3:1 For 1 this cause I Paul, a the prisoner of Jesus Christ
for you Gentiles,
(1) He maintains his apostleship against the offence of the
cross, upon which he also makes an argument to confirm
himself, affirming that he was not only appointed an
apostle by the mercy of God, but was also appointed
particularly to the Gentiles. And this was to call them
everywhere to salvation, because God had so determined this
from the beginning, although he deferred a great while the
manifestation of his counsel.
(a) These words, "the prisoner of Jesus Christ", are taken
passively, that is to say, "I, Paul, am cast into prison
for maintaining the glory of Christ."
3:5 Which in b 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;
(b) He does not mean that no one knew of the calling of the
Gentiles before, but because very few knew of it. And
those that did know it, such as the prophets, had it
revealed to them very obscurely, and by means of
symbols.
3:102 To the intent that now unto the principalities and
powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church
the c manifold wisdom of God,
(2) The unsuspected calling of the Gentiles was as it were a
mirror to the heavenly angels, in which they might behold the
marvellous wisdom of God.
(c) God always had only one way to save men by: but it had
various shapes and forms.
3:11 According to the d eternal purpose which he purposed in
Christ Jesus our Lord:
(d) Which was before all things.
3:143 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ,
(3) He teaches by his own example that the efficacy of the
doctrine depends upon the grace of God, and therefore we
ought to join prayers with the preaching and hearing of the
word. And these are needful not only to those who are
youngsters in religion, but even to the oldest also, that
as they grow up more and more by faith in Christ, and are
confirmed with all spiritual gifts, they may be grounded
and rooted in the knowledge of that immeasurable love, with
which God the Father has loved us in Christ. And this is
because the whole family, of which a part is already
received into heaven, and part is yet here on earth,
depends upon that adoption of the heavenly Father, in his
only Son.
3:15 Of whom the whole e family in heaven and earth is named,
(e) That entire people, who had but one household Father,
and that is the Church which is adopted in Christ.
3:16 That he would grant you, according to the f riches of his
glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the
g inner man;
(f) According to the greatness of his mercy.
(g) See (Ro 7:22).
3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye,
being rooted and grounded in h love,
(h) With which God loves us, which is the root of our
election.
3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints i what [is] the
breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
(i) How perfect that work of Christ is in every part.
3:19 And to know the k love of Christ, which l passeth
knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the m fulness
of God.
(k) Which God has shown us in Christ.
(l) Which surpasses all the capacity of man's intellect, to
comprehend it fully in his mind: for otherwise whoever
has the Spirit of God perceives as much (according to
the measure that God has given him) as is necessary for
salvation.
(m) So that we have abundantly in us whatever things are
required to make us perfect with God.
3:204 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,
(4) He breaks forth into a thanksgiving, by which the Ephesians
also may be strengthened and encouraged to hope for
anything from God.
