Ephesians 4

1 of the Lord. Rather, “in the Lord”; i.e., in His cause: see iii. 1.

7 grace. Properly, “the grace”; that “gift” which Christ bestows, fitting men for the various callings and offices in the church: ep. ver. 11; Rom. xii. 6-8; 1 Cor. xii. 4-11.

8. Wherefore He (or, it) saith, etc. “The Scripture saith.” See note on Psa. lxviii. 18. The main points of resemblance are in the ascent of the Divine Conqueror from the value of conflict to the “holy hill,” with spoils received from conquered nations, that they may be given in royal bounty to His followers.

9. Now that He ascended, etc. The argument of the apostle is that if He who wrought this victory “ascends,” He must first have “descended”; and that His deep humiliation on earth, even to the grave, was to prepare for His exaltation to the highest glory.

11. And He gave some (to be) apostles, etc. Cp. 1 Cor. xii. 28-30, and note. “Evangelists” were probably itinerant preachers, who had no pastoral charge.

13 till we all come in the unity of the faith, etc. “Till we all attain the same faith and knowledge of the Son of God” (Compeare and Heaven).

14 by the sleight of men, etc. Lit., “in the dice-playing,” i.e., by teachers who “deal with the Scriptures and the truth as players with dice” (Luther).

15 speaking the truth in love. Or, “holding truth in love”; in opposition to following error (14). R.V. marg. has “dealing truly” see also Gal. iv. 16. Cp. 2 Thess. ii. 10.

16 by that which every joint suppileth. “By every joint with which it is supplied” (Moffatt).

the effectual working. Of each part in due proportion.

love. Love is that in which the Church’s edification and growth consist.

17 vanity. “Futility.” See Rom. i. 21.

18 blindness. Rather, “hardening,” as R.V.; French version has “endurcissement.”

20. But ye have not so learned Christ. “Ye did not so learn Christ” (R.V.), i.e., at the time of your conversion.

21 by Him. Rather, “in Him”; as part of your learning Christ.

26. Be ye angry, and sin not. See note on Psa. iv. 4.

27 place. Or, “room.” Anger, or any other evil passion when cherished, makes room for Satan. “Ne donnez point accès au diable” (“do not give access to the devil”) (French version).

28 that he may have to give. As, in dishonest indolence, he took from others, so now let him, from his honest labour, give a share to others.

29 to the use of edifying. R.V., “for edifying as the need may be.”

30 whereby (in whom) ye are (were) sealed. i.e., at the time of your conversion. See note on i. 13.

32 even as God for Christ’s sake, etc. Lit., “as God in Christ forgave you” (or “us,” var. read.): ep. 2 Cor. v. 19.