he apostle sets forth his office, and his qualifications for
it, and his call to it. (1-7) Also the noble purposes answered
by it. (8-12) He prays for the Ephesians. (13-19) And adds a
thanksgiving. (20,21)
Verses 1-7: For having preached the doctrine of truth, the apostle was
a prisoner, but a prisoner of Jesus Christ; the object of
special protection and care, while thus suffering for him. All
the gracious offers of the gospel, and the joyful tidings it
contains, come from the rich grace of God; it is the great means
by which the Spirit works grace in the souls of men. The
mystery, is that secret, hidden purpose of salvation through
Christ. This was not so fully and clearly shown in the ages
before Christ, as unto the prophets of the New Testament. This
was the great truth made known to the apostle, that God would
call the Gentiles to salvation by faith in Christ. An effectual
working of Divine power attends the gifts of Divine grace. As
God appointed Paul to the office, so he qualified him for it.
Verses 8-12: Those whom God advances to honourable employments, he
makes low in their own eyes; and where God gives grace to be
humble, there he gives all other needful grace. How highly he
speaks of Jesus Christ; the unsearchable riches of Christ!
Though many are not enriched with these riches; yet how great a
favour to have them preached among us, and to have an offer of
them! And if we are not enriched with them it is our own fault.
The first creation, when God made all things out of nothing, and
the new creation, whereby sinners are made new creatures by
converting grace, are of God by Jesus Christ. His riches are as
unsearchable and as sure as ever, yet while angels adore the
wisdom of God in the redemption of his church, the ignorance of
self-wise and carnal men deems the whole to be foolishness.
Verses 13-19: The apostle seems to be more anxious lest the believers
should be discouraged and faint upon his tribulations, than for
what he himself had to bear. He asks for spiritual blessings,
which are the best blessings. Strength from the Spirit of God in
the inner man; strength in the soul; the strength of faith, to
serve God, and to do our duty. If the law of Christ is written
in our hearts, and the love of Christ is shed abroad there, then
Christ dwells there. Where his Spirit dwells, there he dwells.
We should desire that good affections may be fixed in us. And
how desirable to have a fixed sense of the love of God in Christ
to our souls! How powerfully the apostle speaks of the love of
Christ! The breadth shows its extent to all nations and ranks;
the length, that it continues from everlasting to everlasting;
the depth, its saving those who are sunk into the depths of sin
and misery; the height, its raising them up to heavenly
happiness and glory. Those who receive grace for grace from
Christ's fulness, may be said to be filled with the fulness of
God. Should not this satisfy man? Must he needs fill himself
with a thousand trifles, fancying thereby to complete his
happiness?
Verse 20,21: It is proper always to end prayers with praises. Let us
expect more, and ask for more, encouraged by what Christ has
already done for our souls, being assured that the conversion of
sinners, and the comfort of believers, will be to his glory, for
ever and ever.
he apostle sets forth his office, and his qualifications for
it, and his call to it. (1-7) Also the noble purposes answered
by it. (8-12) He prays for the Ephesians. (13-19) And adds a
thanksgiving. (20,21)