Lectionary Calendar
Monday, January 20th, 2025
the Second Week after Epiphany
the Second Week after Epiphany
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Bible Commentaries
Abbott's Illustrated New Testament Abbott's NT
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain.
These files are public domain.
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.
Abbott, John S. C. & Abbott, Jacob. "Commentary on Ephesians 4". "Abbott's Illustrated New Testament". https://www.studylight.org/
Whole Bible (53)New Testament (19)Individual Books (17)
Verse 1
Verse 1
I therefore, &c. Here the apostle resumes what be had begun to say at the commencement of the last chapter.--The vocation; the calling.
Verse 3
Verse 3
The unity of the Spirit; spiritual union and harmony.
Verse 4
Verse 4
One body; meaning the church, that is, the community of believers.
Verse 5
Verse 5
One Lord; one Savior.--One faith; one system of revealed truth.--One baptism; one Christian profession.
Verse 8
Verse 8
Psalms 68:18.
Verse 9
Verse 9
Into the lower parts of the earth; into the grave.
Verse 11
Verse 11
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.
Verse 12
Verse 12
The body of Christ; the church.
Verse 14
Verse 14
The sleight; the skilfulness.
Verse 16
Verse 16
From whom; by whose power.--According to, &c.; that is, each part performing its own special and proper function.
Verse 22
Verse 22
The old man; the former evil character.
Verse 25
Verse 25
We are members, &c.; we are bound together as members of one body.
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.
Verse 27
Verse 27
That is, never yield to any temptation to sin.
Verse 29
Verse 29
Minister grace; be the means of promoting grace.
Verse 30
Verse 30
Whereby ye are sealed; that is, which is the pledge and earnest of redemption.