead.
NOTE: The woman living in sin is DEAD while she lives
(I Timothy 5:6).
c. NOTE: Gods POWER RAISED JESUS FROM PHYSICAL DEATH!
GODS POWER CAN RAISE US FROM SPIRITUAL DEATH!
(Ephesians 1:19, 20; Romans 6:1-5; Colossians 2:11-13).
d. The word, trespasses (paraptoma) means a failure to walk the right path
e. SINS (hamartiai) literally means MISSING THE MARK. (2:1).
21

Every departure from the way of righteousness (Arndt and Gingrich,

page 42).
2. Their SINFUL ACTS had been a WAY OF LIFE (A. and G. page 655).
They had WALKED (peripateo) in SIN. God wants us to WALK in
righteousness (Ephesians 2:2). Study I John 2:6.
a. They had WALKED according to the age of this world.
b. NOTE: The word, WORLD (kosmos) is often used in Scripture for the
EVIL WORLD of the PRESENT TIME. In this WALK, people
are NOT CONCERNED about ETERNITY (I John 2:15-17).
c. The RULER of the POWER OF THE AIR is really SATAN. Study
John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; II Corinthians 4:4.
d. An ATTITUDE of DISOBEDIENCE had been at work in their lives
3. Paul said that ALL OF US had been living like this (2:3)
a. The apostle Paul had pointed out to the Roman Christians that the
GENTILES had been in SIN (Romans 1:18-32).
b. The JEWS also had been WITHOUT EXCUSE in their sin
(Romans 2:1-3:23).
c. Paul spoke of INDULGING THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH AND OF
THE MIND. The MIND can sin through ANGER, PRIDE,
IMMORAL DESIRES, etc. (Matthew 5:27, 28, Colossians 3:5-10, etc.)
d. Therefore, ALL WERE OBJECTS OF GODS WRATH (Romans 1:18;
John 3:36). NOTE: .The wrath of God abides (remains) on him!
4. NOTICE THE CONDEMNATION OF MAN IN THESE VERSES ABOVE:
a. They were DEAD through SIN

(Ephesians 2:1).

b. This was a WAY OF LIFE in which they walked (2:2)

c. They followed the WAY OF THE WORLD
d. They followed EVIL SATAN
22

(2:2)

(2:2)

e. They SHARED a DISOBEDIENT SPIRIT

f. They all LIVED by SINFUL DESIRES

(2:2)

(2:3)

g. These were SINFUL DESIRES of both BODY and MIND (2:3)

(Boles, page 223)
5. BUT NOW --- EXAMINE GODS ATTITUDE

(Ephesians 2:4).

a. We NOTICE GODS GREAT LOVE (agape) FOR US! (Romans 5:8;

I John 4:9, 10; John 3:16)
b. God is RICH IN MERCY TOWARD THOSE WHO ARE HELPLESS!
God has great PITY on SINNERS! We do NOT deserve to be
saved! It is NOT on the basis of deeds which we have done.,
but on the basis of HIS MERCY! (Titus 3:5).
6. GOD made us ALIVE in CHRIST!

(Ephesians 2:5).

a. NOTE: The Prodigal Son had been DEAD in that far country
of SIN, but when he returned to his Father, he was ALIVE! (Luke
15:24, 32).
b. God had the POWER to RAISE JESUS FROM THE DEAD. We have
seen this in Ephesians 1:19-21. God has the POWER to make people,
WHO ARE DEAD IN SIN, TO BE MADE ALIVE WITH CHRIST!
The SINNER who is DEAD can pass out of death into life
(See John 5:24).
c. ALL OF THIS is because of GODS GRACE! (2:5, 8). The verb, YOU
HAVE BEEN SAVED is in the perfect tense in Greek which points
out that the Ephesian disciples HAD BEEN SAVED IN THE PAST BY
BY GODS GRACE, AND THAT SAVED CONDITION CONTINUED
UNTIL THE PRESENT WHEN PAUL WROTE! Study Gods GRACE
also in Romans 3:24-31.
7. It is observed that the expression, WITH CHRIST or WITH HIM is
found THREE TIMES in 2:5, 6. The disciples of Christ are in a
wonderful UNION WITH CHRIST!
8. This great FELLOWSHIP with Christ is in the heavenly places in
Christ Jesus (2:6). A QUESTION TO CONSIDER: Are
23

Christians truly seated with Christ in the heavenly places NOW? YES!
Examine Ephesians 1:3 again
9. The FUTURE is WONDERFUL! (Ephesians 2:7).
a. The AGES TO COME are ETERNITY! See Ephesians 1:21.
b. God will SHOW THE SURPASSING RICHES OF HIS GRACE IN
KINDNESS TOWARD US IN CHRIST JESUS!
c. NOTE ONCE AGAIN that Gods GREAT LOVING-KINDNESS is
ONLY IN CHRIST JESUS! Read Ephesians 1:3-14 again.
10. SALVATION is by GRACE THROUGH FAITH (Ephesians 2:8)
a. The GRACE of God is Gods UNMERITED FAVOR. The word,
charis (grace) is related to the word, charisma (GIFT). Grace,
therefore, is Gods FAVOR which man does NOT DFESERVE.
b. Thus, SALVATION is a GIFT that is NOT EARNED! It is NOT
SALARY (Romans 4:1-4; Romans 6:23).
c. FAITH is mans ACTIVE RESPONSE to the RICHES of Gods
GRACE! (Ephesians 3:12, 17; John 3:36).
11. WHEN MAN OBEYS GOD, HE HAS NO REASON TO BOAST! (2:9).
a.

Paul had just said in 2:8 , .and that not of yourselves, it is the gift
of God.

b. Then, Paul said, Not as a result of works THAT NO ONE SHOULD

BOAST (2:9). THIS PASSAGE IS VERY CLEAR: We cannot
claim that WE DID IT BY OURSELVES! It is GODS GIFT! It
is GODS GRACE, GODS FAVOR!
c. The Jerusalem Bible says in this passage, SO THAT NOBODY CAN
CLAIM THE CREDIT.
d. God SAVES the SINNER, NOT ON THE BASIS OF DEEDS WHICH WE
HAVE DONE IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, BUT ACCORDING TO HIS
MERCY, BY THE WASHING OF REGENERATION AND RENEWING
BY THE HOLY SPIRIT (Titus 3:5). Mans OBEDIENCE is the
RESPONSE OF FAITH! (Examine Romans 4:1-4; 3:24-27;
24

Galatians 6:14).
e. The word, WORKS in Ephesians 2:9 refers to MERITORIOUS WORKS
which are done by one who is seeking to EARN SALVATION. In that
situation, if that could be done, HE COULD BOAST that he, by his
WORKS, DESERVES TO BE SAVED. God would be in debt to
him. THIS CANNOT BE!
12. WORKS OF SERVICE are a RESULT OF SALVATION (2:10)
a. As a NEW CREATURE, a disciple of Jesus is Gods workmanship,
the PRODUCT of God, the WORK of God.
b. In the old order, sin produces death; In the new order, life produces
good works (Boles, page, 227).
c. Disciples of Jesus must ALWAYS PRODUCE FRUIT (John 15:5, 8)
d. Our FAITH must ALWAYS be expressed in OUR ACTIONS (James
2:14-26).
e. Our WORKS as disciples are prepared by God for us to do!
(Titus 2:14). THEREFORE, GOOD WORKS ARE A PART OF
GODS ETERNAL PLAN!
f. AGAIN, WE NOTE: ALL OF THIS IS IN CHRIST JESUS!
g. THIS IS THE WAY OF LIFE of the disciple. The disciple should
practice good works in his daily life. He should WALK
(peripatesomen) IN THEM!
B. SALVATION FROM SEPARATION (Jew and Gentile Alienation) (Ephesians 2:11-22).
1. God has CONQUERED SIN through the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. He
has also CONQUERED DIVISION AMONG MEN
a. AN IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE: IN CHRIST there is neither Jew nor
Gentile (Galatians 3:28).
b. The JEWS had really DESPISED the Gentiles and called them
FORESKIN (Uncircumcised) (2:11). (Boles, page 229).
2. GENTILES were ON THE OUTSIDE (Excluded, Alienated) (2:12)
25

a. Gentiles had been SEPARATED from Christ even though God intended
that ALL NATIONS should be blessed IN CHRIST (Genesis 12:1-3;
(Galatians 3:8-16).
b. Gentiles were OUTSIDE the CITIZENSHIP of ISRAEL. The JEWS
were Gods SPECIAL PEOPLE (Read Romans 3:1, 2; Note Gods
choosing of Israel as His kingdom of priests and a holy nation
(Exodus 19:1-6)
c. Gentiles were STRANGERS to the COVENANTS OF PROMISE.
EXAMINE the THREE PART PROMISE that God made to Abraham,
(1) A great nation, (2) The land o Canaan, and (3) The spiritual
promise to bless all nations through a descendant of Abraham
(Genesis 12:1-7). NOW, See the promise of a NEW COVENANT
(Jeremiah 31:31-34).
d. Gentiles were WITHOUT HOPE and WITHOUT GOD in their
IDOLATRY. They DID NOT KNOW GOD! Truly, CHRIST IS
THE ONLY HOPE OF BOTH JEWS AND GENTILES
(I Timothy 1:1).
3. Now, IN CHRIST, Gentiles are brought NEAR

(2:13)

a. The Gentiles had been FAR AWAY. NOTE that Peter stated this
on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:39).
b. Observe that Saul of Tarsus (the apostle Paul) was to be sent to the
FAR AWAY Gentiles (Acts 22:21)
c. The GENTILES were able to DRAW NEAR THROUGH THE
BLOOD of Jesus (2:13). Study also John 1:29 and I John 3:1, 3.
4. CHRIST IS OUR PEACE! (Ephesians 2:14).
a. Jesus is the SOURCE of OUR PEACE WITH GOD (Romans 5:1).
b. Jesus is ALSO the SOURCE OF PEACE BETWEEN JEWS AND
GENTILES
c. AN IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE: When a person is RIGHT WITH GOD,
HE MUST ALSO GET RIGHT WITH OTHER PEOPLE!
(1) NOTE: Christians are a NEW RACE OF PEOPLE, A
26

CHOSEN RACE (I Peter 2:9, 10).

(2) NOTE AGAIN: One scholar states that EARLY DISCIPLES
called themselves a THIRD RACE (Boles, page 232).
d. NOW, there is to be the UNITY OF THE SPIRIT among ALL of
Gods people, NO MATTER WHAT THEIR BACKGROUND MAY BE!
(Ephesians 4:1-6; Galatians 3:26-29).
5. The BARRIER WAS ELIMINATED

(Ephesians 2:15).

a. The BARRIER was the LAW OF MOSES which isolated the JEWS
FROM THE GENTILES. The Law DID set forth the hope of the
MESSIAH who would UNITE MEN IN HIM.
b. It is remembered that there was even a PHYSICAL, DIVIDING WALL
in the TEMPLE in Jerusalem. The GENTILES were NOT permitted
to enter where the JEWS COULD GO.
c. The Law of Moses COMPLETED ITS TASK of being a
SCHOOLMASTER, A TUTOR to bring men to Christ
(Galatians 3:24, 25). NOW, MEN ARE NO LONGER UNDER
THAT TUTOR!
d. BUT, it is so true that the Law of Moses POINTED people to Christ
(Romans 3:31; Galatians 3:19-25).
e. At the TIME OF THIS WRITING, the apostle Paul was a PRISONER
FOR THE SAKE OF GENTILES (Ephesians 3:1).
f. JEWS and GENTILES can NOW BE ONE NEW MAN, bringing
PEACE! THE OLD HOSTILITY IS GONE!
g. Establishing peace or making peace in this passage is in a
CONTINUOUS action in the Greek, continuing to make peace.
6. BOTH JEWS AND GENTILES can be RECONCILED to God in ONE BODY
(Ephesians 2:16).
a. The word, RECONCILE (apokatallaxe) means to bring men back to
God, to establish again a relationship that was broken by sin (Colossians
1:20-22)..
b. God is NOT RECONCILED TO US, but we are RECONCILED TO GOD!
27

(II Corinthians 5:18, 19).

c. As ONE NEW MAN, both JEWISH and GENTILE Christians are
incorporated into ONE BODY, the church (Ephesians 4:4).
d. AND, ALL OF THIS IS THROUGH THE CROSS OF CHRIST! (2:16).
Read Romans 5:9, 10.
e. Therefore, HOSTILITY has been ELIMINATED! The HOSTILITY that
existed BETWEEN GOD AND MAN, and BETWEEN MAN AND
MAN IS GONE!
7. JESUS, the MESSIAH PREACHED PEACE! (2:17) Read Isaiah 57:19, the
passage quoted here.
a.

In this verse (2:17), those who were FAR AWAY were the GENTILES

b. Those who were NEAR were the JEWS

c. NOTE: Even though the Jews were NEAR, it is clearly seen from a
study of the book of ACTS that many Jews REJECTED CHRIST!
d. In harmony with the voice of Isaiah, it must be said that JESUS IS THE
PRINCE OF PEACE! (Isaiah 9:6).
8. ACCESS to GOD is through CHRIST BY ONE SPIRIT (Ephesians 2:18).
a. The reference to one Spirit may be the Holy Spirit nurturing
this great UNITY of Jewish and Gentiles disciples in one body.
(Weed, page 143).
b. If this be true, then, it is quite interesting that, in this verse (2:18) , all
THREE PERSONS in the GODHEAD are mentioned. See this
also in Ephesians 3:14-17; 4:1-6; and 1:12-14.
c. Another possibility is that the two groups, Jewish and Gentile Christians
now have a common spirit or disposition, in the one body.
d. Mans right to APPROACH GOD is through (1) Jesus blood (2:13)
(2) His flesh (2:15), (3) And, His CROSS (2:16)
e. The word, ACCESS in this verse really means to be brought before
such as people being brought into the presence of a king (Weed, page
28

143). This is a beautiful thought. Man can approach God!

9. These JEWISH and GENTILE disciples, UNITED in ONE BODY are the
KINGDOM, the HOUSE OF GOD (Ephesians 2:19).
a. Formerly, the Gentiles had been STRANGERS and ALIENS. The
word, ALIENS (paroikoi) literally translated, is beside the house.
b. BOTH Jewish and Gentile Christians are NOW FELLOWCITIZENS
(sumpolitai). They have been translated into the kingdom of
Gods Son. NOTE Colossians 1:13.
c. NOTE THE WORD SAINTS (hagioi) HERE. Those who are fellowcitizens, those in the kingdom, those of the household of God are
saints. Notice Ephesians 1:1; 1:15; 3:8; 3:18; 5:3; 6:18, etc.
d. Observe that the word, SAINTS is from the same root word in Greek
as the word, SANCTIFIED. See this word in I Corinthians 6:9-11.
e. These FELLOW-CITIZENS are also GODS FAMILY, the
HOUSEHOLD OF GOD. Those who had been ALIENS
(beside the house) are NOW IN THE HOUSE (I Timothy 3:15).
f. Thus, those who are IN CHRIST, those who are FELLOW-CITIZENS,
and those in the FAMILY, are the beloved CHILDREN of God
(Ephesians 5:1; Galatians 6:10; I John 3:1, etc.)
10. The CHURCH is NOT ONLY GODS KINGDOM, AND FAMILY, but it
also GODS BUILDING! (2:20) Study I Peter 2:4-10.
a. This BUILDING has a SOLID FOUNDATION, the foundation of the
APOSTLES and PROPHETS.
b. NOTE the foundation of the APOSTLES in the foundation of the
HEAVENLY JERUSALEM (Revelation 21:14).
c. The AUTHORITY OF THE apostles lies in their MESSAGE which
was revealed through the HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 3:4, 5).
d. The PROPHETS were New Testament SPOKESMEN who had the
MIRACULOUS GIFT OF PROPHECY (I Corinthians 12:10;
14:1-19, etc.)
e. Saul (Paul), Barnabas, and others were New Testament PROPHETS
29

(Acts 13:1-3).
f. In Gods BUILDING, CHRIST is the CHIEF CORNER STONE.
The Corner Stone was the most important stone in a building, and
all measurements were made from it. Note Isaiah 28:16.
g. Some writers believe that CORNER STONE should be translated,
CAPSTONE, the highest stone in the building. See also I Peter 2:6, 7.
11. CHRIST FITS EVERYTHING TOGETHER! He UNIFIES, and RULES
over this SPIRITUAL BUILDING! (Ephesians 2:21).
a. Examine Ephesians 4:15, 16 concerning the relationship of the HEAD to
the BODY.
b. In Christ, the WHOLE BUILDING is JOINED TOGETHER
(sunarmologeo) and growing into a HOLY TEMPLE IN THE LORD.
c. IN EARLIER VERSES (2:11-18), it is clearly seen that JEWISH and
GENTILE CHRISTIANS are united together in ONE BODY,
ONE BUILDING.!
d. The word, TEMPLE here is naos the word that is used in Scripture
for the INNER, HOLY SANCTUARY OF THE TEMPLE the
location of the HOLY PLACE and the MOST HOLY PLACE. The
outer buildings and courts of the temple were the hieron.
e. Therefore, the CHURCH is Gods naos, Gods TEMPLE
(I Corinthians 3:16, 17; II Corinthians 6:16; I Peter 2:5). HERE,
GOD MEETS HIS PEOPLE!
f. Therefore, IN THESE VERSES, the CHURCH is described as:
(1) The KINGDOM of the Lord
(2) The FAMILY of the Lord
(3) The TEMPLE of the Lord
12. GOD DWELLS IN HIS TEMPLE

(Ephesians 2:22).

a. Gods people, JEW and GENTILE, are LIVING STONES in Gods

Temple (I Peter 2:4-8). JEWS are NOT ONE WALL in Gods
30

naos, (Temple), and GENTILES ANOTHER WALL. All of

Gods CHILDREN are BUILT TOGETHER in Gods building.
b. Through the work of His Spirit, when one keeps Gods Will, the
Father and the Son will make their HOME IN HIM. Gods
DWELLING!
III. GODS PARTICIPATION in this SALVATION IN CHRIST (Ephesians 3:1-21).
A. The LORD GOD was working THROUGH PAUL (Ephesians 3:1-13).
1. The phrase, FOR THIS REASON (3:1) refers back to the previous chapter.
a. For this reason refers to Pauls teaching that SIN and SEPARATION
had been overcome (Ephesians 2:1-22).
b. For this reason refers to what had been said about JESUS, the Chief
Corner Stone (2;19-22).
c. For this reason refers to incorporation of people into the KINGDOM,
the HOUSEHOLD OF GOD, and TEMPLE of the Lord.
2. Paul was the PRISONER of Christ for the sake of the GENTILES (3:1)
a. The church in the Province of ASIA, where this epistle was evidently
going, may have been primarily Gentile in background.
b. Paul was a prisoner of Christ in ROME. It is true that he expected to
be released from this imprisonment (Philippians 2:23, 24;
Philemon 22).. As a prisoner of Christ, if Christ wanted Paul to
be released, NO ONE COULD STOP IT!
c. Pauls CALLING BY GOD had been for the sake of GENTILES
(Acts 26:16-18; Romans 15:15, 16).
3. Some MAY NOT HAVE HEARD of the STEWARDSHIP (oikonomia)
given to Paul (Ephesians 3:2).
a. STEWARDSHIP means a JOB given to a SERVANT by the OWNER
of a house (I Corinthians 4:1, 2; 9:17; Colossians 1:25)
b. Paul was a STEWARD of the wonderful GRACE OF GOD! One
important principle to recognize is that GODS GRACE INVOLVES
31

the Christians RESPONSIBILITY! (I Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians

2:8-10).
4. God had REVEALED to Paul the MYSTERY (musterion) of the GOSPEL
(Ephesians 3:3) (A. and G. page 532).
a. Observe that PART of the MYSTERY that had been HIDDEN FOR
AGES (Titus 1:2, 3) included the SALVATION of GENTILES
(Ephesians 3:6).
b. Paul had received the MYSTERY by REVELATION from the
LORD (Read Galatians 1:11, 12).
c. When Paul said in this verse that he had WRITTEN BEFORE BRIEFLY,
he may be speaking of what he had said in the FIRST TWO
CHAPTERS of Ephesians. However, some writers believe that Paul
may have been speaking of the book of Colossians which, perhaps,
had already been in circulation among the churches.
5. When the RECIPIENTS would READ, they would UNDERSTAND Pauls
INSIGHT into the MYSTERY of Christ (Ephesians 3:4).
a. Letters from inspired men like Paul WERE READ IN PUBLIC in the
different congregations (Colossians 4:16; I Thessalonians 5:27, etc.)
b. NOTE THIS IMPORTANT POINT: From this Scripture, it is clearly
seen that the MYSTERY of the GOSPEL CAN BE
UNDERSTOOD BY PEOPLE!
6. The MYSTERY was HIDDEN in EARLIER GENERATIONS (Ephesians 3:5).
a. OLD Testament PROPHETS DID NOT KNOW THE MYSTERY
(I Peter 1:10-12).
b. A PROPHET was a SPOKESMAN for another (Exodus 4:16; 7:1).
c. Jesus had promised the HOLY SPIRIT to the APOSTLES to GUIDE
THEM INTO ALL TRUTH (John 14:26; 16:13).
d. In this passage, (3:5), Paul stated that, NOW, the MYSTERY had been
REVEALED to the holy apostles and prophets by the guidance of
the HOLY SPIRIT.
7. The SPECIFIC PART of the MYSTERY which Paul discussed here was the
32

Inclusion of the GENTILES in Gods plan of SALVATION (3:6)

a. GENTILES are FELLOW-HEIRS Study Galatians 3:26-29,
Romans 8:16, 17; Hebrews 11:9..
b. GENTILES are FELLOW-MEMBERS of the BODY, the CHURCH!
(Ephesians 2:11-16).
c. GENTILES are FELLOW-PARTAKERS of the PROMISE in Christ
through the GOSPEL. Truly, the SEED of Abraham is BLESSING
ALL NATIONS through the GOSPEL! (Genesis 12:1-3; Galatians
3:8-16).
8. PAULS MINISTRY concerning the MYSTERY (Ephesians 3:7-9). God
was working THROUGH PAUL!
a. Paul was a diakonos, a minister, a servant, who was making
known the MYSTERY to Gentiles (3:7) Observe that TIMOTHY
was a MINISTER (diakonos) (I Timothy 4:6).
b. Pauls MINISTRY came to him by the GRACE OF GOD (3:7).
Read I Timothy 1:14.
c. Gods POWER was at work in PAUL and his MINISTRY (3:7)
(II Corinthians 12:9, 10).
d. In CONTRAST to Gods POWER working through him, PAUL still
considered himself THE LEAST OF THE LEAST! (3:8). Study
Pauls FEELINGS ABOUT HIMSELF in I Corinthians 15:9;
II Corinthians 12:11; I Timothy 1:15.
e. AGAIN, Paul REPEATED that his ministry to preach to the GENTILES
came to him by GODS GRACE (3:8). See also 3:2, 7 for his
emphasis on GODS GRACE.
f. One cannot fathom the DEPTH of the RICHES OF CHRIST! It is
like an OCEAN whose depth CANNOT BE MEASURED! Study
I Corinthians 2:9 where Paul said, EYE HAS NOT SEEN.. the
GREAT THINGS that God had prepared for man in the gospel.
WHAT A WONDERFUL TREASURE! (Colossians 2:3). NO
SINNER IS SO EVIL THAT HE CANNOT BE TOUCHED BY
CHRIST AND HIS SACRIFICE!
g. We see that Paul mentioned again his MINISTRY to preach to the
33

GENTILES (3:8). (Acts 22:21; 26:17).

h. Pauls task was to BRING TO LIGHT the STEWARDSHIP, the
RESPONSIBILITY (oikonomia) concerning HOW Gods Plan
was to be fulfilled (3:9). See the definition of stewardship in the
notes on Ephesians 3:2.
i. AGAIN, Paul emphasized that the MYSTERY had been HIDDEN
for AGES by God, the CREATOR (3:9). It had been HIDDEN
from ANGELS, from SATAN, etc. (Colossians 1:26; I Peter 1:10-12).
9. God USES THE CHURCH to show His WISDOM

(Ephesians 3:10)

a. The CHURCH EXISTS, NOT JUST FOR US, but also for GODS
GLORY, and to show forth HIS WISDOM!
b. People IN THE WORLD, many times, consider the GOSPEL as
FOOLISHNESS (I Corinthians 1:21-24).
c. The MANIFOLD WISDOM (polipoikilos sophia) (Arndt and Gingrich,
page 694) means WISDOM in ALL OF ITS MANY SIDES, its
different aspects, its beauty.
d. RULERS and AUTHORITIES in heavenly places may mean
the following:
(1) Physical Leaders on earth
(2) Good angels
(3) Evil angels (Here, because of Ephesians 6:12, it may refer to
evil angels) (Boles, page 250, 251). (Bruce feels that they are
probably BOTH GOOD and BAD spirit beings (page 64).
e. HOWEVER, the CHURCH, by its very EXISTENCE and its WORK,
can show Gods wisdom TO ALL CREATION, including good
angels. We must EMPHASIZE here Romans 11:33.
10. This was GODS ETERNAL PURPOSE, HIS PURPOSE OF THE AGES
(Ephesians 3:11).
a. FROM ETERNITY, God has worked EVERYTHING according to His
Will (Ephesians 1:11).
b. This Scripture shows that the CHURCH was in the ETERNAL PLAN of
34

God. The CHURCH was NOT a NEW IDEA at the time when the
Jews REJECTED Jesus during His personal ministry as is OFTEN
TAUGHT BY THE THEORY OF PRE-MILLENNIALISM.
c. EVERYTHING in Gods Plan was brought to COMPLETION or
PERFECTION CARRIED OUT IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD
(Examine II Corinthians 1:19, 20).
11. Because of this MARVELOUS PLAN, Paul had BOLDNESS and
CONFIDENT ACCESS through FAITH in the Lord Jesus (3:12)
a. BOLDNESS is the courage to SPEAK FREELY. Notice the boldness
of the apostles in the Jerusalem church (Acts 4:12, 13; 29, 31).
b. The word, ACCESS was used by Paul in 2:18 to show that the GENTILES
also COULD APPROACH GOD through Christ
c. Gods people CAN APPROACH THE THRONE OF GRACE WITH
BOLDNESS (Hebrews 4:14-16).
12. Because of this, Paul did NOT WANT the Ephesians to be DISCOURAGED
because of HIS TRIBULATION (3:13). PAUL WAS IN PRISON!
a. Paul also ENCOURAGED the PHILIPPIANS and the COLOSSIANS
concerning his IMPRISONMENT (Philippians 1:12-14; 2:17, 18;
Colossians 1:24)
b. The phrase, NOT TO LOSE HEART is also found in Luke 18:1 where
Jesus taught the DISCIPLES to PRAY and NOT LOSE HEART.
Study also II Corinthians 4:1, 16. GOD DOES NOT ABANDON HIS
CHILDREN!
c. ALL OF THIS would be an encouragement to the READERS and would
lead to GLORY (I Peter 1:7-9).
B. God is WORKING IN ALL DISCIPLES

(Ephesians 3:14-21).

1. Paul now CONTINUED HIS PRAYER that was begun in Ephesians 1:15, 16.
(Ephesians 3:14).
2. In the Greek text, Ephesians 3:14-21 is ONE LONG, EXTENDED SENTENCE
3. KNEELING was a customary POSTURE for PRAYER (3:14) NOTE ALSO
35

Acts 7:60; 20:36; 21:5.

4. Paul BOWED HIS KNEES before the FATHER (3:14). Notice how often Paul
called God, FATHER in Ephesians (1:2, 3, 17; 2:18; 4:6; 5:20; 6:23)
5. GOD, the CREATOR (3:9) is the source of the WHOLE HUMAN FAMILY!
(3:15). EVERY CREATED BEING, in heaven and on earth, receives its
NAME and EXISTENCE from God!
6. Paul PRAYED that the READERS would be STRENGTHENED WITH POWER
(3:16). NOTE also I Corinthians 16:13.
a. This comes from the RICHES of Gods GLORY! Gods blessings have
NO END! (Ephesians 1:7, 18; 2:4). RICHES! RICHES!
b. In the OLD TESTAMENT, there are examples of POWER that came
through the HOLY SPIRIT (Judges 6:34; 14:5; 14:19; 15:14).
c. Paul said that the POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT is for the INNER
MAN. Note carefully Romans 15:13. Note also the POWER of
CHRIST (II Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 4:13). Read also
I Timothy 1:12 and II Timothy 4:17.
d. The apostle affirmed that, even though the OUTER MAN is decaying,
the INNER MAN is being renewed day by day (II Corinthians 4:16).
8. Paul desired and prayed that CHRIST WOULD DWELL IN THEIR HEARTS
BY FAITH (3:17). NOTE: Christ in you.. (Colossians 1:27). Read
also John 14:23. Again, .Christ lives in me.. (Galatians 2:20).
a. Paul desired that his READERS would be ROOTED and GROUNDED
IN LOVE (agape).
b. THERE ARE TWO FIGURES FOUND HERE:
(1) ROOTED refers to the SOLID ROOTS of a TREE
(2) GROUNDED suggests the SOLID FOUNDATION of a
BUILDING.
c. AGAPE (Love) was also SO IMPORTANT to JESUS
(1) It was a FOUNDATION COMMAND to the Lord.
36

LOVE GOD with all your heart.. AND LOVE YOUR

NEIGHBOR as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40).
(2) The BADGE of DISCIPLESHIP is the LOVE that disciples
have for each other (John 13:34, 35).
9. Paul PRAYED that the READERS, WITH ALL THE SAINTS, COULD GRASP
THE LOVE OF CHRIST (Ephesians 3:18, 19).
a. We have seen that the RICHES of Christ are UNFATHOMAABLE
(Ephesians 3:8).
b. Note also, that, in this passage, the LOVE OF CHRIST is SO GREAT!
It is HARD TO GRASP!
c. Can we GRASP the BREADTH, LENGTH, HEIGHT, and DEPTH of
GODS and CHRISTS LOVE? (John 3:16; Romans 5:8, 9;
Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 5:25).
d. NOTE THIS QUOTE: It is a love too deep for the mind to plumb
its depth; A love too high to be surpassed; A love too broad to
exclude any who come to him; A love too long to be outlasted
(Boles, page 259).
10. LOVE SURPASSES KNOWLEDGE! (3:19). See I Corinthians 8:1-3
where KNOWLEDGE PUFFS UP, BUT LOVE BUILDS UP!
a. Here, the KNOWLEDGE discussed is NOT a knowledge of just FACTS,
but a KNOWLEDGE that has been EXPERIENCED.
b. Paul wanted them t:o have a TRUE KNOWLEDGE of the MYSTERY
of CHRIST (Colossians 2:2). BUT, THE LOVE OF CHRIST
SURPASSES KNOWLEDGE! Here is where true fullness lies!
11. Pauls PRAYER, therefore, CONTAINS AT LEAST THREE REQUESTS:
a. That the READERS BE STRENGTHENED

(3:16). Note 6:10.

b. That CHRIST would DWELL in them by FAITH (3:17).

c. That they may FULLY UNDERSTAND the LOVE OF CHRIST
(3:18, 19) (Weed, pages 154, 155).
12. THE CONCLUSION: Paul wanted them to be FILLED WITH THE
37

FULNESS (pleroma) OF GOD!

(Ephesians 3:19).

a. This word, pleroma suggests COMPLETENESS, FINALITY.

b. Read the following verses that mention FULNESS as seen in
Ephesians and Colossians: Ephesians 1:10, 23; 4:13; Colossians
1:19; 2:9.
c. It suggests that Christians can come to SPIRITUAL MANHOOD, to
SPIRITUAL MATURITY, and be no longer CHILDREN
(Ephesians 4:13).
13. PRAISE TO THE LORD! A DOXOLOGY! (Ephesians 3:20, 21).
a. The FIRST HALF of Ephesians is CONCLUDING with BOTH A PRAYER
and a WORD OF PRAISE! In the middle of the book!
b. See this also in OTHER WRITINGS of Paul
(1) PRAISE: (Romans 11:33-36)
(2) PRAYER: (I Thessalonians 3:11-13; II Thessalonians 2:16, 17)
c. Gods POWER can do so much BEYOND ANYTHING WE CAN IMAGINE
(3:20). It is beyond an over-flowing! (huperexperissou). It is infinitely
more than. we can comprehend (A, and G, page 848). Read
II Corinthians 13:4 concerning the POWER of God.
d. Gods POWER is at work among His children (Philippians 2:13)
e. God is GLORIFIED in His children
1:12)

(Philippians 1:11; II Thessalonians

f. May God be GLORIFIED in the (1) CHURCH and in (2) CHRIST

JESUS (3:21)
g. Gods GREAT REDEMPTION PLAN GIVES HIM GLORY!
h. The CHURCH as the CLIMAX of His Plan shows Gods WISDOM
and, therefore, gives Him glory (Note Ephesians 3:10, 11).
i. NOTE other DOXOLOGIES (Words of Praise) in Romans 16:25-27;
Jude 24, 25; I Timothy 1:17, but SHORTER ONES in Philippians
38

4:20; I Peter 4:11; Revelation 1:6.

j. TO GOD BE THE GLORY! May this GLORY be given unto all
generations OF THE AGE OF THE AGES (Forever and ever) (3:21).

RESPONSIBILITIES OF DISCIPLES
THE RESPONSE OF THE DISCIPLE TO HIS SALVATION
(Ephesian 4:1-6:24)
I. The LIFE of the DISCIPLE in the CHURCH, THE BODY OF CHRIST

(Ephesians 4:1-16).

A. The NEED for UNITY in the BODY OF CHRIST (Ephesians 4:1-6).

1. If we CHOOSE to be IN CHRIST, we have RESONSIBILITIES!
2. The word, THEREFORE (4:1) is a CONCLUSION to what Paul has said.
The statement, I, therefore, EXHORT YOU. is the same in Greek as
Pauls STATEMENT in Romans 12:1. He is stating a CONCLUSION from
what has been taught PREVIOUSLY IN BOTH CHAPTERS!
3. In the FIRST THREE CHAPTERS OF EPHESIANS, Paul has taught much about
GODS SALVATION IN CHRIST! On the basis of that GREAT
SALVATION, he will now EXHORT them to LIVE IN HARMONY WITH
THAT MESSAGE!
4. BECAUSE OF CHRIST, Paul was a PRISONER in the Lord (Ephesians 4:1).
5. Paul URGED, he PLEADED (parakaleo) with them to LIVE IN HARMONY
WITH THE CALLING OF THE LORD. See this also in Colossians 1:10;
I Thessalonians 2:12; and Philippians 1:27. The word, parakaleo in its
root meaning suggests to call to ones side, summon (A. and G. page 622).
It means to BEG, to URGE, to EXHORT.
a. IF A PERSON ACCEPTS THIS GREAT CALLING, HE MUST LIVE
IN HARMONY WITH THAT CALLING!
b. Disciples MUST LIVE IN A MANNER WORTHY OF
(1) The LORD (Colossians 1:10).
39

(2) WORTHY of the GOSPEL

(Philippians 1:27).

(3) WORTHY of YOUR CALLING (Ephesians 4:1).

c. The word, WALK (peripateo) refers to OUR CONDUCT!
(I John 2:6).
d. The word, WORTHY does NOT MEAN that we DESERVE our
SALVATION. It does mean that God has MADE US WORTHY
THROUGH JESUS SACRIFICE (See II Thessalonians 1:5).
6. CHARACTERISTICS of the WALK of the TRUE DISCIPLE (Ephesians 4:2, 3).
a. WALK IN HUMILITY --- In LOWLINESS OF MIND! Walk
WITHOUT PRIDE! (Philippians 2:1-3; Colossians 3:12-15).
b. GENTLENESS --- Gentleness is a POWER or STRENGTH that is
UNDER CONTROL. Gentleness does NOT mean weakness (Read
Galatians 5:23).
c. PATIENCE --- (makrothumia). Someone has said that this word
means, to have a LONG TEMPER concerning the weaknesses of
another person (Note Galatians 5:23 again). It means, patience toward
others (A. and G. page 489). GOD HAS BEEN PATIENT WITH US!
Let us be PATIENT with others (II Peter 3:9).
d. FORBEARING --- (anechomai). Putting up with. It means to
ENDURE, BEAR WITH (A. and G. page 65). Study
Philippians 4:5.
e. Observe an EXCELLENT DESCRIPTION of the words Paul used above,
and HOW they CAN BE DEMONSTRATED.
(1) HUMILITY --- I may be wrong.
(2) GENTLENESS --- Im willing to listen and change
(3) PATIENCE --- I will give you time to think it through
(4) BEARING WITH --- I will put up with you even when we
disagree
(5) EAGERNESS --- (Giving Diligence). I really want this to
40

work

(Boles, page 266).

f. ALL OF THESE EXHORTATIONS given by Paul are to be done IN

LOVE (4:2). Notice this same thought in I Corinthians 16:14.
g. The words, GIVING DILIGENCE mean TO DO YOUR BEST to
PRESERVE UNITY. This is the same Greek word, (spoudadzo) that
is translated MAKE EVERY EFFORT in II Timothy 4:9, 21. Also,
the same word is translated BE DILIGENT in II Timothy 2:15.
Be zealous or eager (A. and G. page 771).
h. The UNITY OF THE SPIRIT means that the HOLY SPIRIT is the
SOURCE of UNITY. UNITY comes from the SPIRIT (4:3)
i. The UNITY in the CHURCH that God desires can only be preserved
WHEN GODS PEOPLE have THESE QUALITIES GIVEN ABOVE
BY PAUL!
j. There will be a BOND OF PEACE and LOVE when THESE QUALITIES
ABOUND~ (Colossians 3:14).
7. GODS BASIS FOR UNITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST, THE CHURCH
(Ephesians 4:4-6).
a. ONE BODY --- One UNITED FAMILY! ONE UNIVERSAL CHURCH!
(4:4). (Ephesians 2:15, 16; 5:22-33; Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28).
b. ONE SPIRIT --- The HOLY SPIRIT BY WHOM PEOPLE ARE
BAPTIZED INTO THE ONE BODY (I Corinthians 12:13). See
THE SAME SPIRIT in I Corinthians 12:4. Also, when one is
baptized into Christ, he receives the GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
(Acts 2:38; 5:32).
c. ONE HOPE OF OUR CALLING --- The ONE BODY SHARES A
MUTUAL HOPE --- ETERNAL LIFE! (Examine Ephesians 1:18;
I Peter 1:13; Titus 1:2; Romans 8:24, 25; I John 3:2).
d. ONE LORD (4:5) --- ONE MASTER! It is not difficult to
understand why one faith and one baptism are attached to one
Lord. He is the object of the peoples faith (Eph. 3:12) and it is into
Him that they have been baptized (Romans 6:3). (F. F. Bruce quoted
in Boles, page 268). See the LORDSHIP of Jesus emphasized in
41

Acts 2:36-38; Romans 14:8, 9; Philippians 2:9-11; I Peter 3:15, etc.).

e. ONE FAITH --- The word, FAITH is used in BOTH an OBJECTIVE
and SUBJECTIVE SENSE in Scripture. In the Objective sense it
means the BODY OF TRUTH that we believe (Jude 3; Ephesians
4:13, etc.. In the Subjective sense it refers to our TRUST IN, and
COMMITMENT to Jesus (Ephesians 2:8; 3:17). Weed feels that,
in this passage, it means THE BODY OF TRUTH God has revealed
(Weed, page 158). Bruce feels that FAITH here is TRUST.
f. ONE BAPTISM --- In the first century, there was NO QUESTION OR
DOUBT about the meaning of BAPTISM
(1) It was an IMMERSION IN WATER (Acts 8:35-39; Romans
6:1-4; Colossians 2:11, 12).
(2) After the MESSAGE about CHRIST AS LORD WAS BELIEVED,
and people REPENTED AND WERE BAPTIZED, they would be
FORGIVEN through Jesus blood and would receive the gift of the
HOLY SPIRIT (Acts 2:36-38).
g. ONE GOD AND FATHER (Ephesians 4:6).
(1) NOTE the ASCENDING ORDER of the GODHEAD in this
Scripture: First, the ONE SPIRIT (4:4). Then, the ONE
LORD, (4:5), and finally, the ONE GOD and FATHER (4:6).
NOTE ALSO the SPIRIT..CHRIST.. FATHER in
3:16-19.
(2)

AN INTERESTING THOUGHT: The ONE GOD sent the ONE

LORD to the earth. After He died, was resurrected, and ascended,
He sent the ONE SPIRIT who revealed the ONE FAITH. When
people accept the ONE FAITH, and obey the ONE BAPTISM, they
are added to the ONE BODY, and have the ONE HOPE!

(3) God is OVER ALL, THROUGH ALL, and IN ALL! God

the Father is Supreme! See also Romans 11:36.
B. VARIOUS GIFTS and RESPONSIBILITIES IN ONE BODY (Ephesians 4:7-11).
1. Through GRACE, EACH PART OF THE BODY HAS A GIFT

(4:7)

CONSIDER that the word, GRACE and the word, GIFT come from the
42

same Greek word, charis (grace) and charisma (gift).

2. AN IMPORTANT THOUGHT: Different GIFTS in the BODY of Christ
DO NOT DESTROY UNITY. But, they can PROMOTE UNITY!
(Romans 12:4-7; I Corinthians 12:12-27).
3. Each disciple should use WHATEVER GIFT HE HAS TO SERVE OTHERS
(I Peter 4:10, 11).
4. When a KING came home in VICTORY, he would RECEIVE GIFTS!
When JESUS ASCENDED TO HEAVEN, HE GAVE GIFTS! (4:8)
In this verse, Paul quoted Psalm 68:18 as an illustration
a. In the OLD TESTAMENT, it is true that God led His people to
VICTORY over their enemies (Judges 5:12, etc.)
b. Psalm 68 is EMPHASIZING THE GIVING OF GOD (Psalm 68:1-6;
10, 11, 19, 35)
c. BY HIS DEATH, JESUS DEFEATED SATAN AND ALL HIS EVIL
SPIRITS! IN HIS VICTORY, HE LED THEM CAPTIVE!
(Colossians 2:15; John 12:31-33; Hebrews 2:14, etc.).
d. When JESUS ASCENDED, IN HIS VICTORY, HE LED HIS CAPTIVES
IN TRIUMPH! (Ephesians 4:8).
e. HE ALSO GAVE GIFTS TO MEN!
5. PAUL applied this to CHRIST

(Ephesians 4:9, 10).

a. The ONE WHO ASCENDED ALSO DESCENDED! (4:9) See this also in
John 3:13.
b. The ONE WHO DESCENDED ALSO ASCENDED

(4:10)

c. The LOWER PARTS OF THE EARTH may be speaking of JESUS

INCARNATION (John 1:14; Philippians 2:7, 8; Hebrews 2:14)
However, some writers think that Paul is speaking about Jesus
redemption and rule that penetrates even the realm of death..
and the powers of the underworld (Weed, page 161). Nevertheless,
JESUS HAS GAINED THE VICTORY! Bruce agrees, page 83.
6. CONSIDER THIS: This passage shows THE PRE-EXISTENCE OF CHRIST!
43

JESUS DESCENDED FROM HEAVEN BEFORE HE ASCENDED!

a. IN THE BEGINNING, the WORD was FACE TO FACE with
God (John 1:1)
b. ALL THINGS were CREATED THROUGH CHRIST (John 1:1-3;
(Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-3, etc.).
c. Jesus CAME FROM HEAVEN TO DO THE WILL OF THE FATHER
(John 6:38).
d. MANY PASSAGES teach that JESUS WAS SENT FROM HEAVEN to
Earth (John 6:41, 42, 50, 51; 12:49, etc.).
e. Jesus Himself said, BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS BORN, I AM (John
8:58).
f. JESUS was BEFORE ALL THINGS!

(Colossians 1:17).

g. Before His BETRAYAL, Jesus PRAYED, And now, glorify Thou Me

together with Thyself, Father, WITH THE GLORY WHICH I HAD
WITH THEE BEFORE THE WORLD WAS (John 17:5).
7. Jesus ASCENDED HIGHER THAN ALL THE HEAVENS (4:10)
a. He is AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD in heavenly places
(Ephesians 1:20, Acts 2:33; Hebrews 1:1-3, etc.).
b. This was done so that HE MIGHT FILL ALL THINGS!
c. IN HEAVEN, WHAT DOES JESUS DO?
(1) He is our FAITHFUL HIGH PRIEST! (Hebrews 4:14-16;
10:21, 22).
(2) He INTERCEDES IN BEHALF OF THE CHURCH!
(Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).
(3) He UPHOLDS THE UNIVERSE BY THE WORD OF HIS
POWER (Hebrews 1:3).

(4) .IN HIM ALL THINGS HOLD TOGETHER (Colossians

44

1:17).
8. The Lord GAVE SOME SPECIFIC GIFTS and MINISTRIES within the
BODY (Ephesians 4:11).
a. APOSTLES --- One who was SENT OUT!
(1) The word apostle is used in BOTH a GENERAL and a
SPECIFIC sense. The 12 apostles had a specific ministry,
with specific qualifications. Note Acts 1:21, 22.
(2) However, with a general meaning, the word apostle can be
used for MESSENGERS who are SENT OUT by
congregations for a certain ministry (II Corinthians 8:23).
(3) The 12APOSTLES were INSPIRED by the HOLY SPIRIT
(John 14:26; 16:13).
(4) The TWELVE were EYE WITNESSES of Jesus, including
His RESURRECTION (Acts 21, 22; 2:32, etc.).
(5) They were the FIRST among other leaders (I Corinthians 12:28)
(6) They were a FOUNDATION because of their message
(Ephesians 2:20-22).
b. PROPHETS --- Spokesmen for God
(1) OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS were SPOKESMEN!
(Exodus 4:15, 16; 7:1). AARON was the prophet,
(spokesman) of MOSES.
(2) In the NEW TESTAMENT, prophets are associated with
apostles (Ephesians 2:20; 3:5).
(3) They delivered INSPIRED WORDS from GOD to MAN
(I Corinthians 12:10, 28; 14:29-32).
(4) SAUL (Paul), BARNABAS, and OTHERS were PROPHETS
(Acts 13:1-3).

(5) The GIFT of PROPHECY was NOT A PERMANENT MINISTRY

45

IT WAS TO CEASE!

(I Corinthians 13:8-10).

c. EVANGELISTS --- Proclaimers of GOOD NEWS

(1) The words, EVANGELIST, EVANGELIZE, and GOSPEL
are all from the same root word in Greek which means to
announce something good.
(2) EVANGELISTS could be PREACHERS who travelled.
However, PHILIP (Acts 21:8), and TIMOTHY (II Timothy 4:5)
WORKED WITH EXISTING CHURCHES.
(3) The MINISTRY of the EVANGELIST is an ON-GOING
WORK WHICH WILL NEVER CEASE (Matthew 28:20).
d. TEACHING PASTORS
(1) The Greek construction LINKS TOGETHER the words
PASTORS and TEACHERS as ONE MINISTRY.
(2) PASTORS (Shepherds), ELDERS, and OVERSEERS
(Bishops) refer to the SAME MEN in the New Testament
(Acts 20:17-28; I Peter 5:1-4; Titus 1:5-9).
C. The GREAT NEED for MATURITY in the BODY OF CHRIST, the CHURCH
(Ephesians 4:12-16).
1. The GREAT TASK of APOSTLES, PROPHETS, EVANELISTS and PASTORS
who are TEACHERS was to PREPARE the PEOPLE OF GOD for
MINISTRY (Ephesians 4:12).
2. The literal translation of this statement is, TOWARD THE EQUIPPING OF
THE SAINTS, UNTO WORK OF MINISTRY (Service).
3. The VERB form of EQUIPPING (katartismos) is found in a number of
Scriptures (A. and G. pages 417, 418).
a. It is used for TEACHING or being FULLY TRAINED (Luke 6:40)
b. The word is used for COMPLETING WHAT IS LACKING
(I Thessalonians 3:10)
c. It means, TO PREPARE FOR USE (Hebrews 10:5).
46

d. It means to FORM, MOLD, or SHAPE such as the WORLDS WERE

PREPARED. (Hebrews 11:3).
e. It also means to EQUIP with EVERYTHING GOOD (Hebrews 13:21)
(etc.).
4. QUESTION: ARE GOSPEL PREACHERS DOING THIS TODAY IN THE
CONREGATIONS WHERE THEY PREACH? Please discuss this.
5. THOSE who are to be EQUIPPED are SAINTS, those SANCTIFIED, those
who are SET APART for Gods work (See Ephesians 1:1; 1:18, etc.)
6. The word, SERVICE or MINISTRY (diakonia), originally meant
TABLE SERVING such as a WAITER in a RESTAURANT would do.
NOTE the BIBLICAL USAGE of this word:
a. It refers to PROVIDING FOOD (Luke 8:3). The WAITERS at
the WEDDING FEAST are diakonoi (John 2:5).
b. WAITING ON TABLES (Acts 6:2).
c. HELPING those who are HUNGRY, NAKED, etc (Matthew 25:44).
d. FAMINE RELIEF (Romans 15:25).
e. DEACONS (diakonoi) appointed to serve (I Timothy 3:10).
7. The PURPOSE of the EQUIPPING of the saints is the BUILDING UP
of the BODY OF CHRIST (Ephesians 4:13).
a. EVERY PART of the BODY MUST MATURE

(Ephesians 4:16).

b. NOTE: This MATURITY will produce GREAT CONCERN for

OTHERS, NOT SELFISHNESS (Philippians 2:4).
8. The Lord wants a BODY WORKING TOGETHR IN UNITY

(4:13).

a. The word, MATURE (teleios) in this verse suggests the idea of

FULL-GROWN disciples, members of the BODY. See
Philippians 3:15 The word, teleion here is translated PERFECT,
that is, MATURE. The word does NOT mean that a disciple of
47

Jesus will be SINLESS!

(I John 1:7-10).

b. Therefore, the Lords BODY should be composed of MANY MEMBERS

who are continually MATURING in their FAITH and KNOWLEDGE
(Read Ephesians 3:18, 19 concerning being filled up).
c. The image here is of the church as a corporate personality whose various
parts, when working properly, contribute to its completeness (fullness
of Christ) (Weed, page 163).
9. MATURE CHRISTIANS can DISTINGUISH between TRUTH and ERROR
(Ephesians 4:14).
a. MATURE CHRISTIANS are NO LONGER CHILDREN!
b. MATURE CHRISTIANS are NO LONGER LIKE BABIES
(I Corinthians 3:1, 2). NOTE ALSO Hebrews 5:12-14.
c. MATURE CHRISTIANS can avoid FALSE TEACHING
(1) We know that there was a FALSE PHILOSOPHY being taught
at Colossee (Colossians 2:8). Other churches like Ephesus must
also guard against false teaching.
(2) IMMATURE CHRISTIANS can be TOSSED TO AND FRO
by MANY FALSE TEACHINGS. Note TO AND FRO
in James 1:6 and carried along by winds in Jude 12, 13.
(3) Paul refused to PEDDLE or CORRUPT the Word of the Lord
(II Corinthians 2:17). Read also Hebrews 13:9.
(4) Paul had warned the Ephesians elders about teaching PERVERSE
teachings (Acts 20:30). MANY YEARS LATER, the church
at EPHESUS had TESTED FALSE APOSTLES and found
truly to be FALSE (Revelation 2:1, 2).
10. MATURE DISCIPLES must LIVE BY THE TRUTH in LOVE (Jerusalem
Bible) (Ephesians 4:15).
a. Observe the EMPHASIS on TRUTH in the book of Ephesians
(Ephesians 4:21, 24; 5:9). FALSE TEACHING must be met and
OVERCOME with TRUTH (Ephesians 6:14, 17).
b. Observe also the use of the expression, IN LOVE found in Ephesians
48

(1:4, 5; 3:17; 4:2; 5:2). MATURE CHRISTIANS will always

SPEAK WHAT IS TRUE, BUT, THEY WILL DO IT IN LOVE!
c. MATURE CHRISTIANS will GROW UP in every way INTO HIM,
the HEAD OF THE BODY!
(1) EVERYTHING FOCUSES ON THE HEAD! (See
Ephesians 1:22).
(2) NOTICE how EVERYTHING ALSO CENTERS AROUND THE
HEAD in Colossians 2:19.
11. EVERY MEMBER is connected WITH EVERY OTHER MEMBER (4:16)
a. They ALL DEPEND ON EACH OTHER (I Corinthians 12:20-27).
b. ALL THE MEMBERS ARE NOURISHED TOGETHER and ALL
GROW TOGETHER. The words, joined and knit are in a
construction that shows a CONTINUOUS PROCESS. They
CONTINUE to be joined and knit together.
c. EACH PART of the BODY WORKS ACCORDING TO ITS SEPARATE
FUNCTION (Jerusalem Bible translation). NOTE that LEADERS
in a congregation CANNOT DO ALL THE WORK! Each part, EACH
MEMBER has a MINISTRY (Romans 12:4-7).
d. AND SO, THE ENTIRE BODY MATURES in an ENVIRONMENT of
LOVE! (Weed, page 165).
II. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES of EVERY DISCIPLE --- The HOLY LIFE that MUST
BE LIVED (Ephesians 4:17-5:21).
A. EACH must live as a NEW MAN IN CHRIST (Ephesians 4:17-24).
1. NOTE the word, THEREFORE, in 4:17 and 4:25. This suggests a
CONCLUSION to what the apostle Paul has JUST TAUGHT!
2. Paul is teaching that MEMBERS OF THE LORDS BODY must NOT
WALK (Live) as the GENTILES DO (4:17)
a. Observe the SIMILARITY of Pauls statements in this passage to those
found in Colossians 3:1-17.
b. The FUTILE life of the Gentiles is described in Romans 1:21-24.
49

Their FOOLISH heart was DARKENED. They had a

DISTORTED mind. Their mind was CALLOUSED! (4:19).
They were DARKENED in their UNDERSTANDING! (4:18).
c. It SEEMS that the brethren who RECEIVED this letter, Ephesians, were
PRIMARILY GENTILES (Ephesians 2:11; 3:1).
d. Gentiles had lived in FUTILE IDOLATRY. Their IDOL WORSHIP
was VAIN, EMPTY, USELESS (Acts 14:15; I Thessalonians
1:9; I Peter 1:18).
3. CONSIDER the SAD CONDITION of the GENTILES

(Ephesians 4:18).

a. INTELLECTUALLY, THEY ARE IN THE DARK (Jerusalem Bible

Translation).
b. They were EXCLUDED from the LIFE OF GOD (Read Colossians
1:21).
c. They were IGNORANT! Their IGNORANCE came out of a
PERVERTED MIND! The Jerusalem Bible says, HAVING SHUT
THEIR HEARTS! Examine Romans 1:28.
(1) In the Old Testament period, A WILFUL IGNORANCE IS
OBSERVED (Romans 11:25; II Chronicles 36:13).
(2) The BIBLE HEART includes the (1) INTELLECT (Matthew
13:15), the (2) EMOTIONS (Matthew 22:37), the (3)
CONSCIENCE (Acts 2:37), and (4) The WILL
(II Corinthians 9:7).
4. The GENTILE CALLOUSNESS or HARDNESS produced IMPURITY (4:19)
Examine I Peter 4:3. The word, IMPURITY (aselgeia) used here may also
be seen in Mark 7:22; Galatians 5:19; Romans 13:13 and II Corinthians 12:21.
5. The GENTILE CHRISTIANS to whom Paul is writing MUST REALIZE that
IMMOALITY is NOT COMPATIBLE with the LORD JESUS CHRIST (4:20)
a. They DID NOT LEARN CHRIST in this way!
b. To LEARN CHRIST is NOT LIMITED to a MENTAL ACCEPTANCE!
It also involves a CHANGE OF LIFESTYLE! LEARN of Christ!
50

(Matthew 11:29).
c. To LEARN CHRIST involved their ACCEPTANCE and OBEDIENCE
of the GOSPEL (Colossians 1:23, 28; 2:6). There is a NEED for
MATURITY, and COMPLETENESS! Walk in Him!
6. Paul DID NOT DOUBT that they had HEARD and ACCEPTED CHRIST (4:21).
He is emphasizing that they DID HEAR and ACCEPT JESUS. This is a
similar phrase to his statement, IF YOU WERE RAISED WITH CHRIST.
(Colossians 3:1). THEY WERE RAISED.!
a. The Lord INSTRUCTS His people through the preached Word
(I Corinthians 9:14).
b. NOTE VERY CLEARLY that TRUTH IS IN JESUS
14:6).
7. They MUST PUT OFF the OLD SINFUL MAN!
a. They had DIED to the OLD LIFE OF SIN!
Romans 6:1-6, etc.).

(John 8:31, 32;

(Ephesians 4:22).
(Colossians 2:12; 3:1-17;

b. NOTE that this statement is made in the CONTEXT of BAPTISM INTO

CHRIST! There must be a DEATH to SIN (Romans 6:1-6).
c. The OLD SELF is in the process of CORRUPTION or DECAY!
It is SINKING TOWARDS DEATH (New English Bible).
d. That OLD MAN is characterized by DECEITFUL LUSTS or
DESIRES (II Peter 1:4). Christians have escaped the corruption
that is in the world by lust.
8. Paul wanted them to have a NEW MIND (Ephesians 4:23, 24).
(Study also Romans 12:1, 2; 8:7).
a. NOTE AGAIN that BAPTISM is in the CONTEXT of the NEW SELF
(Romans 6:1-4; Galatians 3:26, 27; Colossians 3:5, 8, 10, 12).
b. This NEW NATURE is in harmony with the LIKENESS OF GOD
(Read Romans 13:14).

c. The LORD DESIRES TRUE HOLINESS and RIGHTEOUSNESS

51

(Examine Luke 1:75; Hebrews 12:14).

B. SPECIFIC COMMANDS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ONE BODY
(Ephesians 4:25-32).
1. The word, THEREFORE again introduces the apostles inspired ethical
commands that come out of the teaching on the NEW MAN. (4:25).
a. The SIN of LYING was a NORMAL ACTIVITY among GENTILES
(Romans 1:25; Colossians 3:9, 10; Titus 1:12).
b. Christians MUST NOT LIE!
b. The statement to SPEAK TRUTH WITH HIS NEIGHBOR seems to
refer back to Zechariah 8:16. This is so important also within the
BODY of our Lord where our relationships must be so close!
2. When ONE IS ANGRY, DO NOT SIN! (Ephesians 4:26).
a. ANGER IS NOT NECESSARILY A SIN! Jesus was ANGRY over the
HYPOCRISY and HARDNESS OF HEART of the Jews. BUT, HE
DID NOT SIN! (Read II Corinthians 5:20, 21; I Peter 2:21, 22;
Hebrews 4:14-16, etc.).
b. ANGER CAN LEAD TO SIN! NOTE Ephesians 4:31; Romans 12:19;
James 1:19.
c. LET NOT THE SUN GO DOWN ON YOUR ANGER means that the day
of ANGER is the SAME DAY when RECONCILIATION should take
place with the person who is the RECIPIENT OF ONES ANGER.
(Weed, page 169).
3. DO NOT GIVE THE DEVIL AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEAD YOU INTO SIN!
(Ephesians 4:27).
a. CONSIDER James 4:7.

RESIST THE DEVIL!

b. CONTINUAL ANGER WILL GIVE THE DEVIL A FOOTHOLD in the

life of a person (Jerusalem Bible)
c. Observe that Paul called Elymas a SON OF THE DEVIL in Acts 13:10.
4. DO NOT STEAL! (Ephesians 4:28). This means that the ONE WHO IS
52

STEALING MUST STOP his stealing!

a. Each one should LABOR with their hands to HELP THOSE WHO
ARE IN NEED! (Romans 12:13; Titus 3:14).
b. SLAVES were NOT TO PILFER FROM THEIR MASTERS!
(Titus 2:9, 10).
c. ALL CHRISTIANS MUST LEARN TO HELP OTHERS! (Acts
11:27-30; II Corinthians 8:1-5)
d. Paul WORKED WITH HIS HANDS as a TENTMAKER (Acts 18:3;
20:34; II Thessalonians 3:6- 12, etc.).
5. Christians should ALWAYS speak GRACIOUS and WHOLESOME WORDS
(Ephesians 4:29).
a. We should ALWAYS SPEAK words that will EDIFY or BUILD UP
and BENEFIT STRENGTHEN, ESTABLISH (A. and G.
page 561). See this word, oikodomen (Edification) as it is used
in Romans 15:2 and I Corinthians 14:12. Let us ENCOURAGE
OTHERS!
b. The word for UNWHOLESOME or EVIL TALK means ROTTEN
or WORTHLESS TALK (Matthew 15:11, 18; James 3:10).
Christians MUST AVOID UNWHOLESOME TALK!
c. Paul was deeply concerned about STRENGTHENING the whole CHURCH
(Ephesians 4:16; II Corinthians 12:19; Romans 1:11, 12).
d. Our SPEECH should ALWAYS BE GRACIOUS, SEASONED WITH
SALT (Pleasant to taste) (Colossians 4:6).
6. DO NOT GRIEVE the HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 4:30).
a. This statement literally means, STOP GRIEVING the Holy Spirit.
b. NOTE that this is evidently a quotation from Isaiah 63:10.
c. CONSIDER these statements about the HOLY SPIRIT:
(1) The Holy Spirit TEACHES (John 14:26).
(2) The Holy Spirit SPEAKS (I Timothy 4:1).
53

(3) The Holy Spirit INTERCEDES (Romans 8:26, 27).

d. Through WRONG TALKING, LYING, STEALING, etc., the Holy Spirit
can be GRIEVED! NOTE ALSO that the Holy Spirit can be
INSULTED (Hebrews 10:29).
e. Disciples of Jesus have the SEAL of the HOLY SPIRIT
(Read Ephesians 1:13, 14; II Corinthians 1:21, 22).
f. The DAY OF REDEMPTION is at the END OF THIS AGE
(Read Romans 8:23).
7. AS A NEW MAN, A NEW CREATION in Christ, they must PUT AWAY
the FOLLOWING: (Ephesians 4:31).
a. BITTERNESS (pikria). The New English Bible translates it SPITE.
(Romans 3:14; James 3:14).
b. PUT AWAY WRATH and ANGER! The difference between these
two words seems to be that WRATH is a SUDDEN BURST of
anger, and that the word for ANGER is a MORE PROLONGED anger.
c. CLAMOR (krauge) is translated ANGRY SHOUTING in the New
English Bible. Read Acts 23:9 where there was a great UPROAR.
d. SLANDER (blasphemia). This is slanderous speech, speaking
against another person. Study also Colossians 3:8
e. MALICE (kakia). Bad feeling of every kind (New English Bible).
It suggests a terrible attitude that seeks to HURT SOMEONE!
(I Peter 2:1).
8. SOME POSITIVE ATTITUDES TO DEMONSTRATE

(Ephesians 4:32)

a. CONSIDER that this verse is one of the ONE ANOTHER Scriptures.

Examine John 13:34, 35; Galatians 6:2; 5:13; I Peter 1:22, etc.).
b. AN IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE: Christians MUST DEMONSTRATE
the SAME ATTITUDE AS GOD IN CHRIST demonstrated in
forgiving US! NOTE ALSO that Christians must WALK IN LOVE
JUST AS CHRIST LOVED YOU! (Ephesians 5:2).
c. The word, KIND (chrestoi) means to be helpful and benevolent. It is
54

also translated GENEROUS (New English Bible). NOTE that

KINDNESS needs to be EXPRESSED in what we DO TO HELP
OTHERS! See also that GOD has shown KINDNESS to us
(Ephesians 2:7)
d. Be TENDERHEARTED (eusplagchnoi) is to show COMPASSION
toward OTHERS (I Peter 3:8).
e. TO BE FORGIVEN, CHRISTIANS MUST FORGIVE! (Matthew
6:14, 15; 18:21-35). The word here is charizomenoi which means
to extend GRACE! EXTEND GRACE! FORGIVE OTHERS!
C. WALKING IN LOVE

(Ephesians 5:1, 2).

1. Again, the word, THEREFORE suggests a CONCLUSION! Because disciples

of Jesus are NEW CREATURES, they must WALK IN LOVE (5:1, 2).
The CONCLUSION comes out of what Paul said in 4:20-32.
2. Christians are BELOVED CHILDREN. They are ADOPTED by the FATHER
(Ephesians 1:5). Consider also the SONS OF GOD (Galatians 3:26, 27).
3. OUR ACTIONS should be like the FATHERS ACTIONS! IMITATE HIM!
a. The FATHER is KIND to UNGRATEFUL PEOPLE! (Luke 6:35).
We SHOULD DO THE SAME!
b. The FATHER is MERCIFUL! (Luke 6:36)
SAME!

Disciples should DO THE

4. IMITATE the FATHER! Consider this principle concerning IMITATION

also in I Corinthians 11:1; I Thessalonians 1:6; 2:14; II Thessalonians 3:7, 9;
I Corinthians 4:16. In I Thessalonians 1:6, BOTH THE LORD AND PAUL
were to be IMITATED!
5. The word, WALK (peripateo) in Scripture is used for our MANNER OF LIFE,
the WAY WE LIVE! (Ephesians 2:2, 10; 4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15).
6. JESUS is the PERFECT EXAMPLE of WALKING IN LOVE (Ephesians 5:2).
a. His SUPREME LOVE is found in HIS SACRIFICIAL DEATH
(John 15:15; Ephesians 1:5; 2:4; 3:17-19; I John 4:10).
b. His SACRIFICE DEMONSTRATES quite clearly His GREAT LOVE
55

(Ephesians 5:25, 26; Galatians 2:20).

D. WALKING IN LIGHT (Ephesians 5:3-14).
1. NOTE that Paul states in this paragraph, WALK AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT
(Ephesians 5:8).
2. EVIL THINGS should NOT EVEN BE NAMED among the disciples of Jesus
(Ephesians 5:3).
a. NOT BEING NAMED may mean that EVIL THINGS should NOT EVEN
BE DISCUSSED IN CONVERSATION! Read Ephesians 5:12.
b. These EVIL THINGS are NOT PROPER for Gods HOLY PEOPLE
(Saints). Again, see the word, SAINTS used for Christians in
Ephesians 1:18; 3:18; 6:18, etc..
c. Paul mentioned THREE EVIL PRACTICES in Ephesians 5:3.
(1) SEXUAL IMMORALITY (porneia). This is any SEXUAL
INTERCOURSE OUTSIDE OF BIBLICAL MARRIAGE
(Colossians 3:5; I Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19).
(2) Any kind of IMPURITY (akatharsia) where the person is
NOT FIT to come into the PRESENCE OF GOD (Boles, page
297). (Ephesians 4:19; Galatians 5:19).
(3) GREED (Covetousness) (pleonexia). In this CONTEXT, this
may mean Greed for another person SEXUALLY (Boles,
page 297).
d. These EVIL PRACTICES are NOT FITTING, or PROPER (prepei)
for GODS HOLY PEOPLE (Saints) (5:3). NOTE the word
FITTING in Titus 2:1.
3. There are OTHER SINS which are NOT PROPER for SAINTS (5:4, 5)
a. OBSCENITY (aischrotes) is that which is SHAMEFUL. It is
UGLINESS (Arndt and Gingrich, page 24). It is similar
to SHAMEFUL SPEAKING in Colossians 3:8. DIRTY, FILTHY
SPEAKING!
b. SILLY TALK is FOOLISH TALKING (morologia) (Arndt and Gingrich,
56

page 533). This refers to the TALKING OF FOOLISH PEOPLE! It is

talk which is NOT WISE. NOTE: The fool has said.. (Psalm 14:1).
c. COARSE JESTING would seem to be JOKING that RAISES A LAUGH
AT THE EXPENSE OF SOMEONES GOOD NAME (Boles, page 298).
4. The OPPOSITE of these SINS is the GIVING OF THANKS (5:4). NOTE that
Paul gave an ALTERNATIVE to what is EVIL. DO NOT DO THIS! BUT,
DO THIS! Give thanks! He also gave an alternative in 4:29. DO THESE
THINGS WHICH ARE FAR BETTER THAN THE WRONG ACTIONS!
5. It is CERTAIN that those who practice those EVIL THINGS described above
CANNOT inherit GODS KINGDOM (Ephesians 5:5).
a. Notice that Paul REPEATED the SINS mentioned in 5:3.
b. GREED (Covetousness) is REALLY IDOLATRY. Read also
Colossians 3:5.
c. In IDOLATRY, the follower of a particular god could BRIBE that
god by gifts and sacrifices to DO WHAT THE FOLLOWER
DESIRES.
d. Those who PRACTICE THE EVIL NOTED ABOVE are NOT BEING
RULED by the FATHER and by JESUS CHRIST. They CANNOT
INHERIT the KINGDOM! (Galatians 5:21).
6. The READERS of the book of EPHESIANS MUST NOT BE DECEIVED by
those who teach that these sins will NOT BE PUNISHED! (5:6)
a. We DO NOT KNOW who these people might be! Were they early
GNOSTICS who taught immorality? Were they unbelieving
GENTILES? Were they unbelieving JEWS? We are not certain.
b. CONSIDER the emphasis on BEING DECEIVED in other Scripture
(Romans 16:18; Galatians 6:7, 8; Colossians 2:4, 8).
c. Whoever they were, it must be seen that GODS WRATH WILL COME!
(Romans 1:18; 12:19; Hebrews 3:13, 14).
d. GODS WRATH will come on those WHOSE LIFE IS DISOBEDIENT!
(Romans 2:4-9).
7. DO NOT SHARE WITH THEM IN THEIR SINS! (Ephesians 5:7).
57

a. Christians MUST NOT be PARTNERS (summetochoi) with those

who PRACTICE THESE SINS!
b. This word for PARTNERS means CASTING ONES LOT WITH
THEM (A. and G. page 786). It is used in a GOOD sense in
Ephesians 3:6 where it means FELLOW-PARTAKERS in the
great PROMISE in Christ.
8. Disciples MUST WALK as CHILDREN OF LIGHT!

(Ephesians 5:8).

a. They were formerly, DARKNESS under SATAN, the PRINCE

of DARKNESS (Ephesians 2:1-3; Colossians 1:13). Christians are
SONS OF LIGHT, NOT DARKNESS (I Thessalonians 5:4, 5)
b. BUT NOW, they are LIGHT and must WALK as CHILDREN OF
LIGHT! (Matthew 5:14-16; I John 1:4-7; 2:8-11)
c. Pauls MINISTRY, at the time he became a Christian, was to TURN
PEOPL FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT (Acts 26:16-18). Read
I Peter 2:9.
9. The HARVEST or FRUIT that will be produced by WALKING AS
CHILDREN OF LIGHT IS THE FOLLOWING: (Ephesians 5:9).
a. GOODNESS: This is UPRIGHTNESS and is also used for a spirit of
GENEROSITY! (Romans 15:14; Galatians 5:22)
b. RIGHTEOUSNESS: That which is JUST and RIGHT LIVING before
BOTH GOD AND MAN. NOTE Ephesians 4:24 concerning created
in righteousness.. Read also Hosea 10:12.
c. TRUTH: The disciple will place an EMPHASIS on what is CORRECT and
REAL! See Ephesians 4:24 again, Created in righteousness and
holiness of the truth.
10. The disciple will be TESTING and PROVING (Approving) what is
PLEASING TO THE LORD (Ephesians 5:10).
a. This phrase TRYING TO LEARN (dokimazontes) means to PROVE
what is pleasing to the Lord.
b. This same word is used for the word, PROVE in Romans 12:2. The New
58

English Bible translates this Scripture, (5:10) MAKE SURE WHAT

WOULD HAVE THE LORDS APPROVAL.
c. JESUS ALWAYS PLEASED HIS FATHER! (John 8:29)
d. OUR MOTIVATION for PLEASING THE LORD should be LOVE,
NOT GUILTY DREAD! (I John 4:18).
11. The disciple of Jesus must RUN AWAY from EVIL and even EXPOSE IT
(Ephesians 5:11).
a. Disciples are NOT to have FELLOWSHIP with the works of
DARKNESS. The word, FELLOWSHIP is the beautiful
word sugkoinoneite to PARTNER with, SHARE with. DO
NOT DO BE PARTNERS WITH EVIL!
b. Disciples are to EXPOSE (elegchete) the SIN TO THE ONE WHO
IS COMMITTING THAT SIN! Are we willing to do this?
c. This word, EXPOSE means Bring to light, set forth, reprove,
correct (Arndt and Gingrich, pages 248, 249). It means to CONVICT
A PERSON OF SIN! See the use of this word in Titus 1:9, 13;
I Timothy 5:20.
d. A SIMILAR EXPRESSION would be SHOW HIM HIS FAULT
(Matthew 18:15).
12. IT IS SHAMEFUL EVEN TO MENTION THE EVIL THINGS DONE (5:12)
HOWEVER, SIN MUCT BE CONFRONTED! NOTE that EVIL ACTS
ARE DONE IN SECRET! (John 3:20).
13. WHEN EXPOSED (Reproved) BY LIGHT, ALL THINGS BECOME
VISIBLE (5:13). This is a difficult passage!
a. LIGHT will REPROVE what is EVIL, and ILLUMINATE WHAT IS
GOOD.
b. This passage may mean that, WHEN EVIL IS EXPOSED, the ONE
DOING THAT EVIL CHANGES HIS LIFE, and that which was
EVIL BECOMES LIGHT. (Bruce, page 107)
c. The ORDER of EVENTS here seems to be that there is first
DARKNESS. Then, EXPOSING or REPROVING is done,
59

CORRECTION of wrong takes place, and, then, there is LIGHT.

14. In 5:14, Paul may be QUOTING from Isaiah 60:1 or 26:19 (5:14). NOTE that
Paul had already discussed being DEAD IN SIN, but then, being made
ALIVE in Christ (Ephesians 2:1). One writer suggests that this verse may
be an EARLY HYMN sung at BAPTISM (Weed, page 176).
E. WALKING IN WISDOM (Ephesians 5:15-21).
1. Paul wanted Christians to be WISE concerning what is GOOD, and
INNOCENT concerning what is EVIL. Note Romans 16:19.
Study also Matthew 10:16.
2. Here in the Ephesians text, (5:15), he encouraged his readers to LOOK
CAREFULLY HOW YOU WALK! They needed to be WISE! They must
SEE WHAT THE LORDS WILL REALLY IS!
3. They were to MAKE THE MOST of THEIR TIME! (5:16). This is also
WISE!
a. In USING OUR TIME WISELY, we must LOOK FOR EVERY
OPPORTUNITY TO DO GOOD! (Colossians 4:5; Galatians 6:10).
b. The DAYS ARE EVIL! The days were EVIL at that time. They
are also EVIL TODAY! Notice this idea in Acts 2:40. Galatians 1:4;
I John 5:19.
4. DO NOT BE FOOLISH! (5:17). The Jerusalem Bible translates, DO NOT
BE THOUGHTLESS!
a. UNDERSTAND THE WILL OF THE LORD! Paul wanted his
readers to have an INSIGHT concerning the wonderful MYSTERY
of God (Ephesians 3:4).
b. NOTE additional Scriptures concerning the NEED for a CORRECT
UNDERSTANDING OF THE LORDS WILL (Colossians 1:9; 2:2).
5. Paul urged, DO NOT BE DRUNK WITH WINE.! (Ephesians 5:18).
a. Religions such as the cult of Dionysius used DRINKING, DANCING, etc.
to produce INTOXICATION. They were seeking COMMUNICATION
with some deity (Weed, page 177).
b. This PRACTICE is DEBAUCHERY! (asotia) The Jerusalem Bible
60

translates, Debasement. Arndt and Gingrich use the words,

DEBAUCHERY, DISSIPATION, PROFLIGACY (page 119). Read
also I Peter 4:3, 4. This is LOOSE LIVING.
c. We remember that the PRODIGAL SON went to a far country and
wasted his inheritance in RIOTOUS LIVING. This is a similar
concept and a related Greek word (Luke 15:13.). This is NOT the
way to UNDERSTAND GODS WILL!
d. Paul urged them to be FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT (5:18)
(See Acts 6:3; 7:55; 9:17; 13:9). Notice also the SPIRIT-FILLED
LIFE in Galatians 5:22, 23. The SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE will also
be described by Paul in the verses below (Ephesians 5:19-21)
6. The COMMAND to be FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT is immediately followed
by FIVE GREEK PARTICIPLES that help us to see HOW the SPIRITFILLED CHRISTIAN WILL LIVE (Ephesians 5:19-21).
a. The FIVE PARTICIPLES ARE: (1) Speaking, (2) Singing (3)
Making melody, (4) Giving Thanks, and (5) Being subject to one
another.
b. It is NOTED very quickly that the SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE is NOT
lived ALONE, BY ONESELF, BUT WITH GODS PEOPLE (5:19)
Notice the phrase .TO ONE ANOTHER! We speak to one
another in Psalms, Hymns, etc. (Boles, page 308).
7. The THREE TYPES of SONGS given here probably are NOT GIVEN as three
completely different types of songs (5:19) (Kittel, Vol. 1, page 164).
a.

HOWEVER, the word PSALMS (psalmois) may refer to the Psalms

of David.

b. HYMNS (humnois) may be songs of PRAISE TO GOD

c. SPIRITUAL SONGS (hodais pneumatikais) may be a general term
for songs based in the spiritual realm. Arndt and Gingrich says,
SACRED SONG, SONG OF PRAISE TO GOD
c. Consider also Colossians 3:16.
8. IT IS NOTED IN THIS SCRIPTURE and IN COLOSSIANS 3:16, as well as
other Scriptures, that THERE ARE TWO FUNDAMENTAL PURPOSES
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FOR CHRISTIANS SINGING in the CHURCH ASSEMBLY:

a. One is to PRAISE GOD!
b. A SECOND PURPOSE is the EDIFICATION, the ENCOURAGEMENT
OF OTHERS. Others need to be STRENGTHENED, BUILT UP!
This is also taught in Colossians 3:16. NOTE I Corinthians 14:3, 12, 26.
9. Christians MAKE MELODY (psallontes) with the INSTRUMENT of the
HEART (Ephesians 5:19).
a. This word, psallontes, from psallo, is translated SING or SING
PRAISE in I Corinthians 14:15; Romans 15:9 and James 5:13.
IN THE NEW TESTAMENT, IT DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY
REFERENCE TO A MECHANICAL INSTRUMENT OF MUSIC.
Thayers Greek Lexicon states that in the New Testament, psallo
means to sing a hymn, to celebrate the praises of God in song
(Thayer, page 675). (Underlining by Editor).
b. F. F. Bruce wrote that MAKING MELODY here has the meaning of
singing psalms which it has in I Corinthians 14:15 and James 5:13.
It DOES NOT include a mechanical instrument of music. Notice this
quotation: Such melody, to be acceptable to the Lord, must spring
from the heart (Bruce, page 111). (Underlining by Editor).
c. These words suggest, The total involvement of the disciple in the
thanksgiving offered through worship (Weed, page 178).
10. The disciple of Jesus is always GIVING THANKS TO THE FATHER
WHETHER IN THE CHURCH ASSEMBLY, OR IN DAILY LIFE (5:20).
a.

In Colossians 3:16, Paul stated that SINGING SHOULD BE DONE

WITH THANKSGIVING.

b. NOTE CAREFULLY: The SIN OF UNTHANKFULNESS is found in

MIDDLE OF SOME TERRIBLE SINS! (Romans 1:18-32 but,
especially Romans 1:21 AND II Timothy 3:1-9, but, especially
II Timothy 3:2).
c. CONSIDER THANKFULNESS also as seen in Colossians 3:17; 4:2;
I Thessalonians 5:18.
d. THANKSGIVING is to be done THROUGH HIM (Christ), OR IN
62

THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST TO GOD, EVEN

THE FATHER! See THROUGH HIM in Colossians 3:17. IT IS
THROUGH JESUS THAT WE ADDRESS THE FATHER! In all of
this, RECOGNIZE WHAT JESUS HAS DONE FOR MANKIND!
ACCESS IS AVAILABLE TO THE FATHER (Ephesians 2:18).
11. CHRISTIANS are TO BE IN SUBJECTION TO ONE ANOTHER (5:21).
a. Some writers place 5:21 in the FOLLOWING SECTION (5:22-6:9)
WHICH IS CONCERNED WITH HOUSEHOLD ETHICS
(Weed, page 178).
b. The word, hupotasso means SUBORDINATION, TO BE SUBJECT
TO SOMEONE (A. and G. pages 855, 856).
c. It is used in Scripture for SUBJECTION to RULERS (Romans 13:1-7;
Titus 3:1).
d. It is used for SUBJECTION of WIVES to HUSBANDS (Ephesians
5:22-24; Colossians 3:18; Titus 2:5)
e. Again, for disciples to be SUBJECT to MATURE CHRISTIANS
(I Corinthians 16:15, 16).
f. But, also, for the YOUNGER to be SUBJECT to the OLDER
(I Peter 5:5).
g. BUT, in this Scripture, the apostle taught Christians TO BE SUBJECT
TO EACH OTHER! (Ephesians 5:21).
(1) This suggests a wonderful RESPONSIBILITY toward OUR
BROTHERS AND SISTERS and a DEEP CONCERN for their
SPIRITUAL WELFARE!
(2) WE NEED EACH OTHER, WE NEED TO HELP EACH OTHER,
WE NEED TO SERVE EACH OTHER! (I Corinthians
12:20-25; Galatians 5:13, etc.).
(3) Disciples who have the MIND OF CHRIST will SERVE THEIR
BROTHERS AND SISTERS JUST AS JESUS SERVED US!
(Philippians 2:5-8; Matthew 20:20-28; II Corinthians 4:5)
(4) SUBJECTING OURSELVES to the NEEDS of our BROTHERS
63

will be done out of a REVERENCE for CHRIST (5:21).

(5) This word, REVERENCE is phobos, the word for FEAR.
It is used for GODLY FEAR (II Corinthians 7:1; Acts
9:31; I Peter 1:17). Wives should RESPECT their husbands.
III. The DISCIPLE OF CHRIST in his DOMESTIC LIFE (Ephesians 5:22-6:9).
A. HUSBANDS and WIVES

(Ephesians 5:22-33)

1. The WIFE should VERY WILLINGLY SUBMIT to her husband. WHY?

Because she is SUBMITTING to Gods Will for the FAMILY and the
ROLES that God has assigned to HUSBAND and WIFE.
2. The WIFE is NOT INFERIOR! (Galatians 3:28). God has ordained particular
tasks for MEN and WOMEN in the FAMILY (I Corinthians 7:17;
11:3; Titus 2:4, 5)
3. The SUBJECTION of the woman is qualified just as SUBMISSION to
the SECULAR GOVERNMENT is qualified. A person would NOT be in
SUBJECTION if commanded to something CONTRARY TO GODS WILL
(Acts 4:19, 20; 5:29).
4. AS TO THE LORD suggests that SUBJECTION to the HUSBAND is a
PART of OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST (5:22)
5. CONSIDER: ALL THINGS in the CHURCH are SUBJECT to CHRIST
and HE IS HEAD! (Ephesians 1:22, 23).
6. In the physical FAMILY, the WIFE is SUBJECT to the HUSBAND, and he is
the HEAD of the FAMILY! (Ephesians 5:22, 23)
7. JESUS is BOTH HEAD of the CHURCH, and He is SAVIOR of His BODY
(Ephesians 5:23).
8. Again, the comparison of CHRIST and the SUBJECTION of the CHURCH to
HIM is APPLIED to the WIFE and her responsibility to the HUSBAND
(5:24)
9. The HUSBAND should have a SACRIFICIAL LOVE for his WIFE (5:25)
a. The word for LOVE in this passage is agape.
b. The COMMAND for the HUSBAND to LOVE HIS WIFE is found
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THREE TIMES in this paragraph

(Ephesians 5:25, 28, 33).

c/ This agape (Love) is a LOVE LIKE GODS LOVE!

(1) It is a LOVE THAT SEEKS THE VERY BEST FOR THE ONE
WHO IS LOVED! (John 3:16; Romans 5:8, 9; Galatians
2:20). See Gods agape and Jesus agape in these
passages.
(2) It is a LOVE that will meet the NEEDS of ANOTHER even when
that person is NOT LOVELY AND GOOD. That is the NATURE
OF THE LOVE OF GOD!
10. BEFORE PROCEEDING FURTHER, NOTE HOW PRECIOUS THE
CHURCH REALLY IS:
a. Jesus is the SAVIOR of the BODY, the CHURCH (Ephesians 5:23)
b. Jesus gave HIMSELF for the CHURCH

(Ephesians 5:25)

c. The CHURCH was PURCHASED with the BLOOD of JESUS

(Acts 20:28)
d. The people in the CHURCH are the people in the KINGDOM which was
purchased with the BLOOD OF CHRIST (Revelation 5:9, 10).
11. The kind of LOVE Christ had, A SELF-GIVING LOVE, which is the kind of
LOVE that a HUSBAND MUST HAVE, is a love that makes the
WIFES SUBJECTION BOTH POSSIBLE AND BEAUTIFUL!
12. CHRIST SANCTIFIES (Makes Holy) and CLEANSES the CHURCH
(Ephesians 5:26).
a. The word, SANCTIFIED is the SAME ROOT WORD as the word,
SAINTS (hagiase) . The church at CORINTH had been
SANCTIFIED (Set Apart, Made Holy (I Corinthians 6:11)
b. The CHURCH is SANCTIFIED and CLEANSED by the
WASHING (loutro) OF WATER WITH THE WORD (5:26)
(1) This WASHING would refer to their BAPTISM INTO
CHRIST (John 3:1-5; Acts 2:36-38; 22:14-16).
(2) Compare this to the WASHING OF REGENERATION of
65

Titus 3:5.
c. The phrase, WITH THE WORD or IN THE WORD (en hremati)
is difficult to interpret. IT MAY MEAN:
(1) It may mean the GOSPEL preached BEFORE the BAPTISM of
a person (Romans 10:17).
(2) It may mean a STATEMENT BEFORE BAPTISM such as
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT
(Matthew 28:19).
(3) It could possibly refer to a CONFESSION of faith in Jesus BEFORE
BAPTISM (Romans 10:9).
(4) It could mean Gods PROMISE to the one being BAPTIZED such
as the PROMISES in Acts 2:38. Weed suggests that one of
these LAST TWO IS MORE LIKELY THE MEANING
(Weed, page 180).
13. AT THE END OF TIME, Christ wants the church PRESENTED in Splendor
WITHOUT SPOT OR WRINKLE (Ephesians 5:27).
a. The CHURCH is the BRIDE OF CHRIST, AND THE BRIDE MUST
BE HOLY! (II Corinthians 11:3; I Peter 1:15, 16; Revelation
7:13, 14; 19:7, 8; 21:2, 9, 10).
b. These words, WITHOUT SPOT and WRINKLE, and HOLY and
BLAMELESS remind us of the PASSOVER and other sacrifices
of the Old Testament that must be PERFECT, without DEFECT
(Exodus 12:5).
c.

See also the HOLY, BLAMELESS CHURCH MENTIONED BY

PAUL in Colossians 1:22.

14. Paul returned to the COMPARISON of CHRIST and the CHURCH, and
HUSBAND and WIFE HUSBANDS SHOULD LOVE THEIR WIVES
AS THEIR OWN BODIES (Ephesians 5:28).
a. Paul is NOT SAYING that the HUSBAND should be guilty of SELFEXALTATION or ADORING HIMSELF. The MAN will
TAKE CARE of HIMSELF, CARE FOR HIMSELF, PROVIDE
FOR, AND PROTECT HIMSELF. He should DO THE SAME for HIS
66

WIFE!
b. This points out the VERY CLOSE RELATIONSHIP that HUSBANDS and
WIVES SHOULD HAVE. NOTE Genesis 2:23, 24 and the expressions,
BONE OF MY BONE., CLEAVE, and ONE FLESH!
15. A MAN will NOURISH (ektrephei) and CHERISHES (thalpei) HIS OWN
FLESH (5:29). This is the way that CHRIST FEELS CONCERNING THE
CHURCH! To NOURISH and CHERISH is to CARE FOR and
PROTECT!
a. The word for BRING THEM UP in Ephesians 6:4 concerning children
is the SAME WORD as the word, NOURISHES here (Bauer, page
246).
b. The word, CHERISHES (thalpo) literally means to KEEP WARM
(Bauer, page 350). Note also I Thessalonians 2:7 where it is
translated, TENDERLY CARES FOR.
c. Christ DOES THE SAME THING for the CHURCH. HE NOURISHES
AND CHERISHES!
16. This CLOSENESS and TENDER CARE is also seen in 5:30. WE ARE
MEMBERS OF HIS BODY! (Ephesians 1:22, 23; 4:11-16; I Corinthians
12:12-27)
17. Paul then QUOTED Genesis 2:24 (5:31). The HUSBAND CLEAVES to his
WIFE. They are ONE FLESH, sharing BODIES, MIND, FUTURE HOPES,
ASPIRATIONS, etc. The word, CLEAVE literally means TO GIVE
TOGETHER.
18. THESE GREAT TEACHINGS OF PAUL involved a GREAT MYSTERY
(Ephesians 5:32).
a.

BUT, PAUL WAS SPEAKING OF THE CLOSE RELATIONSHIP

OF CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH!

b. AN INTERESTING QUESTION: Is it true that GODS WILL for an

IDEAL MARRIAGE was a FORESHADOWING of the
RELATIONSHIP OF CHRIST to the CHURCH?
c. IF OUR MARRIAGE IS RIGHT IN GODS SIGHT, IT WILL HELP US
TO SEE WHAT THE RELATIONSHIP SHOULD BE BETWEEN
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CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH!

19. FINALLY, Paul drew a CONCLUSION as he made an APPLICATION to
the RELATIONSHIP of HUSBAND and WIFE (Ephesians 5:33).
a. EVERY HUSBAND should have a SELF-GIVING LOVE (agapato)
for HIS WIFE a LOVE LIKE JESUS HAD FOR HIS CHURCH
b. AND, that the WIFE should RESPECT HER HUSBAND! The word
for RESPECT or REVERENCE is literally FEAR (phobetai).
NOTE the RESPECT that Sarah had for Abraham (I Peter 3:6).
c. The MORE that HUSBANDS LOVE their WIVES, the MORE THEY
WILL BE RESPECTED! The MORE that WIVES RESPECT
their HUSBANDS, the MORE THEY WILL BE LOVED!
B. PARENTS and THEIR CHILDREN (Ephesians 6:1-4).
1. There are many ETHICAL LISTS that speak of the Christians BEHAVIOR
in New Testament Scriptures (Ephesians 5:22-6:9; Colossians 3:18-4:1;
I Peter 2:18-3:7; Titus 2:1-10; I Timothy 6:1, 2).
2. In this text, CHILDREN MUST OBEY THEIR PARENTS (6:1). Read also
Colossians 3:20. Our relationship to Christ DEMANDS obedience to parents.
a. Jesus OBEYED HIS PARENTS

(Luke 2:51).

b. OBEDIENCE TO PARENTS IS RIGHT! It is COMMANDED of God.

Examine the requirement for the HONORING of parents in the Old
Testament (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16).
c. OBEDIENCE TO PARENTS is WELL-PLEASING to the Lord
d. DISOBEDIENCE to PARENTS is found in lists of TERRIBLE SINS
(Romans 1:30; II Timothy 3:2).
3. CONSIDER that there are FOUR REASONS in these verses FOR CHILDREN
TO OBEY THEIR PARENTS:
(Boles, page 324).
a. It is IN THE LORD
b. It is RIGHT
c. It was a COMMAND in the Old Testament also
68

d. There was a PROMISE connected with the COMMAND

4. There was TERRIBLE PUNISHMENT for CHILDREN who DISOBEYED
their PARENTS in the nation of ISRAEL (Deuteronomy 21:18-21).
5. CONSIDER that, in the TEN COMMANDMENTS, HONORING PARENTS
is the ONLY COMMAND that had a PROMISE attached to it
(Ephesians 6:2, 3). (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:1-21).
a. In the Old Testament, this PROMISE was connected with LIVING IN
PROMISED LAND OF CANAAN (Deuteronomy 5:16).
b. TODAY, there is NO PROMISE of LAND, or RICHES! However,
OBEDIENT CHILDREN can mature to be SUCCESSFUL,
PRODUCTIVE ADULTS.
6. Parents SHOULD NOT EXASPERATE their children (6:4). The word
EXASPERATE (parorgizete) means, enrage, make angry
(Bauer, page 629). Read also Colossians 3:21.
a. The word, DISCIPLINE or NURTURE (paideia) is a beautiful
word that means the entire TRAINING of the child.
(1) It is used for EDUCATION or instruction) (Acts 7:22).
(2) It is used for CORRECTION of wrong doing

(II Timothy 2:25).

(3) It is used for DISCIPLINE or PUNISHMENT (Hebrews 12:9).

(4) It is also used to refer to the entire TRAINING of a person
(II Timothy 3:16 Training in righteousness).
b. The word, ADMONITION (nouthesia) can mean INSTRUCTION
or WARNING (A. and G. page 546). Read Titus 3:10 where this
last meaning is observed.
C. SLAVES and their MASTERS (Ephesians 6:5-9). Examine also Colossians 3:22-4:1;
I Timothy 6:1, 2; Titus 2:9, 10; I Peter 2:18).
1. It has been estimated that as many as ONE THIRD of the population of the City
of ROME in the first century were SLAVES. Probably, a large portion of
the members of the CHURCH were SLAVES at that time.
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2. Christian SLAVES needed to realize that they were FREE IN CHRIST,

(I Corinthians 7:22; Galatians 5:1), but they still had RESPONSIBILITIES
toward their MASTERS.
3. The Greek word for MASTERS is kurioi, (6:5) the word for LORD in
many Scriptures. Thus, the word, LORD referred to the OWNER OF A
SLAVE!
a. Paul spoke of the LORDS BOND-SERVANT OR SLAVE (doulos)
(II Timothy 2:24). Timothy was the SLAVE of his MASTER,
the LORD Jesus Christ.
b. CONSIDER that JESUS is our OWNER, OUR LORD as seen in
the following Scriptures: (Acts 2:36; 10:36; Romans 14:8, 9;
Philippians 2:9-11; II Corinthians 4:5; I Peter 3:15).
4. SLAVES must OBEY MASTERS (OWNERS, LORDS) (Ephesians 6:5)
a. WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING suggest an ANXIOUSNESS
TO DO RIGHT in the service of the OWNER (Weed, page 184).
b. SLAVES must be FAITHFUL to Masters just as they are to CHRIST!
c. SINGLENESS OF HEART means NOT to have DIVIDED LOYALTY
Examine Colossians 3:22, 23.
5. SERVING MASTERS faithfully is DOING THE WILL OF GOD

(Ephesians 6:6)..

a. SLAVES must have a HIGH MOTIVATION!

(1) They SERVE AS TO CHRIST (6:5)
(2) They SERVE AS SLAVES OF CHRIST (6:6)
(3) They SERVE AS TO THE LORD

(6:7)

b. They are to SERVE not by way of eye service as men-pleasers.

OBEY THEM NOT ONLY TO WIN THEIR FAVOR WHSEN
THEIR EYE IS ON YOU. (Boles, page 329). Read also
Colossians 3:22)
c. They SHOULD SERVE FROM THE HEART! The text literally says,
OUT OF THE SOUL! (ek psuches). They will do this AS SLAVES
70

OF CHRIST (Note I Corinthians 7:20-22).

6. They should SERVE WHOLEHEARTEDLY WITH GOOD WILL! This is
literally WITH A GOOD MIND. (A. and G. page 323). They are
serving AS IF THEY ARE SERVING THE LORD AND NOT MAN!
A GOOD QUESTION TO DISCUSS: IF THEIR MASTERS ARE PAGANS,
WHAT SHOULD THEY DO? Please DISCUSS this!
7. The LORD WILL REWARD whether the SERVANT is a SLAVE or FREE
(6:8). WITH THE LORD, THERE IS NO DISTINCTION (Galatians 3:28).
THEY ARE SLAVES OF CHRIST! (Colossians 3:24). Read also Matthew
5:12).
8. MASTERS must do THE SAME! (Ephesians 6:9).
a. MASTERS should NOT THREATEN! (Arndt and Gingrich, page 82).
They should STOP THREATENING! Note this word in Acts 4:17
where it is translated, WARN.
b. These MASTERS must REMEMBER that THEIR MASTER is in
HEAVEN (Colossians 4:1).
c. Their MASTER IN HEAVEN shows NO PARTIALITY (Acts 10:34;
Galatians 2:6).
WOULD THIS TEACHING APPLY TO EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TODAY?
IV. The SPIRITUAL WARFARE of the disciple of Christ

(Ephesians 6:10-24).

A. The ENEMY that must be CONFRONTED (Ephesians 6:10-12).

1. Before examining this section, PLEASE READ II Corinthians 10:1-5. Our
weapons are NOT physical, NOT CARNAL WEAPONS
2. There is a GREAT SPIRITUAL BATTLE that is RAGING in this world, a
BATTLE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL (Romans 13:12; I Thessalonians
5:4, 5, 8; I Timothy 6:12; II Timothy 2:3; Revelation 2:10).
3. The disciple of the Lord must be MADE STRONG so that he can FIGHT
THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH (Ephesians 6:10)
4. GOD provides the STRENGTH and POWER for the GREAT BATTLE! Depend
on Him! (Ephesians 1:19; 3:20, 21; II Corinthians 6:7; Philippians 4:13;
71

II Timothy 2:1).. The phrase IN THE LORD stresses again the thought
concerning IN CHRIST, and IN HIS BODY (Ephesians 4:15, 16).
5. The ARMOR OF GOD will PROTECT against the SCHEMES of Satan
(Ephesians 6:11).
a. In the Old Testament, GOD is pictured as a WARRIOR. An example
of this is Isaiah 42:13.
b. The WHOLE ARMOR, THE FULL EQUIPMENT protects the
Christian from the SCHEMES of the Devil.
(1) The word, panoplia refers to the FULL, COMPLETE ARMOR
of the SOLDIER. We get the English word, PANOPLY
from this GREEK word. This word refers to a HEAVY
ARMED SOLDIER (A. and G. page 612).
(2) The battle is against the WILES or SCHEMES of the Devil.
The word for WILES is methodeias which means
scheming, craftiness (A. and G. page 500).
Observe DECEITFUL SCHEMING in Ephesians 4:14.
(3) The Greek word for DEVIL is diabolos which actually
means SLANDERER (A. and G. page 181).
Consult I Timothy 3:7; II Timothy 2:26; I Peter 5:8;
(II Corinthians 11:14 for further descriptions of Satan.
6. The STRUGGLE, the BATTLE is NOT PHYSICAL, BUT SPIRITUAL
(Ephesians 6:12).
a. The STRUGGLE is NOT AGAINST FLESH and BLOOD. Note
II Corinthians 10:3-5 again.
b. CONSIDER how SATAN is described in different Scriptures (John 12:31;
14:30; 16:11; The ruler of this world, II Corinthians 4:4, the god
of this world).
c. The expressions, RULERS, FORCES OF THIS DARKNESS, and
SPIRITUAL FORCES OF WICKEDNESS seem to refer to SATAN
and his FORCES. ANGELIC/ DEMONIC HOSTS WHO SERVE
THE DEVIL (Boles, page 335).
d. The STRUGGLE is IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES! BUT, CHRISTIANS
ARE SEATED WTH CHRIST IN THE HEAVENLIES (2:6).
72

Consult the following Scriptures again that mention heavenly places,

or, the heavenlies. (Ephesians 1:3, 10, 20; 2:6; 3:10; 4:10).
There is the SPIRITUAL REALM where fellowship with the Lord is
enjoyed, but ALSO, where the STRUGGLE WITH EVIL REMAINS!
AN INTERESTING STATEMENT: Christians have one foot in
Heaven. (Boles , page 335).
B. The ARMOR of the LORD (Ephesians 6:13-18).
1. The GOAL is to RESIST and to STAND FIRM in the Lord (6:13)
a. Examine other Scriptures where Christians are ENCOURAGED to
RESIST and STAND FIRM (I Corinthians 15:58; James 4:7)
b. The phrase, EVIL DAY is evidently speaking of periods of time when
the STRUGGLE is heavier. Consider Ephesians 5:16. The New
English Bible translates this, When things are at their worst.
2. NOW, CONSIDER THE PANOPLY OF GOD (The FULL ARMOR)
(Ephesians 6:14-18).
a. Paul AGAIN USED THE ENCOURAGEMENT STAND FIRM (6:14)
(1) STAND FIRM (6:11)
(2) RESIST (6:13)
(3) STAND FIRM

(6:13)

(4) STAND FIRM (6:14). Examine also I Corinthians 16:13;

Philippians 1:27, 28; Romans 5:2.
b. The BELT of TRUTH (6:14). Here, the word may refer to
INTEGRITY and truthfulness in ones life. The DEVIL is the
father of lies (John 8:44). The Objective Truth of GODS WORD
will be seen in 6:17.
c. The BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (6:14). NOTE how
this expression is used for GOD in Isaiah 59:17. The PERSONAL
RIGHTEOUSNESS of the Christian is evidently meant here
(Ephesians 4:24; 5:9; Philippians 1:11).
d. The FOOTWEAR worn by the Christian warrior is the gospel of
PEACE! (6:15). The gospel of peace makes us ready for war
73

(Boles, page 339). The GOSPEL BRINGS PEACE with God!

(Romans 5:1, 2. The gospel brings PEACE among MEN! Note the
previous study of Ephesians 2:11-16).
e. The SHIELD OF FAITH (Ephesians 6:16).
(1) The word for SHIELD is thureon which is a similar word
to thura, the word for door (A. and G. page 366).
The Roman shield was a rectangular shield, evidently shaped
like a door, that protected much of the body .
(2) The Christians SHIELD is his FAITH, his TRUST and
CONFIDENCE in the Lord. This is the VICTORY
(I John 5:4).
(3) This SHIELD can deflect all the FLAMING ARROWS
(Arndt and Gingrich, page 138) of the EVIL ONE
NOTE: Our Faith can deflect ALL THE TEMPTATIONS
SHOT AT US by Satan, discouragement, worldliness,
doubt, etc..
f. The HELMET OF SALVATION (6:17). Paul evidently is recalling
Isaiah 59:17. The Christians PROTECTION, his helmet, in the
great spiritual battle is the hope of salvation (I Thessalonians 5:8).
g. The SWORD OF THE SPIRIT WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD (6:17)
(1) Consider how the WORD of God is compared to a SWORD
(Hebrews 4:12).
(2) Examine the emphasis on the GOSPEL in the following Scriptures:
(Ephesians 1:13; 3:6; Colossians 1:5, 6; Romans 10:17).
(3) The WORD OF GOD is the Holy Spirits SWORD!
(Examine John 14:26; 16:13; I Timothy 4:1, etc.).
h. The NEED FOR MUCH PRAYER

(Ephesians 6:18).

(1) Praying in the Spirit suggests BOTH DEPENDENCE on

God, and the GUIDANCE of the Holy Spirit. Review 6:11
once more. Pray CONTINUALLY! (I Thessalonians 5:17;
Philippians 4:6, 7; See also Luke 18:1).
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(2) In the great SPIRITUAL WARFARE, there is the NEED for

ALERTNESS (agrupnountes). This word means to keep
oneself aware, keep on the alert (Mark 13:33), keep watch,
guard, care for (Hebrews 13:17) where leaders watch for
souls (A. and G. pages 13, 14).
(3) In this BATTLE, PERSEVERANCE (proskarteresai) is so very
essential! This is the same word as DEVOTE (Acts 2:42;
Colossians 4:2; Romans 12:12). Please observe the emphasis
on PRAYER in these Scriptures. DEVOTE YOURSELVES
TO PRAYER! This includes PRAYER FOR ALL THE
SAINTS! Review the several times in Ephesians where the
word, SAINTS refers to Christians.
C.

Pauls GOODBY. His FAREWELL (Ephesians 6:19-24).

1.

Paul wanted them to PRAY for the SAINTS, but HE also needed THEIR
PRAYERS for HIMSELF (Ephesians 6:19).
a.

How many Christians received this epistle of Ephesians? WE DO NOT

KNOW, but there must have been MANY. Paul wanted the PRAYERS
of MANY. He had also asked the PHILIPPIANS to PRAY FOR
HIM (Philippians 1:19). Note also that he asked the COLOSSIANS
to PRAY that he would have an open door for evangelism
(Colossians 4:3).

b. We REMEMBER that, at this time, Paul was a PRISONER who was

uncertain whether he would LIVE or DIE! Read Philippians 1:20-25.
And yet, HE DID NOT ASK THEM TO PRAY FOR HIS RELEASE
FROM PRISON!
c.

In this passage of Scripture, he asked them to PRAY that he would

be given the RIGHT WORDS, and that he would have OPPORTUNITY
to preach (6:19) (See Colossians 4:2-4).

d.

Paul wanted to SPEAK WITH BOLDNESS Note that he said this in

BOTH VERSES, Ephesians 6:19, 20. Paul stated to the Thessalonians
that he had spoken the word with BOLDNESS to them (I Thessalonians
2:2). Consider the BOLDNESS of the other APOSTLES in Jerusalem
(Acts 4:12, 13; 4:29-31)
CONSIDER: Should WE ALSO PRAY FOR THAT BOLDNESS?

e.
f.

Pauls MESSAGE was the MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL, Gods WAY

OF SALVATION THROUGH CHRIST! (Ephesians 3:3-5, 9).
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2.

3.

Paul was a PRISONER in BEHALF OF THE GOSPEL (Ephesians 6:20).

a.

He wanted to PEOCLAIM (parresiasomai) the gospel WITHOUT

FEAR. This word means to speak freely, fearlessly. Note its
use in Acts 9:27; 18:26; 19:8.

b.

It is interesting to NOTE that Luke records Pauls BOLD

PREACHING while in prison in Acts 28:30, 31.

Paul would send TYCHICUS to visit them (Ephesians 6:21, 22).

a.

Note that TYCHICUS was with Paul earlier on the THIRD MISSION
JOURNEY (Acts 20:4).

b.

NEAR FTHE END OF PAULS LIFE, he sent TYCHICUS to Ephesus

(II Timothy 4:12).

c.

ONESIUMS, the converted SLAVE, was the travel companion of

TYCHICUS (Colossians 4:7-9). TYCHICUS would deliver
information to them CONCERNING PAUL.

d. Paul wanted TYCHICUS to COMFORT THEIR HEARTS

(Ephesians 6:22).
(1) The word for COMFORT here is the beautiful word,
parakaleo. The root meaning of this word is to call
to ones side. It is the common word for EXHORT or
ENCOURAG (I Thessalonians 3:2). It is also the word for
URGE or IMPLORE (I Corinthians 1:10).
(2) However, NOTE the usage of this word in the Scripture for
COMFORT or words of comfort (Acts 20:12 at the raising
of Eutychus, II Corinthians 1:6; 7:13; 13:11). (A. and G.
pages 622, 623).
4. Pauls FAREWELL (Ephesians 6:23, 24)

a. Because Paul did NOT mention MANY DEAR FRIENDS at Ephesus in

this FAREWELL or in the rest of the letter, it seems to suggest that
this book of Ephesians would be going to several congregations, certainly
including Ephesus.
b. The word PEACE (eirene) here (6:23) has been a MAJOR TOPIC in the
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epistle (Ephesians 1:2; 2:14-17; 4:3, etc.). It may mean, MAY YOU
ALL, BOTH JEWISH AND GENTILES DISCIPLES, HAVE PEACE
AMONG YOURSELVES. Certainly, Paul wants them all to have a
feeling of WELL BEING about their salvation also.
c. Paul also DESIRED that the BROTHERS would have LOVE and
FAITH (6:23). NOTE that FAITH, PEACE, and LOVE are found
here instead of FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE such as in I Corinthians
13:13.
d. NOTE ONCE AGAIN the emphasis on the FATHER in heaven and the
LORD JESUS CHRIST (6:23). (Ephesians 4:4-6, etc.).
e. May Gods GRACE be with all those who LOVE the LORD with an
UNDYING LOVE! (agape LOVE) (6:24). The word aphtharsia
is translated IMPERISHABLE (I Corinthians 15:42, 50) (A. and G.
pages 124, 125).
(1) This same word is also translated IMMORTALITY (Romans
2:7; II Timothy 1:10).
(2) An UNDYING LOVE is so essential for eternal salvation. Paul
said in I Corinthians 16:22, If anyone does not love (philei)
the Lord, let him be accursed. The word, LOVE here is
from phileo ANOTHER GREEK WORD, NOT agape, and
yet, Pauls point is clearly made, IF WE DO NOT LOVE THE
LORD, WE WILL BE ACCURSED!
________________________________________________

A FEW RESEARCH MATERIALS

Arndt, William F., and Gingrich, F. Wilbur. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament
And Other Early Christian Literature. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1963.
NOTE: The Arndt and Gingrich Lexicon is abbreviated in the text of this booklet as
A. and G.
Bauer, Walter, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian
Literature. Chicago and London: University of Chicago Press, 1979.
Bruce, F. F.. The Epistle To The Ephesians. London: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1961.
Boles, Kenneth L., Galatians And Ephesians. Joplin, Missouri: College Press, 1993.
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Kittel, Gerhard. (Editor). Theological Dictionary Of The New Testament. Grand Rapids,
Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. 1964.
Nestle, Eberhard, Novum Testamentum Graece . (Nestles Greek Text of the New Testament).
Printed in Germany, 1964.
New American Standard Bible, La Habra, California: The Lockman Foundation, 1977.
New English Bible. The New Testament In Four Versions. New York: The Iverson-Ford
Associates, 1963.
Thayer, Joseph Henry. The New Thayers Greek-English Lexicon Of The
New Testament. Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers,
1981.
The Jerusalem Bible. London: Darton, Longman & Todd, 1966.
Weed, Michael R.. The Letters of Paul To The Ephesians, The Colossians And Philemon.
Austin, Texas: R. B. Sweet Co. Inc., 1971.

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