NOTES ON EPHESIANS

 

Ephesians 2:19-22 There are three different images of a Christian, each more important than the previous 

one: citizens of a kingdom, member of a family, and dwelling place of the Spirit.

 

Ephesians 3:14 every = the whole

 

Ephesians 4 There are 7 manifestations of love described in this chapter (CT, June 4, 1976, p. 31):

    2a. to walk with all lowliness and meekness, further described in 5:21

    2b. being patient and forbearing with one another (see Ephesians 4:32)

    15a. being concerned with conveying sound doctrine

    25. requiring honest speech

    26. utilizing honest anger that is justified but is not turned into a grudge

    28. engaging in honest labor so that we can meet not only our own needs but those who need it more 

    than we do

    29. demonstrating itself in helpful speech (see Ephesians 5:4 also)

 

Ephesians 4:1 uses two words for “cal.” in this verse: “walk in a manner worthy of the calling (klesis 

=  permanent position) with which you have been called (kaleo = invitation).

 

Ephesians 4:8 There appears to be a contradiction with Psalm 68:18 as to who gave gifts. After a 

battle, the winner often received gifts but then returned them (as in General Grant receiving General 

Lee's sword and then giving it back to him).

 

Ephesians 4:25-32 There is a repeated pattern in these verses:don't, do, and the reason.

 

Ephesians 4:28 Possible application: since everything we own belongs to God, we are stealing from 

Him if we do not use our money wisely to serve Him and others.

 

Ephesians 4:29 explains Ephesians 4:15.

 

Ephesians 5:1 “as beloved children” – We are already God's children and don't have to earn that status 

by our works.

 

Ephesians 5:14 for example, the moon

 

Ephesians 5:18 The phrase “be filled” excludes two extremes: (1) it is beyond our control and (2) 

we have total control: the first because it is given as a command and the second because it is in the 

passive.

 

Ephesians 5:18-21 There are four participial phrases modifying "be filled". The fourth ("be subject 

to") should be translated "being subject to". Characteristics of the spirit-filled life are joy, gratitude and 

proper relationships with others.

 

Ephesians 5:21-33 contain definite statements of fact regarding Christ and the church vs. commands 

and desires for husband-wife relationships.

 

Ephesians 6:4 Discipline (including mild corporal punishment) is appropriate for very young children. 

Instruction is more appropriate to use as they grow up.

 

Ephesians 6:10 Again we have a passive construction -- “be strengthened by” -- rather than the active

"strengthen yourselves."

Ephesians 6:10-17 Compare these verses with the armor worn by God (Isaiah 59:17) and by the 

Suffering Servant (Isaiah 11:5).