Chapter 3:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 Galatians Philippians
Ephesians 3
Concise Complete
The apostle sets forth his office, and his
qualifications for it, and his call to it. (1-7) Also the noble purposes
answered by it. (8-12) He prays for the Ephesians. (13-19) And adds a
thanksgiving. (20,21)
Verses 1-7 For
having preached the doctrine of truth, the apostle was a prisoner, but a
prisoner of Jesus Christ; the object of special protection and care, while thus
suffering for him. All the gracious offers of the gospel, and the joyful tidings
it contains, come from the rich grace of God; it is the great means by which the
Spirit works grace in the souls of men. The mystery, is that secret, hidden
purpose of salvation through Christ. This was not so fully and clearly shown in
the ages before Christ, as unto the prophets of the New Testament. This was the
great truth made known to the apostle, that God would call the Gentiles to
salvation by faith in Christ. An effectual working of Divine power attends the
gifts of Divine grace. As God appointed Paul to the office, so he qualified him
for it.
Verses 8-12
Those whom God advances to honourable employments, he makes low in their own
eyes; and where God gives grace to be humble, there he gives all other needful
grace. How highly he speaks of Jesus Christ; the unsearchable riches of Christ!
Though many are not enriched with these riches; yet how great a favour to have
them preached among us, and to have an offer of them! And if we are not enriched
with them it is our own fault. The first creation, when God made all things out
of nothing, and the new creation, whereby sinners are made new creatures by
converting grace, are of God by Jesus Christ. His riches are as unsearchable and
as sure as ever, yet while angels adore the wisdom of God in the redemption of
his church, the ignorance of self-wise and carnal men deems the whole to be
foolishness.
Verses 13-19
The apostle seems to be more anxious lest the believers should be discouraged
and faint upon his tribulations, than for what he himself had to bear. He asks
for spiritual blessings, which are the best blessings. Strength from the Spirit
of God in the inner man; strength in the soul; the strength of faith, to serve
God, and to do our duty. If the law of Christ is written in our hearts, and the
love of Christ is shed abroad there, then Christ dwells there. Where his Spirit
dwells, there he dwells. We should desire that good affections may be fixed in
us. And how desirable to have a fixed sense of the love of God in Christ to our
souls! How powerfully the apostle speaks of the love of Christ! The breadth
shows its extent to all nations and ranks; the length, that it continues from
everlasting to everlasting; the depth, its saving those who are sunk into the
depths of sin and misery; the height, its raising them up to heavenly happiness
and glory. Those who receive grace for grace from Christ's fulness, may be said
to be filled with the fulness of God. Should not this satisfy man? Must he needs
fill himself with a thousand trifles, fancying thereby to complete his
happiness?
Verses 20-21
It is proper always to end prayers with praises. Let us expect more, and ask for
more, encouraged by what Christ has already done for our souls, being assured
that the conversion of sinners, and the comfort of believers, will be to his
glory, for ever and ever.
Chapter 3:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 Galatians Philippians
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
