0.3. Preface

Preface

"This Epistle is full to the brim of thoughts and doctrines sublime and momentous. For the things which scarcely anywhere else he utters, these he here makes manifest."
—Chrysostom, Preamble to the Homilies The present Volume completes a series of expository "Studies" upon the Epistles of St Paul known as the Epistles of the First Roman Imprisonment. As in dealing with the Epistles to Philippi, Colossæ, and Philemon, so with this to Ephesus, or more properly (as we shall see) to Asia, the author has sought, as his one aim, to exhibit something of the treasures of "edification, exhortation, and comfort," lodged for us by the Inspiring Master in the wonderful work of the inspired Servant. To this everything else has been subsidiary, alike the brief historical and critical introduction and the occasional grammatical discussions. The highest ambition of the interpreter has been to bring the reader into closer contact with the "Celestial Letter" itself, and with the mind and message of God in it. May His mercy be pleased to make some use of the work for His ends in His Church.

Cambridge,
 Lent, 1900.