King James Version
Ephesians 3
21 verses with commentary
The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed
For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>[Verse 3:1 text would be quoted here]</strong> This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined. <br><br>The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
-1Ephesians 3:1-13 contain two subjects closely blended together. The first (carrying on what is implied in the contrast drawn out in Ephesians 2) is the absolute newness of this dispensation to the Gentiles—a mystery hidden from the beginning in God, but now at last revealed. The second, an emphatic claim for St. Paul himself, “less than the least” although he is, of a special apostleship to the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21. I came into ... Syria and Cilicia--**"preaching the faith" (Ga 1:23), and so, no doubt, founding the churches in Syria and Cilicia, which he subsequently confirmed in the faith (Ac 15:23, 41). He probably went first to Cæsarea, the main seaport, and thence by sea to Tarsus of Cilicia, his native place (Ac 9:30), and thence to Syria; Cilicia having its geographical affinities with Syria, rath...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The Galatians reproved for departing from the great doctrine of justification alone, through faith in Christ.(1-5)
This doctrine established from the example of Abraham.(6-9)
From the tenor of the law and the severity of its curse.(10-14)
From the covenant of promises, which the law could not disannul.(15-18)
The law was a school master to lead the...
Read full commentary →If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>[Verse 3:2 text would be quoted here]</strong> This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined. <br><br>The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **If ye have heard.**—The original word rendered “if” (the same used below, Ephesians 4:21, and in 2Corinthians 5:3; Galatians 3:4; Colossians 1:23) conveys, in such collocation as this, a supposition which is only a supposition in form—a half-ironical reference to a thing not doubtful. The sense is “if (that is),” or “if, as I suppose,” “ye heard the dispensation,” &c. The passage bears on th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
22. So far was I from being a disciple of the apostles, that I was even unknown in the churches of Judea (excepting Jerusalem, Ac 9:26-29), which were the chief scene of their labors.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The Galatians reproved for departing from the great doctrine of justification alone, through faith in Christ.(1-5)
This doctrine established from the example of Abraham.(6-9)
From the tenor of the law and the severity of its curse.(10-14)
From the covenant of promises, which the law could not disannul.(15-18)
The law was a school master to lead the...
Read full commentary →How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, afore: or, a little before
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>[Verse 3:3 text would be quoted here]</strong> This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined. <br><br>The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery.**—The words “by revelation” are doubly emphatic. By revelation, not by the wisdom of man (as in 1Corinthians 2:7-16): for “God hath revealed them to us by His Spirit.” By direct revelation to St. Paul himself, as in Galatians 1:12, “not of man or by man, but by revelation of Jesus Christ,” and in Romans 16:25, “according to my gospel,...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
23. Translate as Greek, "They were hearing": tidings were brought them from time to time [Conybeare and Howson].
**he which persecuted us in times past--**"our former persecutor" [Alford]. The designation by which he was known among Christians still better than by his name "Saul."
**destroyed--**Greek, "was destroying."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The Galatians reproved for departing from the great doctrine of justification alone, through faith in Christ.(1-5)
This doctrine established from the example of Abraham.(6-9)
From the tenor of the law and the severity of its curse.(10-14)
From the covenant of promises, which the law could not disannul.(15-18)
The law was a school master to lead the...
Read full commentary →Whereby , when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>[Verse 3:4 text would be quoted here]</strong> This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined. <br><br>The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24. in me--**"in my case." "Having understood the entire change, and that the former wolf is now acting the shepherd's part, they received occasion for joyful thanksgiving to God in respect to me" [Theodoret]. How different, he implies to the Galatians, their spirit from yours!
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The Galatians reproved for departing from the great doctrine of justification alone, through faith in Christ.(1-5)
This doctrine established from the example of Abraham.(6-9)
From the tenor of the law and the severity of its curse.(10-14)
From the covenant of promises, which the law could not disannul.(15-18)
The law was a school master to lead the...
Read full commentary →Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>[Verse 3:5 text would be quoted here]</strong> This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined. <br><br>The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Which in other ages** (rather, *to other generations*) **was not made known unto the sons of men.**—For the general sense comp. Colossians 1:27. The phrase “the sons of men” (except that it is once used in Mark 3:28) is peculiar to the Old Testament, where it is of frequent use in the poetical books, and it is notable that in Ezekiel it is the name by which the prophet himself is constantly ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The Galatians reproved for departing from the great doctrine of justification alone, through faith in Christ.(1-5)
This doctrine established from the example of Abraham.(6-9)
From the tenor of the law and the severity of its curse.(10-14)
From the covenant of promises, which the law could not disannul.(15-18)
The law was a school master to lead the...
Read full commentary →That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>[Verse 3:6 text would be quoted here]</strong> This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined. <br><br>The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs.**—More exactly, *are fellow-heirs, *admitted already fully in God’s councils, as partially in actual fact to the kingdom of God.
**And of the same body, and **[*fellow-*]** partakers of his promise.**—These three words (of which the last two are peculiar to this Epistle) evidently describe progressive steps in the work of salvation. First comes the ac...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 2 Ga 2:1-21. His Co-ordinate Authority as Apostle of the Circumcision Recognized by the Apostles. Proved by His Rebuking Peter for Temporizing at Antioch: His Reasoning as to the Inconsistency of Judaizing with Justification by Faith.
1. Translate, "After fourteen years"; namely, from Paul's conversion inclusive [Alford]. In the fourteenth year from his conversion [Birks]. The same visit ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
The apostle proves the doctrine he had blamed the Galatians for rejecting; namely, that of justification by faith without the works of the law. This he does from the example of Abraham, whose faith fastened upon the word and promise of God, and upon his believing he was owned and accepted of God as a righteous man. The Scripture is said to foresee, because the Holy Spirit that ...
Read full commentary →Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>[Verse 3:7 text would be quoted here]</strong> This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined. <br><br>The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **According to the gift of the grace of God given** **unto me by the effectual working of his power.**—The words “given by” should be rendered *given according to.* The working of God’s power is described, not as the means, but as the measure of the gift of His grace. In fact, what is a “gift” in its source, is “effectual working” in its actual nature. On the phrase “effectual working of power...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. by revelation--**not from being absolutely dependent on the apostles at Jerusalem, but by independent divine "revelation." Quite consistent with his at the same time, being a deputy from the Church of Antioch, as Ac 15:2 states. He by this revelation was led to suggest the sending of the deputation. Compare the case of Peter being led by vision, and at the same time by Cornelius' messengers, ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
The apostle proves the doctrine he had blamed the Galatians for rejecting; namely, that of justification by faith without the works of the law. This he does from the example of Abraham, whose faith fastened upon the word and promise of God, and upon his believing he was owned and accepted of God as a righteous man. The Scripture is said to foresee, because the Holy Spirit that ...
Read full commentary →Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>[Verse 3:8 text would be quoted here]</strong> This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined. <br><br>The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Less than the least of all saints.**—Compare with this expression of deep humility the well-known passages 1Corinthians 15:9-10; 2Corinthians 11:30; 2Corinthians 12:9-11; 1Timothy 1:12-16. It may be noted that in each case his deep sense of unworthiness is brought out by the thought of God’s especial grace and favour to him. Thus in 1Corinthians 15:9-10, the feeling that he is “the least of ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. But--**So far were they from regarding me as running in vain, that "not even Titus who was with me, who was a Greek (and therefore uncircumcised), was compelled to be circumcised." So the Greek should be translated. The "false brethren," Ga 2:4 ("certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed," Ac 15:5), demanded his circumcision. The apostles, however, constrained by the firmness of Pau...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
The apostle proves the doctrine he had blamed the Galatians for rejecting; namely, that of justification by faith without the works of the law. This he does from the example of Abraham, whose faith fastened upon the word and promise of God, and upon his believing he was owned and accepted of God as a righteous man. The Scripture is said to foresee, because the Holy Spirit that ...
Read full commentary →And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>[Verse 3:9 text would be quoted here]</strong> This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined. <br><br>The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **To make all men see.**—St. Paul speaks here first of manifestation to all men. The phrase used in the original is at once stronger and weaker than our version of it. It is stronger, for the word is, properly, *to enlighten* or illuminate—the same word used above (Ephesians 1:18), “the eyes of your heart being enlightened.” Strictly, Christ alone is the Light of the world, “which enlightens e...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. And that--**that is, What I did concerning Titus (namely, by not permitting him to be circumcised) was not from contempt of circumcision, but "on account of the false brethren" (Ac 15:1, 24) who, had I yielded to the demand for his being circumcised, would have perverted the case into a proof that I deemed circumcision necessary.
**unawares--**"in an underhand manner brought in."
**privil...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
The apostle proves the doctrine he had blamed the Galatians for rejecting; namely, that of justification by faith without the works of the law. This he does from the example of Abraham, whose faith fastened upon the word and promise of God, and upon his believing he was owned and accepted of God as a righteous man. The Scripture is said to foresee, because the Holy Spirit that ...
Read full commentary →To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>[Verse 3:10 text would be quoted here]</strong> This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined. <br><br>The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) In this verse St. Paul passes on to consider the manifestation of God in Christ as brought home not only to the race of man but to the angels—“the principalities and powers in the heavenly places”—who are described (1Peter 1:12) as “desiring to look into” the consummation of the gospel mystery. In the same sense the Apostles, in their ministration of the gospel, are said to be a spectacle to ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5. Greek, "To whom not even for an hour did we yield by subjection." Alford renders the Greek article, "with THE subjection required of us." The sense rather is, We would willingly have yielded for love [Bengel] (if no principle was at issue), but not in the way of subjection, where "the truth of the Gospel" (Ga 2:14; Col 1:5) was at stake (namely, the fundamental truth of justification by faith o...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
The apostle proves the doctrine he had blamed the Galatians for rejecting; namely, that of justification by faith without the works of the law. This he does from the example of Abraham, whose faith fastened upon the word and promise of God, and upon his believing he was owned and accepted of God as a righteous man. The Scripture is said to foresee, because the Holy Spirit that ...
Read full commentary →According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>[Verse 3:11 text would be quoted here]</strong> This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined. <br><br>The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **The eternal purpose.**—Properly, *the purpose of the ages;* but the sense clearly is, of the purpose of God (see Ephesians 1:11), conceived before the ages of His dispensation, and fulfilled through them. Hence the rendering of our version is substantially correct.
**Which he purposed.**—It should be, *which He wrought, *or *made, *for the word is quite distinct from the substantive “purpos...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6. Greek, "From those who," &c. He meant to complete the sentence with "I derived no special advantage"; but he alters it into "they ... added nothing to me."
**accepteth--**so as to show any partiality; "respecteth no man's person" (Ep 6:9).
**seemed to be somewhat--**that is, not that they seemed to be what they were not, but "were reputed as persons of some consequence"; not insinuating...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
The apostle proves the doctrine he had blamed the Galatians for rejecting; namely, that of justification by faith without the works of the law. This he does from the example of Abraham, whose faith fastened upon the word and promise of God, and upon his believing he was owned and accepted of God as a righteous man. The Scripture is said to foresee, because the Holy Spirit that ...
Read full commentary →In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>[Verse 3:12 text would be quoted here]</strong> This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined. <br><br>The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) This verse returns to the idea of Ephesians 2:18, as though St. Paul, after the wide sweep of thought far beyond the earth in Ephesians 3:10-11, desired, as usual, to bring his readers back to the practical and personal aspects of their Christianity.
**In whom we have** (*our*) **boldness and** (*our*) **access with confidence.**—“Boldness” is, properly, *boldness of speech* (as in Ephesians ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. contrariwise--**on the contrary. So far from adding any new light to ME, THEY gave in THEIR adhesion to the new path on which Barnabas and I, by independent revelation, had entered. So far from censuring, they gave a hearty approval to my independent course, namely, the innovation of preaching the Gospel without circumcision to the Gentiles.
**when they saw--**from the effects which I showe...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
The apostle proves the doctrine he had blamed the Galatians for rejecting; namely, that of justification by faith without the works of the law. This he does from the example of Abraham, whose faith fastened upon the word and promise of God, and upon his believing he was owned and accepted of God as a righteous man. The Scripture is said to foresee, because the Holy Spirit that ...
Read full commentary →Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>[Verse 3:13 text would be quoted here]</strong> This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined. <br><br>The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Wherefore I desire . . .**—The verse is parenthetical—a reflection suggested by the greatness of the trust and the littleness of the minister dwelt upon in Ephesians 3:8-12, and inserted as a warning to the Ephesians not to be disheartened at the present “tribulation” of his imprisonment, as if it were a failure of his mission. (See this idea more fully worked out in Philippians 1:12-29.) “...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. he--**God (1Co 12:6).
**wrought effectually--**that is, made the preached word efficacious to conversion, not only by sensible miracles, but by the secret mighty power of the Holy Ghost.
**in Peter--**Ellicott and others, translate, "For Peter." Grotius translates as English Version.
**to--**with a view to.
**was mighty--**Translate as before, the Greek being the same, "wrought effect...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
The apostle proves the doctrine he had blamed the Galatians for rejecting; namely, that of justification by faith without the works of the law. This he does from the example of Abraham, whose faith fastened upon the word and promise of God, and upon his believing he was owned and accepted of God as a righteous man. The Scripture is said to foresee, because the Holy Spirit that ...
Read full commentary →Prayer for Spiritual Strength
For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>[Verse 3:14 text would be quoted here]</strong> This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined. <br><br>The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.**—The words “of our Lord Jesus Christ” appear, by both external and internal evidence, to be an interpolation—probably from a gloss indicating (in the true spirit of the Epistle) that the universal Fatherhood here spoken of is derived from the fatherly relation to Him in whom “all things are gathered up.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. James--**placed first in the oldest manuscripts, even before Peter, as being bishop of Jerusalem, and so presiding at the council (Ac 15:1-29). He was called "the Just," from his strict adherence to the law, and so was especially popular among the Jewish party though he did not fall into their extremes; whereas Peter was somewhat estranged from them through his intercourse with the Gentile Ch...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
The apostle proves the doctrine he had blamed the Galatians for rejecting; namely, that of justification by faith without the works of the law. This he does from the example of Abraham, whose faith fastened upon the word and promise of God, and upon his believing he was owned and accepted of God as a righteous man. The Scripture is said to foresee, because the Holy Spirit that ...
Read full commentary →Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>[Verse 3:15 text would be quoted here]</strong> This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined. <br><br>The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.**—The original word (*patria*) here rendered “family” is literally derived from the word “father” (*pater*)*.* It has been proposed to render it *fatherhood, *and translate, *from whom all fatherhood* *whatever derives its name*—all lower fatherhood being, in fact, a shadow and derivative from the Fatherhood of God. The translation is t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. remember the poor--**of the Jewish Christians in Judea, then distressed. Paul and Barnabas had already done so (Ac 11:23-30).
**the same--**the very thing.
**I ... was forward--**or "zealous" (Ac 24:17; Ro 15:25; 1Co 16:1; 2Co 8:1-9:15). Paul was zealous for good works, while denying justification by them.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-18**
The covenant God made with Abraham, was not done away by the giving the law to Moses. The covenant was made with Abraham and his Seed. It is still in force; Christ abideth for ever in his person, and his spiritual seed, who are his by faith. By this we learn the difference between the promises of the law and those of the gospel. The promises of the law are made to the person o...
Read full commentary →That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>[Verse 3:16 text would be quoted here]</strong> This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined. <br><br>The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **To be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.**—From the Father, as the source of all life and being, St. Paul passes on to the Spirit, “proceeding from the Father,” as the giver of life to men. His prayer here, as in Ephesians 1:17, is for the gift of the Spirit, but under some difference of aspect. There the prayer is for illumination, here for strength to grasp the myster...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. Peter--**"Cephas" in the oldest manuscripts Paul's withstanding Peter is the strongest proof that the former gives of the independence of his apostleship in relation to the other apostles, and upsets the Romish doctrine of Peter's supremacy. The apostles were not always inspired; but were so always in writing the Scriptures. If then the inspired men who wrote them were not invariably at othe...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-18**
The covenant God made with Abraham, was not done away by the giving the law to Moses. The covenant was made with Abraham and his Seed. It is still in force; Christ abideth for ever in his person, and his spiritual seed, who are his by faith. By this we learn the difference between the promises of the law and those of the gospel. The promises of the law are made to the person o...
Read full commentary →That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>[Verse 3:17 text would be quoted here]</strong> This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined. <br><br>The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith.**—What that indwelling power is he now indicates, so passing to another Person of the Holy Trinity. It is (see Colossians 1:27) “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The indwelling of Christ (as here the construction of the original plainly shows) is not a consequence of the gift of the Spirit; it is identical with it, for the office of the Holy ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. certain--**men: perhaps James' view (in which he was not infallible, any more than Peter) was that the Jewish converts were still to observe Jewish ordinances, from which he had decided with the council the Gentiles should be free (Ac 15:19). Neander, however, may be right in thinking these self-styled delegates from James were not really from him. Ac 15:24 favors this. "Certain from James,"...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-18**
The covenant God made with Abraham, was not done away by the giving the law to Moses. The covenant was made with Abraham and his Seed. It is still in force; Christ abideth for ever in his person, and his spiritual seed, who are his by faith. By this we learn the difference between the promises of the law and those of the gospel. The promises of the law are made to the person o...
Read full commentary →May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>[Verse 3:18 text would be quoted here]</strong> This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined. <br><br>The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height.**—It has been asked, Of what? Various answers have been given; but as St. Paul has obviously of set purpose omitted all definition, leaving the phrase incomplete in absolute generality, no answer can be perfectly satisfactory. The early fathers delighted to refer it to the cross, and to trace i...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. the other--**Greek, "the rest."
**Jews--**Jewish Christians.
**dissembled likewise--**Greek, "joined in hypocrisy," namely, in living as though the law were necessary to justification, through fear of man, though they knew from God their Christian liberty of eating with Gentiles, and had availed themselves of it already (Ac 11:2-17). The case was distinct from that in 1Co 8:1-10:33; Ro 1...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-18**
The covenant God made with Abraham, was not done away by the giving the law to Moses. The covenant was made with Abraham and his Seed. It is still in force; Christ abideth for ever in his person, and his spiritual seed, who are his by faith. By this we learn the difference between the promises of the law and those of the gospel. The promises of the law are made to the person o...
Read full commentary →And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>[Verse 3:19 text would be quoted here]</strong> This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined. <br><br>The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **To know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.**—The intentional paradox of this expression is weakened if (with many interpretations) we suppose that there is opposition in kind between knowledge referred to in the two clauses: as if “to know” meant to know by faith and spiritual experience, while the “knowledge,” which the love of Christ “passes,” is mere “human knowledge”—head-know...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. walked not uprightly--**literally, "straight": "were not walking with straightforward steps." Compare Ga 6:16.
**truth of the gospel--**which teaches that justification by legal works and observances is inconsistent with redemption by Christ. Paul alone here maintained the truth against Judaism, as afterwards against heathenism (2Ti 4:16, 17).
**Peter--**"Cephas" in the oldest manuscript...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-22**
If that promise was enough for salvation, wherefore then serveth the law? The Israelites, though chosen to be God's peculiar people, were sinners as well as others. The law was not intended to discover a way of justification, different from that made known by the promise, but to lead men to see their need of the promise, by showing the sinfulness of sin, and to point to Christ...
Read full commentary →Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>[Verse 3:20 text would be quoted here]</strong> This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined. <br><br>The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
15-16. Connect these verses together, and read with most of the oldest manuscripts "But" in the beginning of Ga 2:16: "We (I and thou, Peter) by nature (not by proselytism), Jews, and not sinners as (Jewish language termed the Gentiles) from among the Gentiles, YET (literally, 'BUT') knowing that ... even we (resuming the 'we' of Ga 2:15, 'we also,' as well as the Gentile sinners; casting away tru...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-22**
If that promise was enough for salvation, wherefore then serveth the law? The Israelites, though chosen to be God's peculiar people, were sinners as well as others. The law was not intended to discover a way of justification, different from that made known by the promise, but to lead men to see their need of the promise, by showing the sinfulness of sin, and to point to Christ...
Read full commentary →Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>[Verse 3:21 text would be quoted here]</strong> This verse in Ephesians chapter 3 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined. <br><br>The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **Unto him be glory in the church by** (properly, *in*) **Christ Jesus.**—In the parallelism of these clauses is implied the great idea of the Epistle—the unity of the Church in Christ. Hence all that is “in the Church” is “in Christ Jesus.” The visible unity of the Church represents, as it depends on, the invisible unity with God in Him.
**Throughout all ages, world without end.**—The origin...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
15-16. Connect these verses together, and read with most of the oldest manuscripts "But" in the beginning of Ga 2:16: "We (I and thou, Peter) by nature (not by proselytism), Jews, and not sinners as (Jewish language termed the Gentiles) from among the Gentiles, YET (literally, 'BUT') knowing that ... even we (resuming the 'we' of Ga 2:15, 'we also,' as well as the Gentile sinners; casting away tru...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-22**
If that promise was enough for salvation, wherefore then serveth the law? The Israelites, though chosen to be God's peculiar people, were sinners as well as others. The law was not intended to discover a way of justification, different from that made known by the promise, but to lead men to see their need of the promise, by showing the sinfulness of sin, and to point to Christ...
Read full commentary →