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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS

CHAPTER ONE:
“GOD’S PURPOSE A UNIFYING HOPE”

[“The Household Hope”]
Key Word: Purpose
Theme Verse: 10

Ephesians 1:1-2 – Salutation

EP1:1 Paul, by the will 1 of God an apostle 2 – to the sanctified 3 and faithful in Christ Jesus 4 at Ephesus: 5

1	Will: The Greek is thelmatos from which the name “Thelma” is derived.

2	Apostle: The Greek is apo-stolos which means literally one “sent” as in “representative.” Regarding the office in the Christian church research apostle (or, apostolos) in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.

3

Sanctified: The Greek is hagiois and may be rendered: KJV: saints; NWT: holy ones. Some have thought Paul’s words speak to two different groups: the saints and the faithful. “The same persons are referred to by both designations, as the Greek proves: ‘to those who are saints, and faithful in Christ Jesus.’ The sanctification by God is here put before man’s faith. The twofold aspect of salvation is thus presented, God’s grace in the first instance sanctifying us, (that is, setting us apart in His eternal purposes as holy unto Himself); and our faith, by God’s gift, laying hold of salvation (2 Thessalonians 2:13 1 Peter 1:2).” [Commentary by A. R. FAUSSETT]

4	In Christ Jesus: Or, PME: faithful Christians; TCN: Christ’s People; NEB: believers incorporate in Christ Jesus.

5	Ephesus: Was a rich and religious seaport city on the western coast of Asia Minor near the isle of Samos. Note Paul’s parting speech to elders from this area in Acts 20:17-35. Also compare the Risen Master’s epistle to the Ephesian presbyter at Revelation 2:1-7 near the end of the First Century.

EP1:2 unmerited favor 6 and peace 7 from God 8 our Father 9 and the Master Jesus Christ.

6

Unmerited favor: The Greek is charis from which the word “charity” comes. It may also be rendered: KJV: grace; NWT: undeserved kindness. It is like the very rich giving to the very poor without an agenda, demanding nothing in return, asking nothing in return, but freely donating charity to a person who has in no way worked for such a gift. Compare Luke 6:30-35.

7	Peace: The Greek is eirene from which “serenity” is derived. The word is used 8 times in Ephesians. Peace is inseparable from unity.

8

God: Paul makes a clear distinction between “God” and “Jesus” never confounding the two. Indeed, the phrase “the God of our Lord” occurs twice, (Ephesians 1:3, 17) indicating our Master has his own God. The word occurs 36 times in Ephesians and always means the Father of Jesus Christ. Often God is preceded by the definite article and thus is literally “the God.” [HO THEOS]

9	Father: The word occurs 10 times in Ephesians. For details on the fatherhood of God research Father, or Abba. (John 1:12, 13; Romans 8:14-17) See the books Commentary On Ephesians and Nazarene Principles 2000©.

Ephesians 1:3-7 – Spiritual Blessings

EP1:3 Blessed be 10 The God and Father of our Master 11 Jesus Christ. He is the One who pronounced a blessing upon all of us 12 including every spiritual blessing 13 in the Celestialum 14 incorporate in Christ. 15

10	Blessed be: The Greek is eu-logetos and may be rendered: KJV: blessed; PME: praise.

11	The God and Father of our Master: Compare Ephesians 1:17. It seems clear that our Lord has his own God, that is, his Father. Note Revelation 3:12 and nearly a score of similar phrases. This designation is never reversed where “the God of the Father” is used.

12	Pronounced a blessing upon all of us: Or, KJV: blessed us; WEY: who has crowned us.

13	Every spiritual blessing: The Greek is pase eu-logia pneumatike. Or, spiritual good word.

14

Celestialum: Or, urnanics, heavenlies. The Greek is epo-uraniois from which the planet Uranus gets its name. The English word “heaven” is from “heaved” or that which is above the ground as in the sky where the birds fly, the stellar universe, our God’s own realm. The word group heaven is used over 800 times in the Bible. It occurs most often in Matthew (88 times) and 52 times in Revelation. Forms of the word occur in Ephesians 1:3, 9, 20; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 3:10, 15; Ephesians 4:10; Ephesians 6:9, 12.

15

Incorporate in Christ: The Greek phrase en Christo(s) is highly favored by Paul occurring most often in Ephesians than any other epistle. (Ephesians 1:1, 3; Ephesians 2:6, 7, 10, 13; Ephesians 3:6) It may be rendered: NWT: in union with; NEB: incorporate in Christ. “Embodied in Christ” may also carry the idea.

EP1:4 This was done incorporate in Christ when [The God] chose 16 us 17 before the beginning of the world of humanity. 18 [He chose] us to be holy and flawless 19 under His loving view 20

16

Chose: The Greek is exelezato in the NA and WH texts and exelexato in the RT. Strong’s number 1586: “AV - choose 19, choose out 1, make choice 1; 21 times. 1) to pick out, choose, to pick or choose out for one’s self; 1a) choosing one out of many, i.e. Jesus choosing his disciples 1b) choosing one for an office; 1c) of God choosing whom he judged fit to receive his favours and separated from the rest of mankind to be peculiarly his own and to be attended continually by his gracious oversight; 1c1) i.e. the Israelites; 1d) of God the Father choosing Christians, as those whom he set apart from the irreligious multitude as dear unto himself, and whom he has rendered, through faith in Christ, citizens in the Messianic kingdom: (James 2:5) so that the ground of the choice lies in Christ and his merits only.” Vine’s comments: A-1, eklego, [Verb, 1586] “to pick out, select,” means, in the Middle Voice, “to choose for oneself,” not necessarily implying the rejection of what is not chosen, but “choosing” with the subsidiary ideas of kindness of favor or love, Mark 13:20; Luke 6:13; 9:35 (RV); 10:42; 14:7; John 6:70; 13:18; 15:16,19; Acts 1:2,24; 6:5; 13:17; 15:22,25; in Acts 15:7 it is rendered “made choice;” 1 Corinthians 1:27, 28; Ephesians 1:4; James 2:5.

17	Us: The Church or Body of Christ as a corporate whole.

18

Before the beginning of the world of humanity: The Greek is pro kata-boles kosmou and is also rendered: KJV: before the foundation of the world; WEY: before the creation of the world; TCN: before the creation of the universe. These later renderings are not in agreement with the Nazarene’s own use of the phrase Matthew 23:35 and Luke 11:50 which uses the first son born of Adam, Abel, as such a starting point. Research katabole in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. For details on world or cosmos (kosmos) search Nazarene Commentary 2000©.

19	To be holy and flawless: Or, KJV: holy and without blame; GDS: consecrated and above reproach; KNX: to be saints, to be blameless; NEB: dedicated… without blemish. What has been fore-seen or fore-known is the type of Church and not the individuals.

20	Under His loving view: The Greek is kat-enopion and is also rendered: GDS: in his sight; PME: constant care. Research enopion.

EP1:5 because he foresaw us incorporate in [Christ] beforehand 21 – intended for an adoption as sons 22 in him – according to the good thought of His will 23

21

He foresaw us incorporate in [Christ] beforehand: The Greek is pro-opisas hemas. Pro = before + opi = eye, or seen. That is fore-seen, pre-view or fore-viewed. The KJV uses the famous “predestined” but this is a prejudiced paraphrase of the literal meaning. The phrase is also rendered: ASV: foreordained; KNX: marking us out beforehand; PME: planned. There may be a play on the previous opi (eye/seen). The “in him” infers this fore-view was embodied or incorporated in the will of the Father regarding His Son’s earthly visit and sacrifice.

22

An adoption as sons: The Greek is huiothesian and is also rendered: KJV: the adoption of children; RSV: to be his sons; PMEP: adopted as His own children; NEB: accepted as his sons; TCN: to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ. God fore-saw that He would authorize others to become His children by means of Christ. See John 1:12, 13 and Romans 8:14-17. Research sonship, God-born.

23	Good thought of His will: The Greek is eu-dokian tou thelmatos autou. Or, KJV: according to the good pleasure of his will; WEY: gracious will and pleasure; BECK: in his kindness; AMP: because it pleased Him and was His kind intent.

EP1:6 – in glorious praise of his unmerited favor 24 with which He favored us in The One He loved.

24	In glorious praise of his unmerited favor: The Greek charistos is often translated “grace.” Or, KJV: to the praise of the glory of his grace; WEY: splendour of Hs grace; PME: praise that glorious generosity; NEB: gracious gift; TCN: to enhance that glorious manifestation of his loving-kindness.

EP1:7 In [Christ] we are being released by ransom 25 through his blood, canceling our transgressions 26 according to the riches of His unmerited favor.

25

Released by ransom: Or, KJV: redemption; PME: redeemed; NEB: release is secured. Research ransom. (Compare Job 33:24; Psalm 49:7; Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; Romans 3:24; Romans 8:23; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Colossians 1:14; 1 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 9:15.) Paul uses the word two more times in Ephesians 1:14 and Ephesians 4:30.

26	Canceling our transgressions: Or, KJV: forgiveness of sins; ASV: trespasses; WEY: offenses.

Ephesians 1:8-14 – God’s Household Purpose

EP1:8 …This 27 unmerited favor 28 He caused to abound inwardly in us 29 in all wisdom and discernment. 30

27	This: The tour de force Greek sentence continues from verse 3 through verse 14 possibly the longest sentence in the Christian Bible. Compare also Romans 1:1-7 for the second longest.

28	Unmerited favor: That is, grace, connecting to the previous verse.

29	Caused to abound inwardly in us: ASV: made to abound toward us; WEY: lavished upon us; KNX: overflowed upon us; PME: overflowed into our lives. A spiritual abundance of His unmerited favor or grace.

30	In all wisdom and discernment: The grace of God is dispensed wisely resulting in wisdom and discernment. Or, KNX: in a full stream of wisdom and discernment; PME: opened our eyes to the truth; TCN: countless gifts.

EP1:9 He made known to us the mystery 31 of His will, in harmony with His good thought 32 which He purposed in Himself.

31

Made known to us the mystery: The Greek word is mysterion. Or, WEY: secret of His will; KNX: hidden purpose; PME: secret of His plan; TCN: hidden purpose. This is the first of six uses of the word. (Ephesians 1:9; Ephesians 3:3, 4, 9; Ephesians 5:32; Ephesians 6:19. Note from Ephesians 3:5, 9 how this mystery was hidden from former generations.)

32	Harmony with His good thought: Or, well thought out. The Greek is eu-dokian or well + thinking. Or, KJV: good pleasure; KNX: loving design; NASB: kind intentions.

EP1:10 [This included] a household administration 33 at the completion of the appointed times, 34 for the purpose of reunifying everything 35 in the Christ – the things in the Celestialum 36 and the things upon the Earth.

33	A household administration: The Greek is oikonomian or house + management (stewardship). Or, KJV: dispensation; WEY: government of the world; TCN: divine order; NASB: administration. There is a method to God’s will in the dispensing of his grace to a household by means of His stewardship.

34	The completion of the appointed times: The Greek is pleromatos (fullness) ton (of the) kairon (season). Or, KJV: fulness of times; WEY: when times were ripe; TCN: completion of the ages. Not only the manner of dispensation but the timing is under the control of God.

35

Reunifying everything: This infers a former state of unity before rebellion broke out in Eden. The Greek is ana(again)-kephalaiosasthai(head up). Or, KJV: gather together again; ASV: to sum up; WEY: restoring the whole creation; TCN: make every centre in him. Colossians 1:20 has it “… to reconcile again to himself.”

36	In the Celestialum: Those in heaven rebelled with Satan. Compare Ephesians 6:12. Heaven also needs a restoration of the original peace and unity. Colossians 1:20 puts it, “… no matter whether they are the things upon the earth or the things in the heavens.”

EP1:11 This was incorporate in [Christ] in union with whom 37 we were also a personal possession 38 seen beforehand. 39 [This was] in harmony with the purpose of that One’s inner energy working in everything 40 according to the counsel of His will.

37	In [Christ] in union with whom: God’s will and purpose is centered in Christ. It is incorporate in Christ that the Church was foreseen. At Genesis 3:15 the foretold Seed was to be something of a corporation which included the Head as well as the Body.

38	A personal possession: The Greek is eclerothemen and is rooted in “lot” and is also related to “clergy.” Or, KJV: obtained an inheritance; WEY: made heirs; PME: promised a share; CNT: God’s heritage.

39	Seen beforehand: The Greek is pro-opisthentes (before + eye/seen) or something fore-seen or pre-viewed. See notes on Ephesians 1:5. What is exactly previewed is explained in verse 12: the praise of His glory.

40

The purpose of that One’s inner energy working in everything: Or, KJV: purpose of him who worketh all things; WEY: whose might carries out in everything; KNX: at work everywhere; TCN: in all that happens is carrying out. Everything that happens universally or historically has God’s will working within it to move toward the accomplishment of His purpose.

EP1:12 That was for us to serve in praise of His glory. 41 We are those who first hoped 42 in the Christ.

41	For us to serve in praise of His glory: This is what God previewed or foresaw in verse 11.

42	Those who first hoped: Possibly Paul means the Jews. Compare Ephesians 2:11-13.

EP1:13 All of you also started to hope in him after you heard the word of the Truth, the good news 43 of your salvation. And after you began to believe in [Christ] you were spiritually sealed 44 with regard to the holy promise.

43	Heard the word of the Truth, the good news: Colossians 1:5 has, “… you heard of before by the telling of the truth of that good news.”

44

Spiritually sealed: Or, pneumatically. The Greek is esphragisthete to pneumati. After believing, likely followed by immersion and confession of the Lord Jesus, these are confirmed or sealed by a manifestation of the holy spirit or sacred Pneuma. Or, KJV: sealed with the holy spirit; PME: stamped with the promised holy spirit. Compare notes on Ephesians 4:30 with 2 Corinthians 1:22.

EP1:14 That [sealing] is a token of our inheritance 45 by means of a releasing by ransom 46 of the thing preserved, 47 in glorious praise of Him.

45	A token of our inheritance: KJV: the earnest of our inheritance; TCN: a pledge and foretaste; WMS: first installment. A down payment as it were is discovering of the inworking of the holy Pneuma.

46	Releasing by ransom: The Greek is apo-lytrosin. Or, KJV: the redemption; CON: to redeem; PME: completes the redemption; TCN: full-redemption. Colossians 1:13, 14 has, “… the Son of his love, by means of whom we have our release by ransom, the forgiveness of our sins.”

47	The thing preserved: Or, KJV: purchased possession; ASV: God’s own possession; CON: that which He hath purchased; PME: what he has paid for as his own; TCN: God’s own people.

Ephesians 1:15-23 – An Enlightened Hope

EP1:15 Also, this is the reason 48 when I heard of your faith in the Master Jesus – as well as that faith of all 49 the Saints –

48	This is the reason: The hope and rule of Christ.

49

That faith of all: he Greek is kai ten eis pantas. Some insert “love” and others see the ten as referring back to “faith.” Or, KJV: love unto all the saints; ASV: the love which ye showed; PME: in which you are expressing it. Colossians 1:4 has “… since we heard of your faith in connection with Christ Jesus and the love you have for all the holy ones.”

EP1:16 I did not quit [expressing] my gratefulness 50 when I mentioned you in my prayers.

50	Did not quit [expressing] my gratefulness: Or, WEY: offer never-ceasing thanks; PME: I never give up praying for you. Colossians 1:9 has, “That is also why we, from the day we heard [of it], have not ceased praying for you.”

EP1:17 So the Father of glory – The God of our Master 51 Jesus Christ – would give you spiritual wisdom 52 and reveal 53 to you an elevated knowledge 54 of Him,

51	The God of our Master: See notes on Ephesians 1:3. Jesus is one of the “lords” (and, “gods”) of Deuteronomy 10:17. (Compare Psalm 110:1 KJV)

52	Spiritual wisdom: The Greek is pneuma sophias. Or, KJV: spirit of wisdom; PME: spiritual wisdom; TCN: may inspire you with wisdom. (Proverbs 2:6)

53	Reveal: The Greek is apocalypseos. Or, KJV: revelation; PME: insight; TCN: true insight.

54	Elevated knowledge: The Greek is epi-gnosei (over + know) and infers an intimate relationship with God. Or, KJV: knowledge; MON: intimate knowledge; WMS: growing knowledge; TCN: fuller knowledge; PME: know more of him. Colossians 1:6 has, “… accurately knew the undeserved kindness of God in truth.”

EP1:18 the eyes of your heart illuminated 55 to some idea 56 of the hope of His invitation – the glorious riches of His inheritance for the Saints 57 –

55	Eyes of your heart illuminated: Or, KJV: eyes of your understanding; PME: inner illumination of the spirit; TCN: your minds may be so enlightened. Colossians 1:9 has, “… filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension.”

56	To some idea: The Greek is eidenai. Or, KJV: may know; TCN: realize. Colossians 1:5 has, “… the hope that is being reserved for you in the heavens.”

57	The glorious riches of His inheritance for the Saints: Or, KJV: the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints; GDS: how gloriously rich; KNX: how rich in glory is that inheritance of his found among the saints; NEB: what the wealth and glory of the share he offers.

EP1:19 and what the tremendous strength 58 of His power 59 is through us who believe – by means of the energy of His ruling power, 60

58	Tremendous strength: The Greek is hyperballon megethos. Or, KJV: exceeding greatness; TCN: transcendent greatness; GDS: how surpassingly great; PME: how tremendous is the power available; NEB: how vast the resources of his power.

59	Power: The Greek is dynameos. Or, dynamic.

60

The energy of His ruling power: The Greek is ten energeian tou kratous. Or, KJV: the working of his might power; WEY: infinite might; MON: energy of the resistless might; WMS: tremendously mighty power. Colossians 1:11 has it, “being made powerful with all power to the extent of his glorious might so as to endure fully.”

EP1:20 which He exercised in raising up 61 Christ from the dead, seating him at His right hand 62 [Psalm 110:1] in the Celestialum, 63

61	Raising up: See notes on Ephesians 2:6.

62

Seating him at His right hand: The allusion is to Psalm 110:1. Judging from Psalm 2:6, 7 this “seating” is an enthronement. Daniel 7:13 foretells such a kingship upon the ascension of someone like a human being. (Compare Paul’s synagogue application of Psalm 2:7 at Acts 13:33; 7:55; 1 Corinthians 15:24; Hebrews 10:12, 13) Jesus states himself that upon his ascension he is already Ruler of earth’s kings (Revelation 1:5) and that when he returned to heaven he sat down on his “throne.” (Revelation 3:21)

63	Celestialum: The Greek is epo-uraniois and is usually translated “heaven(s).” Or, NEB: heavenly realms. Colossians 1:16 adds, “… the things visible and the things invisible.”

EP1:21 over and above every hierarchy 64 and authority and power 65 and lordship and every name named – not only in this time period 66 but also in the New Age to come –

64

Hierarchy: The Greek is arches. Or, KJV: principality; ALF: all rule; TCN: angels and archangels; WEY: government. Some view this as the angelic governments. Compare Ephesians 6:12; notes on Ephesians 6:12. Colossians 1:16 has, “… thrones or lordships or governments or authorities.” Some consider these to be either the angelic layers of rule, or those demonic powers under Satan. (see notes on Ephesians 6:12)

65	Power: The Greek is dynameos.

66	In this time period: The Greek is aioni. Or, KJV: this world; TCN: present age. See notes elsewhere on age, eon, and aeon.

EP1:22 everything God subjected under the feet 67 [Psalm 8:6] of [Jesus] and gave him headship 68 over everything to the Church,

67	Everything God subjected under the feet: The allusion is to Psalm 8:6. Paul also makes inspired applications of Psalm 110:1 and Psalm 8:6 in Hebrews 1:5; 5:5; 10:12, 13. This subjugation began upon Christ’s ascension to heaven. (Daniel 7:13)

68	Headship: The Greek is kephalen. See 1 Corinthians 11:3 and notes on Ephesians 5:32.

EP1:23 which is his Body 69 – the One who completely fulfills everything in everyone. 70

69

Body: The Greek is soma; the Latin corpus. Paul uses the word often and in Ephesians it occurs in Ephesians 1:23; 2:16; 3:6; 4:4, 12, 16; 5:23, 30. Research soma or body in 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12. The Body is a corporation (a united working group of people), an organization (a working unified body). See notes on Ephesians 4:12, Ephesians 4:16.

70

Completely fulfills everything in everyone: Or, KJV: the fulness of him that filleth all in all; CON: the Fulness of Him who fills all things everywhere with Himself; WEY: the completion of Him who everywhere fills the universe with Himself; PME: and in that body lives fully the one who fills the whole universe. Some apply the “him” to Christ others to Him, God.

Review Questions on Chapter One