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E2

Biblical Exegesis

Ephesians

 
 
 
ATTENTION BIBLE STUDENTS:

My translation of this book from the original languages is provided below. Everything inside brackets is commentary that is meant to assist the reader in understanding certain doctrines and concepts germaine to the context.
 
My Technical Analysis, Translation Notes, and Relevant Highlights from famous commentators are available in PDF form on the DOWNLOAD page. You may access this document in a separate browser window through the link below. A list of resources is also provided at the bottom of this page should you wish to pursue reading on your own.
 
KW = Kenneth Wuest's expanded translation
KJV = King James Version (committee effort)
LWB = My translation & occasional notes

CLICK HERE to open Commentary of Ephesians (in separate browser window)

Eph. 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the sovereign will of God [the Father], to the saints [members of the royal family] who are in Ephesus [circular letter: left blank], especially to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

 

Eph. 1:2 Grace to you and prosperity from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Eph. 1:3 Blessed is the God and Father [Grantor] of our Lord Jesus Christ [Escrow Officer], Who has blessed us [as grantees] with every spiritual [as opposed to material] blessing [deposited in escrow in eternity past] in the heavenlies in Christ,

 

Eph. 1:4 Since He Himself [the Father] chose [elected] us in Him [Jesus Christ] from before the foundation of the world [before creation: eternity past], so that we might become [because of our position in Christ] holy [experiential sanctification] and blameless [ultimate sanctification] in the presence of Him [fellowship with the Father],

 

Eph. 1:5 Having predestined [determined beforehand] us in the sphere of love unto the adoption of sons [heirs] by Jesus Christ unto Himself [the Father], according to the good pleasure of His [the Father’s] sovereign will,

 

Eph. 1:6 To the praise of the glory of His [the Father’s] grace, by which [sovereign grace] He [the Father] has made us an object of favor [greatly blessed] in the One [Jesus Christ] Who is beloved,

 

Eph. 1:7 In Whom [Jesus Christ] we possess redemption [acquittal, not pardon] through His blood [representative analogy for His spiritual death on the cross], with regard to the cancellation [remission] of sins, according to the riches [wealth] of His [the Father’s] grace, 

 

Eph. 1:8 From which [grace] He [the Father] made us super-rich [overflowing in abundance] in all wisdom [spiritual insight] and rightmindedness [establishment principles],

 

Eph. 1:9 When He [the Father] made known to us the mystery of His will [His plan for Christians during the Church Age], according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Him [Jesus Christ], 

 

Eph. 1:10 So that in the dispensation of the fullness of times [completion of a series of epochs], He [the Father] might complete the total of all things in Christ [ultimate resurrection of the saints], in the heavens [angelic conflict] and on the earth [historical trends], 

 

Eph. 1:11 In Him [Jesus Christ] in Whom [as the escrow officer] we also received an inheritance [part temporal, part eternal], having been predestined according to a predetermined plan [both positional & experiential truth], by Him [the Father] Who continues to work all things in conformity with the purpose of His [the Father’s] will, 

 

Eph. 1:12 So that we [apostles] who first trusted in Christ, might be to the praise of His glory,  

 

Eph. 1:13 In Whom [Jesus Christ] you also [along with the apostles] trusted, after you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in Whom [Jesus Christ] also [along with the apostles] when you believed, you were sealed [baptized] by means of the Spirit, with reference to the promise of holiness [both positional and experiential],  

 

Eph. 1:14 Who [the Holy Spirit] is the deposit [pledge] of our inheritance, with reference to the release [redemption] of our spiritual assets [invisible tools], for the praise of His glory.  

 

Eph. 1:15 For this reason I [Paul], when I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your virtue love toward all the saints,  

 

Eph. 1:16 Have not stopped giving thanks on your behalf, repeatedly making mention of you [brief but frequent] during my prayers,   

 

Eph. 1:17 So that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of the Glory [Jesus Christ as the Shekinah Glory], might give to you a spiritual life characterized by wisdom and the revelation [complete understanding] of Him through metabolized doctrine,     

 

Eph. 1:18 And the eyes of your mentality [grace perception] being continually enlightened [by doctrine in the soul], so that you might continually know what is the prospect [expectation] of His calling [namely, to possess your escrow blessings], what are the riches [spiritual assets] of the glory of His [Jesus Christ’s] inheritance for the saints [believers as joint-heirs with Christ],   

 

Eph. 1:19 And what is the surpassing [extraordinary] greatness [magnitude] of His [the Father’s] power [omnipotent ability] toward us [believers with momentum] who continue to enjoy confidence in accordance with His [the Holy Spirit’s] operational power [filling of the Spirit] by means of His [the Son’s] ruling [ultimate authority], inner power [the Word of God as a divine resource in the soul],   

 

Eph. 1:20 Which [inner power] He [the Father] put into operation [through the filling of the Spirit] in the sphere of Christ, before He [the Father] raised Him [Jesus Christ] from the dead [resurrection] and seated Him at His [the Father’s] right hand [highest place of authority] in the heavenlies,   

 

Eph. 1:21 Far above all government [first in command] and authority [human magistrates] and code of honor [moral achievement] and dominion [angelic organizations] and every title [honor] which can be named, not only in this age [during the dispensation of the Church], but also in the one to come [the millennium].   

 

Eph. 1:22 Furthermore, He [the Father] has subordinated all categories [of elect and fallen angels] under His [Jesus Christ’s] feet [strategic victory at the 2nd advent], and has appointed Him [with His 3rd royal warrant] Head over everything pertaining to the church,   

 

Eph. 1:23 Which [church] is His body [by means of the baptism of the Holy Spirit], the fullness of Him [Jesus Christ as our escrow officer] Who continues to fill to the point of overflowing [convey escrow blessings] every winner [those believers who fulfill the qualifications in verse 19] with the all things [resurrection body, spiritual assets, rewards, decorations].

 

Eph. 2:1 And you [Gentile believers], (being dead [spiritually] in your transgressions and sins,

 

Eph. 2:2 In which [state of sin] you formerly walked [conducted your behavior] according to the viewpoint of this cosmic system [moral & immoral degeneracy], according to the ruler [Satan] of the authority of the lower atmosphere [demonic domain], the spirit [demonic influence] which is now operational in the sons [seed of the serpent] of disobedience [Gentile unbelievers],

 

Eph. 2:3 Among whom [Gentile unbelievers] we also [as Jewish unbelievers] formerly walked [as a manner of lifestyle] in the lusts of our flesh [either moral or immoral degeneracy], when we continually indulged in [performed] the desires [evil instincts] and the mental attitudes [false ideas] of the old sin nature [either legalism or antinomianism]; in fact, like the rest [Gentile believers], we ourselves [as Jewish believers] were by [the old sin] nature the children of wrath.

 

Eph. 2:4 But God [the Father] Who is rich in grace faithfulness [mercy], because of His great love with which He loved us,

 

Eph. 2:5 Even when we were [spiritually] dead in transgressions, He made us alive [regenerated] together with Christ), you were by grace saved in the past with the result that you will keep on being saved in the future,

 

Eph. 2:6 And He [the Father] raised [resurrected] us together with Him [Jesus Christ] and caused us to sit together with Him [enthroned with Christ] in the heavenlies [during Satan’s appeal trial] in Christ Jesus, 

 

Eph. 2:7 So that in the ages which are to come [tribulation and millennium] He [God the Father as the Depositor] might exhibit the riches [escrow blessings] which surpass [super-abound] His grace in generosity toward us [winner believers] by means of Christ Jesus [our Escrow Officer], 

 

Eph. 2:8 For by grace [means] you were saved in the past through faith [agency or instrument] with the result that you will be continually saved in the future, and this [salvation by grace through faith] is not out from yourselves [your will doesn’t call grace or faith into being], rather it is a gift from God [source], 

 

Eph. 2:9 Not through works [self-effort or self-will], lest anyone should boast. 

 

Eph. 2:10 For we are His [the Father’s] workmanship, created in Christ Jesus [positional truth] for good accomplishments [experiential sanctification] which God planned in advance so that we could walk by them [live in the sphere of God’s power by divinely delegated spiritual assets]. 

 

Eph. 2:11 Therefore, remember that you were once Gentiles in the flesh [inferior race without the benefits of circumcision], who were called a shameful foreskin [racial slur] by those [Jews] who called themselves the circumcision performed on the body by means of human hands [ritual circumcision]. 

 

Eph. 2:12 Also remember that at that time [during your pre-salvation experience] you were separated from Christ, being excluded from the citizenship of Israel, even aliens to the covenants of promise [which only Israel possessed, not the Church], having no hope [confidence] and without God [atheists] in the cosmic system. 

 

Eph. 2:13 But now [in the Church Age] you [Gentiles] are in Christ Jesus [positional truth by the baptism of the Holy Spirit]; you who were once far away have become near [salvation for the Gentiles] by the blood [representative analogy for His spiritual death on the cross] of Christ. 

 

Eph. 2:14 For He Himself [Jesus Christ] is our peace [battle between man and God is broken], Who has caused both [Jew & Gentile] to become one [on equal footing] and Who has removed the dividing wall of the barrier [racial partition], by abolishing the enmity [Adam’s imputed sin] through His flesh [the humanity of Christ in hypostatic union], 

 

Eph. 2:15 And the law of the commandments [Mosaic Law] which He gave in the categorical decrees [to the nation Israel], in order that He [Jesus Christ] might create in Himself the two [Jew & Gentile] into one new man [a new spiritual species], since He has made peace [reconciliation];  

 

Eph. 2:16 Also, as a result He reconciled them both [Jew & Gentile] to God in one body [the Church as the royal family] by means of the cross, having put to death the enmity [barrier] in Himself.  

 

Eph. 2:17 And when He came [in hypostatic union], He caused the proclamation of the gospel of peace [reconciliation] to you [Gentiles] who were far away [from God] and peace to you [Jews] who were near [to God],   

 

Eph. 2:18 For through Him [Jesus Christ] we both [Jew & Gentile] have access [temporal fellowship] to the Father by means of one Spirit.    

 

Eph. 2:19 Now therefore, you [Gentile believers] are no longer foreigners [living outside client nation Israel] or aliens [living inside client nation Israel], but you are fellow citizens with the saints [separated to God] and the household [royal family] of God,     

 

Eph. 2:20 Having been constructed upon the foundation [of Bible doctrine] by means of the apostles [Gentiles] and prophets [Jews], there being a chief cornerstone [holding the two walls of Jews and Gentiles together], Jesus Christ Himself,      

 

Eph. 2:21 In Whom [Jesus Christ] the entire building [the church], while being fitted together, keeps growing into a holy sanctuary [our resurrection bodies] in the Lord [the church as a building in time and a temple in eternity],       

 

Eph. 2:22 In Whom [Jesus Christ] you also are being constructed together into a dwelling place [royal palace] for God [to indwell] by means of the Spirit.        

 

Eph. 3:1 For this reason, I Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus, on behalf of you Gentiles [Peter was given the ministry to the Jews, while Paul was given the ministry to the Gentiles],        

 

Eph. 3:2 In as much as you have heard about the dispensation of the grace of God [Church Age ministry to the Gentiles] which was given to me for your benefit,         

 

Eph. 3:3 That through revelation the mystery [of the Church Age dispensation] was made known to me, just as I have previously written briefly [you have been taught these doctrines before],          

 

Eph. 3:4 Which as a result of the public reading [of this epistle] you ought to be able to understand [academically] my technical knowledge about the mystery of Christ [His ushering in the dispensation of the Church],          

 

Eph. 3:5 Which in other generations [prior to the Church Age] was not made known to the sons of men [hidden from the OT saints], just as it is now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets [temporary gifts] by means of the Spirit,           

 

Eph. 3:6 That the Gentiles [for the 1st time in history] are fellow-heirs [with the Jews] and fellow-members of the same body [by the same baptism of the Holy Spirit] and sharers together of the promise [not the covenants,but the portfolio of spiritual assets] in Christ Jesus [sharing positional sanctification] through the gospel,           

 

Eph. 3:7 Through which [gospel] I have become a servant-minister on the basis of the gift of the grace of God [emphasis on the privilege to serve the Gentiles] which was given to me on the basis of the working of His power.           

 

Eph. 3:8 To me [as a beneficiary], the very least of all the saints [genuine humility], this grace was given [mystery doctrine of the Church Age], to communicate with authority to the Gentiles the unfathomable wealth [temporal & eternal blessings] of Christ,           

 

Eph. 3:9 And to make clear [understandable] to all [believers] what is the mystery [of the Church Age] which has been hidden from the ages [the theocentric dispensations] in the God [Jesus Christ] Who has created all things,           

 

Eph. 3:10 In order that at the present time [Church Age] the many-sided wisdom [omniscience] of God [the numerous ways in which He has demonstated the evil of Satan] might be made known to the rulers [demon generals] and powers [demon officers] in heavenly places [during Satan’s trial], through the agency of the Church [as witnesses for the prosecution],

 

Eph. 3:11 In conformity with the plan of the ages [dispensations], which [plan] He [God the Father] accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord [one eternal purpose, one Jesus Christ, many dispensations],         

Eph. 3:12 By Whom [Jesus Christ] we [pastors, teachers & evangelists] have courage of communication and freedom to approach [our audience] with confidence through His doctrine.         

Eph. 3:13 Therefore I demand: Stop being discouraged [lack of inner strength] because of my sufferings on your behalf, which [category of sufferings] are for your glory.

 

Eph. 3:14 For this reason, I kneel [in prayer] before the Father,

 

Eph. 3:15 From Whom [God the Father] the entire family in heaven [principalities, powers, might, dominions, thrones, angels and archangels] and on earth [Israel and the Church] derives its title,

 

Eph. 3:16 So that He [God the Father] might grant to you [Church Age believers] on the basis of the riches [spiritual assets] of His [Jesus Christ’s] glory, to become strong [advance to spiritual maturity] by means of the power of His Spirit in the inner being [soul & spirit of man], 

 

Eph. 3:17 So that Christ may be at home in the mentality of your soul [spiritual autonomy] by means of doctrine, after you have been rooted [in spiritual self-esteem] and grounded [well established in spiritual self-esteem] in the sphere of virtue love, 

 

Eph. 3:18 In order that you may utilize the power [operational sphere of divine power] to grasp the idea with all the saints [those with forward momentum], what is the width [spiritual problem-solving devices] and length [distance between spiritual childhood and adulthood] and height [supergrace status] and depth [uniqueness of God’s protocol plan for the Church Age],  

 

Eph. 3:19 And to come to know [perception by inculcation] the love for Christ [in spiritual autonomy] which goes beyond academic knowledge, so that [by continuing your daily intake & application of doctrine] you may be filled to the point of overflowing with all the fullness of God [the supergrace life in spiritual maturity].  

 

Eph. 3:20 Now to Him [God the Father] Who is able [has the omnipotent power] to do infinitely more than all we could ask [in prayer] or all we could imagine [blessing beyond our comprehension], on the basis of the power which works for us [omnipotence of the Trinity],  

 

Eph. 3:21 To Him [God the Father] be the glory by means of the church [tactical victory] and by Christ Jesus [strategic victory] with reference to all generations [of believers], from this [Church] age to the ages [future dispensations]. Acknowledge it.  

 

Eph. 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to start walking [conduct yourselves as royal family] in a manner worthy of the station in life [professionalism] to which you were called [live the spiritual life in your job],  

 

Eph. 4:2 With all humility [enforced & genuine] and true sensitivity [consideration of others], with perseverance [patience & grace orientation], making it a practice to tolerate one another of the same kind [fellow believers] by means of virtue love [function inside the love complex],   

 

Eph. 4:3 Being constantly diligent [properly motivated] to guard the unity of the Spirit [harmony with other members of the royal family] by means of the bond [baptism of the Holy Spirit] of peace [reconciliation].   

 

Eph. 4:4 There is one body [royal family of God as the body of Christ] and one Spirit, just as you also have been called with reference to the one hope [absolute confidence] of your calling [election],   

 

Eph. 4:5 One Lord [Jesus Christ], one doctrinal foundation, one placing into [sealing ministry of the Holy Spirit],

 

Eph. 4:6 One God, even the Father of all [believers], Who is over all [divine sovereignty] and Who is the Source of all [logisitical grace support] and Who is in all [all believers are indwelled by the Father].

 

Eph. 4:7 Moreover, to each one of us [as beneficiaries] this grace has been given according to the measure of the gift from Christ [spiritual gifts are sovereignly disposed by Christ through the Holy Spirit].

 

Eph. 4:8 Therefore it says [in Psalm 68:18]: When He [Jesus Christ] ascended into [the third] heaven, He led away as prisoners [in His triumphal procession through the air] those who were in a state of captivity [OT saints in Hades], and He gave [spiritual] gifts to men [distribution of spoils from the Lord’s victory].

 

Eph. 4:9 [Now this doctrine that He ascended, what does it imply, except that He first descended into the lower regions of the earth [Sheol]? 

 

Eph. 4:10 He [Jesus Christ] Who descended [into Sheol] is the same Person Who also ascended higher than all the heavens [now sitting in session at the right hand of the Father], so that He might bring to completion the all things [the combination of Israel and the Church as the royal family of God]. 

 

Eph. 4:11 Then He Himself [the glorified Christ] gave some [masculine: men only] to be, on the one hand, apostles [started the foundation of the church], on the other hand, some prophets [taught the church until the canon was completed], and some evangelists [special gift of itinerant gospel preaching], and some pastors [emphasis on authority] and teachers [emphasis on verse-by-verse exposition], 

 

Eph. 4:12 For the purpose of equipping [by indoctrination] the saints [Church Age believers] for the production of service [function of the believer’s ambassadorship], for the edification [doctrinal complex in the soul] of the Body of Christ [positionally & experientially], 

 

Eph. 4:13 Until we all obtain the objective [supergrace] according to the system [protocol plan] of doctrine and by means of the full knowledge of the Son of God [occupation with Christ in spiritual self-esteem], resulting in a mature believer [invisible hero], unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ [the standard set by Jesus Christ during the dispensation of the Hypostatic Union],

 

Eph. 4:14 So that we might no longer be immature [fragmented believers without doctrine], destabilized in heavy seas [tossed to-and-fro like ships in a storm] and driven out of control [no divine direction in life] by every wind of false doctrine [Satan’s counterfeit systems] by the trickery of people [cosmic evangelists] by cunning deception [misrepresentation of Scripture] for the purpose of scheming [change of methodology from divine to human] deceit [cheated out of the benefits of the spiritual life by loaded dice],

 

Eph. 4:15 But by continually teaching doctrine associated with virtue love [inside the love complex], we [pastors] may cause them [the congregation] to grow up [by execution of the protocol plan] with reference to the all things [accurate utilization of the ten problem-solving devices], with reference to Him Who is the federal Head [emphasizing authority & rulership], Christ,

 

Eph. 4:16 From Whom [Jesus Christ] the entire body [the church], being joined together [positional sanctification] and being continually inculcated by every joint of supply [doctrine taught repetitively by pastor teachers] on the basis of the operational power [the filling of the Spirit] according to the measure of one for each part [one pastor per congregation: no such thing as a plurality of elders], he himself [the pastor-teacher] augmenting the [spiritual] growth of the body [the church], resulting in its edification [doctrinal complex in the soul] in virtue love.

 

Eph. 4:17 Therefore, I communicate and testify to this in the Lord: That you [believers] no longer walk [post-salvation modus operandi] just as Gentiles [unbelievers] continually walk [pre-salvation modus operandi], in the vacuum [emptiness, futility] of their mind,

 

Eph. 4:18 Having become darkened [obscured] in their [degenerate Christians] understanding [proceeding from implosion to explosion, to the vacuum, to scar tissue, to blackout of the soul, to reversionism], and having become alienated from the life [supergrace protocol plan] of God [due to continued fragmentation], because of the ignorance [of doctrine] which is in them [due to blackout of the soul], because of the hardening [scar tissue] of the mentality of their souls,

 

Eph. 4:19 Who because they [reversionists] have become calloused [scar tissue of the soul], they have given themselves over [betrayed by their own decisions] to licentiousness [immoral degeneracy], resulting in the practice of every kind of immorality [reverse-process reversionism] with insatiable lust [frantic search for happiness].

 

Eph. 4:20 But you have not learned Christ in this manner [you were taught to live the protocol plan, not degeneracy];

 

Eph. 4:21 Indeed, if you have heard Him [Jesus Christ], and have been taught by Him [by means of your pastor-teacher], in as much as the truth [doctrine] is in Jesus [the mind of Christ],

 

Eph. 4:22 With reference to your former lifestyle [post-salvation sinning in degeneracy], you yourselves lay aside [by the confession of sin] the old man [old sin nature], you who are becoming degenerate [through implode, explode and revert] on the basis of the lusts [power, sex, money, criminality, drugs] of deceit [self-deception in reversionism],

 

Eph. 4:23 Then, become renewed by means of the [filling of the] Spirit by your thinking [the intake, metabolism and application of Bible doctrine], 

 

Eph. 4:24 And put on the new man [by building an edification complex in your soul], which according to God, was created through virtue righteousness and integrity from the source of doctrine. 

 

Eph. 4:25 Therefore, having laid aside the lie [human viewpoint thinking], each one of you be continually speaking the truth [divine viewpoint thinking] with his fellow believer [honor code], since we are members of one another of the same kind [the royal family]. 

 

Eph. 4:26 Although you may become angry, nevertheless [in spite of your mental attitude sin], stop your sinning [confess and avoid retaliation]; the sun must never set on your angry mood [because evil energy is stored for the following day]; 

 

Eph. 4:27 Stop giving opportunity to the devil [by continual sinning without confession, you allow Satan to influence and control your life]. 

 

Eph. 4:28 He who has been stealing, stop stealing [pattern of criminality], but rather begin to work hard [reversion recovery process], continually working with your own hands, doing the right [honorable] thing, so that he may have abundant resources [food, clothing, shelter] to share from time-to-time with him who has a need [grace giving]. 

 

Eph. 4:29 Do not allow any false doctrine to proceed from your mouth [a challenge to pastor-teachers], but whatever is good of intrinsic value [true Bible doctrine] for the purpose of edification [advancement in the protocol plan of God] where it is necessary, in order that it [accurate teaching] may give [an opportunity of] grace orientation to those who hear. 

 

Eph. 4:30 Furthermore, stop grieving the Holy Spirit [by perpetual living in the arrogance complex of sins] of God [deity of the 3rd Person of the Trinity] by Whom [Holy Spirit] you have been sealed to the day of redemption [ultimate sanctification]. 

 

Eph. 4:31 All kinds of bitterness, both anger [rage from emotional revolt of the soul] and wrath [cruelty & revenge], both verbal brawling [quarrelling] and slander [defamation of character], must be removed from you [by confession of sin and post-salvation epistemological rehabilitation], along with all kinds of malice [manifestation of evil by a fragmented believer]. 

 

Eph. 4:32 But become kind [grace orientation & basic impersonal love] toward one another of the same kind [fellow believers], compassionate [advanced impersonal love], making it a practice to forgive each other [mutual removal of resentment and bitterness] just as God [the Father] also by means of Christ [salvation work on the cross] has forgiven us. 

 

Eph. 5:1 Therefore, become imitators of God, as beloved students [children, members of the royal family],   

 

Eph. 5:2 And keep on walking [ordering your behavior] in the sphere of the love complex, just as Christ also loved you [believers only] and delivered Himself over [at the cross] as a substitute for us [the elect], as an offering and a sacrifice to God [propitiation], resulting in an aroma of fragrance [doctrine of satisfaction: effective work on the cross, i.e., definite atonement].   

 

Eph. 5:3 Fornication [normal sex] and all kinds of licentiousness [abnormal sex] or insatiable erotic desire [criminial sex] should not be mentioned among you [it might encourage immoral degeneracy] as is protocol for the saints;   

 

Eph. 5:4 Neither obscene language nor suggestive talk [sexual teasing] nor coarse conversation [sexual jokes] which is not proper [conducive to the spiritual life], but rather thanksgiving [towards God].  

 

Eph. 5:5 For you know this [by way of application], if you metabolized it [from my previous teaching], that every male prostitute [heterosexual or homosexual], either a pervert [sexual deviant] or a panderer [pimp], which is a form of idolatry [unlawful vice], will not have a share [allotment] in the royal power of Christ, even God [deity of Christ].  

 

Eph. 5:6 Let no one deceive [seduce] you with empty [deceitful] words [false teaching], for because of these things [sins or immoral degeneracy], divine discipline from God will come upon the sons of disobedience [reversionistic believers].  

 

Eph. 5:7 Therefore, stop being joint-participants with them [in immoral degeneracy],  

 

Eph. 5:8 For you were once in the status of darkness [spiritual death], but now you are in the status of light in the Lord [positional sanctification]; begin walking as children of light [experiential sanctification: executing the protocol plan of God],   

 

Eph. 5:9 (For the production [fruit] of the light [Christian way of life] is in the sphere of all intrinsic goodness [inherently moral and ethical] and righteousness [meets divine standards] and absolute truth [Bible doctrine]),   

 

Eph. 5:10 Constantly finding out [by examination and approval] what is pleasing to the Lord [meets divine standards, adheres to divine protocol];    

 

Eph. 5:11 Also [you members of the congregation] stop your habitual participation in the useless deeds of darkness [moral & immoral degeneracy], but instead even expose it [point out the negative results of degeneracy to others],    

 

Eph. 5:12 For it is disgraceful to even speak about the things [immoral degeneracy] which are continually being done by them [reversionistic believers in Ephesus] in secret.         

 

Eph. 5:13 However, all things [both moral and immoral degenerate behavior] when they are exposed by the light [divine standards] will be made manifest [Bible doctrine will convict the believer of sin].

 

Eph. 5:14 For while each thing [every act of degeneracy] is being exposed, the light [Scripture] is present, saying: Wake up [rebound: confession of sin], you who are sleeping [in reversionism], and rise out from the realm of dead things [temporal, spiritual death], and then Christ will shine upon you [through the Bible doctrine in your soul].

 

Eph. 5:15 Therefore, understand [discern] how accurately you must continually walk [live & function], not as fools [without doctrine: wrong priorities], but as wise believers [positive towards doctrine: correct priorities],

 

Eph. 5:16 Constantly buying time [logging hours inside the sphere of God’s power], because the days [allotted to each believer] are evil [opposed to the divine plan].

 

Eph. 5:17 Therefore, stop becoming unwise believers [because of you negative attitude towards daily Bible study], but keep on understanding what is the will [purpose, plan] of the Lord.

 

Eph. 5:18 Also stop making a habit of becoming intoxicated with wine [any substance that can destroy your life by addiction], by which is dissipation [wild, drunken lifestyle], but be continually filled by the Spirit [residence and function in your spiritual palace].

 

Eph. 5:19 Make it a practice to speak to each other by means of psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing musical instruments with your mentality [doctrine and music combined] to the Lord.

 

Eph. 5:20 Always thanking God, even the Father, for all things [both suffering for blessing as well as divine discipline], through the person of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Eph. 5:21 Be under legitimate authority [to those with jurisdiction and responsibility, i.e., your pastor] with others of the same kind [fellow Christians, i.e., in your congregation] because of respect for Christ.

 

Eph. 5:22 You wives, render obedience [as a private obeys his drill sergeant] to your own husbands, as unto the Lord [dual authority: husband and Jesus Christ].

 

Eph. 5:23 Because the husband is the head [legitimate jurisdiction] of the wife, as Christ also is the [federal] Head of the Church, He Himself being the Saviour of the Body [responsibility goes with authority].

 

Eph. 5:24 Certainly, just as the church is under subjection to Christ, so also you wives are under subjection to your husbands in everything.

 

Eph. 5:25 You husbands, love your wives [virtue love inside the integrity envelope], just as Christ also loved the Church and gave Himself as a substitute for her,

 

Eph. 5:26 That, having purified her [positional sanctification from the baptism of the Holy Spirit], He might cause her [the Church] to be sanctified [experiential sanctification] by means of the washing [confession of sin] of the water [in the filling of the Spirit] with the Word [Bible doctrine],

 

Eph. 5:27 That He Himself [Jesus Christ] might cause the Church to be presented [ultimate sanctification in our resurrection bodies] to Himself [anticipates the wedding feast of the Lamb after the rapture], having no stain [no sin in the resurrection body] or wrinkle [no human good] or any such categories of things [other lust patterns], but that she [the Church] should be holy [ultimate sanctification] and blameless [absence of the old sin nature and human good].

 

Eph. 5:28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives [virtue love in spiritual self-esteem] as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself [virtue goes both ways],

 

Eph. 5:29 For no one ever hated his own flesh [the husband’s authority is to be exercise in love, not anger], but continually nourishes and provides tender care [with a sense of responsibility] for her, just as Christ also [nourishes and provides tender care for] the Church,

 

Eph. 5:30 Because we are members of His body [Church Age believers are the body of Christ].

 

Eph. 5:31 For this reason, a man will leave father and mother and he will have face-to-face sexual intercourse [adhesion] with his own wife, and they two [husband & wife] shall become one flesh.

 

Eph. 5:32 This mystery [doctrine of sex between husband and wife creating one flesh] is great, but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the Church [as parallels to the marriage relationship].

 

Eph. 5:33 Nevertheless, in any case, each one of you [husbands] individually, love his own wife as himself [a product of spiritual self-esteem], and the wife, that she respects her husband [also a product of spiritual self-esteem]. 

 

Eph. 6:1 You children, make it a practice to obey your parents [authority orientation] because of the Lord, for this [obedience to divine authority] is [a sign of] integrity. 

 

Eph. 6:2 Respect your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, 

 

Eph. 6:3 So that it may become well for you [mental and spiritual prosperity] and so that you might have a long life on earth. 

 

Eph. 6:4 And you fathers [highest authority in the family], stop provoking your children to anger [physical or mental child abuse], but always rear them by instruction [inculcation of establishment principles] and training [correction & reproof] according to the Lord. 

 

Eph. 6:5 You labor [slaves], obey your management [masters] according to the flesh [those with legitimate authority] with respect and maximum effort [motivation] by means of integrity [properly focused] from your mentality as to Christ [doctrinal application], 

 

Eph. 6:6 Not on the basis of eye service [attracting attention to oneself] as men-pleasers [trying to get promoted by flattery and brown-nosing], but as servants of Christ continually executing the will of God out from the soul,  

 

Eph. 6:7 Making it a practice to serve [work] with proper motivation [loyalty & enthusiasm], as to the Lord and not to man [not concerned with the approbation or praise of men],   

 

Eph. 6:8 Because you understand that each person [Church Age believer], if he produces any divine good [fruit, not works], for this he himself shall be rewarded [distribution of blessings in time and eternity] from the Lord, whether he is an employee [labor] or an employer [management].   

 

Eph. 6:9 And you managers, be doing the same things to them [treat labor with respect]; cease from bullying [those under your command], knowing that both their Lord and yours is in heaven and there is no partiality [favoritism] associated with Him [Jesus Christ as the Judge in the Supreme Court of heaven].   

 

Eph. 6:10 From now on [in the future], start becoming strong by means of the Lord [utilizing the divine power available to the Church Age believer in a defensive stand against the enemy] and by the ruling power of His inherent omnipotence.   

 

Eph. 6:11 Start putting on the full armor from God [Bible doctrine in the soul] so that you yourself might be able to hold your ground [offensive action in the angelic conflict] against the strategies [demonic modus operandi] of the devil [gates of the cosmic system],   

 

Eph. 6:12 Because our warfare [wrestling match] is not against blood [human soul] and flesh [material body], but against rulers [demon generals], against authorities [demon officer’s corp], against the world rulers [demon ambassadors] of this darkness [national blackout], against spirit forces of evil [rank & file demon troops] in the heavenlies [all three locations]. 

 

Eph. 6:13 Because of this [spiritual battle], pick up and put on the full armor from God [all categories of Bible doctrine, not just a select few], so that you may be able to hold your ground [defensive action] in the evil day [during demonic assault], even after you have done everything to stand your ground [having maximum doctrine in your soul, you are ready for action]. 

 

Eph. 6:14 Therefore, hold your ground after you have buckled your combat gear around your waist with truth [Bible doctrine belted into your soul], and having put on the breastplate of righteousness [function of integrity in spiritual self-esteem], 

 

Eph. 6:15 And after you have put combat footwear [GI boots, sandals] on your feet as preparation [doctrine before Christian service] for the gospel [witnessing] of peace [reconciliation].  

 

Eph. 6:16 With all of these items [your combat gear], pick up and carry the shield of faith [Bible doctrine used in the faith rest drill], by which you yourself will be empowered to extinguish [intercept] all the flaming arrows [gates of the cosmic system] of the evil one [Satan’s attempts to keep you out of fellowship],  

 

Eph. 6:17 And grasp the helmet of deliverance [spiritual problem-solving devices], and the two-edged sword [offensive & defensive capabilities] of the Spirit, which is the Word of God [the completed canon of Scripture].  

 

Eph. 6:18 During every prayer and supplication, pray regularly by means of the Spirit, and with reference to this [prayer in the Spirit], as regards all things [nothing is too smalll or too large to be included in your prayers], be constantly on the alert with persistent and humble entreaties for all the saints [fellow believers].  

 

Eph. 6:19 Also pray for me [his ministry], so that pertinent doctrine might be given to me during the opening of my mouth, while I am communicating with confidence the mystery pertaining to the gospel,  

 

Eph. 6:20 On behalf of which [gospel], I am an ambassador in chains [in prison], in order that with reference to it [the gospel], I may speak fearlessly as it is necessary for me to speak [under his unusual circumstances].   

 

Eph. 6:21 Now, in order that you may also come to know about my circumstances, how I am getting along [as a Roman prisoner], Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord [because of his daily studying and teaching], will make everything known to you,   

 

Eph. 6:22 Whom I have sent face-to-face to you for this same purpose, so that you may come to know about us and so that he might encourage the mentality of your soul.   

 

Eph. 6:23 Harmony among the brethren and virtue love with doctrine from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.   

 

Eph. 6:24 Grace associated with all [winner believers] who love [are occupied with] our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptibility [cognitive invincibility].

Resources

 

Ephesians: The Mystery of the Body of Christ, R. Kent Hughes, 1990, Crossway Books

 

Ephesians, 2003, James M Boice, Baker Books

 

Ephesians: Word Biblical Commentary, 1990, Andrew T. Lincoln, Word Books Publishing

 

Ephesians: The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, 1998, Frank E. Gaebelein, Zondervan Publishing

 

Exposition on Ephesians, 1999, John Gill, The Baptist Standard Bearer

 

Ephesians, Robert B. Thieme, Jr., tape series

 

The Message of Ephesians, 1986, John R.W. Stott, Inter-Varsity Press

 

A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament, Bruce M. Metzger, 1975, United Bible Societies

 

The Pulpit Commentary: Ephesians, 1962, W.G. Blaikie, D. Thomas, T. Croskery, W.F. Adeney, R.M. Edgar, R. Finlayson, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing

 

The Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians, 1974, R.V.G. Tasker, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing

 

Commentary on Ephesians, Barclay

 

The Lord’s Freedman: The Dynamic Message of Paul, 1995, Keith W. Lamb, Destiny Image Publishers

 

Definite Atonement, Gary D. Long, 1977, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing

 

A Body of Doctrinal and Practical Divinity, John Gill, 1989, The Baptist Standard Bearer

 

The Potter’s Freedom, 2000, James R. White, Calvary Press Publishing

 

Regeneration and Conversion, 1975, W.E. Best, WEBBMT Publishing

 

Dispensationalism Today, 1965, Charles C. Ryrie, Moody Press

 

The Saviour’s Definite Redemption, 1982, W.E. Best, WEBBMT Publishing

 

Exegetical Fallacies, 1989, D.A. Carson, Baker Book House

 

For Whom Did Christ Die: A Study of the Divine Design of the Atonement, 1959, R.B. Kuiper, Baker Book House

 

Awakening To God, 1979, James Montgomery Boice, Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship

 

God the Redeemer, 1979, James Montgomery Boice, Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship

 

By His Grace and For His Glory: A Historical, Theological, and Practical Study of the Doctrines of Grace in Baptist Life, 1996, Thomas J. Nettles, Baker Book House

 

Still Sovereign: Contemporary Perspectives on Election, Foreknowledge, and Grace, 2000, Thomas R. Schriener & Bruce Ware, Baker Book House

 

The Pleasures of God, 2000, John Piper, Multnomah Publishers

 

Whatever Happened to the Reformation? 2001, Gary Johnson, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing

 

Commentary on Ephesians, 2001, Matthew Henry, Hendricksen Publishers

 

The Epistle to the Ephesians: The Interpreter’s Bible, 1953, F.W. Beare & F. Foulkes, Abingdon Press

 

Commentary on Ephesians, 1983, Harold W. Hoehner, Chariot Victor Publishing

 

Figures of Speech in the Bible, 1993, E.W. Bullinger, Baker Book House

 

The Grace of God and the Bondage of the Will, 1995, Thomas R. Schreiner & Bruce A. Ware, Baker Books

 

Epistle to the Ephesians, 1999, J.B. Lightfoot, Hendricksen Publishers

 

Ephesians: The Expositor’s Greek Testament, 2002, W.R. Nicoll, Hendricksen Publishing

 

Gleanings from the Scriptures: Man’s Total Depravity, 1969, Arthur W. Pink, Moody Press

 

Redemption Accomplished and Applied, 1980, John Murray, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing

 

Armageddon, 2002, Robert B. Thieme, Jr.

 

Christian Ingtegrity, 1990, Robert B. Thieme, Jr.

 

The Divine Outline of History: Dispensations and the Church, 1989, R.B. Thieme, Jr.

 

The Ingtegrity of God, 1998, Robert B. Thieme, Jr.

 

Christian Suffering, 2003, Robert B. Thieme, Jr.

 

Knowing God, 1973, J.I. Packer, Downers Grove

 

Lecture on Ephesians, class notes, Dr. Dennis Wretlind, Western Theological Seminary

 

Justification Before God, 1992, W.E. Best, WEBBMT

 

The Millennial Kingdom, 1978, John F. Walvoord, Zondervan Publishing

 

Gifts of the Spirit, 1983, Ronald E.  Baxter, Kregel Publications

 

Ephesians, 1946, Marvin Vincent, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing

 

Willing To Believe, 1997, R.C. Sproul, Baker Books

 

Ephesians: The Abdingdon Bible Commentary, 1957, C.H. Dodd, Doubleday Publishing

 

God’s Passion for His Glory, 1998, John Piper, Crossway Books

 

Ephesians, 1979, George Harpur, Zondervans Publishing

 

Salvation, 1981, Lewis S. Chafer, Zondervan Books

 

Satan, 1964, Lewis S. Chafer, Zondervan Books

 

The Basis of the Premillennial Faith, 1983, Charles C. Ryrie, Loizeaux Brothers

 

The Practical Use of the Greek New Testament, 1982, Kenneth S. Wuest, Moody Press

 

Notes on Ephesians, 1973, Kenneth S. Wuest, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing

 

He That Is Spiritual, 1981, Lewis S. Chafer, Zondervan Books

 

Death and the Afterlife, 1984, Robert A. Morey, Bethany House Publishers

 

Things To Come: A Study in Biblical Eschatology, 1981, J. Dwight Pentecost, Zondervan Publishing

 

How To Enjoy the Bible, 1990, E.W. Bullinger, Kregel Publications

 

Millennialism, 1980, Charles L. Feinberg, Moody Press

 

The Spirit World, 1921, Clarence Larkin, Erwin W. Moyer, printers

 

Liberated Yet Submissive, Dennis O. Wretlind