EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 1:1–14 Introduction. Paul greets the believers in Ephesus (vv. 1–2) and offers praise to God (vv. 3–14). He expresses the letter’s two main themes: Christ has reconciled all of creation and has united the church in himself.
Ephesus was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire and the primary port for Asia Minor. It boasted an advanced system of aqueducts, a 25,000-seat amphitheater, a major library with more than 12,000 scrolls, and the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 1:1 apostle. See note on Rom. 1:1. Paul expresses his authority simply but powerfully: he is an apostle of Christ Jesus. In Ephesians, Paul uses the term saints (“holy ones”; “consecrated people”) for all members of the church (Eph. 1:15, 18; 2:19; 3:8; 4:12; 6:18). They are called to be holy (1:4; 5:3). in Ephesus. These words are missing in several early manuscripts, but they are probably original to the letter. Some scholars believe Ephesians was intended to be shared with churches in the area; they suggest that the words “in Ephesus” were deleted in the copies that were sent outside of Ephesus. Ephesus was an important port city and was the capital of the Roman province of Asia. It was home to the temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 1:3–14 In the original Greek, this section is one long, elegant sentence. Paul shows that the triune God began and completed reconciliation and redemption of the world for the praise of his glory.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 1:3 in Christ. All God’s blessings are ours “in Christ” (vv. 3, 9), “in the Beloved” (v. 6), and “in him” (vv. 4, 7, 11, 13). every spiritual blessing. The saving gifts of God are given by the Holy Spirit. heavenly places. The Christian’s future home (1 Cor. 15:40, 44–50).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 1:4 he chose us in him before the foundation of the world. God’s decision to redeem believers from sin and death was planned all along “in Christ.” holy and blameless before him. Holiness here describes moral purity while blamelessness expresses the idea of freedom from guilt (v. 7; 2:1, 5).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 1:5 predestined. Previously ordained or appointed. adoption as sons. See v. 11; Rom. 8:29–30. All Christians, male and female, are “sons” of God. They are all adopted heirs who will inherit blessings from their Father in heaven. according to the purpose of his will. God’s will is to pour out his grace and goodness on believers in Christ Jesus (see also Eph. 1:9, 11).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 1:6 God’s ultimate purpose is the praise of his glorious name through redemption (see vv. 12, 14).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 1:7 Redemption means ransoming from captivity or slavery. The supreme OT example was the exodus, where God redeemed Israel from slavery in Egypt (see Deut. 7:8; 2 Sam. 7:23). forgiveness of our trespasses. Christians are freed from slavery to sin and guilt by Christ’s blood. His death was an atoning sacrifice (see also Eph. 2:13; Heb. 9:15).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 1:9 In Scripture, mystery refers to the revealing of something previously hidden (see note on Col. 1:26–27). The mystery of God’s will, now revealed in Christ, is “to unite all things in him” (Eph. 1:10; see also 3:3–11).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 1:10 fullness of time. The time for the fulfillment of God’s plan. unite. God has reconciled all creation in Christ.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 1:11 Have obtained an inheritance means being assured of eternal life. predestined. God is firmly in control of history. This is in sharp contrast with the pagan gods of the time, who were often viewed as inconsistent or unable to act. who works all things according to the counsel of his will. Everything that occurs is in some sense predestined by God. As for tragedies and evil, the writers of Scripture never blame God for them (see Rom. 5:12; 2 Tim. 4:14; also Job 1:21–22). They are confident that evil will eventually be defeated. They believe God’s good plans will be fulfilled. How God’s sovereignty and human responsibility work together is, nonetheless, a mystery no one fully understands.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 1:12 praise. See note on v. 6.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 1:13 Sealed may mean that the Holy Spirit protects and preserves Christians until they receive their inheritance (see 4:30; 2 Cor. 1:22; Rev. 7:2–3). It could also mean the Spirit “certifies” them as genuine believers; they bear the “royal seal” (see John 3:33; Acts 10:44, 47).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 1:15–23 Paul’s Prayer of Thanksgiving. This section, like vv. 3–14, is a single sentence in the original Greek. Paul prays that the church will gain deep insight into the Lord’s powerful working and rich gifts in Christ.
The city plan below shows those features of the city of Ephesus that archaeologists have so far identified as dating from the time of Paul. Many of the notable buildings uncovered in the excavation at Ephesus date from later periods.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 1:15 because I have heard. Paul had spent some time in Ephesus a few years before the writing of this letter, but he would not have known the newer believers in the area.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 1:16 do not cease . . . in my prayers. See note on 6:18.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 1:17 To name the Father of glory as the God of our Lord Jesus Christ is not to deny Christ’s deity. Rather, it affirms Christ’s true humanity. Spirit of wisdom refers to the Holy Spirit giving Christians insights into God’s Word and saving knowledge of him (see 1 Cor. 2:6–12).
| Reference | Father | Son | Spirit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:3 | Blessed be the God and Father | of our Lord Jesus Christ | every spiritual blessing |
| 1:11–13 | him who works all things according to . . . his will | to hope in Christ | sealed with the promised Holy Spirit |
| 1:17 | God . . . the Father of glory | our Lord Jesus Christ | a spirit of wisdom and of revelation |
| 2:18 | access . . . to the Father | through him | in one Spirit |
| 2:22 | a dwelling place for God | In him | by the Spirit |
| 3:2–5 | the stewardship of God’s grace | the mystery of Christ | revealed . . . by the Spirit |
| 3:14–17 | the Father . . . the riches of his glory | so that Christ may dwell in your hearts | through his Spirit |
| 4:4–6 | one God and Father | one Lord | one Spirit |
| 5:18–20 | giving thanks . . . to God the Father | in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ | be filled with the Spirit |
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 1:18–19 Paul prays that believers will understand the blessings that are theirs in Christ: (1) their future hope; (2) God’s inheritance in the saints; and (3) their “power” in Christ. The “inheritance” here is not the Christian’s inheritance; it is his (God’s). God looks forward to enjoying forever the people he has saved. immeasurable greatness of his power. Power over supernatural forces through magic and the occult was a great concern in ancient times (Acts 19:19). The power of the living God in Christ defeats all competing authorities (Acts 19:20).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 1:22 put all things. Paul quotes Ps. 8:6 as being fulfilled by Christ’s authority over all creation and as head over the church. head. See note on 1 Cor. 11:3.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 1:23 Christ has so identified himself with his church that it is called his body—in much the same way that husband and wife are “one flesh” (Gen. 2:24; see note on Eph. 5:28–30).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 2:1–10 Salvation by Grace through Faith. This section, like 1:3–14 and 1:15–23, is a single sentence in the original Greek. The main theme is that God gives his saving grace to Christians. There are two subsections: 2:1–3 and 2:4–10.
Salvation by grace. In 2:1–10, Paul eloquently describes how God initiated salvation for undeserving sinners just because he loves them. Through no merit of their own, he rescued them from slavery to sin and graciously gave them new life in Christ (1:5).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 2:1 you were dead. Human beings as sons and daughters of Adam enter the world spiritually dead. They have no inclination toward God. (Paul begins with this phrase then turns to other thoughts; he will return to this theme in v. 5.) trespasses. Violations of divine commandments. sins. Offenses against God in thought, word, or deed.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 2:2 prince . . . spirit. Satan dominates his human subjects. sons of disobedience. Compare “sons of this world” (Luke 16:8). They belong to the family of those who rebel against God.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 2:3 The sons and daughters of Adam have been born into a fallen state (by nature). They have earned God’s condemnation as children of wrath. Compare Ps. 51:5.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 2:5 when we were dead. Paul resumes his original thought from v. 1. made us alive. Since unsaved people are dead, they have to be made alive before they can believe. This is why salvation can only be by grace alone.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 2:6–7 raised us up with him. Because of Christ’s resurrection, those who believe in him are given new spiritual life. seated us with him in the heavenly places. God has allowed his people even now to share in a measure of Christ’s authority. He is seated at the right hand of God (see 1:20–22; 6:10–18).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 2:8 grace. God’s favor on those who have broken his law and sinned against him. God’s grace offers and secures salvation. saved. Delivered from God’s wrath at the final judgment (Rom. 5:9). The perfect tense of “have been saved” means that the Christian’s salvation is fully secured. through faith. Faith is confident trust and reliance upon Christ Jesus. this . . . is the gift of God. The pronoun “this” refers to the entire process of salvation by grace through faith; it is all a gift of God.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 2:9–10 Salvation is not by works. If it were, then those who are saved would get the glory. created . . . for good works. Salvation is not based on works, but the good works Christians do are the result of God’s new creation work in them.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 2:11–22 Unity and the Peace of Christ. Paul continues the new creation theme he introduced in v. 10. The focus shifts from God to Christ Jesus and his redemption. There are three subsections: vv. 11–15, 16–18, and 19–22.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 2:11 the circumcision. That is, the Jews. To be called “uncircumcised” signified that one was a Gentile, outside the covenant people of God.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 2:12 To be separated from OT Israel was to be separated from Christ, because “salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22; Rom. 9:4–5). strangers. See note on Eph. 2:19. In the OT, God redeemed people through his covenants of promise (compare Luke 1:72–73). The new covenant fulfills all God’s promises (2 Cor. 1:20; Heb. 8:6; 9:15). Note that Paul believed that all Gentiles apart from Christ were unsaved and without God.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 2:13 in Christ Jesus. The old division of all people into Jews or Gentiles/Greeks (Acts 14:1–5; 18:4; Rom. 3:9, 29; 9:24; 1 Cor. 1:22–24) has been changed. Now there is a new race in Christ: “the church of God” (1 Cor. 10:32). near. To have access to God (see Eph. 2:18). blood. Christ’s substitutionary death.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 2:14 peace. The state of friendship with God and with one another in the church. made us both one. That is, Jews and Gentiles. In his flesh refers to Christ’s death on the cross (see v. 16).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 2:15 law. The additional mention of commandments and ordinances identifies this as the Mosaic law, which included many commandments that served to separate Israel from the other nations. Thus the law was a “dividing wall” (v. 14) which Christ has abolished or rendered powerless both by fulfilling it and by removing believers from the law’s condemnation (see Matt. 5:17; Rom. 8:1; Heb. 9:11–14; 10:1–10). The result is a new man, denoting a new human race under the second Adam (Christ), in whose image the Christian is re-created (1 Cor. 15:45, 49; see also Eph. 4:24).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 2:16–18 On the cross, Christ put to death the hostility between Israel and the other nations. These verses describe the new, unified group being brought near to God. Paul describes Christ’s reconciliation very vividly as killing the hostility that stood in the way of peace with God. preached peace. Paul refers to Christ’s messianic ministry to the whole world both far and near, recalling Isa. 57:19. access. To draw near to God and to enjoy him forever in a new creation is both mankind’s greatest good and the ultimate accomplishment of Christ’s earthly work of redemption. one Spirit. See note on Eph. 4:4.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 2:19 Strangers (also v. 12) were foreigners with no rights or privileges (see Acts 16:20–23). Aliens were non-citizens who lived in the city and were given privileges as neighbors. Only citizens had full rights (see Acts 21:39).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 2:20 the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Some think “prophets” refers here to those in the early church who had the gift of prophecy (compare 3:5; 4:11); the apostles along with these prophets were “foundational” because they proclaimed God’s words, but their function has been replaced by the Bible. Others think the “prophets” here could be the OT prophets.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 2:21 All Christians everywhere are joined together as God’s holy temple. Belonging to the visible church is not optional for followers of Christ.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 3:1–13 Revelation of the Gospel Mystery. Paul explains his calling and ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles. This assured his Gentile readers that their inheritance in Christ is authentic because of its divine origin.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 3:1 For this reason. Paul breaks off his thought here and resumes it in v. 14 (compare the similar break in 2:1, 5). prisoner for Christ. Paul suffered imprisonment or confinement several times while serving Christ (4:1; Acts 16:23; 24:23; Col. 4:10). on behalf of you Gentiles. Paul was the apostle, teacher, and preacher to the Gentiles (1 Tim. 2:7). The sufferings he experienced during his ministry were for them (2 Cor. 6:5; 11:23).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 3:3 mystery. See note on Col. 1:26–27. This mystery is now revealed: Christ has come to unify Jews and Gentiles in one body through the gospel (see Eph. 1:9, 17). Christ revealed this mystery to Paul by revelation on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1–7) and more fully at other times (see Acts 22:17–21; 2 Cor. 12:1–7; Gal. 1:12; 2:2).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 3:5 not made known. The full realization of who Christ was and the extent of the salvation that would come to the Gentiles was not clear until after the giving of the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:8–10).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 3:6 the Gentiles are fellow heirs. See Rom. 8:17; Gal. 3:28–29.
The apostle Paul received special visions from God (see Acts 22:17–21; 2 Cor. 12:1–7; Gal. 2:2). In his first vision, he saw the Lord Jesus (Acts 9:1–7). One of the mysteries God later revealed in a vision was that the gospel was for both Jews and Gentiles (Eph. 3:6).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 3:7 minister. A servant or official given a particular area of responsibility.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 3:8 very least of all the saints. Paul never forgets that he once had been a persecutor of Christ and his church (Acts 9:4; 1 Tim. 1:13).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 3:10 now. In this age, in contrast to the time before Christ’s first coming. rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Angelic beings.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 3:11 eternal purpose. God’s redemption in Christ originated in eternity with God’s “manifold wisdom” (v. 10; compare 1:3–14). realized in Christ Jesus. God’s plan of salvation had to be put into effect within human history, and this was accomplished through the work of his incarnate Son.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 3:14–21 Paul’s Prayer for Strength and Insight. Paul prays that his readers would be strong in their faith (vv. 14–19). He concludes with words of praise to God (vv. 20–21).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 3:14–15 For this reason. Paul returns to his thought from v. 1. named. See note on John 1:12–13.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 3:17–18 In v. 16 Paul speaks of the indwelling “Spirit” and here of the indwelling Christ. This suggests that the Spirit and the Son are both God. breadth . . . length . . . height . . . depth. The immeasurable dimensions of God’s riches in Christ. On saints, see note on 1:1.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 3:21 church. Paul considers the church a unified whole (see 4:4–6).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:1–16 Unity of the Body of Christ. Paul shows how to apply the truths he has been teaching. There are three subsections: vv. 1–6, 7–10, and 11–16.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:1 prisoner. Paul has been jailed because of his commitment to Christ.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:2 The pagan culture of Paul’s day did not consider humility an admirable quality.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:3 Peace is a bond that unites believers in Christ. They do not create this unity, however; they merely preserve the unity already established by the Lord.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:4 Spirit. Just as a human body has one spirit that gives it life, so Christ’s body, the church, is given life by one Holy Spirit. one hope. Christians will live with God forever. This hope unites them. On the church as a body, see Rom. 12:4–8; 1 Cor. 12:12–31.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:5 one Lord. Jesus Christ. one faith. The spiritual truths Christians believe. One baptism may refer to the baptism of all believers into one body (see 1 Cor. 12:13) or it may refer to water baptism as such. Verses 4–6 of Ephesians 4 seem to make a special point of mentioning the three members of the Trinity: “One Spirit” (v. 4), “one Lord [Christ]” (v. 5), and “one God and Father” (v. 6).
Paul describes the relationship between Christ and the church as a profound mystery (5:32)—a hidden plan of God now revealed and fulfilled in Christ Jesus.
| Christ is the head of the church | 1:22–23; 4:15; 5:23 |
| Christ is the cornerstone of the church | 2:20 |
| Christ is the Savior and sanctifier of the church | 5:23, 26–27 |
| Christ gives the church ministry workers | 4:11–16 |
| Christ loved and sacrificed himself for the church | 5:25 |
| Christ nourishes and cherishes the church | 5:29 |
| the church and her members dwell and grow in Christ | 2:21–22; 4:15 |
| the church is a means through which God manifests his manifold wisdom | 3:10 |
| the church submits to Christ | 5:24 |
| the church is Christ’s body, and individual believers are members of his body | 1:22–23; 3:6; 4:4, 16; 5:23, 30 |
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:6 over all . . . through all . . . in all. God is present everywhere (see Ps. 139:7–12; Isa. 66:1).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:7 grace . . . according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Gifts given by God’s choosing to serve the church.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:8 it says. Paul cites Ps. 68:18 to show that Christ gave gifts to his people from what he had taken from his enemies. The “gifts” are the church leaders described in Eph. 4:11. The captives over whom Christ triumphed are most likely demons (compare 1:19–22).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:9 lower regions, the earth. In the incarnation, Christ descended from the highest heavens to the lowest regions (that is, to the earth). He then ascended (Acts 1:9) 40 days after his resurrection to the highest heavens at the right hand of the Father (Acts 2:33).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:11 For apostles, see note on 1:1. prophets. A reference to the gift of prophecy in the NT church. evangelists. People who proclaim the gospel to unbelievers (see Acts 21:8; 2 Tim. 4:5). shepherds (or “pastors” [esv footnote]) and teachers. People who teach and guide those who become believers. There is some uncertainty whether these terms refer to two different ministry roles or functions (see 1 Tim. 5:17) or a single “shepherd-teacher” ministry role (see esv footnote).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:12 Church leaders are to equip the saints (all Christians) to do the work of ministry (1 Cor. 12:7, 11; 1 Pet. 4:10).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:13 The variety of gifts serves to bring about the unity of Christ’s people. Mature manhood contrasts with “children” in the next verse (see Heb. 5:11–14). knowledge of the Son of God. Knowing Christ personally and understanding all that he did and taught brings about “mature manhood.” measure. Christ Jesus is the standard of maturity. Christ’s fullness is the expression of his divine and human perfection (see Eph. 1:23; 3:19; Col. 1:19).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:14 deceitful schemes. Compare 1 John 4:1–3; Jude 4; Rev. 2:2.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:15 The truth must always be presented in love. As head, Christ leads, directs, and guides the body (see 5:23; 1 Cor. 11:3).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:16 As part of Christ’s body, every believer has an important role in the church’s growth. in love. See 1 Corinthians 13.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:17–24 Paul’s Testimony. Paul explains the new life in Christ that the Ephesians have experienced.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:17–18 ignorance. Not having saving knowledge of Christ. hardness of heart. Unwillingness to turn from sin and accept Christ (see Matt. 13:14–15).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:22 put off your old self. See Col. 3:9–10. As the esv footnote indicates, “self” translates the generic Greek term for “man” or “human.” The “old self” refused to trust and serve Christ. corrupt. Human hearts are “deceitful above all things, and desperately sick” (Jer. 17:9).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:23 renewed. The “renewal” or “transformation” of the mind (Rom. 12:2) occurs as believers study and apply God’s Word and begin to think in new and right ways.
Renewed minds. Christians sometimes distinguish between “head knowledge” and “heart knowledge.” But the Bible clearly teaches that we are to love and serve the Lord with all that we are, including both our hearts and our minds (4:23; see Deut. 6:5; Matt. 22:37).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:24 put on the new self (literally, “man”; see note on v. 22). Believers are created anew after the likeness of God. Compare Gen. 1:27; 1 Cor. 15:49.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:25–32 Encouragement for a Holy Lifestyle. Paul gives practical examples of how church members strengthen Christ’s body (compare vv. 13–16).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:26–27 Be angry. Not all anger is sin, but believers should not remain angry. This will only give an opportunity to the devil to do evil.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:29 Christians are to avoid corrupting talk. They must speak in ways that are good for building up and giving grace, that is, what they say should benefit others rather than corrupting them.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:30 To grieve the Holy Spirit means to cause him sorrow by one’s sin. sealed. See note on 1:13. The day of redemption is the day of Christ’s return (see Luke 21:28; Rom. 8:23).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 4:31 All modifies every item in the list. Bitterness may be listed first because it often leads to the other sins Paul names.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:1–20 New Life in Love. Paul gives general instructions for holy living. Purity of life comes from avoiding evil deeds and relationships and adopting holy practices.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:1–2 Paul’s discussion of love introduces further instructions on holy living (vv. 3–20). When Christ gave himself up for us, it was the supreme act of his love (see John 15:13).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:3 The term sexual immorality covers all sexual sins, including adultery, sex outside of marriage, and homosexuality. Covetousness is a jealous desire for what others possess (Ex. 20:17). It amounts to idolatry (Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5). saints. See note on Eph. 1:1.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:4 Thanksgiving, in contrast to crude joking and foolish talk, is the positive way to speak. Thanksgiving can also be a cure for covetousness (see v. 3).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:5 idolater. See Col. 3:5. inheritance. See Eph. 1:13–14; 4:30. kingdom. Paul speaks of Christ ruling now from the right hand of God (see 1:20–22; compare Rom. 8:34; 1 Cor. 15:24–27; Col. 3:1; etc.). Believers have already been brought into his redemptive kingdom (see Eph. 2:6; Col. 1:13–14), although his rule will be complete only at his second coming (1 Cor. 15:20–24; 2 Tim. 4:1).
Paul makes it clear that Christians must live holy lives (5:1–21; see 4:17–24). This means rejecting sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, coveting, and drunkenness. Instead, they should strive to imitate God, because he loves them (5:1–2).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:6 deceive you . . . because of these things. Only a false teacher would claim that Christians can lead unrepentant, sinful lives (see 2 Tim. 3:1–9; 2 Pet. 2:1–3; Rev. 2:14, 20) and not suffer any consequences. These practices lead to the wrath of God in judgment (Rev. 2:21–23). sons of disobedience. See note on Eph. 2:2; compare John 8:44; 17:12; 1 John 3:10.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:7 become partners. Christians must not join unbelievers in their sin.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:8 Walk as children of light. See 1 John 1:5–7. See also Isa. 9:2; 42:6; John 9:5.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:9 Fruit of light is similar to fruit of the Spirit (compare Gal. 5:22–23).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:10 The Bible gives general principles for life. Christians must also seek the wisdom to discern how to apply those principles to their daily lives.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:11 Expose means either to correct or to convince through argument and discussion (also v. 13). Those who expose sin must not gossip or slander others in the process.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:14 it says. The quotation combines the thought of several verses, including Isa. 60:1 (see also Isa. 9:2; 26:19).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:17 The will of the Lord means God’s general guidelines for life as found in the Bible (his “revealed will”; see Deut. 29:29).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:18 be filled with the Spirit. Compare Gal. 5:22–23. The command describes a regular pattern of life, rather than a onetime event.
| Principles of Marriage | Scripture Reference |
|---|---|
| Marriage is part of the “mystery” of God’s will | Eph. 1:9; 3:3; 5:32 |
| Paul’s instructions are directed to Spirit-filled believers | Eph. 5:18 |
| Wives are called to submit, men are called to love | Eph. 5:21–33 |
| Headship entails authority | Eph. 5:23–24 (compare Eph. 1:22; 4:15) |
| Submission is still required of Christian wives | Eph. 5:22; Col. 3:18 (compare Gen. 2:18; 1 Cor. 11:3) |
| Marriage involves spiritual warfare, which requires husbands and wives to put on the full armor of God | Eph. 6:10–18 |
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:19 Being filled with the Spirit results in joyful praise through singing and making melody. psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. Paul probably has in mind the OT Psalms along with other songs of praise (compare Col. 3:16). “Spiritual” points to the influence of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18) in the believer’s acts of praise.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:20 To pray in the name of Jesus means to pray in faith, trusting in him as the one who represents his people before God the Father (John 14:6; Heb. 4:16; see also note on John 14:13).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:21–6:9 Submission to One Another. Ephesians 5:21 connects the previous section to what follows. Submission is illustrated in various family relationships in 5:22–33 (wives/husbands), 6:1–4 (children/parents), and 6:5–9 (bondservants/masters). See also Col. 3:18–25.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:21 Although this verse begins a new section (5:21–6:9), submitting is actually the last item in the list of ways in which believers are to “Look carefully . . . how you walk” (5:15). The previous items in this list are “making” (v. 16), “addressing” (v. 19), and “giving” (v. 20). Submitting to one another means “submitting to others according to the authority and order established by God.” This can be seen in the examples Paul gives in the following verses.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:22 submit. Paul begins with the right ordering of the marriage relationship (see also Col. 3:18; 1 Pet. 3:1–7). The submission of wives is not like the obedience of children, nor does this text command all women to submit to all men (to your own husbands). Both genders are equally created in God’s image (Gen. 1:26–28) and heirs together of eternal life (Gal. 3:28–29). The submission described here is to the husband’s leadership for the health of the marriage relationship.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:23–24 the husband is the head of the wife. The wife’s submission to her husband is modeled on Christ’s position as head of the church and its Savior. “Head” here clearly refers to a husband’s authority over his wife. See note on 1 Cor. 11:3.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:25 love. Paul now turns to the duty of husbands. Paul tells the husband to give himself up for her. Husbands are to love their wives in a self-sacrificial manner, following the example of Christ with the church. This model is directly opposed to any kind of male tyranny or oppression. Notably, Paul gives three times more space to the subject of the husband’s duty (nine verses) than to the wife’s (three verses).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:26–27 The focus in these verses is on Christ, for husbands do not “sanctify” their wives or “wash” them of their sins. sanctify. Set aside for the Lord’s service through cleansing. washing of water. Perhaps baptism (see Rom. 6:3–4). There may also be a link here to Ezek. 16:1–13, where the Lord washes the infant Israel, raises her, and eventually makes her royalty and marries her. This would correspond to presenting the church to himself in splendor at his marriage supper (see also Ezek. 36:25; Rev. 19:7–9; 21:2, 9–11).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:28–30 The body for which Christ sacrificed himself was the church.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:31 God joins husbands and wives together to become one flesh (Gen. 2:24; see also Matt. 19:5; 1 Cor. 6:16).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 5:32 By mystery Paul means the hidden plan of God that has come to fulfillment in Christ Jesus (see 1:9; 3:3–4, 9; and 6:19). Paul interprets the original creation of the husband-and-wife union as being modeled on Christ’s forthcoming union with the church (see 5:23).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 6:1 Children. The second family relationship illustrating submission to proper authority (5:21) is that of children and parents. obey your parents. Obedience is due to both parents.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 6:2–3 Honor. Children obeying their parents (v. 1) is in part how they honor them. promise. This is the only one of the Ten Commandments that contains a promise (Ex. 20:12).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 6:4 Fathers. As earlier, Paul describes a negative action to avoid, then gives a positive action to develop (see note on 4:29). Paul addresses fathers in particular, though this does not lessen the mother’s contribution in these areas (see Proverbs 31). provoke . . . to anger. A domineering and thoughtless father discourages obedient children (Col. 3:21). bring them up. Parents play a crucial, God-ordained role in the discipleship of their children “in the Lord” (Eph. 6:1); see Deut. 6:1–9.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 6:5 Bondservants. See note on 1 Cor. 7:21. It is estimated that slaves (or bondservants) composed about one-third of the population of a city like Ephesus. They were considered part of a family, so Paul’s instructions for bondservants were a natural part of his dealing with family relationships. Paul does not endorse the existing system of servitude (see esv Preface). Instead, he provides instructions to believing masters and bondservants regarding their relationship to each other in the Lord, and how this should be lived out within the bounds of their social and legal culture. The principles in this passage apply today in terms of submission to any lawful authority, unless it requires a believer to disobey God’s Word or to fundamentally compromise one’s commitment to Christ (see, e.g., Acts 4:19, 20). with a sincere heart. Fulfilling one’s obligations is service to the Lord (see Eph. 6:6–7).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 6:9 Masters were not to take advantage of their authority by threatening their bondservants. There is no partiality with the Lord (see 2 Chron. 19:7; Rom. 2:11). He will fairly judge both masters and servants.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 6:10–20 The Whole Armor of God. Paul concludes with instructions for all Christians. He portrays the Christian life as a spiritual warfare. There are three subsections: vv. 10–13, 14–17, and 18–20.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 6:10 be strong. Christians cannot stand on their own against superhuman evil powers. They must rely upon the strength of the Lord’s might (see 1:19). He supplies this power primarily through prayer (6:18).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 6:11 whole armor. The complete equipment of a fully armed soldier, consisting of shields and weapons like those described in vv. 14, 16–17. Paul draws primarily on OT passages, yet the terms also overlap with Roman weapons. schemes. The “deceitful schemes” of those teaching false doctrine come from Satan (4:14; see also 1 John 4:3).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 6:13 Therefore. Because their enemies are superhuman spiritual forces, Christians cannot rely on human resources. They must take up the whole armor of God (see note on v. 11). withstand. Along with “stand” in v. 11 and stand firm later in v. 13, Paul portrays Christians as soldiers not retreating from the enemy’s charge. evil day. In 5:16 Paul identifies this whole age as “evil days.” Satan’s attacks against Christ’s people will continue until Christ comes again (Luke 21:27) to rescue his people forever.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 6:14–17 Christians have God’s armor from head to foot. These items are metaphors for the spiritual resources given to them in Christ: the truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Word of God.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 6:16–17 flaming darts. Burning arrows designed to destroy wooden shields and other defenses. The shield of faith is able to extinguish the devil’s attacks. the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. God’s Word is the only offensive weapon in this list (see Heb. 4:12).
Flaming darts (6:16) were arrows tipped with cloth, then dipped in pitch and set on fire before shooting. They were used to ignite structures and the shields of opposing infantrymen. In defense against such darts, soldiers often covered their shields with leather and soaked them in water.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 6:18 praying. The weapons for warfare are spiritual because they are rooted in prayer, the Christian’s most powerful resource. Prayer in the Spirit is a form of worship (John 4:23–24) enabled by the Spirit of God, who intercedes on behalf of the person who prays (Rom. 8:26–27).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 6:21–24 Conclusion. Paul concludes his letter (vv. 21–22) and gives a final blessing (vv. 23–24).
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 6:21–22 Tychicus the beloved brother had served Paul faithfully (see Acts 20:4; Col. 4:7; 2 Tim. 4:12; Titus 3:12). He probably carried this letter to Ephesus.
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON 6:23–24 Paul closes his letter the way he began it (1:2): with a benediction of peace, love, faith, and grace upon the church. He mentions “love” three times. This is fitting for a letter where the love of God, the love of Christ, and Christian love have been prominent themes.