The meaning is, that he has endued his ministers with a diversity of talents and qualifications. We are not probably to understand these expressions as referring to so many distinct and specific offices. The powers exercised by the leading members of the early church, were not well defined, and marked, and systematically arranged, as official duties generally are in modern times. They varied with circumstances and with the personal character of the individuals who exercised them; as is every where implied in the different allusions to this subject which occur.

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Verse 12

Verse 12

The body of Christ; the church.

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Verse 14

Verse 14

The sleight; the skilfulness.

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Verse 16

Verse 16

From whom; by whose power.--According to, &c.; that is, each part performing its own special and proper function.

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Verse 22

Verse 22

The old man; the former evil character.

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Verse 25

Verse 25

We are members, &c.; we are bound together as members of one body.

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Verse 26

Verse 26

Be ye angry, &c.; never let the feeling of displeasure at sin or injustice become unholy anger.--Let not the sun, &c.; be always ready to pass over and forgive offences, instead of harboring lasting resentment.

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Verse 27

Verse 27

That is, never yield to any temptation to sin.

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Verse 29

Verse 29

Minister grace; be the means of promoting grace.

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Verse 30

Verse 30

Whereby ye are sealed; that is, which is the pledge and earnest of redemption.

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EphesiansEph 3 EphesiansEph EphesiansEph 5

Bibliographical Information
Abbott, John S. C. & Abbott, Jacob. "Commentary on Ephesians 4". "Abbott's Illustrated New Testament". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/ain/ephesians-4.html. 1878.

Bible Commentaries
Ephesians 4

Abbott's Illustrated New TestamentAbbott's NT

Verse 1

Verse 3

Verse 4

Verse 5

Verse 8

Verse 9

Verse 11

Verse 12

Verse 14

Verse 16

Verse 22

Verse 25

Verse 26

Verse 27

Verse 29

Verse 30

Bible CommentariesEphesians 4

Abbott's Illustrated New TestamentAbbott's NT

Bible Commentaries
Ephesians 4