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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 FOUR:
“BODY UNITY BY GIFTS IN MEN
AND THE NEW PERSON”

[“Gifts with a Personality”]
Key word: Oneness
Theme verse: 3

Ephesians 4:1-6 – Observe the Oneness

EP4:1 Therefore, I – bound in [chains for] the Master 169 – encourage you 170 to walk worthily 171 of the calling by which you were called,

169	Bound in [chains for] the Master: Or, KJV: the prisoner of the lord.

170	Encourage you: Or. KJV: beseech; TCN: urge; PME: beg. Compare Philippians 2:1.

171

To walk worthily: Or, TCN: to live lives worthy; TAY: to live and act in a way worthy; NEB: live up to. Compare Philippians 1:27. Colossians 1:10 puts it, “Conduct yourselves worthily of the LORD, completely pleasing Him as you continue to produce fruitage in every kind of good work.” [NCMM] The Christian’s life-style and conduct must be worthy of the glorious celestial calling.

EP4:2 [doing so] with all humility of mind 172 and mildness. 173 Continue putting up with one another in love. 174

172	Humility of mind: Or, KJV: lowliness; MOF: perfect modesty; GDS: perfect humility. Humility is a great aid in preserving unity and harmony for the humble will not insist on their own selfish way. The humble do not create disunity.

173	Mildness: Or, KJV: meekness; CON: gentleness. The meek, mild, or gentle are persons around which unity is possible for they are not so arrogant or egotistical to divide their Christian companions. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Matthew 5:5.

174

Putting up with one another in love: Or, KJV: with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; RHM: bearing one with another in love; TCN: patient, bearing lovingly with one another; KNX: patient, too, in bearing with one another’s faults, as charity bids; PME: making allowances for one another because you love one another. Compare these exhortations to Paul’s definition of agape (agapoo) in 1 Corinthians chapter 13. Tolerance and forgiveness contribute greatly to unity. Love, or agape may be defined as concern followed by action which seeks the highest good of another.

EP4:3 Continue fervently attentive to 175 the unity of the Pneuma 176 in the joint bond of peace.

175	Fervently attentive to: Or, KJV: endeavoring to keep; ASV: giving diligence to keep; ALT: earnestly striving to maintain; WMS: continuing with eager earnestness to maintain. This is more than a passing, casual interest in Church unity. It is something to be diligent and earnest about.

176	The unity of the Pneuma: Or, RHM: oneness of the Spirit; CON: unity of the Spirit; TCN: unity given by the Spirit. God’s Pneuma causes only one result: loving unity.

EP4:4 [For there is] one Body and one Pneuma – even as you were called in one hope of your calling 177 –

177

Called in one hope of your calling: Or, CON: called to share in common hope; TCN: just as there was but one hope set before you; WEY: the same hope; WMS: there is but one hope resulting from the call. There is only “one hope” in he Christian Church and that is “a heavenly calling” to take up residence wherever Christ resides. (2 Corinthians 5:1-5; Hebrews 3:1; John 14:1-3)

EP4:5 one Master, 178 one faith, one baptism, 179 ^EP4:6 one God 180 and Father of everyone. 181 The One who is over all, 182 through all, 183 and in all. 184

178

One Master: Or, Lord. Paul teaches elsewhere that there are “many lords” in a generic sense. (1 Corinthians 8:5) Also, Yehowah is described as “Lord of lords.” Psalm 110:1 in the KJV has two Lords: one Yehowah and one the Messiah. In Paul’s qualified and limited context here he has in mind the Lord Jesus.

179

One baptism: Or, RHM: one immersion. In Hebrews 6:2 “baptism” (plural) are part of the “elementary doctrine of the Christ.” Several baptisms can be identified in the Christian Bible: water baptism (Matthew 3:15; 1 Peter 3:21), spirit baptism (1 Corinthians 12:13), baptism into leadership (1 Corinthians 10:2-4), baptism into Christian death (Romans 6:3-5), baptism in fire (destruction) (Matthew 3:11). There are different views on this “one baptism.” It is possible Paul means the whole process beginning with water immersion, followed by spirit baptism into Church membership under immersion into the leadership of Christ and the immersion into a consecration in a life-course of baptism into a death like that of Jesus.

180

One God: Compare the notes above on “one Master.” In the absolute sense there is only one absolute God as expressed in both the Hebrew and Christian Bible. However, in a more qualified or limited sense the Bible also teaches there are others called “god.” Jesus taught this (John 10:34. 35) as well as Paul. (1 Corinthians 8:5, 6) Compare Deuteronomy 10:17. The Bible, as well as the early “church fathers” of the first and second centuries were henotheistic. For more information on this research henotheism in The Error of the Trinity in Nazarene Commentary 2000©

181

Father of everyone: The Bible does not teach that God is the Father of all, including the wicked. It is possible Paul means “Father of all His children.” Research fatherhood elsewhere for detail on what is required to become a child of God. (John 1:12, 13) See the First Principle in the book Nazarene Principles 2000.

182	The One who is over all: Or, KJV: above all; WEY: rules over all; KNX: above all beings. This would include His Son, Jesus Christ. [John 14:28]

183	Through all: Or, CON: works through all; TCN: pervades all; WEY: acts through all.

184	In all: Or, KJV: in you all; CON: dwells in all; KNX: lives in all of us.

Ephesians 4:7-10 – Gifts to Humans

EP4:7 But to each one was given unmerited charity 185 according to the measure of the free gift 186 of Christ.

185	To each one was given unmerited charity: Or, KJV: unto every one of us is given grace; KNX: his own special grace; TAY: special abilities; TCN: entrusted with some charge; NEB: each one of us has been given his gift. Compare Romans 12:3.

186

The measure of the free gift: Or, WEY: measured out with the munificense of Christ; GDP: generous measure; PME: rich diversity; NEB: due portion of Christ’s bounty. Every member of the Body of Christ is possessed of certain gifts. See notes on Ephesians 4:16. Read carefully 1 Corinthians chapter 12 and Romans chapter 12. [Commentary On Romans]

EP4:8 Wherefore He says, 187 “Upon his ascension into the height he led prisoners 188 into captivity and he gave gifts to humans.” [Psalm 68:18]

187

He says: Or, “it.” This may refer either to the author of the Psalm or the One who inspired the psalmist. The quote is from Psalm 68:18. Both the Hebrew and Jewish Greek texts say “in men” while Paul paraphrases slightly “to humans.” It is clear the allusion to David’s imprisoned human booty is contributed to the Tabernacle and future Temple to become “hewers of wood and drawers of water.” (Nethinim) Or, KJV: he saith; CON: it is written; TCN: that is why it is said.

188

He led prisoners: Psalm 68:18 reads: “Thou hast ascended on high, Thou hast led captivity captive; Thou hast received gifts among men.” (JPS Hebrew text) LXX: “You have ascended to the heights. You have led captives into captivity. You have given humans as gift-offerings.” [NCMM] Though the credit for these captives of war is giving rightly to Yehowah, it was actually David who captured them and ascended Mount Zion to present them as gifts for Temple service and thus gifts to not only the priesthood but the Hebrew worshippers who benefited from these human gifts. Compare 2 Samuel 5:7. Likewise, Paul’s inspired interpretation has the David Messiah-type, Christ Jesus, doing something similar. Compare Deuteronomy 29:11; Joshua 9:21, 23; 1 Chronicles 9:2; Ezra 8:17 Nehemiah 3:26; Psalm 68:6; Psalm 69:33.

EP4:9 Now the words, “he ascended,” 189 what is it if not that he also descended into the lower parts of the earth? 190 [Psalm 139:15 LXX]

189	He ascended: Compare John 3:13 and John 6:62. (Acts 1:9-11; Daniel 7:13)

190

Into the lower parts of the earth: There is a high degree of possibility that this phrase is a strong allusion to Psalm 139:15 (LXX: 138:15). The Septuagint reads en tois katotato tes ges; and Paul’s phrase, eis ta katotera mera tes ges. If this be the case then this Hebraism refers to the womb where the fleshly body of Jesus was being formed from the embryo.

EP4:10 The one who descends, this is also the one who “ascended” far above all the heavens 191 so that he might completely fulfill everything.

191

Far above all the heavens: Or, TCN: beyond the highest Heaven. Beginning with Acts 1:9-11 Jesus’ ascent passed through the atmosphere, the solar system, the stellar universe, the angelic “heavens” to God’s own celestial dwelling. (Daniel 7:13; John 6:62) Hebrews 4:14 puts it, “We have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God.”

Ephesians 4:11-16 – Gifts and Their Functions

EP4:11 And, indeed, he gave 192 these [as gifts]: apostles, prophets, evangelizers, shepherds and teachers. 193

192	He gave: That is Christ who presented these “gifts” to the Father upon his ascension. He went to heaven with the perfect price in the value of his blood to purchase such gifts.

193	Apostles, prophets, evangelizers, shepherds and teachers: For details research these individual words describe the work of elders. Compare 1 Corinthians chapter 12 for more information.

EP4:12 And these for the purpose of reorganizing 194 the Saints for the work of servants. 195 For [the purpose of] building up the Body 196 of Christ.

194	The purpose of reorganizing: The Greek kat-artismon is use as a medical term for the resetting of a broken bone. It is a metaphor for a range of meaning. Or, KJV: perfecting; RHM: the fitting; WEY: to order fully to equip; PME: properly equipped.

195

Work of servants: Or, KJV: work of the ministry; CON: appointed service; WEY: work of serving; BECK to serve as workers. All the Saints should be workers in the service of others in imitation of their Lord. The gift of anointed elders is to aid in the training of the Saints for the work of serving others, whether materially or spiritually.

196	Building up the Body: Or, KJV: edifying; WMS: ultimate building up. These gifts of anointed elders are to build up and not tear down. 1 Corinthians 14:26 encourages, “Let all things take place for upbuilding.”

EP4:13 Until we all might attain 197 the oneness of the faith 198 and an elevated knowing 199 of the Son of The God. This results in [attaining] perfect manhood 200 unto the measure of stature of the fullness of 201 Christ.

197	Until we all might attain: This is a unified attainment and it is a process of maturing as Paul goes on to say. In 1 Corinthians 13:11 Paul likens the Church to a babe growing up to maturity in full adulthood. There are two major things to attain: unity of faith and perfect knowledge.

198	Oneness of the faith: Or, KJV: unity of the faith; TAY: believe alike; TCN: that unity which is given by faith. Paul has already said there was “one faith” and the Nazarene asks: “When the Son of Man arrives will he really find The Faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8)

199

A elevated knowing: The Greek is epi-gnoseos or (over + know). Or, ALF: perfect knowledge; TCN: personal knowledge; TCN: fuller knowledge. It may be view from two standpoints: a] a heightened or elevated ‘knowing’ of the Son in an intimate personal relationship; b] a complete or more accurate knowledge of what Jesus taught.

200

Attaining perfect manhood: The Greek is eis (into) andra (male) teleion (end) and means full-growth into maturity. Or, KJV: a perfect man; ASV: full grown man; CON: reach the stature of manhood; TCN: until we reach the ideal man – the full standard of perfection; WEY: to mature manhood. Compare 1 Corinthians 13:11 and 1 Corinthians 14:20.

201

Unto the measure of stature of the fullness of: Or, GDS: that full measure of development found in Christ; NEB: to mature manhood measured by nothing less than the full stature of Christ. On the individual level it is a matter of growing in Christ to his full image. As a Body, the Church also grows from infancy to adulthood. The traits of babyhood included those gifts of the spirit provided before the Christian Bible was completed and full separation from the Jewish example around the year 150 AD.

EP4:14 So that we may not remain infants 202 – being tossed about by waves 203 and borne around by every wind of teaching, 204 by the slight of hand 205 of persons always working toward methodical error. 206

202	Not remain infants: Compare 1 Corinthians 13:11. Or, TCN: no longer be like infants. Christian growth continues throughout one’s life, and each year witnesses an ever closer growth in Christ manifest by faith and love.

203	Tossed about by waves: Or, KJV: tossed to and fro; RHM: billow-tossed and shifted around; CON: by every current of teaching; TCN: tossed backward and forward. The mature Christian is not like a rudderless ship at the mercy of tossing seas.

204

Borne around by every wind of teaching: Or, KJV: every wind of doctrine; TCN: blown round by every breath of human teaching; WEY: every changing wind of doctrine; KNX: the wind of each new doctrine; NEB: every fresh gust of teaching; BECK: every windy thing that is taught. An infant can be taught almost anything but a mature adult may follow reasonable logic founded on the Scriptures. It is a knowledge of the Scriptures which provides a firm anchor.

205

By the slight of hand: The Greek is cubia and refers to dice. These teachings are about as trustworthy as a lucky throw of the dice whether one teaching is accepted over another. Or, KJV: sleight of men; TCN: craftiness and trickery; NEB: dupes of crafty rogues; PME: the jockeying of men who are expert in the crafty presentation of lies. There is no firm foundation in the Scriptures and the teachings of the Nazarene.

206	Working toward methodical error: The Greek is panourgia pros ten methodian tes planes. Or, NEB: deceitful schemes; GDS: ingenuity in inventing error. This is not a case of just a mistaken idea though sincere. It is a deliberate plan to lead others astray.

EP4:15 But rather, maintaining honest love 207 keep growing into him in everything. 208 He is the one who is the head, Christ.

207	Maintaining honest love: Or, KJV: speaking the truth in love; ALF: being followers of truth in love; WEY: lovingly hold to the truth; AMP: let our lives lovingly express truth in all things. Love must be honest and truthful, not deceitful.

208	Growing into him in everything: Or, KJV: grow up into him in all things; CON: grow up in ever part. We should mature in every part of our lives, in our character, as Christ is our single focus. What would Christ do? must be our continual question.

EP4:16 From him all the Body – jointed together and made to fit together 209 by means of every supplying connection 210 – according to that inner energy within each person’s own contribution 211 – each [member is] a growing part of the Body itself resulting in the edification [of the whole Body] in love. 212

209

All the body joined together and made to fit together: Or, KJV: fitly joined together and compacted; WEY: various parts closely fitting and firmly adhering to one another; TCN: closely joined and knit together. Note Paul’s illustration of the human body and its mutual need for all its parts in 1 Corinthians chapter 12.

210

By means of every supplying connection: Or, KJV: every joint supplieth; WEY: every contributing ligament; TCN: by the contact of every part with the source of its life; RSV: every joint with which it is supplied. Compare Colossians 2:19, “… and no longer clinging to the Head, from whom the entire Body is bonded together by means of its joints and ligaments – nourished and unified – and continuing to grow with the growth of God.” [NCMM]

211

That inner energy within in each person’s own contribution: The Greek is energeian en metro enos ekastou merous. Or, KJV: the effectual working in the measure of every part; WEY: aid of every contributory ligament, with power proportioned to the need of each individual part; TCN: in proportion to the vigour of each individual part; RSV: when each part is working properly.

212

A growing part of the Body itself resulting in the edification of the whole Body in love: Or, KJV: maketh increase of he body unto the edifying of itself in love; WEY: so as to build itself up in a spirit of love; RSV: makes bodily growth and upbuilds itself in love. The individual part will grow as long as it is part of the Body. Compare notes on 1 Corinthians 12.

Ephesians 4:17-19 – Avoid Worldly Conduct

EP4:17 Therefore, this is what I tell you 213 – and I give my testimony in union with the Master – do not continue walking just as the non-Jews. 214 They walk in the vanity of their minds 215

213	This is what I tell you: Or, RHM: protesting in the Lord; CON: adjure you in the Lord; NAS: affirm together with the Lord; TCN: I urge upon you; GDP: so what I mean and insist upon in the Lord’s name; TAY: speaking for the Lord.

214	Do not continue walking just as the non-Jews: Or, KJV: walk not as other Gentiles walk. Go back to Ephesians 2:11.

215	In the vanity of their minds: Or, GDS: with their frivolity of mind; KNX: who make vain fancies their rule; NEB: good-for-nothing notions; CON: whose minds are filled with folly. Compare Romans 1:21.

EP4:18 with their perceptions darkened. 216 [I mean] those who are alienated from the life of The God 217 because of their ignorance. 218 Because by the dulling of their hearts 219

216

Their perceptions darkened: Or, KJV: understanding darkened; TCN: powers of discernment darkened; KNX: their minds are clouded with darkness; PME: they live blindfold; NEB: their wits are beclouded; NWT: in darkness mentally. Compare 2 Corinthians 4:4 and Romans 1:21. Note Paul’s commission from the Master at Acts 26:18.

217	Alienated from the life of The God: Or, TCN: cut off from; WEY: having no share in; NEB: strangers to the life that is in God; BECK: excluded from. Compare Ephesians 2:12.

218	Because of their ignorance: Or, NEB: because ignorance prevails among them. Colossians 1:21 has it, “And now even all of you [non-Jews] – formerly alienated and enemies [of God] with minds concentrated on evil and harmful deeds.” [NCMM]

219	The dulling of their hearts: Or, KJV: past feeling; TCN: lost all sense of shame; GDS: become callous; PME: they have stifled their consciences; NEB: dead to all feeling.

EP4:19 the have ceased to feel in any pain in themselves. They have surrendered to loose conduct, 220 greedy to work all uncleanness. 221

220	They surrendered to loose conduct: Or, KJV: lasciviousness; GDS: abandoned themselves to sensuality; NE: vice. See notes on uncleanness, loose conduct, or aselgeia. Compare Galatians 5:19.

221

Greedy to work all uncleanness: Or, KJV: to work all uncleanness with greediness; RHM: making a trade of all impurity with greed; TCN: to practice every kind of impurity without restraint; WMS: excessive practices of all sorts of immorality; PME: practicing any form of impurity which lust can suggest Compare the same thing among apostate Jews at Romans 1:24-32. The Greek for “greed(iness)” is pleonexia and means the desire for more. The Greek for “uncleanness” is akatharsias which is from the metaphor of garbage thrown out.

Ephesians 4:20-24 – Make the Truth Your Own

EP4:20 But all of you did not learn about 222 Christ like that.

222

Did not learn about: There is nothing in learning about Jesus Christ the Nazarene which is harmful or dangerous. There is nothing in him which is unclean or unkind. These Ephesian non-Jews had “learned” about Jesus and his teachings. Hebrews 7:26 describes Christ as, “…loyal, guileless, undefiled, separated from the sinners.” Or, TCN: far different is the lesson you learnt from the Christ; TAY: that isn’t the way Christ taught you.

EP4:21 If really you heard and were taught 223 according to the truth that is in Jesus 224

223	You heard and were taught: Or, TCN: you really listened to him; GDS: instructed in him. New Christians received instruction. 1 Thessalonians 4:1, “… just as you learned from us how you ought to conduct yourselves and please God.” [NCMM]

224	The truth that is in the Jesus: Or, WEY: this is true Christian teaching; WMS: as it is seen in Jesus; TCN: to be found in Jesus. John 1:14 describes, “(Jesus) was full of truth.”

EP4:22 [You were taught] to put away the old person 225 – that is, your former course of conduct – who was corrupted by seductive desires. 226

225

Put away the old person: Or, KJV: the former conversation of the old man; RHM: strip off; TCN: cast off your old nature; WEY: your original evil nature; PME: to fling off the dirty clothes of the old way of living. Romans 6:6 puts it, “our old Self was crucified with Jesus.” Colossians 3:9 has it, “Remove the old person’s clothes with its bad habits.”

226

Corrupted by seductive desires: Or, CON: whose way is destructive, following the desires which deceives; TCN: yielding to deluded passions, grows corrupt; KNX: the self that wasted it aim on false dreams. Romans 7:23 describes sin’s work, “There is another principle fighting with my mind’s own law taking me as a prisoner to the principle of sin at work in my bodily parts.” (Romans 8:13; James 1:14, 15)

EP4:23 But instead be renewed through a new disposition of your minds, 227

227

Renewed through a new disposition of your minds: Or, GDS: adopt a new attitude of mind; PME: with yourselves mentally and spiritually remade; TCN: constantly renewed. Read and prayerfully meditate on Psalm 51:10, “O God, create within me a pure heart, and within me put a new steadfast inclination.” [NCMM] Romans 12:2 describes the process, “Stop moulding yourselves after this time period. Under go a metamorphosis by your remade mind.” [NCMM]

EP4:24 and put on the new person 228 – the one God created 229 in harmony with righteousness and true loyalty. 230

228

Put on the new person: Or, KJV: put on the new m; TCN: clothe yourselves in that new nature; WEY: new and better self; PME: put on the clean fresh clothes of the new life. Colossians 3:10 has it, “Put on the New Person which is renewed through an elevated knowing in accordance with the image of the One who created it.” Galatians 3:27, “Put on Christ.”

229	The one God created: Or, TCN: created to resemble God; PME: made by God’s design; BEC: created to be like God. See notes on Ephesians 2:10.

230	Righteousness and true loyalty: The Greek here is rare, osisteti and infers piety to God in holiness. Or, TCN: holiness springing from the Truth; PME: holiness which is no illusion.

Ephesians 4:25-30 – How Not to Grieve God’s Pneuma

EP4:25 So having put off the false 231 let each one speak truthfully to his neighbor 232 [Zechariah 8:16] because we are members of one another. 233

231	Having put off the false: The Greek is pseudos. Or, KJV: putting away lying; RHM: stripping off what is false; KNX: away with the falsehood then; PME: finish, then, with lying. Colossians 3:9 puts it, “Do not be lying to one another.”

232	Let each one speak truthfully to his neighbor: Or, KJV: speak every man truth with his neighbour; WEY: truth to his fellow man. This phrase is an allusion to Zechariah 8:16 which is from the Hebrew Text: “Speak truthfully with one another.”

233	We are members of one another: Or, TCN: we are united to one another like the parts of a body; PME: intimately related to one another; KNX: membership of the body binds us to one another. Compare Romans 12:5.

EP4:26 Do not sin if you become angry. 234 [Psalm 4:4] Do not let the sun go down on your provocation to wrath, 235

234

Do not sin if you become angry: This phrase is an exact quote from Psalm 4:4 in the Jewish Greek Septuagint, “Be ye angry, and sin not.” Or, KJV: be ye angry, and sin not; WMS: if you do get angry, you must stop sinning in your anger; KNX: do not let resentment lead you into sin; TAY: don’t sin by nursing your grudge.

235

Do not let the sun go down on your provocation to wrath: Or, KNX: the sunset must not find you still angry; PME: never go to bed angry; NEB: do not let sunset find you still nursing it. You have been provoked to anger but despite this you must let it go or settle it before sundown. Colossians 3:13 puts it, “Be patient and tolerant of one another even if someone has a complaint against another. Forgive one another, just as the LORD graciously forgave all of you, you must also be forgiving.” [NCMM]

EP4:27 nor give the Devil any room. 236

236	Nor give the Devil any room: Or, KJV: neither give place to the devil; TCN: give no opportunity to; GDS: you must not give the devil a chance; PME: don’t give the devil that sort of foothold; NEB: leave no loop-hole for the devil. James 4:7, “Oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you.” [NCMM]

EP4:28 Let the former thief no longer steal, but rather let him do laborious work with his own hands 237 so that he may have something good to share with the person in need. 238

237

Let him do laborious work with his own hands: Or, TCN: let him toil with his hands at honest work; WMS: rather he must keep on working ad toiling with his own hands at some honest vocation; PME: you must learn to make an honest living. 2 Thessalonians 3:10, “If anyone does not want to work, neither let him eat.”

238

So that he may have something good to share with the person in need: Or, WEY: so that he may have something of which he can give the needy to share; WMS: something to contribute to the needy. Paul gives one reason to save a surplus: charity. Acts 20:35, “By so laboring I have demonstrated to you in every way how you must also work hard and thus assist those who are weak. You must keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” [NCMM]

EP4:29 Let not a single rotten word proceed out of your mouth, 239 but rather any good word for building up of the needy, 240 so that those listening are favored. 241

239

Let not a single rotten word proceed out of your mouth: Or, KJV: no corrupt communication; RHM: putrid discourse; WEY: no unwholesome words ever pass your lips; TCN: never let any foul word. Colossians 3:8 puts it, “Now, get rid of all of it – wrath, anger, harmfulness, abusive speech, foul talk – remove all of it out of your mouth!” [NCMM]

240

Any good word for building up of the needy: Or, ASV: such as is good for edifying as the need may be; RSV: as fits the occasion; TCN: let all your words be good for benefiting others according to the need of the moment. Colossians 4:6, “Always speak graciously, seasoned with salt, aware of how you are obligated to answer each person.” [NCMM]

241	So that those listening are favored: Or, KJV: that it may minister grace unto the hearers; WEY: a means of blessing to the hearers; PME: which God can use to help other people.

EP4:30 Also do not sadden the holy Pneuma 242 of The God in which you were sealed unto a day of releasing by ransom. 243

242

Do not sadden the holy Pneuma: Or, KJV: grieve not the holy Spirit; GDS: not offend; KNX: not distress; PME: never hurt. The phrase is very similar to Isaiah 63:10, “… and made his holy spirit feel hurt.” The one saddened or grieved is God who is the source of the Pneuma, the mental force of His mind. (1 Corinthians 2:16; Isaiah 40:13 LXX)

243

You were sealed unto a day of releasing by ransom: Or, WEY: in preparation for the day of redemption; GDS: marked; PME: the personal pledge of your eventual full redemption; NEB: marked for the day of our final liberation. See notes on Ephesians 1:13. The initial “seal” bestowed upon spirit-begettal confirms sonship with the Father as His possession. (2 Corinthians 1:22) The end-time Saints (144,000 / Large Crowd) receive the final and absolute “seal” or confirmation in their flesh before the Rapture. (Revelation 7:1-4, 9; 11:12, 13; 1 Thessalonians 4:16) Compare Romans 8:23. See the book Nazarene Apocalypse 2000.

Ephesians 4:31-32 – Speech and Forgiveness

EP4:31 Remove from yourselves 244 every kind bitterness 245 and animosity 246 and vengeance 247 and shouting and blasphemy, 248 together with every kind of hurtfulness. 249

244	Remove from yourselves: Or, KJV: put away from you; TCN: be banished from among you; WEY: be unknown among you.

245	Bitterness: Compare James 3:14, “If you have in your heart bitter jealousy and selfishness, do not boast and continue to lie against the truth.” [NCMM]

246	Animosity: Or, NWT: anger.

247	Vengeance: KJV: anger; NWT: wrath.

248

Shouting and blasphemy: Or, KJV: clamour; ASV: railing; TCN: brawling and abusive language; PME: no more violent assertiveness, no more slander. We may assume these Ephesians suffered from these problems in their congregation otherwise Paul would have no need to tell them to get rid of such attitudes. Note how Paul writes to the Colossians – Colossians 3:8, “Now, get rid of all of it – wrath, anger, harmfulness, abusive speech, foul talk – remove all of it out of your mouth!” [NCMM] The Nazarene warns about Judgment Day, “But I tell you that every fruitless word human’s speak will be held to account on Judgment Day. For by your words you will be declared ‘Not Guilty,’ and by your words you will be accursed.” (Matthew 12:36, 37 NCMM)

249	Every kind of hurtfulness: Or, KJV: all malice.

EP4:32 Rather become benevolent to one another, 250 well inclined to sympathy, 251 compassionately forgiving 252 of others, just as The God in Christ graciously forgave you.

250	Rather become benevolent to one another: Or, KJV: be ye kind one to another; NEB: be generous to one another.

251

Well inclined to sympathy: Or, KJV: tenderhearted; RHM: tenderly affectionate; PME: be understanding. To the Colossians Paul writes something similar: “As the Elect of God – holy and beloved - clothe yourselves with empathy and compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, tolerance.” (Colossians 3:12 NCMM)

252	Compassionately forgiving: Or, TCN: ready to forgive. [Colossians 3:13]

Review Questions on Chapter Four