Paul and the Mystery
Ephesians, Chapter 1
Copyright 1998 Darroll Evans-all rights reserved (permission granted)
Ephesians 1:1-2
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at
2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians begins by declaring that Paul is "an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God." To us it would seem strange that such an obviously called leader would need to declare the he is an Apostle.
At the time of this writing Paul was not universally accepted. The vast majority of Jewish Christians viewed his message of salvation by grace with suspicion.
Even during our day most Church attendees do not understand the simplicity or power of God's grace. Salvation is by grace.
There are no works attached to His grace. Christ Jesus has already done all the "work" required fro our salvation.
Paul was not chosen to be an Apostle due to self-will, self-determination, or ego. He was chosen because of the will, determination, choice, purpose, and inclination of God the Father.
Here is an important point. We do not choose God.
God chose us. Without His choosing us, our choosing Him would be an act of futility.
The Father not only chooses us; He equips us according the purpose of His call. It is the faith given through His call that gives us the strength to continue living the life of faith.
The Father's determination-in-love is the only thing that stands between us and Satan's determination-of-death. His grace was exhibited in, through, and because of Christ Jesus.
Ephesians was written to the saints at
The name of the city of
This letter is addressed to the Saints. In that respect it is "normal."
Only in the letter to the Philippians does the opening include any mention of Saints by the office held. Office holders within the Church are servants not overlords.
Being an office holder within the Church is a heavy responsibility. It should never be taken lightly.
Much is required from those who have received much through the grace of God's calling. Office holders within the Church should always be respected, but never worshipped.
As you study the greeting, notice that it is to the "saints" AND to "the faithful in Christ Jesus." That simple word may hold a clue as to the makeup of the Church at
Depending on your approach, "and" may indicate a mixed Jew/Gentile congregation. Due to Paul's instruction that all are one in Christ, I doubt that he meant two separate groups.
In his letter to the Galatians, Paul wrote that there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, because all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).
Paul begins with his normal greeting, "Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ." This may also refer to a mixed Jew/Gentile congregation.
In this, I offer you thoughts concerning God's grace, peace, mercy, and love. This is not a great study. I am certain that each attribute is beyond full human understanding.
Grace, peace, mercy, and love are all without limits or boundaries.
Grace (Gr. charis/cariV) is related to the English word favor. It indicates something that is given or done from a spirit of good will rather than as a response to an obligation. It is said to indicate God's unmerited favor toward man.
While seeming to be an intangible, grace provides results far beyond what physically tangible things are able to accomplish. It is by grace, though faith that we are saved.
God's grace is given to us while we are sinners. His grace toward us is the reason for changes in our affections and attitudes. It is not the result of such changes.
Peace (Gr. eireenee/eirhnh) is not the mere absence on open hostilities. God's peace is a serenity, or tranquility that is ours when things around us are going terribly wrong. God's peace within us is not the result of human reasoning. It goes far beyond and actually defies human reasoning.
The eye of a hurricane represents God's peace. Around the eye, the water is churning violently. The winds are howling. Within the hurricane's eye the seas are calm, and the sun is shining.
Mercy (Gr. eleos/eleoV) is His compassion toward us. While love is the engine, it is mercy that is the spark that ignites grace resulting in peace.
God works on our behalf because of His mercy or compassion for us. Without mercy, the engine that delivers us from sin would not work.
Love (Gr. agapaoo/agapaw) is the engine that pulls salvation, the super glue that holds the universe together. His mercy is the result of His love, which causes grace to come to us, resulting in peace with God.
Although few believe or teach it, and most teach to the contrary, God's love never ever fails. It is incapable of failure. God is Love, and He cannot fail!
God's grace, peace, mercy, and love are intertwined as a strong rope with each doing its part to bring us to the knowledge of Christ. Without that lifeline, the windswept sea of sin would surely cause us to drown without any hope of deliverance.
While we could rightly say that God's grace, peace, mercy, and love are infinite, the God that exercises them is not! We, with our finite understanding, have put limits on the super-infinite God.
The Creator God is greater than that which He has created. The human word "infinite" does not do justice in describing God.
God is greater than infinity because he created it.
Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Paul starts his letter in the same manner as a prayer. He offers praise to God, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
We should always begin prayer with praise of God. In doing that, we honor the source of our blessings.
"Blessed" indicates that God is greatly to be adored. Some may read that comment, and not understand the term "blessed."
That we would or could "bless" God may seem strange to non-Christians. Blessing or adoration is the correct response to all that God has bestowed on us.
As we have received God's true love, we are to give true love. Freely we have received; freely we are to give.
We are blessed in Christ. We should also be a blessing to others.
Paul speaks of God as the "Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Father and Son cannot be separated. The Holy Spirit cannot be separated from the Father and Son.
Spread your fingers, then move the palm of your hand. No matter where your palm goes, the fingers go.
The father, Son, and Holy Spirit move and act in unison of purpose. Each compliments the others.
God's blessings are unique He has "blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ."
Our blessings may be here on earth, and yet they are also stored in heavenly places. Have you ever thought about that?
Our blessings are stored in places that the Greek language describes as being above the sky. Where is "above the sky?"
"Above the sky" is beyond whatever we can see. We can see a distance of multiple light years.
The blessings of God are stored beyond the farthest star, and yet they as close as a prayer. The things of God go beyond our ability to understand through physical research, or spiritual meditation.
Ephesians 1:4-6
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world" is a powerful statement. We have been chosen in Christ not in ourselves.
Do you understand the complicated simplicity of that?
Many do not believe it because it sets us apart from the rest of humanity. The fact is, we have been set apart.
Christians are the salt of society. We are the reflected light of Christ Jesus in this age.
Embrace Christ Jesus with thanksgiving. Tell His story so that others may also embrace the light of Jesus Christ.
We have been individually selected by God to serve Christ Jesus. Do you comprehend the honor that has been given us?
At this point, I must add a disclaimer. We have not been chosen, or selected to the exclusion of all other people.
Most people do not understand predestination. As firm as I am concerning the fact of predestination, that word is never used when describing the "lost."
Again, let's discuss the time of the choosing. It happened before the "foundation" of the world. The Greek text indicates that God chose us before the universe was conceived.
Before God spoke the world into existence, He chose us, individually, in Christ, to become the first layer of salvation.
God chose us so that "we should be holy and without blame before him in love." He did not choose us because we were already holy and without blame before him.
The Greek word translated "should" is very important here. The Greek word is first person, singular, indicative. It is used only when it presents an emphatic.
This section should have been translated "shall." Personal paraphrase--"That we shall (emphatically, with premeditation) be holy and blameless before Him in love."
Feelings are not facts. You may not feel holy, or without blame, but it does not depend on how you feel.
In choosing us, Jesus keeps us without blame, unblemished, because of His love for us. Many Christians will tell you that we are just "old sinners."
In Christ, the old things are passed away and we are made new. We may be imperfect before the world, but we are blameless, faultless before God.
We once were dead IN trespasses and sins. Now, in Christ, we are dead TO trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1).
Why go around digging up dead deeds, parading them around as if they still had life?
Our old dead deeds had no life when we were living in them. They certainly have no life in Christ.
Christ is perfect. Because He has given us His righteousness, we are at this very moment unblemished before God.
Paul tells us that God has predestined us to adoption as children through Jesus Christ. That was done according to the good pleasure of the Father's will.
We have been "predestinated" to be Christ's. The Greek text speaks of something that has been predetermined.
Most do not understand the purpose of predestination. However, to deny the predetermined grace of God is to deny His omnipotence and omniscience.
He chose us to become adopted as sons of God. That may sound arrogant, but it is true. That is what the word of God says.
The KJV Bible uses the phrase "adoption of children." The Greek text indicates an adoption as a son.
As you know, in the ancient times, the inheritance was divided among the sons. Therefore, God, knowing that women must give birth, and it takes men and women to procreate and sustain the human race, decided to adopt both men and women as "sons."
The adoption of men and women as "sons" provides for an equity that would not be otherwise understood. In that way, neither is denied the portion that is justly given to a child of God.
In Christ there is neither Greek nor Jew, neither male nor female (Galatians 3:28).
In ancient days, the inheritance was divided in this manner, if there were two sons, the estate was divided into three portions. The eldest son received two portions and the younger received a single portion.
In those days, daughters did not receive a portion. By declaring both men and women to be "sons" all adopted children receive equally.
All of that has been done "according to the good pleasure of His will." The word "pleasure" carries the idea of satisfaction, delight, kindness, wish, or purpose.
It was according to the Father's purpose that you were chosen. It has given Him delight to add your name to the list of those adopted in Christ Jesus.
When you respond to His calling and accept His Christ, the Father takes great satisfaction in you as a son.
God proclaimed us to be accepted in the Beloved. He has not called us so that He might cast us aside at the slightest provocation.
We are accepted in His Beloved Jesus, our Messiah. The Greek implies that we have been endued with special honor, or highly favored.
We have not been given this favor because of who we are, or what we have done. We also have not been honored due to our achievements.
The Father, through the Son, freely gave all that because it was "their" pleasure to do it.
Strict Calvinists, predestination theorists, have raised up some that are spiritual egotists. God's calling is not a license to steal. Yet, that is what the so-called "Christian monarchs" practiced.
Strict Arminianists have produced those who are spiritually paranoid. They are Apprehensive that every move will offend God.
The Letter to the Ephesians was written primarily to Believers. In these short verses (4-6) Paul is telling Christians three things.
We have been chosen, predestined, and accepted. Do you understand that all Christians are chosen, predestined, and accepted?
Ephesians 1:4 tells us that God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, so that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. The Greek text says that God selected us.
Why would He select us?
Are we better looking that all others?
Are we more intelligent than all others?
Do we have more wealth than all others?
We have been chosen because of none of those things.
There are some good looking Christians.
There are some intelligent Christians.
There are some wealthy Christians.
However, we were chosen for the sake of Jesus Christ, and for our sakes.
Salvation was not an afterthought. God did not wake up one day and say, "I think I'll make someone to save today."
From the beginning He planned your salvation. You were chosen so that you should be holy and without blame before Him in love and in the beloved.
Just as salvation is the result of what Christ did, not what you do, your holiness and blamelessness depends only on God.
You are to be holy and without blame before Him "in love." I don't believe the holiest man alive understands the extent of God's love.
Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
We must never allow the shedding of Christ's blood to be trivialized. It is in Him and Him alone we have redemption. It is through His shed blood that we have obtained forgiveness of sins.
Christians speak of redemption, but what is it?
Have you ever borrowed money from a bank?
In lending the money, the bank asked you to put up collateral. That collateral could be a house, or car, or anything of value.
The act of paying off the loan is an act of redemption.
The Greek text indicates a ransom paid in full. Christ Jesus, by the shedding of His blood, has redeemed us from Satan.
There is no more that can or will be added to Christ Jesus' redemptive act. Our emotions, or acts of gratitude are only responses to what Christ Jesus has already accomplished.
It is according to the riches of his grace that we are redeemed. Life is the result of His redemption.
The grace God has bestowed on us is valuable beyond any monetary exchange. We can truly say that God's grace is far beyond our conception of the word "value."
Ephesians 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
"Abound" is a translation understatement. The Greek indicates an overabundance, excess, surplus, or superabundance.
God does not do things half way. He makes sure His representatives are well equipped to do the tasks he has appointed them to do.
Prudence is plain old common sense. Did you know that Christ offers you common sense?
As we grow in godly wisdom, we learn that spiritual matters become practical matters.
As we grow in Christ, the spiritual and practical merge into one. Our acts reflect His will. Our thoughts are attuned to His wisdom.
Ephesians 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
As Beloved children of God, He has made known to us the mystery of His will. It is according to His good pleasure that He purposed in Himself.
In the letter to the Philippians, Paul wrote that it is God that works in us both to will and to do his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).
In his letter to the Romans, Paul spoke to the responsibility for salvation. "So then it is not because of the one that wills, or the one that works (runs), but it is "of God" who shows mercy (Romans 9:16).
Proverbs speaks of the futility of our efforts. "A man's heart devises his own way: but the LORD directs his steps" (Proverbs 16:9).
When we finally understand that God is in charge, we can relax and enjoy the life he brings forth for us to live. That is a mystery that many have not solved.
Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
The Greek word translated "he might gather together in one," means to gather several things under one. The Greek tense used should come into English as a simple statement.
"That, in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He [God the Father] gather together under One head all things in Christ, where they be in heaven or on earth."
You may want to interpret it as all things being gathered in God. He shall be all in all. 1 Corinthians 15:28---"And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all."
Or you may wish to interpret is as all thing being gathered together under the leadership of Christ. That is also true. Romans 11:36---"For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."
Here, we are dealing with here is an imperative situation. It "shall" come to pass. There is no way around, over, or under His Lordship over all created things.
Christ's birth and life among men was not mere happenstance. It took place so that in the dispensation of the fullness of times God the Father shall place all things under the leadership of Christ.
All things which are in heaven, and on earth shall be gathered, joined, united in, to, and through Him. That is a fact! That flies in the face of many religious theories.
Many teachers are dispensationalists. That seems to be a very "religious" word. Actually, it is a very practical word. Dispensation just indicates the administration of a household.
Christ appointed us as stewards of God's household on this earth.
The economy of Christ is not measured in dollars. It is measured in fruit for the
The Greek word translated "dispensation" may also be translated "stewardship." As Good stewards we must be about our Father's business.
We Christians talk about fruit. In Christ, fruit comes in two categories.
One "fruit" is human. It represents individuals born again into the
Another form of fruit the fruit of the spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23.
In that list, the Greek word translated fruit is singular, thereby making this a package deal. The fruit "is" love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
As God gathers all things into Christ, this fruit of the Spirit will be ours in superabundance. Now we experience them in part, but soon they will be ours completely.
Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Have you ever noticed that God speaks of many things in past tense? We have "obtained" an Inheritance in Christ.
Our status with God is that He is in charge. He does all according to His will, not ours.
Ephesians 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Our purpose is to Praise God! We can only praise Him through His Son. Through Christ, we live our lives to the praise of His glory because we have trusted in Christ.
Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise,
Christ Jesus is the one in whom we trusted. We trusted after we "heard," or understood the word of truth.
Here is a simple matter that passes right over the head of many. We could not have trusted in Christ until we "heard" the word preached. Yet, there are those who oppose, or neglect evangelism.
While it is true that we are not to drag people to Christ, we are to point them in His direction. The act of pointing is called evangelism.
Most Christians do not feel comfortable in the work of evangelism. The work of making disciples of all nations is a foreign concept to many that are considered to be Christians.
After we believed in Christ, we were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. We cannot be unsealed.
Ephesians 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
The Holy Spirit is the "earnest," or "up front payment" on our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession. That is an important concept.
I won't go into a talk about the word "earnest." You have probably heard it a thousand times. You know the story about "earnest money." It's true, so I will not trot it out again.
"Purchased possession" comes from just one Greek word. It means an acquisition.
Have you ever thought of yourself as an acquisition?
On the cross, Christ "acquired" you. He is now your Lord,
Christ Jesus is your "Owner." He now has the legal property rights to your life!
Ephesians 1:15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
What does your reputation have to do with Christ?
The world judges Christ by what Christians do or don't do. It is an unfair comparison.
In 1 Thessalonians, Paul gives us some very good advice, "Abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22). The appearance of evil is all society needs to condemn Christ and Christians.
Reputations are always there. The Ephesians had a good reputation.
Paul said, "I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints." Reputations have a way of "making the rounds." Paul knew who loved the saints, and who did not.
Those things cannot remain hidden for long. Do you remember the slogan, "You can't fool all the people all the time?" Well, you can't fool God anytime!
Ephesians 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
Do you make mention of the Saints in your prayers?
Paul stood in the gap for his children of the faith. We should take note of what he did and imitate him.
As you read this, Christ Jesus is interceding for you.
Should you take more time to pray for brothers and sisters of the faith? It is advisable.
Ephesians 1:17-19
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
This is another of Paul's prayers that can be modified to pray for any Christian. Use it in this manner:
"Dear Father, for (insert name), I ask that that You, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, may give (him/her) the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that (he/she) may know You better. I also pray that the eyes of (his/her) heart may be enlightened in order that (insert name) may know the hope to which You have called (him/her), the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints, and You incomparably great power for us who believe. In Jesus' name, amen."
Now, let's look at each verse.
Ephesians 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
God gives us so many things. He gives us the Spirit of wisdom to deal with sin.
He gives us the revelation of Christ Jesus. That revelation results in salvation.
Without the revelation of Christ, all the wisdom in the world would be of little value.
With the revelation of Christ, we have all the wisdom needed to go forward to victory with Christ. It is this manifestation of Christ in our lives that gives us life.
Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
We should pray that our fellow saints gain understanding. We need to "see" clearly so that we may know the hope of His calling, and the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.
We are Christ's inheritance. He is ours.
The Greek word translated "Enlightened" is where we get the English word "photograph." We get a photo when we expose film to light. We become Christian we are exposed to Christ, Son-light.
Ephesians 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
We must also understand the exceeding greatness of His compassionate power toward those who believe. We have the power (the Holy Spirit) within us to change lives.
God's power in our lives is not just great. It is exceedingly greatness.
Ephesians 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
The power within us is the same power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead. It was used to set Him at God's right hand in the heavenly places.
The power of God not only raised Christ Jesus from the dead, it caused life to come into us.
How was Christ raised from the dead?
He received a commandment---a Law from God!
John 10:17-18
17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
John 14:28-31
28 "You have heard Me say to you, 'I am going away and coming back to you.' If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, 'I am going to the Father,' for My Father is greater than
29 "And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe.
30 "I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.
31 "But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here. (NKJV)
Ephesians 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
The name "Jesus" represents the power of God. His name is superior to all other principalities, powers, things of might, and dominions.
"Jesus" is superior to everything that has been named. His superiority extents from this age to the age to come and beyond.
God's power allowed Christ to be restored to His rightful place beside the Father. It has created a situation in which our "rightful place" is now with the Father.
Ephesians 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
We do not see it at this time, but when Christ, on the cross, said, "It is finished," that was the moment He finished His work to have all things put under his feet. At that point, The Holy Spirit of God within Christ took control to establish Jesus as Lord.
The Holy Spirit within Jesus caused His resurrection. The Holy Spirit within us shall cause our resurrection at Jesus' coming.
Ephesians 1:23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
The Father established Jesus as head over all things including the church and established the Church as His earthly agency.
There are those who teach that Christ shall come back for a Church without spot or blemish. He shall!
However, the Church is already without spot or blemish. Some teach that the spots and blemishes represent immaturity in the Church. That is not true!
Spots and blemishes within the Church are non-Christians who pretend to be something they are not.
The Church has been cleansed by the washing of the water of the word. Pretenders are doing "their" best to claim spiritual cleanliness without going through Christ Jesus.
Christ Jesus was emphatic! He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).
This last verse in this chapter speaks of the Church, the body of Christ Jesus that fills or completes all things in all people. If you are outside of the Church of Jesus Christ, you are incomplete!
Be complete! Be reconciled to God through Christ Jesus!
Ephesians, Chapter 2
Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
"Hath he quickened" is an added praise. It does not appear in the Greek text. However, I have difficulty arguing with the truth of the statement. He has given us life.
Did you know that before you accepted Christ, you were dead?
Oh, you may have been walking around with a smile on your face, but you were dead in sins and trespasses. The Holy Spirit, sent by God, caused you to come to life.
Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Before we accepted Christ, we conducted our lives according to the rules of conduct set down and approved by society. Society has not established its rules of conduct according to what God considers correct.
The spirit of disobedience is alive and well. The list of individual sins of society is so long that it defies our ability to count.
Christians understand what it is to be a lost. We were there. However, those that are living without Christ do not understand what it is to be at peace with God.
Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
"Conversation" means the way a person conducts his or her life. Prior to meeting Christ Jesus we acted in manner unpleasing to Him. Our lives were filled with things that were alien to our well being.
As a whole, society is still acting in a manner that is not in its best interest. American heathen have no intention to change for the good.
At this very moment, society is going 100 miles per hour toward a brick wall with no idea what is ahead. In the year 2000, the majority of those sitting on the U. S. Supreme Court showed its callousness toward God by declaring it improper to pray prior to public school sporting events.
I truly believe that one day those that espouse a vulgar form of "civil liberties" shall ask the high court declare the U. S. Constitution unconstitutional, because it speaks of a "Creator." Furthermore, the high court may do it!
Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Every day we should thank God for His mercy. There is no rule that says God must give us mercy.
God's mercy comes from the goodness of His heart. We are rich in His mercy because He chose to make use rich in His mercy.
When did God direct His love toward us?
It was while we were dead in sins. He took pity on us and gave us life, real life, not that stuff that passes for life.
God does not love us because we come to Him. He loved us before we came to Him.
Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Here, we find an odd phrase, "hath quickened us together with Christ." Due to our native tongue being English we lose much of the meaning.
"Hath quickened us together with" is just one word, but it has an important prefix. The prefix is sun (sun). It means, "with."
Now, that sounds simple enough doesn't it? It is not.
Let me describe that word.
If you drew a line on a piece of paper, then drew another line exactly on top of the first. The second line would be "with" the first.
"To quicken" speaks of coming to life from a state of death. We were dead, but now we are alive in Christ.
Now, let's re-read that verse. "Even when we were dead in sins, hath caused us to become alive together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)."
Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
God not only raised us up "with" Christ but He "made us sit together (with Christ) in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." The first part of the Greek word translated "sit together" is again the prefix sun.
Notice that we are sitting "IN" heavenly places. The Greek denotes a fixed position of rest.
We are WITH Christ IN heavenly places. We may not physically see it, but it is true.
Ephesians 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Why would God choose grace? There are two reasons.
First, we are incapable of self-salvation. Salvation by works does not work.
Adam had only one commandment, "Do not eat of the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." He couldn't handle just one commandment. Neither can we!
Second, He did it so that in the ages to come He might display in us the exceeding riches of His grace and kindness through Christ Jesus.
Freedom through grace is a universal object lesson.
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
These verses seem redundant. They are a re-affirmation.
In the ancient custom is a thing is repeated it is given greater emphasis. This repetition is giving greater emphasis to the earlier statement in Ephesians 2:5.
It is impossible to overstate the importance of grace in our lives.
Now, we not only have the emphasis on grace, but why salvation must be by grace. It is by grace so that no human can brag in the presence of God about what he or she has done to deserve salvation.
You may be thinking that if it is entirely up to God that means we are all just a bunch of robots. Don't flatter yourself!
You and I are just lumps of clay. We are not far enough along to be considered robots.
Clay may be molded into a useful or decorative vase. First, the clay is thrown onto the wheel. That wheel is spinning.
Some of us have experienced situations that made us think our lives were spinning out of control. Just remember that the Master Potter is in control.
The Potter pushes, pulls, bends, and reshapes the ugly lump of clay. The Potter thrusts his hand into the midst of the clay. That is done to form an inner place so the vase may become a useful container.
Inner space is more important than outer space in molding clay. If hollow spaces are not dealt with, the object may collapse.
The master Potter uses both hands to bring the top of the vase up to a level that is correct for the intended use of the vase.
He pushes and tugs some more to add certain qualities to the vase that cannot be accomplished by just one hand doing the molding. The result is pressure inside and out.
Notice that the vase is never left alone to form itself.
Suddenly, the wheel begins to slow down. The spinning stops.
The vase is overjoyed to have come through the spinning experience and survived.
The Potter takes the vase and paints it extremely beautiful colors. The vase thinks, "How lovely I must be."
That is the moment the vase is placed into the kiln, the furnace.
President Harry Truman said, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." In life, the heat may seem intolerable, but there is no way out of the kitchen.
We are clay in the hands of the Master Potter. What I have told you is not my imagination working overtime. It a scriptural description of our relationship to God Almighty.
In Isaiah we find these words, "But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand" (Isaiah 64: 8).
I have been in many homes, and seen many beautiful pottery pieces. I have yet to hear one of them brag about having made itself so lovely or useful.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
We are the creation. God is the Creator.
The Greek Word translated "created" has great meaning to it. In indicates something that was created as an original, or fabricated by the proprietor. It does not in any way indicate a job that has been sub-contracted.
"Hath before ordained" means prepared in advance. If a thing has been "before ordained," it has been predestined. There are some good things that God predestined us to accomplish.
Ephesians 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
Let me explain what seems to be a complex concept. This one teaching will increase your understanding.
Many sincere and believing Christians think that they are Gentiles. Physically that may be true, but Christ deals with the spiritual.
At this time, you may be thinking, "Oh no, he is trying to tell us all Christians are Jews. I don't see any harm in that, but it's not true.
All Christians are not Jews. Some are. At this time most are not.
No person is born a Christian. Some are born as a Jew, some as Gentile. Whether Jew or Gentile, we may be "born again" as Hebrew.
The origin of the word Hebrew is both physical and spiritual. It means "those who crossed over."
The ancient Hebrews "crossed over" the Red Sea and the
Following Christ's death on the cross and his resurrection, in Christ there are no more Jews or Gentiles. However, all are Hebrews. All in Christ have crossed over from death to life.
A Jew is part of a Semitic race, the majority of semites is spoken of as Gentile. Palestinians are part of that Semitic race. Abraham was not a Jew. He was Chaldean (Genesis 11:27-28).
In the spiritual realm, a Hebrew is one who had an encounter with God, and passed over from death to life. A Christian is not a Jew, but he/she is a spiritual Hebrew.
Abram had an encounter with God and became Abraham, the father of many nations (Genesis 17:5). Jacob had an encounter with God and became
Encounters with God cause change. That is why Paul could make a bold past tense statement, saying that in the past you were "Gentiles in the Flesh."
You "were" a Gentile, an unbeliever. Now you are one who has passed over.
You are a spiritual Hebrew. As a Christian, you have had an encounter with God.
Ephesians 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Paul continues his theme, by saying that, "at that time you were without Christ." That fact made you, and all others that are without Christ "aliens" from the
Many Jews today are, at this time "aliens" from the
You and I We were strangers to the covenants and promises. Being strangers we were without hope.
As strangers we had no hope, because we were lacking something. That something was the spark of life that only God, through Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit, can give.
Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Here, Paul gets to the good stuff. In Christ Jesus, those who were remote and without a relationship have been brought into close relationship to God by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
I may make some Jews angry, but our relationship to God is totally based on out relationship to Christ. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).
Some of the Jewish faith may become angry saying, "I believe in God! Do you mean that I am not saved because I don't accept Jesus as my Messiah?"
Let me be blunt!
That is exactly what I am saying!
Whether Jew or Gentile, if you have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord of your life, you are lost.
I also firmly believe that no matter what you say or feel at this moment, you will proclaim Him to be Lord.
Ephesians 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Do you want peace?
There is only one way to gain lasting peace. Jesus said, "I am the way" (John 14:6a). As a Christian, you have a right to God's peace.
Jesus said, "My peace I give unto you. Not as the world gives do I give you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27).
The peace of Jesus Christ is belongs to all that acknowledge Him as Lord.
Many will try to tell you that there are many ways to God. WRONG! There is only ONE WAY. Christ Jesus is that way.
In the Hebrew Scriptures, there was always a wall between Jew and Gentile. Now, Christ broke down the wall that separated us. That the wall has crumbled, and it will never be rebuilt.
Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
Here, Paul speaks of God having abolished in Christ's flesh the enmity, which is the law of commandments, contained in ordinances.
Many mistakenly believe that the Ten Commandments were destroyed on the cross. Not so!
Grace does not nullify the Ten Commandments. It enhances them.
In Matthew 5:18 we read that Jesus said, For "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."
Have heaven and earth passed? Has all been fulfilled?
If not, the Law of God is still valid.
Paul wrote to the Roman Church, "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law" (Romans 3:31).
This misunderstanding came about because most Christians and Jews do not understand that the law of God was never intended to save man. It points the way to the Savior of man.
I believe in the Sabbath, Friday night till Saturday night. I attend Church on Sunday, but I believe in the Sabbath.
Some teach that the Sabbath of God was nullified by grace.
Now, please do not misunderstand, I don't care which day you attend Church. That is immaterial to me. However, grace does not nullify the God's Sabbath.
Didn't Christ break the Sabbath?
In the gospel of John, the writer tells of Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath. John wrote that the Jews sought the more to kill Jesus, because He broke the Sabbath, and in doing that He tried to make Himself equal with God (John 5:18).
That is a false translation.
The Greek word mistranslated "broken" is elue. It comes from the Greek root luw which means to free, loosen, unbind, or unfasten, to set free, set at liberty, or deliver.
They sought to kill Christ because he freed the Sabbath from their ungodly rule!
In reading the Bible or any other book, you must read IN CONTEXT. What does that mean?
It means, read what is around it. The context must be considered in determining what is meant.
Let me set the scene. Jesus had just healed a man on the Sabbath. That was against "man's" law.
The men who first translated the Bible had no revelation as to why Christ did things. So, they mistranslated this verse as a political statement in support of Sunday worship.
*Keep in mind, I go to church on Sunday. I am not attempting to get you to leave your Church. I am explaining what happened and why.
In healing the man on the Sabbath, Jesus "freed" the Sabbath from man's arbitrary, ungodly rule. The only thing in the 7 days of creation that was sanctified by God was the seventh day Sabbath.
Christ lived a perfect life under the Law. That was how He could take upon Himself our sins. If He had broken the least Law of God, He could not have been a lamb without blemish.
Jesus told us that the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27).
He also openly proclaimed that the Son of man is Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8; Mark 2:28; Luke 6:5).
Now that I have totally upset you, let's continue with the study of abolishing the Law.
What law did Paul say was abolished?
It was "the law of commandments contained in ordinances." He did not say that the Ten were abolished.
What would have happened if the Ten were annulled?
There would be no basis for God's judgment!
Christ came to set us free. He used the Sabbath as an object lesson.
I am also using the subject of the Sabbath to make a point. I want you to concentrate your studies on the Word and the words.
The phrase "first day the week" appears in the New Testament only in the English. It is not to be found in the Greek text.
Each and every time you read the English phrase "first day of the week" in the New Testament, the words "of the week" will have been added. They are not in the Greek text.
The Greek will use the words Sabbaton-Sabbaton, or Sabbata-Sabbata. There are no exceptions.
The only thing Sabbaton and Sabbata mean is the 7th day Sabbath, Friday sundown until Saturday sundown. In each case the Greek should have been translated "one of the Sabbaths," or "the first of the Sabbaths."
Keep in mind that I am a member in good standing of a "Sunday" Church. My membership does not alter the Greek text.
Isn't Easter mentioned in the Bible?
It sure is! You will find it in Acts 12:4, "And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people."
That is not what the Greek text says!
First, the word translated Easter is Pascha-Pasca. That is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew word "Pesach," meaning Passover. It is not the same as Christian Easter. It's better.
According to 1 Corinthians 5:7, Christ is our Passover. That verse says, "Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us."
But, wasn't Christ resurrected on Easter Sunday morning? Again, that is not what the Greek text says.
The Greek text should be interpreted in the light of Jewish tradition because Jesus was a Jew.
Here is what it really says with a parenthetical note to explain it in Christian terms. I will use Luke's Gospel. The same will be true of the others.
Let's Look at Luke 24:1?
Luke 24:1 Now upon the first day (Gr. Sabbaton) [of the week] (added), very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
Personal: "Now, on the first of the Sabbaths (leading to Pentecost), very early in the morning...."
Passover is a period of multiple Sabbaths. What day of the week was it? I will not discuss that point. Ask a Rabbi.
The phrase "first day of the week" was placed in the English Bible as an anti-Semitic political statement.
Now, all that stuff about the Sabbath and Law is good, but doesn't the Bible say that we have been freed from the Law? No! Not at all!
In the Bible, God caused Paul to write, "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us" (Galatians 3:13a). We have been redeemed from the CURSE of the Law, not from the Law.
We may not be able to follow the Law to perfection as Christ did. Nevertheless, we are to find delight in it as Paul did.
Paul wrote, "I delight in the law of God after the inward man" (Romans 7:22).
Now, back to grace and law. Lawlessness is not freedom. It is anarchy!
Did Christ come to establish anarchy?
I don't think so. Antichrist is the Lawless one.
The law of man is another matter.
Moses gave a law regarding divorce. Christ told the Jews that Moses did it because of the callousness of their hearts.
Christ Jesus said, "It has been said that Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement. But I tell you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, except for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery. And, whosoever shall marry her that is divorced also commits adultery (Matthew 5:31-32).
Moses law was temporary. God's Law is permanent.
By bringing both Jew and Gentile under the same Law of grace, God took two and made them one.
Ephesians 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
God sent Christ Jesus so that He might reconcile both Jew and Gentile, male and female to Himself in one by virtue of the cross of Jesus Christ. He did it by nullifying those things that were artificially been placed between God and man.
Man's lack of revelation concerning the Law of God has led to an unnatural, synthetic, and counterfeit law being enacted by man. Those "religious" laws have been abolished!
Ephesians 2:17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
Jesus came and preached peace to us at a time that we were separated from God. He did not wait until we got our act together.
Because He took the first step we have been brought to God. The Holy Spirit continues that mission of evangelism to this very day.
Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Because of Jesus' work on the cross and the sending of the Holy Spirit, we have access to the Father. We can go boldly into God's throne room knowing Christ Jesus, our Savior and friend is at God's right hand interceding on our behalf. The Holy Spirit is our guarantee of immediate access.
Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Those born into Gentile families are no longer strangers to God and alien to the promises of God. You and I are now fellowcitizens with all the saints. We are members of the household, the family of God.
Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone
We have been taken off the foundation of sin, and placed on a solid foundation of Christ Jesus represented by the apostles and prophets. Jesus Christ is the Church's Chief Corner Stone.
I recently received an email from Arthur Eedle. He wrote concerning this chapter in Ephesians.
I do not translate every verse when doing commentary. Perhaps I should. Arthur wrote that that "chief corner" (Gr. akrogooniaiou-akrogwniaiou) actually means "capstone." The Church is built from the top (Christ) down, not the base up.
Ephesians 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
We have been made into a holy temple. 1 Corinthians 6:19 tells us that we are the temple of the Holy Ghost.
Ephesians 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
God inhabits us. This verse seems almost surreal. Truth is sometimes that way.
The Church is a temple, and yet it has not been built with human hands. It also has no denominational sign on the front door.
Ephesians, Chapter 3
? Copyright 1998 Darroll Evans-all rights reserved
Ephesians 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
"For this cause" refers to what has gone before.
Paul was writing about the Gentiles being brought into the Family of God. For the cause of the message of the gospel, Paul became a "prisoner of Jesus Christ."
What does it mean to be a prisoner of Christ?
It verifies that Jesus is the Lord of your life. In that context, all who are Christians are prisoners of Jesus Christ.
"Gentiles" is a word that has various biblical meanings. There are those who are born into non-Jewish families. They are physical Gentiles.
Then, there are those who are not believers in the one true God. They also are Gentiles, regardless of race. Some Jews are spiritual Gentiles.
Ephesians 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
Here, Paul again refers to the dispensation of grace. We are now in the age, or dispensation of grace.
Paul was the first open exponent of grace. Peter preached the first sermon to Gentiles at Cornelius' house, but he did not understand the importance of the message until Paul came on the scene.
Grace is a unique word and concept. It may indicate our unmerited favor with God.
Grace may also indicate God's power at work in our lives. When Christ told Paul, "my grace is sufficient," he was speaking of Christ's power to overcome the adversaries who had come against Paul.
How does that correlate with reality?
We are in the Age of Grace. The Age of grace began at Pentecost.
What did Jesus tell His followers about Pentecost?
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in
Without God's grace/power neither you nor I could be witnesses to the glory of God. In many cases the words grace and power are interchangeable.
The grace of God has empowered us to proclaim the gospel to all nations. In fact, our Savior and Paul's Savior said that we are to teach the things that He taught to all ethnic groups. Christ would not have given the command without giving us the power to do it.
Let's look at the concept of Christ's power. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus said, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teach them to observe all the things I have commanded you, and, I am always with you, even unto the end of the age. Amen!"
There is only one Gospel. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Grace and power are at the heart of the gospel. Let's examine it.
Jesus told His followers to, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Matthew 28:19)
"Go ye" literally means, go on a journey, take a trip, or get out of town. Christians are never admonished to sit within 4 walls and wait for somebody to show up.
"Therefore" is the subject the main theological question of the age, "What is 'therefore' there for?"
Before we look at "therefore," let me tell you three things every seminary student must learn.
1. Wear deodorant!
2. Use breath mints!
3. After those two basics, we finally get to the subject of the Bible and theology. If you are to study the Bible, you must learn to ask, "What is 'therefore' there for?" Why is it there?
Therefore means "consequently." So, "What is 'therefore' there for?"
The answer is found in Matthew 28:18 Jesus said, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth... (Then it goes into verse 19).
Let me say it in Modern English, going into verse 19 without the Chapter/verse demarcation.
Jesus said, "All power (authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Therefore, go and teach all nations.
The Greek word translated "nations" is eqnh. It means ethnic groups.
As we go, we are to teach all ethnic groups. Philippine, Chinese, African, Arab, Jew, European, and Native American all ethnic groups are to be taught. Please forgive me if I left out your ethnic group.
As we go, we are also to baptize, or immerse. It is my contention that baptism must be with the Word, a washing of the word (Ephesians 5:26).
I grew up in the Baptist denomination. We baptize everything we can get our hands on, men, women, boys, girls, small cars. However, any Baptist worth his salt will tell you that baptism is not an end all.
You may be baptized so many times that the fish know your social security number, and it will l do you no good if it is not accompanied by a repentant heart.
Too many people start off dry and unrepentant. They are then immersed, and end up wet and unrepentant.
God looks on the heart. That is the key to salvation.
As we are obedient to Christ's command, the Father will baptize, immerse them with the Holy Ghost and fire (Matthew 3:11).
As we go, baptize, and teach, Jesus has laid out what we are to teach to all ethnic groups.
Jesus said that we are to Teach "them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." That admonishment narrows the scope of what is to be taught.
We are to teach only those things Jesus taught. The curriculum is already laid out.
There is no provision for teaching anything other than what Jesus taught. That may present a problem.
We are in the age of Grace, and Christ never taught about grace. Or, did He?
The only place in the KJV Bible that you will find Jesus Christ quoted as using the English word "Grace" is 2 Corinthians 12:9.
The word "grace" appears only 4 times in the gospels. It is never used within the four Gospels in a sentence spoken in the gospels by Jesus Himself.
The English translation "Grace" is used once in Luke and three times in John to describe Jesus.
In the Greek, "charis/cariV," which is often translated "grace," is used 8 times in Luke and 4 times is the Gospel of John in various translations. It is not found in Matthew or Mark.
Luke quoted Jesus as using the word "Charis" 4 times. In Luke 6 it is used 3 times where it is translated favour, and Luke 17 where it is translated thank.
As I said, the only time the KJV translators use the word "grace" as spoken by Jesus is found in 2nd Corinthians 12:9. Speaking to Paul, Christ said, "My 'grace' is sufficient for thee." By contrast, Paul used "grace" approximately 100 times.
Where does that leave the gospel Paul preached, the Gospel of Grace?
It puts it right in the middle of the teaching commanded by Christ. Many times the only teaching that may be understood is teaching by example.
If I wanted to teach you how to nail 2 boards together, the best way would be to get 2 boards, a nail, and a hammer and show you.
Jesus taught by example.
When Jesus called each of the Apostles, grace was being taught by example. None was worthy of the calling. Yet, He called and equipped each for the journey. That is grace.
When the woman was caught in adultery, it was grace by example that prevented Christ from pointing out the man involved, and having both the man and woman stoned (John 8).
When the blind man received his sight, it was grace that allowed him to see the Holy One of
It was because of the grace of God that Lazarus came out of the tomb (John 11).
It was by the grace of God that a Gentile Roman Centurion's servant was healed (Matthew 8).
It was by the grace of God that the Gentile Canaanite woman received deliverance for her daughter (Matthew 15).
Jews and Gentiles alike received grace from Jesus.
It was by the grace of God that a Pharisee named Saul was allowed to take the gospel of grace to the Gentile nations.
There is only one gospel. Paul said that if any person comes preaching another gospel, "let him be accursed" (Galatians 1: 8). That statement was made to a mixed Jew/Gentile congregation.
We are to teach want Christ taught. We are not to teach any old thing we stumble across.
Jesus ends His instructions with a promise, "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." He is now with us in Spirit.
In the coming age of peace, and in the age of ages, He will be with us face to face.
"Amen" means the prayer is over. It also indicates that what has just been said is faithful and true. There is no error in this command or promise.
In Ephesians 2:8, Paul wrote that it is by grace we are saved through faith; and that not of ourselves: it is the gift of God. The power of grace is infinite.
As I wrote the last sentence above, I thought about infinity. Is God really infinite? His grace, mercy, and love are all infinite. They know no boundaries. However, God Himself is not infinite. God is far greater than just infinite. God created infinity and eternity. He is greater then either.
Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
Paul said it was by revelation that the gospel was made known to him. It is the same with all who are called to Christ by the Holy Spirit.
Many do not admit it, but revelation is the basis for Christian relationship. The revelation of Jesus as a personal Savior is at the heart of a proper relationship with God.
Salvation by the grace of God in Christ is never understood through acquired knowledge. The realization of grace is always, in each and every instance, provided to the saints by revelation.
The concept of revelation is a mystery to all except those to whom Christ Jesus is revealed. Christianity is a mystery to the non-believer.
The Greek word translated "revelation" means disclosure. The disclosure of the Spirit of Christ is at the very heart of Christianity.
Paul wrote that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Those that He foreknew, he predestinated to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Moreover, those that He did predestinated, He also called, and those He called, He justified, and those He justified, He glorified (Romans 8:28-30).
"As I wrote afore in few words" is a reference to a previous short letter. We have no knowledge of that letter. It is one of the "lost" letters of Paul.
1 Corinthians contains another reference to a "lost" letter. In 1 Corinthians 5:9 Paul said that he wrote a letter to them advising that they not keep company with fornicators.
Several "lost" books are mentioned in the Hebrew Scripture (OT). From the human perspective it is amazing that so many scriptures survived the years. From a spiritual perspective, it is not astounding that God would allow only those writings God chose to remain and be canonized.
Ephesians 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
The Mystery of Christ may be studied by great analytical minds, but only understood by simple faith. Complexity is not a sign of godly theology.
Here is another mystery. We have the same knowledge available to us that Paul had. How can that be?
The Holy Spirit reveals the knowledge of Christ. The same Holy Spirit lives in every true believer such as Paul, John, James, Peter, and you.
Ephesians 3:5 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;
The individuals who wrote the OT scriptures had no idea what they were writing. Prophets of old longed to understand what we take as natural course. The Holy Spirit has revealed Jesus to us in a manner they did not understand.
When Paul speaks of Apostles and Prophets in this verse, he was referring to those who lived at that time. Prophet is a New Testament office.
Ephesians 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
This is the mystery laid out in very simple terms that Gentiles should be co-heirs. We are members of the same body. We are partakers of God's promise in Christ by the gospel.
This is the basis for Gentile hope. We have been grafted into the vine. We are no longer what we were.
The other Apostles did not have understand the extent of the gospel until Paul was used by God to reveal its mystery.
Today, the ministry of reconciliation is a mystery to many Christians.
Read this carefully. As temples of the Holy Spirit, we have access to all wisdom in Christ. That does not mean that we have accessed all wisdom in Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 3:7 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.
Paul was called by God and ordained to be a minister of grace. In that respect, he was the first of his kind.
The ministry of grace is only accomplished through God's power working within us.
Ephesians 3:8 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;
Ego is not a fruit of the Spirit. We should not to think more highly of ourselves than we are.
To be a saint of God is not a bragging point. It is a reference to what Jesus has done. None of the credit belongs to us.
That is not to say that we are not special. We are so precious in God's sight that He sent His only begotten Son to die for us. As Dr. Robert Schuller says, "You are somebody."
Being "somebody" in God's sight is as high as a human can get. We were created and called for a purpose. Our purpose is to serve God, to do that which He predestined us to do.
"Unsearchable" means that the depth of God's wisdom in Christ Jesus cannot be explored by human methods. It is past understanding except by revelation.
As long as there is no revelation of Christ, the gospel shall remain a mystery. The Greek indicates a trail that cannot be explored.
Paul refers to God's plan for us as, "the unsearchable riches of Christ." God's plan for the ages is laid out for us in the life of Jesus Christ. They are unsearchable by the carnal mind.
Unsearchable (Gr. anexichniaston-anexicniaston) is found in the Bible only twice. It is found here and also in?
Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
In Romans 11:33, the Greek word is translated "past finding out."
In Romans 11:33 another Greek word is translated "unsearchable." In this case "unsearchable" (Gr. anexerunetos) means inscrutable, incapable of being investigated.
Ephesians 3:8 needs extreme study. It gives the impression of being redundant. Paul places special emphasis on the complex intertwining of the each individual life's purpose and potential within God's single plan for the ages.
Ephesians 3:9 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:
Our Job on earth is not to reveal Christ. We declare Christ so the Holy Spirit may reveal Him.
When people form a partnership, each brings something special and useable to the table. As the body of Christ, we each bring a willingness to serve that God has placed within us.
Past that, God has also given each of us a gift, talent, or ability in a certain area. That God given gift, talent, or ability strengthens the whole body.
If not used, the lack of our individual weakens the Church body.
Christ Jesus is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Therefore grace has been in effect since the foundation of the world. However, being in effect and being known are two different things.
If I am traveling on one of
Grace has been in effect throughout human history. Christ Jesus brought it to light.
Paul did not understand grace until he met Christ Jesus. Until that time, he understood only the Law pertaining to Jews.
Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Through the Church God is making known to all creation the wisdom contained within what we call grace. We are being used to disclose grace to all creation.
Ephesians 3:11-12
11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
God's eternal purpose was determined in Christ Jesus. Let me challenge you to do an English word study.
I understand that you are well educated and know something of the Bible. If you were not Bible oriented, you would not be reading this.
The English language is a living language. That means that, from time to time, word meanings change.
Do you understand the concept of "eternal?"
God has an "eternal" plan. What does that mean?
The word "eternal" is used to indicate something that has no beginning and no end. "For ever" and "eternal" are mathematically different. "For ever" has a beginning. "Eternal" does not.
Man is not eternal. Nothing created is eternal. The concept of eternal is the exclusive domain of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
As a living language, the meaning of "eternal" may have been different when the King James Version was written. The Greek word translated eternal does not indicate a period of time without beginning or end. It just indicates a very long time.
God's "eternal purpose" that He predestined in our Lord Christ Jesus was demonstrated in the life, death, resurrection, and reconciliation of Jesus.
My challenge is for you to thoroughly understand His reconciliation following His death and resurrection. When you understand that, you will understand the power of grace.
How does grace affect us?
It is by grace that we are saved through faith, and that is not of through our efforts, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8).
Grace does not originate within us. Faith does not originate in us. Both are gifts of God.
Ephesians 3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
Paul called upon the Ephesian Christians not to be disturbed within their minds about his plight, his tribulations. He was not telling them to be unconcerned. There is a big difference in being disturbed and being concerned.
Dr Manford George Gutzke's definition of agape love is "a deep abiding concern for the general welfare of another." Love is not a deep abiding disturbance for the general welfare of another.
Paul calls on us not to be disturbed about certain circumstances. In addition, we also are not to roll over and play dead at the slightest appearance of opposition to the gospel.
The
Many suffered the loss of life, family, fortunes, and property. Some were tortured. Homes were looted and burned. Some were hunted as if they were animals. They stood by their pledge even though it cost them their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
What kind of men were they?
They were well educated and financially successful. Some sold all they had to finance our freedom. They were repaid with poverty and rags. Some died from exhaustion and a broken heart.
The founders of
"For the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of the Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."
Do we love the liberty found in Christ Jesus that much?
Ephesians 3:14-15
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Have we truly bowed in honor to our Lord and King?
Are the Father of Glory, and the Son of His love paramount in our lives?
Ephesians 3:16-19
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
This section shows the progression of Christian life. It starts with, "He would grant you."
Christianity does not begin with a Christian. It begins with Christ.
Whatever it is that you are granted is done so according to His riches not yours. His gift is given to strengthen you "inner man." It benefits you outer man only as a result of benefiting the inner man.
As you benefit from, are strengthened by Christ dwelling in your heart by faith, you become rooted and grounded in love. As you are rooted and grounded in love you understand the depth of God's love for you and for all His children.
Ultimately, you will reach the stage where Christ fills you very being.
This may seem to be a study in "virtual" religion. That is something with great looks but no substance.
Quite to the contrary, the Christian progression is real. It is the other that is false.
If you do not now know Christ, don't worry or fret. God shall, at His appointed time, reveal His love to you.
Several years ago, in a small Church, I simply told a young woman God loved and cherished her. That simple statement became a revelation to her. She is now married to wonderful man, and serving God.
This section is also a powerful Holy Spirit inspired prayer. You may use it in this manner. Insert the name of a loved one.
Dearest Father, for (insert name), I pray that out of Your glorious riches You may strengthen (him/her) with power through Your Spirit in (his/her) inner being, so that Christ may dwell in (his/her) heart through faith. I pray that (he/she), being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints. That (She/he) may grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that goes beyond human knowledge. That (he/she) may be filled to the measure of all Your fullness. In Jesus' name. Amen!
Ephesians 3:20 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,
God's capability to do for us is not in proportion to what we can imagine. It is in proportion to His riches in glory.
God has already done the unimaginable. God almighty, the Father of Glory has adopted us as His children, heirs and joint-heirs with Christ Jesus. I doubt that any of us understand the full ramifications of that adoption.
Ephesians 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
This verse is somewhat questionable as to its translation. I can only give a poor interpretive translation of the Greek.
This verse says, "The glory of Jesus Christ, in the Church, shall be His during all generations, the Age of ages. Amen."
I hate to end a chapter on a negative note, but the Greek text does not even hint at "world without end."
Ephesians, Chapter 4
? Copyright 1998 Darroll Evans-all rights reserved
Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
The Greek word translated beseech is extremely close in meaning to the English. Beseech is a very good translation.
The Greek word translated vocation is another matter. In Modern English, a person's vocation is his or her occupation, profession, job or calling.
The Greek word translated vocation indicates a calling. It also indicates an invitation such as an invitation to a feast.
In that context, we have been called to the marriage feast of the Lamb. The same Greek word may be used to say that we are invited to embrace the salvation of Christ. God calls us into His salvation.
The Greek word translated "vocation" actually should have been translated calling. Or even better, it could be translated as "invitation."
Paul is exhorting the Ephesians (and us) to live in a manner that is worthy of one that has received an invitation to attend the marriage feast of Christ.
Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
The Greek literally says that we are to "put up" with one another. That is blunt, but true.
We are to put up with one another "in love." Love is the hallmark of a godly life in Christ.
Christ Jesus gave us an old, new commandment. He said, "A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another" (John 13:34).
When Adam was placed in the garden, he and Eve had only one commandment. They were told not to eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. That was it!
So, do you know what they did? They eat the fruit.
Now, we have one basic commandment, "This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you" (John 15:12).
You would think it would be easy. But look around, are we really doing a good job of following our one commandment?
Many cannot accept Christ because they cannot accept themselves. You are accepted in Christ because of who He is, and not because of what you are.
The love of Christ is not what some teach. Godly love is not based on fickle emotions. It is based in Christ Himself.
Ephesians 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Unity in Christ is only achievable when the followers of Christ come into agreement that He is the head. As long as some seek to become the served instead of the servants, Christianity will never come into unity.
As we go through the next few verses in Ephesians, look for the unity in God. We will see unity in the body, Spirit, and hope.
There is one Lord, Faith, and baptism. There is one God and Father.
Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
This verse points directly to unity in the Spirit. We have been called into a unity of the Spirit to achieve God's purposes.
You have been called to unity in Christ. The Roman, Methodists, Presbyterian, or Baptist denominations did not go to the cross for you. Christ Jesus did.
God has called you into liberty exhibited in Christ. He has called us into a unity of hope.
Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
The title "Lord" denotes proprietorship. Christ paid the price for our redemption. Therefore, we have one owner, Jesus Christ.
The unity of faith brings about a unity in baptism. We who call upon the name of Jesus Christ are unified in the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
We are one body, in one Spirit, called to one hope. That body, Spirit and hope were manifested in Christ Jesus. The unity of God shall be displayed in all creation.
There is one LORD. God alone is worthy of our one faith.
Faith outside of God may be terribly misplaced. In our theology, and minds we separate the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Such separation is artificial, but necessary for our understanding.
Let me take time to explain "echad." The greatest confession in Judaism is the Shema. Deuteronomy 6:4--Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is One.
The Hebrew word translated One is Echad. It means one, but it does not mean single.
Echad indicates one group, or one bunch. The Shema speaks of God being a multiple Being.
In Genesis, we find that God is more than one. Genesis1:26--And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.
God is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Three entities working in complete unity of purpose. It was that way in the beginning, and unity shall be the way in the Age of ages.
There is also one baptism. I am Baptist. We immerse, or baptize men, women, boys, girls, even small cars (that is a joke).
I do believe in water immersion. However, immersion in water without immersion in the Holy Spirit is symbol without substance.
You may be immersed so many times that the fish know your social security number and will be futile without repentance. Immersion without repentance is a useless act.
Ephesians 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all.
This verse also says something few understand and even fewer accept. It says, "who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Meditate on that.
The literal translation is, 'in all of you.'
Let's look at Jesus' greatest act of obedience to the Father. The Bible says that Christ Jesus will deliver up the kingdom to God, the Father, when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
Christ must reign, until God the Father has put all enemies under his feet (1 Corinthians 15:24).
The Bible tells us that the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. And, when all things shall be subject to His authority, the Son also shall be subject to Him [God the Father] who put all things under Christ so that God may be all in all (1 Corinthians 15:25-26,28).
Just think, all creation in unity in Son and in the Father. How would you describe this unity in God?
Here is God's proclamation concerning that time. Revelation 21:4--And God shall wipe a