Before their regeneration, believers were spiritually dead, separated from God, and unable to have fellowship with Him (cf. Ephesians 4:18; John 17:3). We were living in the sphere of rebellion against God (cf. Ephesians 2:2). Transgressions (false steps, cf. Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 2:5) and sins (acts of missing the mark) describe deliberate offenses against God. [source][source][source]
"There are three outstanding schools of moral pathology traceable throughout the centuries. Pelagianism asserts the convalescence of human nature. Man merely needs teaching. Semi-pelagianism admits his ill-health, but affirms that the symptoms will yield to proper treatment, to a course of tonic drugs and a scrupulous regimen. But Biblical Christianity probes the patient to the quick. Its searching diagnosis pronounces that mortification has set in and that nothing less than infusion of fresh lifeblood can work a cure. Nostrums and palliatives aggravate rather than allay the disease. Sin is an organic epidemical malady, a slow devitalizing poison issuing in moral necrosis; not a stage of arrested or incomplete development, but a seed-plot of impending ruin." [1][source]
"The unbeliever is not sick; he is dead! He does not need resuscitation; he needs resurrection. All lost sinners are dead, and the only difference between one sinner and another is the state of decay." [2][source]
Context Summary
Ephesians 2:1-10 - What Grace Has Done
Evidently dead men may walk; that is, they may be dead to the eternal world but alive to this world, which is moving past like the films of a moving picture. The death of the spirit is compatible with much active interest in the course of this world. Behind the shifting scenes of the material is the great enemy of souls. As the Spirit of God works in the obedient, so does the evil spirit work in the disobedient. Note this trinity of evil-the course of this world, the lusts of our flesh, and the prince of the power of the air. If we desire to save men, we must be in living union with the all-conquering Spirit of Christ.
Notice, also, the past tense which describes the finality of Christ's work, Ephesians 2:5-6. In the purpose of God we have been raised from the grave of sin and are seated with the risen Lord in the place of acceptance and victory. We were one with Christ when He lay in the grave and arose. In God's thought we have already taken our seat with the glorified Christ upon the throne; only the pity is that we do not believe this or act as if we had done so. All this is the gift of God's unmerited love. By grace have we been brought into this position, and by grace are we maintained in it. We are of God's "making;" such is the Greek word for workmanship, Ephesians 2:10. We have been created for good works; they have been planned for us and we have only to walk in them. [source]
Chapter Summary: Ephesians 2
1By comparing what we were by nature, with what we are by grace, 10he declares that we are made for good works: and being brought near by Christ, 19should not live as Gentiles and foreigners, but as citizens with the saints, and the family of God
Greek Commentary for Ephesians 2:1
And you did he quicken [και υμας] The verb for did he quicken does not occur till Ephesians 2:5 and then with ημας hēmās (us) instead of υμας humās (you). There is a like ellipsis or anacoluthon in Colossians 1:21,Colossians 1:22, only there is no change from υμας humās to ημας hēmās [source]
When ye were dead [οντας νεκρους] Present active participle referring to their former state. Spiritually dead. Trespasses and sins (παραπτωμασιν και αμαρτιαις paraptōmasin kai hamartiais). Both words (locative case) though only one in Ephesians 2:5. [source]
Trespasses and sins [παραπτωμασιν και αμαρτιαις] Both words (locative case) though only one in Ephesians 2:5. [source]
And you [] Taking up the closing thought of the preceding chapter, the magnitude of God's power toward believers as exhibited in Christ's resurrection. He now shows that the same power is applied to his readers. Hence the connection is: “When He raised Him from the dead, etc., and you did He quicken, even as He quickened Christ.” The structure of the passage is broken. Paul having prominently in mind the thought God quickened you as He did Christ, begins with you also. Then the connection is interrupted by Ephesians 2:2,Ephesians 2:3, which describe their previous condition. Then Ephesians 2:1is taken up in Ephesians 2:4, by but God, God introducing a new sentence. [source]
Who were dead [ὄντας νεκροὺς] Better, Rev., when ye were dead, thus giving the sense of the continued state in the past expressed by the participle being. [source]
Trespasses - sins [παραπτώμασιν - ἁμαρτίαις] See on Matthew 1:21; see on Matthew 6:14. Trespasses, special acts. Sins, all forms and phases of sin: more general. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Ephesians 2:1
Matthew 6:14Trespasses [παραπτώματα] The Lord here uses another word for sins, and still another ( ἁμαρτιας ) appears in Luke's version of the prayer, though he also says, “every one that is indebted to us.” There is no difficulty in supposing that Christ, contemplating sins in general, should represent them by different terms expressive of different aspects of wrong-doing (see on Matthew 1:21). This word is derived from παραπίπτω , to fall or throw one's self beside. Thus it has a sense somewhat akin to ἁμαρτία , of going beside a mark, missing. In classical Greek the verb is often used of intentional falling, as of throwing one's self upon an enemy; and this is the prevailing sense in biblical Greek, indicating reckless and wilful sin (see 1 Chronicles 5:25; 1 Chronicles 10:13; 2 Chronicles 26:18; 2 Chronicles 29:6,2 Chronicles 29:19; Ezekiel 14:13; Ezekiel 18:26). It does not, therefore, imply palliation or excuse. It is a conscious violation of right, involving guilt, and occurs therefore, in connection with the mention of forgiveness (Romans 4:25; Romans 5:16; Colossians 2:13; Ephesians 2:1,Ephesians 2:5). Unlike παράβασις (transgression )which contemplates merely the objective violation of law, it carries the thought of sin as affecting the sinner, and hence is found associated with expressions which indicate the consequences and the remedy of sin (Romans 4:25; Romans 5:15,Romans 5:17; Ephesians 2:1). [source]
Matthew 5:9The peacemakers [οι ειρηνοποιοι] Not merely “peaceable men” (Wycliff) but “makkers up o‘ strife” (Braid Scots). It is hard enough to keep the peace. It is still more difficult to bring peace where it is not. “The perfect peacemaker is the Son of God (Ephesians 2:14.)” (McNeile). Thus we shall be like our Elder Brother. [source]
Luke 2:32Gentiles [ἐθνῶν] Assigned to the same root as ἔθω , to be accustomed, and hence of a people bound together by like habits or customs. According to biblical usage the term is understood of people who are not of Israel, and who therefore occupy a different position with reference to the plan of salvation. Hence the extension of the gospel salvation to them is treated as a remarkable fact. See Matthew 12:18,Matthew 12:21; Matthew 24:14; Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:45; Acts 11:18; Acts 18:6. Paul is called distinctively an apostle and teacher of the Gentiles, and a chosen vessel to bear Christ's name among them. In Acts 15:9; Ephesians 2:11,Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:6, we see this difference annihilated, and the expression at last is merely historical designation of the non-Israelitish nations which, as such, were formerly without God and salvation. See Acts 15:23; Romans 16:4; Ephesians 3:1. Sometimes the word is used in a purely moral sense, to denote the heathen in opposition to Christians. See 1 Corinthians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 10:20; 1 Peter 2:12. Light is promised here to the Gentiles and glory to Israel. The Gentiles are regarded as in darkness and ignorance. Some render the words εἰς ἀποκάλυψιν , above, for the unveiling of the Gentiles, instead of for revelation. Compare Isaiah 25:7. Israel, however, has already received light by the revelation of God through the law and the prophets, and that light will expand into glory through Christ. Through the Messiah, Israel will attain its true and highest glory. [source]
Luke 24:18And not know? [και ουκ εγνωσ] Second aorist active indicative and difficult to put into English as the aorist often is. The verb παροικεω paroikeō means to dwell beside one, then as a stranger like παροικοι paroikoi (Ephesians 2:19). In Jerusalem everybody was talking about Jesus. [source]
John 1:3Were made [ἐγένετο] Literally, came into being, or became. Expressing the passage from nothingness into being, and the unfolding of a divine order. Compare John 1:14,John 1:17. Three words are used in the New Testament to express the act of creation: κτίζειν , to create (Revelation 4:11; Revelation 10:6; Colossians 1:16); ποιεῖν , to make (Revelation 14:7; Mark 10:6), both of which refer to the Creator; and γίγνεσθαι , to become, which refers to that which is created. In Mark 10:6, both words occur. “From the beginning of the creation ( κτίσεως ) God made ” ( ἐποίησεν ). So in Ephesians 2:10: “We are His workmanship ( ποίημα ), created ( κτισθέντες ) in Christ Jesus.” Here the distinction is between the absolute being expressed by ἦν (see on John 1:1), and the coming into being of creation ( ἐγένετο ). The same contrast occurs in John 1:6,John 1:9. “A man sent from God came into being ” ( ἐγένετο ); “the true Light was ” ( ἦν ). “The main conception of creation which is present in the writings of St. John is expressed by the first notice which he makes of it: All things came into being through the Word. This statement sets aside the notions of eternal matter and of inherent evil in matter. 'There was when' the world 'was not' (John 17:5,John 17:24); and, by implication, all things as made were good. The agency of the Word, 'who was God,' again excludes both the idea of a Creator essentially inferior to God, and the idea of an abstract Monotheism in which there is no living relation between the creature and the Creator; for as all things come into being 'through' the Word, so they are supported 'in' Him (John 1:3; compare Colossians 1:16sq.; Hebrews 1:3). And yet more, the use of the term ἐγένετο , came into being, as distinguished from ἐκτίσθη , were created, suggests the thought that creation is to be regarded (according to our apprehension) as a manifestation of a divine law of love. Thus creation (all things came into being through Him ) answers to the Incarnation (the Word became flesh ). All the unfolding and infolding of finite being to the last issue lies in the fulfillment of His will who is love” (Westcott, on 1 John 2:17). [source]
John 15:5Ye the branches [υμεις τα κληματα] Jesus repeats and applies the metaphor of John 15:1. Apart from me See Ephesians 2:12 for χωρις Χριστου chōris Christou There is nothing for a broken off branch to do but wither and die. For the cosmic relation of Christ see John 1:3 (χωρις αυτου chōris autou). [source]
John 5:25And now is [και νυν εστιν] See John 4:23 for this phrase. Not the future resurrection in John 5:28, but the spiritual resurrection here and now. The dead The spiritually dead, dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1,Ephesians 2:5; Ephesians 5:14). Shall hear the voice of the Son of God Note three genitives Note three articles (correlation of the article) and that Jesus here calls himself “the Son of God” as in John 10:36; John 11:4. Shall live Future active indicative, shall come to life spiritually. [source]
John 12:22Andrew [τωι Ανδρεαι] Another apostle with a Greek name and associated with Philip again (John 6:7.), the man who first brought his brother Simon to Jesus (John 1:41). Andrew was clearly a man of wisdom for a crisis. Note the vivid dramatic presents here, cometh What was the crisis? These Greeks wish an interview with Jesus. True Jesus had said something about “other sheep” than Jews (John 10:16), but he had not explained. Philip and Andrew wrestle with the problem that will puzzle Peter on the housetop in Joppa (Acts 10:9-18), that middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile that was only broken down by the Cross of Christ (Ephesians 2:11-22) and that many Christians and Jews still set up between each other. Andrew has no solution for Philip and they bring the problem, but not the Greeks, to Jesus. [source]
Acts 17:24The world [τὸν κόσμον] Originally, order, and hence the order of the world; the ordered universe. So in classical Greek. In the Septuagint, never the world, but the ordered total of the heavenly bodies; the host of heaven (17:3; Isaiah 24:21; 40:26). Compare, also, Proverbs href="/desk/?q=pr+17:6&sr=1">Proverbs 17:6, and see note on James 3:6. In the apocryphal books, of the universe, and mainly in the relation between God and it arising out of the creation. Thus, the king of the world (2 Maccabees 7:9); the creator or founder of the world (2 Maccabees 12:15). In the New Testament: 1. In the classical and physical sense, the universe (John href="/desk/?q=joh+17:5&sr=1">John 17:5; John 21:25.; Romans 1:20; Ephesians 1:4, etc.). 2. As the order of things of which man is the centre (Matthew 13:38; Mark 16:15; Luke 9:25; John 16:21; Ephesians 2:12; 1 Timothy 6:7). 3. Humanity as it manifests itself in and through this order (Matthew 18:7; 2 Peter 2:5; 2 Peter 3:6; Romans 3:19). Then, as sin has entered and disturbed the order of things, and made a breach between the heavenly and the earthly order, which are one in the divine ideal - 4. The order of things which is alienated from God, as manifested in and by the human race: humanity as alienated from God, and acting in opposition to him (John 1:10; John 12:31; John 15:18,John 15:19; 1 Corinthians 1:21; 1 John 2:15, etc.). The word is used here in the classical sense of the visible creation, which would appeal to the Athenians. Stanley, speaking of the name by which the Deity is known in the patriarchal age, the plural Elohim, notes that Abraham, in perceiving that all the Elohim worshipped by the numerous clans of his race meant one God, anticipated the declaration of Paul in this passage (“Jewish Church,” i., 25). Paul's statement strikes at the belief of the Epicureans, that the world was made by “a fortuitous concourse of atoms,” and of the Stoics, who denied the creation of the world by God, holding either that God animated the world, or that the world itself was God. [source]
Acts 10:28How that it is an unlawful thing [hōs athemiton estin)] The conjunction hōs is sometimes equivalent to hoti (that). The old form of athemitos was athemistos from themisto But there is no O.T. regulation forbidding such social contact with Gentiles, though the rabbis had added it and had made it binding by custom. There is nothing more binding on the average person than social custom. On coming from the market an orthodox Jew was expected to immerse to avoid defilement (Edersheim, Jewish Social Life, pp. 26-28; Taylor‘s Sayings of the Jewish Fathers, pp. 15, 26, 137, second edition). See also Acts 11:3; Galatians 2:12. It is that middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:14) which Jesus broke down. [source]
Acts 7:48In houses made with hands [εν χειροποιητοις] No word here for “houses” or “temples” in correct text Literally, “In things made with hands” It occurs in Mark 14:58 of the temple and of the sanctuary of Moab (Isaiah 16:12). It occurs also in Acts 7:24; Hebrews 9:11,Hebrews 9:24; Ephesians 2:11. Common in the old Greek. The prophet (ο προπητης ho prophētēs). Isaiah 66:1. Isaiah taught plainly that heaven is God‘s throne. [source]
Acts 10:36Preaching good tidings of peace through Jesus Christ [ευαγγελιζομενος ειρηνην δια Ιησου Χριστου] Gospelizing peace through Jesus Christ. There is no other way to have real peace between individuals and God, between races and nations, than by Jesus Christ. Almost this very language occurs in Ephesians 2:17 where Paul states that Jesus on the cross “preached (gospelized) peace to you who are afar off and peace to you who are near.” Peter here sees what Paul will see later with great clearness. He is Lord of all (ουτος εστιν παντων κυριος houtos estin pantōn kurios). A triumphant parenthesis that Peter throws in as the reason for his new truth. Jesus Christ is Lord of all, both Jews and Gentiles. [source]
Acts 17:18What would this babbler say? [Τι αν τελοι ο σπερμολογος ουτος λεγειν] The word for “babbler” means “seed-picker” or picker up of seeds Note the use of αν an and the present active optative τελοι theloi conclusion of a fourth-class condition in a rhetorical question (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1021). It means, What would this picker up of seeds wish to say, if he should get off an idea? It is a contemptuous tone of supreme ridicule and doubtless Paul heard this comment. Probably the Epicureans made this sneer that Paul was a charlatan or quack. Other some (οι δε hoi de). But others, in contrast with the “some” just before. Perhaps the Stoics take this more serious view of Paul. He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods This view is put cautiously by δοκει dokei (seems). Καταγγελευς Kataggeleus does not occur in the old Greek, though in ecclesiastical writers, but Deissmann (Light from the Ancient East, p. 99) gives an example of the word “on a marble stele recording a decree of the Mitylenaens in honour of the Emperor Augustus,” where it is the herald of the games. Here alone in the N.T. Δαιμονιον Daimonion is used in the old Greek sense of deity or divinity whether good or bad, not in the N.T. sense of demons. Both this word and καταγγελευς kataggeleus are used from the Athenian standpoint. Χενος Xenos is an old word for a guest-friend (Latin hospes) and then host (Romans 16:23), then for foreigner or stranger (Matthew 25:31; Acts 17:21), new and so strange as here and Hebrews 13:9; 1 Peter 4:12, and then aliens (Ephesians 2:12). This view of Paul is the first count against Socrates: Socrates does wrong, introducing new deities On this charge the Athenians voted the hemlock for their greatest citizen. What will they do to Paul? This Athens was more sceptical and more tolerant than the old Athens. But Roman law did not allow the introduction of a new religion (religio illicita). Paul was walking on thin ice though he was the real master philosopher and these Epicureans and Stoics were quacks. Paul had the only true philosophy of the universe and life with Jesus Christ as the centre (Colossians 1:12-20), the greatest of all philosophers as Ramsay justly terms him. But these men are mocking him. Because he preached Jesus and the resurrection (ευαγγελιζω hoti ton Iēsoun kai tēn anastasin euēggelizato). Reason for the view just stated. Imperfect middle indicative of αναστασις euaggelizō to “gospelize.” Apparently these critics considered anastasis (Resurrection) another deity on a par with Jesus. The Athenians worshipped all sorts of abstract truths and virtues and they misunderstood Paul on this subject. They will leave him as soon as he mentions the resurrection (Acts 17:32). It is objected that Luke would not use the word in this sense here for his readers would not under stand him. But Luke is describing the misapprehension of this group of philosophers and this interpretation fits in precisely. [source]
Acts 17:18He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods [ζενων δαιμονιων δοκει καταγγελευς ειναι] This view is put cautiously by δοκει dokei (seems). Καταγγελευς Kataggeleus does not occur in the old Greek, though in ecclesiastical writers, but Deissmann (Light from the Ancient East, p. 99) gives an example of the word “on a marble stele recording a decree of the Mitylenaens in honour of the Emperor Augustus,” where it is the herald of the games. Here alone in the N.T. Δαιμονιον Daimonion is used in the old Greek sense of deity or divinity whether good or bad, not in the N.T. sense of demons. Both this word and καταγγελευς kataggeleus are used from the Athenian standpoint. Χενος Xenos is an old word for a guest-friend (Latin hospes) and then host (Romans 16:23), then for foreigner or stranger (Matthew 25:31; Acts 17:21), new and so strange as here and Hebrews 13:9; 1 Peter 4:12, and then aliens (Ephesians 2:12). This view of Paul is the first count against Socrates: Socrates does wrong, introducing new deities On this charge the Athenians voted the hemlock for their greatest citizen. What will they do to Paul? This Athens was more sceptical and more tolerant than the old Athens. But Roman law did not allow the introduction of a new religion (religio illicita). Paul was walking on thin ice though he was the real master philosopher and these Epicureans and Stoics were quacks. Paul had the only true philosophy of the universe and life with Jesus Christ as the centre (Colossians 1:12-20), the greatest of all philosophers as Ramsay justly terms him. But these men are mocking him. Because he preached Jesus and the resurrection (ευαγγελιζω hoti ton Iēsoun kai tēn anastasin euēggelizato). Reason for the view just stated. Imperfect middle indicative of αναστασις euaggelizō to “gospelize.” Apparently these critics considered anastasis (Resurrection) another deity on a par with Jesus. The Athenians worshipped all sorts of abstract truths and virtues and they misunderstood Paul on this subject. They will leave him as soon as he mentions the resurrection (Acts 17:32). It is objected that Luke would not use the word in this sense here for his readers would not under stand him. But Luke is describing the misapprehension of this group of philosophers and this interpretation fits in precisely. [source]
Acts 2:39To you [υμιν] You Jews. To your descendants, sons and daughters of Acts 2:17. To all that are afar off (πασιν τοις εις μακραν pāsin tois eis makran The horizon widens and includes the Gentiles. Those “afar off” from the Jews were the heathen (Isaiah 49:1; Isaiah 57:19; Ephesians 2:13,Ephesians 2:17). The rabbis so used it. Shall call First aorist middle subjunctive with αν an in an indefinite relative clause, a perfectly regular construction. The Lord God calls men of every nation anywhere whether Jews or Gentiles. It may be doubted how clearly Peter grasped the significance of these words for he will have trouble over this very matter on the housetop in Joppa and in Caesarea, but he will see before long the full sweep of the great truth that he here proclaims under the impulse of the Holy Spirit. It was a great moment that Peter here reaches. [source]
Romans 7:5In the flesh [ἐν τῇ σαρκί] Σάρξ fleshoccurs in the classics in the physical sense only. Homer commonly uses it in the plural as denoting all the flesh or muscles of the body. Later the singular occurs in the same sense. Paul's use of this and other psychological terms must be determined largely by the Old-Testament usage as it appears in the Septuagint. 1. In the physical sense. The literal flesh. In the Septuagint τὰ κρέα flesh(plural) is used where the reference is to the parts of animals slain, and αἱ σάρκες , flesh (plural) where the reference is to flesh as the covering of the living body. Hence Paul uses κρέα in Romans 14:21; 1 Corinthians 8:13, of the flesh of sacrificed animals. Compare also the adjective σάρκιμος fleshy 2 Corinthians 3:3; and Ezekiel 11:19; Ezekiel 36:26, Sept. -DIVIDER-
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2. Kindred. Denoting natural or physical relationship, Romans 1:3; Romans 9:3-8; Romans 11:14; Galatians 4:23,Galatians 4:29; 1 Corinthians 10:18; Philemon 1:16. This usage forms a transition to the following sense: the whole human body. Flesh is the medium in and through which the natural relationship of man manifests itself. Kindred is conceived as based on community of bodily substance. Therefore:-DIVIDER-
3. The body itself. The whole being designated by the part, as being its main substance and characteristic, 1 Corinthians 6:16; 1 Corinthians 7:28; 2 Corinthians 4:11; 2 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Corinthians 10:3; 2 Corinthians 12:7. Romans 2:28; Galatians 6:13, etc. Paul follows the Septuagint in sometimes using σῶμα bodyand sometimes σάρξ fleshin this sense, so that the terms occasionally seem to be practically synonymous. Thus 1 Corinthians 6:16,1 Corinthians 6:17, where the phrase one body is illustrated and confirmed by one flesh. See Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:28,Ephesians 5:31, where the two are apparently interchanged. Compare 2 Corinthians 4:10,2 Corinthians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 5:3, and Colossians 2:5. Σάρξ , however, differs from σῶμα in that it can only signify the organism of an earthly, living being consisting of flesh and bones, and cannot denote “either an earthly organism that is not living, or a living organism that is not earthly” (Wendt, in Dickson). Σῶμα not thus limited. Thus it may denote the organism of the plant (1 Corinthians 15:37,1 Corinthians 15:38) or the celestial bodies (1 Corinthians 15:40). Hence the two conceptions are related as general and special: σῶμα bodybeing the material organism apart from any definite matter (not from any sort of matter), σάρξ , flesh, the definite, earthly, animal organism. The two are synonymons when σῶμα is used, from the context, of an earthly, animal body. Compare Philemon 1:22; 2 Corinthians 5:1-8. -DIVIDER-
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Σῶμα bodyand not σάρξ fleshis used when the reference is to a metaphorical organism, as the church, Romans 12:4sqq.; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 12:12-27; Ephesians 1:23; Ephesians 2:16; Colossians 1:18, etc. -DIVIDER-
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The σάρξ is described as mortal (2 Corinthians 4:11); subject to infirmity (Galatians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 12:7); locally limited (Colossians 2:15); an object of fostering care (Ephesians 5:29). -DIVIDER-
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4. Living beings generally, including their mental nature, and with a correlated notion of weakness and perishableness. Thus the phrase πᾶσα σάρξ allflesh (Genesis 6:12; Isaiah 49:26; Isaiah 49:23). This accessory notion of weakness stands in contrast with God. In Paul the phrase all flesh is cited from the Old Testament (Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16) and is used independently (1 Corinthians 1:29). In all these instances before God is added. So in Galatians 1:16, flesh and blood implies a contrast of human with divine wisdom. Compare 1 Corinthians 15:50; Ephesians 6:12. This leads up to-DIVIDER-
5. Man “either as a creature in his natural state apart from Christ, or the creaturely side or aspect of the man in Christ.” Hence it is correlated with ἄνθρωπος man 1 Corinthians 3:3; Romans 6:19; 2 Corinthians 5:17. Compare Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9; Galatians 5:24. Thus the flesh would seem to be interchangeable with the old man. -DIVIDER-
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It has affections and lusts (Galatians 5:24); willings (Ephesians 2:3; Romans 8:6,Romans 8:7); a mind (Colossians 2:18); a body (Colossians 2:11). -DIVIDER-
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It is in sharp contrast with πνεῦμα spirit(Galatians 3:3,Galatians 3:19; Galatians 5:16,Galatians 5:17,Galatians 5:19-24; Galatians 6:8; Romans 8:4). The flesh and the spirit are thus antagonistic. Σάρξ fleshbefore or in contrast with his reception of the divine element whereby he becomes a new creature in Christ: the whole being of man as it exists and acts apart from the influence of the Spirit. It properly characterizes, therefore, not merely the lower forms of sensual gratification, but all - the highest developments of the life estranged from God, whether physical, intellectual, or aesthetic. -DIVIDER-
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It must be carefully noted:-DIVIDER-
1. That Paul does not identify flesh and sin. Compare, flesh of sin, Romans 8:3. See Romans 7:17,Romans 7:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Galatians 2:20. -DIVIDER-
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2. That Paul does not identify σάρξ withthe material body nor associate sin exclusively and predominantly with the body. The flesh is the flesh of the living man animated by the soul ( ψυχή ) as its principle of life, and is distinctly used as coordinate with ἄνθρωπος manAs in the Old Testament, “it embraces in an emphatic manner the nature of man, mental and corporeal, with its internal distinctions.” The spirit as well as the flesh is capable of defilement (2 Corinthians 7:1; compare 1 Corinthians 7:34). Christian life is to be transformed by the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2; compare Ephesians 4:23). -DIVIDER-
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3. That Paul does not identify the material side of man with evil. The flesh is not the native seat and source of sin. It is only its organ, and the seat of sin's manifestation. Matter is not essentially evil. The logical consequence of this would be that no service of God is possible while the material organism remains. See Romans 12:1. The flesh is not necessarily sinful in itself; but as it has existed from the time of the introduction of sin through Adam, it is recognized by Paul as tainted with sin. Jesus appeared in the flesh, and yet was sinless (2 Corinthians 5:21).The motions of sins ( τὰ παθήματα τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν )Motions used in earlier English for emotions or impulses. Thus Bacon: “He that standeth at a stay where others rise, can hardly avoid motions of envy” (“Essay” xiv.). The word is nearly synonymous with πάθος passion(Romans 1:26, note). From πάθειν tosuffer; a feeling which the mind undergoes, a passion, desire. Rev., sinful passions: which led to sins.Did work ( ἐνηργεῖτο )Rev., wrought. See 2 Corinthians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 4:12; Ephesians 3:20; Galatians 5:6; Philemon 2:13; Colossians 1:29. Compare Mark 6:14, and see on power, John 1:12. [source]
Romans 5:2Access [προσαγωγὴν] Used only by Paul. Compare Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:12. Lit., the act of bringing to. Hence some insist on the transitive sense, introduction. Compare 1 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 2:13. The transitive sense predominates in classical Greek, but there are undoubted instances of the intransitive sense in later Greek, and some illustrations are cited from Xenophon, though their meaning is disputed. [source]
Romans 3:30By faith - through faith [ἐκ - διά] Some make the two prepositions equivalent. The difference may be explained from the fact that the real Jew has already a germinating faith from the completion of which justification arises as fruit from a tree. So Wordsworth: “The Jews are justified out of ( ἐκ ) the faith which their father Abraham had, and which they are supposed to have in him The Gentiles must enter that door and pass through it in order to be justified.” Compare Ephesians 2:17. [source]
Romans 3:25Propitiation [ἱλαστήριον] This word is most important, since it is the key to the conception of Christ's atoning work. In the New Testament it occurs only here and Hebrews 9:5; and must be studied in connection with the following kindred words: ἱλάσκομαι which occurs in the New Testament only Luke 18:13, God be merciful, and Hebrews 2:17, to make reconciliation. Ἱλασμός twice, Amos 5:21-246; 1 John 4:10; in both cases rendered propitiation. The compound ἐξιλάσκομαι , which is not found in the New Testament, but is frequent in the Septuagint and is rendered purge, cleanse, reconcile, make atonement. Septuagint usage. These words mostly represent the Hebrew verb kaphar to cover or conceal, and its derivatives. With only seven exceptions, out of about sixty or seventy passages in the Old Testament, where the Hebrew is translated by atone or atonement, the Septuagint employs some part or derivative of ἱλάσκομαι or ἐξιλάσκομαι or Ἱλασμός or ἐξιλασμός is the usual Septuagint translation for kippurim covering for sin, A.V., atonement. Thus sin-offerings of atonement; day of atonement; ram of the atonement. See Exodus 29:36; Exodus 30:10; Leviticus 23:27; Numbers 5:8, etc. They are also used for chattath sin-offering, Ezekiel 44:27; Ezekiel 45:19; and for selichah forgiveness. Psalm 129:4; Daniel 9:9. -DIVIDER-
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These words are always used absolutely, without anything to mark the offense or the person propitiated. -DIVIDER-
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Ἱλάσκομαι , which is comparatively rare, occurs as a translation of kipher to cover sin, Psalm 65:3; Psalm 78:38; Ezra 10:1-15; A.V., purge away, forgive, pardon. Of salach to bear away as a burden, 2 Kings 5:18; Psalm 25:11: A.V., forgive, pardon. It is used with the accusative (direct objective) case, marking the sin, or with the dative (indirect objective), as be conciliated to our sins. -DIVIDER-
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Ἑξιλάσκομαι mostly represents kipher to cover, and is more common than the simple verb. Thus, purge the altar, Ezekiel 43:26; cleanse the sanctuary, Ezekiel 45:20; reconcile the house, Daniel 9:24. It is found with the accusative case of that which is cleansed; with the preposition περί concerningas “for your sin,” Exodus 32:30; with the preposition ὑπέρ onbehalf of A.V., for, Ezekiel 45:17; absolutely, to make an atonement, Leviticus 16:17; with the preposition ἀπό fromas “cleansed from the blood,” Numbers 35:33. There are but two instances of the accusative of the person propitiated: appease him, Genesis 32:20; pray before (propitiate) the Lord, Zechariah 7:2. -DIVIDER-
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Ἱλαστηριον , A.V., propitiation, is almost always used in the Old Testament of the mercy-seat or golden cover of the ark, and this is its meaning in Hebrews 9:5, the only other passage of the New Testament in which it is found. In 1 John 1:1-3Ezekiel 43:17,Ezekiel 43:20, it means a ledge round a large altar, and is rendered settle in A.V.; Rev., ledge, in margin. -DIVIDER-
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This term has been unduly pressed into the sense of explanatory sacrifice. In the case of the kindred verbs, the dominant Old-Testament sense is not propitiation in the sense of something offered to placate or appease anger; but atonement or reconciliation, through the covering, and so getting rid of the sin which stands between God and man. The thrust of the idea is upon the sin or uncleanness, not upon the offended party. Hence the frequent interchange with ἀγιάζω tosanctify, and καθαρίζω tocleanse. See Ezekiel 43:26, where ἐξιλάσονται shallpurge, and καθαριοῦσιν shallpurify, are used coordinately. See also Exodus 30:10, of the altar of incense: “Aaron shall make an atonement ( ἐξιλάσεται ) upon the horns of it - with the blood of the sin-offering of atonement ” ( καθαρισμοῦ purification). Compare Leviticus 16:20. The Hebrew terms are also used coordinately. -DIVIDER-
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Our translators frequently render the verb kaphar by reconcile, Leviticus 6:30; Leviticus 14:48-53; Ezekiel 45:20. In Leviticus 8:15, Moses put blood upon the horns of the altar and cleansed ( ἐκαθάρισε ) the altar, and sanctified ( ἡγίασεν ) it, to make reconciliation ( τοῦ ἐξιλάσασθαι ) upon it. Compare Ezekiel 45:15,Ezekiel 45:17; Daniel 9:24. -DIVIDER-
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The verb and its derivatives occur where the ordinary idea of expiation is excluded. As applied to an altar or to the walls of a house (Leviticus 16:20), this idea could have no force, because these inanimate things, though ceremonially unclean, could have no sin to be expiated. Moses, when he went up to make atonement for the idolatry at Sinai, offered no sacrifice, but only intercession. See also the case of Korah, Numbers 16:46; the cleansing of leprosy and of mothers after childbirth, Leviticus href="/desk/?q=le+12:7&sr=1">Leviticus 12:7; Leviticus 15:30; the reformation of Josiah, Ezra href="/desk/?q=ezr+10:1-15&sr=1">Psalm 79:9; the offering of the Israelite army after the defeat of Midian. They brought bracelets, rings, etc., to make an atonement ( ἐξιλάσασθαι ) before the Lord; not expiatory, but a memorial, Numbers 31:50-54. The Passover was in no sense expiatory; but Paul says, “Christ our Passover was sacrificed for us; therefore purge out ( ἐκκαθάρατε ) the old leaven. Let us keep the feast with sincerity and truth;” 1 Corinthians 5:7,1 Corinthians 5:8. -DIVIDER-
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In the Old Testament the idea of sacrifice as in itself a propitiation continually recedes before that of the personal character lying back of sacrifice, and which alone gives virtue to it. See 1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 40:6-10; Psalm 50:8-14,Psalm 50:23; Psalm 51:16,Psalm 51:17; Isaiah 1:11-18; Jeremiah 7:21-23; 1713586072_52; Micah 6:6-8. This idea does not recede in the Old Testament to be reemphasized in the New. On the contrary, the New Testament emphasizes the recession, and lays the stress upon the cleansing and life-giving effect of the sacrifice of Christ. See John 1:29; Colossians 1:20-22; Hebrews 9:14; Hebrews 10:19-21; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 1:7; 1 John 4:10-13. -DIVIDER-
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The true meaning of the offering of Christ concentrates, therefore, not upon divine justice, but upon human character; not upon the remission of penalty for a consideration, but upon the deliverance from penalty through moral transformation; not upon satisfying divine justice, but upon bringing estranged man into harmony with God. As Canon Westcott remarks: “The scripture conception of ἱλάσκεσθαι is not that of appeasing one who is angry with a personal feeling against the offender, but of altering the character of that which, from without, occasions a necessary alienation, and interposes an inevitable obstacle to fellowship” (Commentary on St. John's Epistles, p. 85). -DIVIDER-
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In the light of this conception we are brought back to that rendering of ἱλαστήριον which prevails in the Septuagint, and which it has in the only other New-Testament passage where it occurs (Hebrews 9:5) - mercy-seat; a rendering, maintained by a large number of the earlier expositors, and by some of the ablest of the moderns. That it is the sole instance of its occurrence in this sense is a fact which has its parallel in the terms Passover, Door, Rock, Amen, Day-spring, and others, applied to Christ. To say that the metaphor is awkward counts for nothing in the light of other metaphors of Paul. To say that the concealment of the ark is inconsistent with set forth is to adduce the strongest argument in favor of this rendering. The contrast with set forth falls in perfectly with the general conception. That mercy-seat which was veiled, and which the Jew could approach only once a fear, and then through the medium of the High-Priest, is now brought out where all can draw nigh and experience its reconciling power (Hebrews 10:19,Hebrews 10:22; compare Hebrews 9:8). “The word became flesh and dwelt among us. We beheld His glory. We saw and handled” (John 1:14; Ezekiel 43:14,). The mercy-seat was the meetingplace of God and man (Exodus 25:17-22; Leviticus 16:2; Numbers 7:89); the place of mediation and manifestation. Through Christ, the antitype of the mercy-seat, the Mediator, man has access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18). As the golden surface covered the tables of the law, so Christ stands over the law, vindicating it as holy and just and good, and therewith vindicating the divine claim to obedience and holiness. As the blood was annually sprinkled on the golden cover by the High-Priest, so Christ is set forth “in His blood,” not shed to appease God's wrath, to satisfy God's justice, nor to compensate for man's disobedience, but as the highest expression of divine love for man, taking common part with humanity even unto death, that it might reconcile it through faith and self-surrender to God.Through faithConnect with propitiation (mercy-seat). The sacrifice of Christ becomes effective through the faith which appropriates it. Reconciliation implies two parties. “No propitiation reaches the mark that does not on its way, reconcile or bring into faith, the subject for whom it is made. There is no God-welcome prepared which does not open the guilty heart to welcome God” (Bushnell).In His bloodConstrue with set forth, and render as Rev., by His blood; i.e., in that He caused Him to shed His blood.To declare His righteousness ( εἱς ἔνδειξιν τῆς δικαιοσύνης αὐτοῦ )Lit., for a shewing, etc. Rev., to shew. For practical proof or demonstration. Not, as so often explained, to shew God's righteous indignation against sin by wreaking its penalty on the innocent Christ. The shewing of the cross is primarily the shewing of God's love and yearning to be at one with man (John 3:14-17). The righteousness of God here is not His “judicial” or “punitive” righteousness, but His righteous character, revealing its antagonism to sin in its effort to save man from his sin, and put forward as a ground of mercy, not as an obstacle to mercy.For the remission of sins that are past ( διὰ τὴν πάρεσιν τῶν προγεγονότων ἁμαρτημάτων )Rev., correctly, because of the passing over of the sins done aforetime. Passing over, praetermission, differs from remission ( ἄφεσις ). In remission guilt and punishment are sent away; in praetermission they are wholly or partially undealt with. Compare Acts 14:16; Acts 17:30. Ἁμάρτημα sinis the separate and particular deed of disobedience, while ἁμαρτία includes sin in the abstract - sin regarded as sinfulness. Sins done aforetime are the collective sins of the world before Christ.Through the forbearance of God ( ἐν τῇ ἀνοχῇ τοῦ Θεοῦ )Rev., in the forbearance. Construe with the passing by. The word ἀνοχή forbearancefrom ἀνέχω tohold up, occurs in the New Testament only here and Romans 2:4. It is not found in the Septuagint proper, and is not frequent in classical Greek, where it is used of a holding back or stopping of hostilities; a truce; in later Greek, a permission. The passage has given much trouble to expositors, largely, I think, through their insisting on the sense of forbearance with reference to sins - the toleration or refraining from punishment of sins done aforetime. But it is a fair construction of the term to apply it, in its primary sense of holding back, to the divine method of dealing with sin. It cannot be said that God passed over the sins of the world before Christ without penalty, for that is plainly contradicted by Romans 1:18-32; but He did pass them over in the sense that He did not apply, but held back the redeeming agency of God manifest in the flesh until the “fullness of time.” The sacrifices were a homage rendered to God's righteousness, but they did not touch sin with the power and depth which attached to Christ's sacrifice. No demonstration of God's righteousness and consequent hatred of sin, could be given equal to that of the life and death of Jesus. Hence Paul, as I take it, says: God set forth Christ as the world's mercy-seat, for the showing forth of His righteousness, because previously He had given no such manifestation of His righteousness, but had held it back, passing over, with the temporary institution of sacrifices, the sin at the roots of which He finally struck in the sacrifice of Christ. -DIVIDER-
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Romans 5:2Our access [τεν προσαγωγην] Old word from προσαγω prosagō to bring to, to introduce. Hence “introduction,” “approach.” Elsewhere in N.T. only Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:12. Wherein we stand (εν ηι εστηκαμεν en hēi hestēkamen). Perfect active (intransitive) indicative of ιστημι histēmi Grace is here present as a field into which we have been introduced and where we stand and we should enjoy all the privileges of this grace about us. Let us rejoice “Let us exult.” Present middle subjunctive (volitive) because εχωμεν echōmen is accepted as correct. The exhortation is that we keep on enjoying peace with God and keep on exulting in hope of the glory of God. [source]
Romans 9:23Afore prepared [προητοιμασεν] First aorist active indicative of προετοιμαζω proetoimazō old verb to make ready (from ετοιμος hetoimos ready) and προ pro before, in N.T. only here and Ephesians 2:10. But same idea in Romans 8:28-30. [source]
Romans 9:23Afore prepared [προητοίμασεν] Only here and Ephesians 2:10. The studied difference in the use of this term instead of καταρτίζω tofit (Romans 9:22), cannot be overlooked. The verb is not equivalent to foreordained ( προορίζω ). Fitted, by the adjustment of parts, emphasizes the concurrence of all the elements of the case to the final result. Prepared is more general. In the former case the result is indicated; in the latter, the previousness. Note before prepared, while before is wanting in Romans 9:22. In this passage the direct agency of God is distinctly stated; in the other the agency is left indefinite. Here a single act is indicated; there a process. The simple verb ἑτοιμάζω often indicates, as Meyer remarks, to constitute qualitatively; i.e., to arrange with reference to the reciprocal quality of the thing prepared, and that for which it is prepared. See Luke 1:17; John 14:2; 1 Corinthians 2:9; 2 Timothy 2:21. “Ah, truly,” says Reuss, “if the last word of the christian revelation is contained in the image of the potter and the clay, it is a bitter derision of all the deep needs and legitimate desires of a soul aspiring toward its God. This would be at once a satire of reason upon herself and the suicide of revelation. But it is neither the last word nor the only word; nor has it any immediate observable bearing on the concrete development of our lives. It is not the only word, because, in nine-tenths of Scripture, it is as wholly excluded from the sphere of revelation as though it had been never revealed at all; and it is not the last word, because, throughout the whole of Scripture, and nowhere more than in the writings of the very apostle who has faced this problem with the most heroic inflexibility, we see bright glimpses of something beyond. How little we were intended to draw logical conclusions from the metaphor, is shown by the fact that we are living souls, not dead clay; and St. Paul elsewhere recognized a power, both within and without our beings, by which, as by an omnipotent alchemy, mean vessels can become precious, and vessels of earthenware be transmuted into vessels of gold” (Farrar). See note at end of ch. 11. [source]
1 Corinthians 6:16Shall be one flesh [ἔσονται εἰς σάρκα μίαν] Lit., shall be unto one flesh: i.e., from being two, shall pass into one. Hence Rev., rightly, shall become. Compare Ephesians 2:15. [source]
1 Corinthians 4:1Stewards of the mysteries of God [οικονομους μυστηριων τεου] The steward or house manager Hence the under-rower They were entrusted with the knowledge of some of God‘s secrets though the disciples were not such apt pupils as they claimed to be (Matthew 13:51; Matthew 16:8-12). As stewards Paul and other ministers are entrusted with the mysteries (see note on 1 Corinthians 2:7 for this word) of God and are expected to teach them. “The church is the οικος oikos (1 Timothy 3:15), God the οικοδεσποτης oikodespotēs (Matthew 13:52), the members the οικειοι oikeioi (Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 2:19)” (Lightfoot). Paul had a vivid sense of the dignity of this stewardship The ministry is more than a mere profession or trade. It is a calling from God for stewardship. [source]
2 Corinthians 5:18Who reconciled us to himself through Christ [του καταλλαχαντος ημας εαυτωι δια Χριστου] Here Paul uses one of his great doctrinal words, καταλλασσω katallassō old word for exchanging coins. Διαλλασσω Diallassō to change one‘s mind, to reconcile, occurs in N.T. only in Matthew 5:24 though in papyri (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East, p. 187), and common in Attic. Καταλλασσω Katallassō is old verb, but more frequent in later writers. We find συναλλασσω sunallassō in Acts 7:26 and αποκαταλλασσω apokatallassō in Colossians 1:20.; Ephesians 2:16 and the substantive καταλλαγη katallagē in Romans 5:11; Romans 11:15 as well as here. It is hard to discuss this great theme without apparent contradiction. God‘s love (John 3:16) provided the means and basis for man‘s reconciliation to God against whom he had sinned. It is all God‘s plan because of his love, but God‘s own sense of justice had to be satisfied (Romans 3:26) and so God gave his Son as a propitiation for our sins (Romans 3:25; Colossians 1:20; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10). The point made by Paul here is that God needs no reconciliation, but is engaged in the great business of reconciling us to himself. This has to be done on God‘s terms and is made possible through (δια dia) Christ. [source]
Galatians 6:10Unto them who are of the household of faith [πρὸς τοὺς οἰκείους τῆς πίστεως] Πρὸς combines with the sense of direction that of active relation with. Comp. Matthew 13:56; Mark 9:16; John 1:1; Acts 3:25; Acts 28:25; 1 Thessalonians 4:12; Hebrews 9:20. Frequently in Class. of all kinds of personal intercourse. See Hom. Od. xiv. 331; xix. 288; Thucyd. ii. 59; iv. 15; vii. 82; Hdt. i. 61. Ὁικεῖοι ofthe household, rare in N.T. See Ephesians 2:19; 1 Timothy 5:8. Quite often in lxx of kinsmen. It is unnecessary to introduce the idea of a household here, as A.V., since the word acquired the general sense of pertaining or belonging to. Thus οἰκεῖοι φιλοσοφίας or γεωγραφίας belongingto philosophy or geography, philosophers, geographers. So here, belonging to the faith, believers. [source]
Galatians 3:28Ye are all one [] One moral personality. The individual differences are merged in the higher unity into which all are raised by their common life in Christ. This is the one new man, Ephesians 2:15. [source]
Galatians 2:15Sinners of the Gentiles [ἐξ ἐθνῶν ἁμαρτωλοί] Lit. sinners taken from the Gentiles, or sprung from. Sinners, in the conventional Jewish sense; born heathen, and as such sinners; not implying that Jews are not sinners. The Jew regarded the Gentile as impure, and styled him a dog (Matthew 15:27). See Romans 2:12; 1 Corinthians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 9:21; Ephesians 2:12; Luke 18:32; Luke 24:7. Possibly Paul here cites the very words by which Peter sought to justify his separation from the Gentile Christians, and takes up these words in order to draw from them an opposite conclusion. This is quite according to Paul's habit. [source]
Ephesians 4:3Bond of peace [] The bond which is peace. Compare Ephesians 2:14, our peace - made both one. Christ, our peace, is thus a bond of peace. Others, however, treat in the bond as parallel with in love of Ephesians 4:2, and cite Colossians 3:14, “love the bond of perfectness.” [source]
Ephesians 2:17Them that were nigh [] Jews. See on Romans 3:30. As children of the messianic covenant. See on Ephesians 2:12. Compare Isaiah 57:9, where the Septuagint reads, peace upon peace to those who are far and to those who are near. [source]
Ephesians 2:15For to make [ἵνα κτίσῃ] Rev., that He might create. See on created, Ephesians 2:10. The work was to be a new creation on a new foundation. [source]
Ephesians 2:15Having abolished in His flesh the enmity [τὴν ἔχθραν ἐν τῇ σαρκὶ αὐτοῦ καταργήσας] The enmity immediately follows the middle wall of partition, and should be rendered in apposition with and as defining it, and as dependent on brake down, not on abolished: the middle wall which was the enmity. It is used abstractly, as peace in Ephesians 2:14. The enmity was the result and working of the law regarded as a separative system; as it separated Jew from Gentile, and both from God. See Romans 3:20; Romans 4:15; Romans 5:20; Romans 7:7-11. For abolished, see on cumbereth, Luke 13:7, and make without effect, see on Romans 3:3. [source]
Ephesians 2:14Both [τὰ ἀμφότερα] Lit., the both. The neuter gender shows that Jews and Gentiles are conceived by the writer merely as two facts. The masculine is used in Ephesians 2:15,Ephesians 2:16. [source]
Ephesians 2:1And you [] Taking up the closing thought of the preceding chapter, the magnitude of God's power toward believers as exhibited in Christ's resurrection. He now shows that the same power is applied to his readers. Hence the connection is: “When He raised Him from the dead, etc., and you did He quicken, even as He quickened Christ.” The structure of the passage is broken. Paul having prominently in mind the thought God quickened you as He did Christ, begins with you also. Then the connection is interrupted by Ephesians 2:2,Ephesians 2:3, which describe their previous condition. Then Ephesians 2:1is taken up in Ephesians 2:4, by but God, God introducing a new sentence. [source]
Ephesians 2:5Even when we were dead [και οντας ημας νεκρους] Repeats the beginning of Ephesians 2:1, but he changes υμας humās (you Gentiles) to ημας hēmās (us Jews). [source]
Ephesians 2:11That aforetime ye [οτι ποτε υμεις] No verb is expressed, but in Ephesians 2:12 Paul repeats οτι εν τωι καιρωι εκεινωι hoti en tōi kairōi ekeinōi (for ποτε pote) “that at that time” and inserts ητε ēte (ye were). Uncircumcision (ακροβυστια akrobustia), circumcision (περιτομης peritomēs). The abstract words are used to describe Gentiles and Jews as in Galatians 5:6; Romans 2:27. Made by hands Agreeing with περιτομης peritomēs Verbal (Mark 14:58) from χειροποιεω cheiropoieō like αχειροποιητος acheiropoiētos in Colossians 2:11. [source]
Ephesians 2:15The twain [τους δυο] The two men (masculine here, neuter in Ephesians 2:14), Jew and Gentile. One new man (εις ενα καινον αντρωπον eis hena kainon anthrōpon). Into one fresh man (Colossians 3:9-11) “in himself” (εν αυτωι en hautōi). Thus alone is it possible. Making peace Thus alone can it be done. Christ is the peace-maker between men, nations, races, classes. [source]
Ephesians 2:16Them both [τους αμποτερους] “The both,” “the two” The “one new man” of Ephesians 2:15 of which Christ is Head (Ephesians 1:23), the spiritual church. Paul piles up metaphors to express his idea of the Kingdom of God with Christ as King (the church, the body, the commonwealth of Israel, oneness, one new man in Christ, fellow-citizens, the family of God, the temple of God). Thereby On the Cross where he slew the enmity (repeated here) between Jew and Gentile. [source]
Ephesians 2:16In one body [εν ενι σωματι] The “one new man” of Ephesians 2:15 of which Christ is Head (Ephesians 1:23), the spiritual church. Paul piles up metaphors to express his idea of the Kingdom of God with Christ as King (the church, the body, the commonwealth of Israel, oneness, one new man in Christ, fellow-citizens, the family of God, the temple of God). [source]
Ephesians 4:18From the life of God [ζωης] Ablative case απηλλοτριωμενοι zōēs after δια την αγνοιαν apēllotriōmenoi (Ephesians 2:12). [source]
Ephesians 1:3The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ [ο τεος και πατηρ του Κυριου ημων Ιησου Χριστου] Και Kai is genuine here, though not in Colossians 1:3. The one article First aorist active participle of ευλογεω eulogeō the same word, antecedent action to the doxology (ευλογητος eulogētos). With So-called instrumental use of εν en though in is clear. Every spiritual blessing (πασηι ευλογιαι πνευματικηι pasēi eulogiāi pneumatikēi). Third use of the root ευλογ eulog (verbal, verb, substantive). Paul lovingly plays with the idea. The believer is a citizen of heaven and the spiritual blessings count for most to him. In the heavenly places in Christ In four other places in Ephesians (Ephesians 1:20; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 3:10; Ephesians 6:12). This precise phrase (with εν en) occurs nowhere else in the N.T. and has a clearly local meaning in Ephesians 1:20; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 3:10, doubtful in Ephesians 6:12, but probably so here. In Ephesians 2:6 the believer is conceived as already seated with Christ. Heaven is the real abode of the citizen of Christ‘s kingdom (Philemon 3:20) who is a stranger on earth (Philemon 1:27; Ephesians 2:19). The word επουρανιος epouranios (heavenly) occurs in various passages in the N.T. in contrast with τα επιγεια ta epigeia (the earthly) as in John 3:12; 1 Corinthians 15:40,1 Corinthians 15:48,1 Corinthians 15:49; Philemon 2:10, with πατρις patris (country) in Hebrews 11:16, with κλησις klēsis (calling) in Hebrews 3:1, with δωρεα dōrea (gift) in Hebrews 6:4, with βασιλεια basileia (kingdom) in 2 Timothy 4:18. [source]
Ephesians 1:3With [εν] So-called instrumental use of εν en though in is clear. Every spiritual blessing (πασηι ευλογιαι πνευματικηι pasēi eulogiāi pneumatikēi). Third use of the root ευλογ eulog (verbal, verb, substantive). Paul lovingly plays with the idea. The believer is a citizen of heaven and the spiritual blessings count for most to him. In the heavenly places in Christ In four other places in Ephesians (Ephesians 1:20; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 3:10; Ephesians 6:12). This precise phrase (with εν en) occurs nowhere else in the N.T. and has a clearly local meaning in Ephesians 1:20; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 3:10, doubtful in Ephesians 6:12, but probably so here. In Ephesians 2:6 the believer is conceived as already seated with Christ. Heaven is the real abode of the citizen of Christ‘s kingdom (Philemon 3:20) who is a stranger on earth (Philemon 1:27; Ephesians 2:19). The word επουρανιος epouranios (heavenly) occurs in various passages in the N.T. in contrast with τα επιγεια ta epigeia (the earthly) as in John 3:12; 1 Corinthians 15:40,1 Corinthians 15:48,1 Corinthians 15:49; Philemon 2:10, with πατρις patris (country) in Hebrews 11:16, with κλησις klēsis (calling) in Hebrews 3:1, with δωρεα dōrea (gift) in Hebrews 6:4, with βασιλεια basileia (kingdom) in 2 Timothy 4:18. [source]
Ephesians 4:24The new man [τον καινον αντρωπον] “The brand-new (see note on Ephesians 2:15) man,” though τον νεον ton neon in Colossians 3:10. After God (κατα τεον kata theon). After the pattern God, the new birth, the new life in Christ, destined to be like God in the end (Romans 8:29). [source]
Ephesians 2:10Created [κτιστεντες] First aorist passive participle of κτιζω ktizō not the original creation as in Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 3:9, but the moral and spiritual renewal in Christ, the new birth, as in Ephesians 2:15; Ephesians 4:24. For good works (επι εργοις αγατοις epi ergois agathois). Probably the true dative of purpose here with επι epi (Robertson, Grammar, p. 605). Purpose of the new creation in Christ. Which Attraction of the relative α ha (accusative after προητοιμασεν proētoimasen) to case of the antecedent εργοις ergois Afore prepared (προητοιμασεν proētoimasen). First aorist active indicative of προητοιμαζω proētoimazō old verb to make ready beforehand. In N.T. only here and Romans 9:23. Good works by us were included in the eternal foreordination by God. That we should walk in them Expexegetic final clause explanatory of the election to good works. [source]
Ephesians 2:15The enmity [την εχτραν] But it is very doubtful if την εχτραν tēn echthran (old word from εχτρος echthros hostile, Luke 23:12) is the object of καταργησας katargēsas It looks as if it is in apposition with to μεσοτοιχον mesotoichon and so the further object of λυσας lusas The enmity between Jew and Gentile was the middle wall of partition. And then it must be decided whether “in his flesh” Final clause with first aorist active subjunctive of κτιζω ktizō The twain The two men (masculine here, neuter in Ephesians 2:14), Jew and Gentile. One new man (εις ενα καινον αντρωπον eis hena kainon anthrōpon). Into one fresh man (Colossians 3:9-11) “in himself” (εν αυτωι en hautōi). Thus alone is it possible. Making peace Thus alone can it be done. Christ is the peace-maker between men, nations, races, classes. [source]
Ephesians 4:13Unto the unity of the faith [εις την ενοτητα της πιστεως] “Unto oneness of faith” (of trust) in Christ (Ephesians 4:3) which the Gnostics were disturbing. And of the knowledge of the Son of God (και της επιγνωσεως του υιου του τεου kai tēs epignōseōs tou huiou tou theou). Three genitives in a chain dependent also on την ενοτητα tēn henotēta “the oneness of full (επι epi̇) knowledge of the Son of God,” in opposition to the Gnostic vagaries. Unto a full-grown man Same figure as in Ephesians 2:15 and τελειος teleios in sense of adult as opposed to νηπιοι nēpioi (infants) in Ephesians 4:14. Unto the measure of the stature (εις μετρον ηλικιας eis metron hēlikias). So apparently ηλικια hēlikia here as in Luke 2:52, not age (John 9:21). Boys rejoice in gaining the height of a man. But Paul adds to this idea “the fulness of Christ” (του πληρωματος του Χριστου tou plērōmatos tou Christou), like “the fulness of God” in Ephesians 3:19. And yet some actually profess to be “perfect” with a standard like this to measure by! No pastor has finished his work when the sheep fall so far short of the goal. [source]
Ephesians 4:13Unto a full-grown man [εις ανδρα τελειον] Same figure as in Ephesians 2:15 and τελειος teleios in sense of adult as opposed to νηπιοι nēpioi (infants) in Ephesians 4:14. Unto the measure of the stature (εις μετρον ηλικιας eis metron hēlikias). So apparently ηλικια hēlikia here as in Luke 2:52, not age (John 9:21). Boys rejoice in gaining the height of a man. But Paul adds to this idea “the fulness of Christ” (του πληρωματος του Χριστου tou plērōmatos tou Christou), like “the fulness of God” in Ephesians 3:19. And yet some actually profess to be “perfect” with a standard like this to measure by! No pastor has finished his work when the sheep fall so far short of the goal. [source]
Ephesians 4:18In their understanding [τηι διανοιαι] Locative case. Probably διανοια dianoia It is possible to take απηλλοτριωμενοι ontes with εσκοτωμενοι apēllotriōmenoi (see note on Ephesians 2:12) which would then be periphrastic (instead of της ζωης του τεου eskotōmenoi) perfect passive participle. From the life of God (ζωης tēs zōēs tou theou). Ablative case απηλλοτριωμενοι zōēs after δια την αγνοιαν apēllotriōmenoi (Ephesians 2:12). Because of the ignorance Old word from πωρωσιν agnoeō not to know. Rare in N.T. See note on Acts 3:17. Hardening (pōrōsin). Late medical term (Hippocrates) for callous hardening. Only other N.T. examples are Mark 3:5; Romans 11:25. [source]
Philippians 3:2Concision [κατατομήν] Only here in the New Testament. The kindred verb occurs in the Septuagint only, of mutilations forbidden by the Mosaic law. See Leviticus 21:5. The noun here is a play upon περιτομή circumcisionIt means mutilation. Paul bitterly characterizes those who were not of the true circumcision (Romans 2:28,Romans 2:29; Colossians 2:11; Ephesians 2:11) as merely mutilated. Compare Galatians 5:12, where he uses ἀποκόπτειν tocut off, of those who would impose circumcision upon the Christian converts: “I would they would cut themselves off who trouble you;” that is, not merely circumcise, but mutilate themselves like the priests of Cybele. [source]
Philippians 3:3For we [ημεις γαρ] We believers in Christ, the children of Abraham by faith, whether Jew or Gentile, the spiritual circumcision in contrast to the merely physical (Romans 2:25-29; Colossians 2:11; Ephesians 2:11). See note on Galatians 5:12 for αποτεμνειν apotemnein (to cut off) in sense of mutilation also. [source]
Colossians 2:14Of ordinances [τοῖς δόγμασιν] See on Luke href="/desk/?q=lu+2:1&sr=1">Luke 2:1. Lit., in ordinances; consisting in, or, as Rev., written in, as suggested by handwriting. As Paul declares this bond to be against us, including both Jews and Gentiles, the reference, while primarily to the Mosaic law, is to be taken in a wider sense, as including the moral law of God in general, which applied to the Gentiles as much as to the Jews. See Romans 3:19. The law is frequently conceived by Paul with this wider reference, as a principle which has its chief representative in the Mosaic law, but the applications of which are much wider. See on Romans 2:12. This law is conceived here as a bond, a bill of debt, standing against those who have not received Christ. As the form of error at Colossae was largely Judaic, insisting on the Jewish ceremonial law, the phrase is probably colored by this fact. Compare Ephesians 2:15. [source]
Colossians 2:13The uncircumcision of your flesh [] That sinful, carnal nature of which uncircumcision was the sign, and which was the source of the trespasses. Compare Ephesians 2:11. [source]
Colossians 2:11In the circumcision of Christ [ἐν τῇ περιτομῇ τοῦ Χριστοῦ] The spiritual circumcision effected through Christ. See Ephesians 2:11; Philemon 3:3; Romans 2:29. In, as above. The fleshly circumcision removed only a portion of the body. In spiritual circumcision, through Christ, the whole corrupt, carnal nature is put away like a garment which is taken off and laid aside. [source]
Colossians 1:20To reconcile [ἀποκαταλλάξαι] Only here, Colossians 1:21, and Ephesians 2:16. The connection is: it was the good pleasure of the Father (Colossians 1:19) to reconcile. The compounded preposition ἀπό gives the force of back, hinting at restoration to a primal unity. So, in Ephesians 2:12-16, it occurs as in Colossians 1:21, in connection with ἀπηλλοτριωμένοι alienatedas if they had not always been strangers. See on Ephesians 2:12. Others explain to reconcile wholly. For the verb καταλλάσσω toreconcile, see on Romans 5:10. [source]
Colossians 1:20Having made peace [εἰρηνοποιήσας] Only here in the New Testament. Having concluded peace; see on John 3:21. The participle is parallel with to reconcile, and marks peace-making and reconciliation as contemporaneous. The kindred εἰρηνοποιός peacemakeronly in Matthew 5:9. The phrase making peace, in which the two factors of this verb appear separately, occurs only Ephesians 2:15. [source]
Colossians 1:21And you [και υμας] Accusative case in a rather loose sentence, to be explained as the object of the infinitive παραστησαι parastēsai in Colossians 1:22 (note repeated υμας humās there) or as the anticipated object of αποκατηλλαχεν apokatēllaxen if that be the genuine form in Colossians 1:22. It can be the accusative of general reference followed by anacoluthon. See similar idiom in Ephesians 2:1,Ephesians 2:12. [source]
Colossians 1:20Through him [δι αυτου] As the sufficient and chosen agent in the work of reconciliation This double compound (απο κατα apoαλλασσω kata with καταλλασσω allassō) occurs only here, Colossians 1:22; Ephesians 2:16, and nowhere else so far as known. Paul‘s usual word for “reconcile” is διαλλασσω katallassō (2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Romans 5:10), though απο diallassō (Matthew 5:24) is more common in Attic. The addition of καταλλασσω apo here is clearly for the idea of complete reconciliation. See note on 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 for discussion of τα παντα katallassō Paul‘s great word. The use of εις αυτον ta panta (the all things, the universe) as if the universe were somehow out of harmony reminds us of the mystical passage in Romans 8:19-23 which see for discussion. Sin somehow has put the universe out of joint. Christ will set it right. [source]
Colossians 1:20Unto himself [αυτον] Unto God, though αυτον auton is not reflexive unless written ειρηνοποιησας hauton Having made peace (ειρηνοποιος eirēnopoiēsas). Late and rare compound (Proverbs 10:10 and here only in N.T.) from ποιων ειρηνην eirēnopoios peacemaker (Matthew 5:9; here only in N.T.). In Ephesians 2:15 we have πληρωμα poiōn eirēnēn (separate words) making peace. Not the masculine gender, though agreeing with the idea of Christ involved even if ευδοκησεν plērōma be taken as the subject of τεος eudokēsen a participial anacoluthon (construction according to sense as in Colossians 2:19). If ευδοκησεν theos be taken as the subject of ειρηνοποιησας eudokēsen the participle τεος eirēnopoiēsas refers to Christ, not to δια του αιματος του σταυρου αυτου theos (God). Through the blood of his cross This for the benefit of the Docetic Gnostics who denied the real humanity of Jesus and as clearly stating the causa medians (Ellicott) of the work of reconciliation to be the Cross of Christ, a doctrine needed today. Or things in the heavens (eite ta en tois ouranois). Much needless trouble has been made over this phrase as if things in heaven were not exactly right. It is rather a hypothetical statement like Colossians 1:16 not put in categorical form (Abbott), universitas rerum (Ellicott). [source]
Colossians 1:22In the body of his flesh [εν τωι σωματι της σαρκος αυτου] See the same combination in Colossians 2:11 though in Ephesians 2:14 only σαρκι sarki (flesh). Apparently Paul combines both σωμα sōma and σαρχ sarx to make plain the actual humanity of Jesus against incipient Docetic Gnostics who denied it. [source]
Colossians 1:20Having made peace [ειρηνοποιος] Late and rare compound (Proverbs 10:10 and here only in N.T.) from ποιων ειρηνην eirēnopoios peacemaker (Matthew 5:9; here only in N.T.). In Ephesians 2:15 we have πληρωμα poiōn eirēnēn (separate words) making peace. Not the masculine gender, though agreeing with the idea of Christ involved even if ευδοκησεν plērōma be taken as the subject of τεος eudokēsen a participial anacoluthon (construction according to sense as in Colossians 2:19). If ευδοκησεν theos be taken as the subject of ειρηνοποιησας eudokēsen the participle τεος eirēnopoiēsas refers to Christ, not to δια του αιματος του σταυρου αυτου theos (God). [source]
Colossians 1:21Being in time past alienated [ποτε οντας απηλλοτριωμενους] Periphrastic perfect passive participle (continuing state of alienation) of απαλλοτριοω apallotrioō old word from Plato on, to estrange, to render αλλοτριος allotrios (belonging to another), alienated from God, a vivid picture of heathenism as in Romans 1:20-23. Only other N.T. examples in Ephesians 2:12; Ephesians 4:18. Ενεμιες Enemies Old word from εχτος echthos (hatred). Active sense here, hostile as in Matthew 13:28; Romans 8:7, not passive hateful (Romans 11:28). In your mind (τηι διανοιαι tēi dianoiāi). Locative case. Διανοια Dianoia (δια νους diaεν τοις εργοις τοις πονηροις nous), mind, intent, purpose. Old word. It is always a tragedy to see men use their minds actively against God. In your evil works Hostile purpose finds natural expression in evil deeds. [source]
Colossians 1:22Hath he reconciled [αποκατηλλαχεν] First aorist (effective, timeless) active indicative (a sort of parenthetical anacoluthon). Here B reads αποκαταλλαγητε apokatallagēte be ye reconciled like καταλλαγητε katallagēte in 2 Corinthians 5:20 while D has αποκαταλλαγεντες apokatallagentes Lightfoot prefers to follow B here (the hard reading), though Westcott and Hort only put it in the margin. On the word see Colossians 1:20. In the body of his flesh (εν τωι σωματι της σαρκος αυτου en tōi sōmati tēs sarkos autou). See the same combination in Colossians 2:11 though in Ephesians 2:14 only σαρκι sarki (flesh). Apparently Paul combines both σωμα sōma and σαρχ sarx to make plain the actual humanity of Jesus against incipient Docetic Gnostics who denied it. Through death The reconciliation was accomplished by means of Christ‘s death on the cross (Colossians 1:20) and not just by the Incarnation (the body of his flesh) in which the death took place. To present (παραστησαι parastēsai). First aorist active (transitive) infinitive (of purpose) of παριστημι paristēmi old verb, to place beside in many connections. See it used of presenting Paul and the letter from Lysias to Felix (Acts 23:33). Repeated in Colossians 1:28. See also 2 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Corinthians 4:14. Paul has the same idea of his responsibility in rendering an account for those under his influence seen in Hebrews 13:17. See note on Romans 12:1 for use of living sacrifice. Holy Positively consecrated, separated unto God. Common in N.T. for believers. Haupt holds that all these terms have a religious and forensic sense here. Without blemish (αμωμους amōmous). Without spot (Philemon 2:15). Old word α a privative and μωμος mōmos (blemish). Common in the lxx for ceremonial purifications. Unreproveable Old verbal adjective from α a privative and εγκαλεω egkaleō to call to account, to pick flaws in. These three adjectives give a marvellous picture of complete purity (positive and negative, internal and external). This is Paul‘s ideal when he presents the Colossians “before him” (κατενωπιον αυτου katenōpion autou), right down in the eye of Christ the Judge of all. [source]
Colossians 2:11Not made with hands [αχειροποιητωι] This late and rare negative compound verbal occurs only in the N.T. (Mark 14:58; 2 Corinthians 5:1; Colossians 2:11) by merely adding α a privative to the old verbal χειροποιητος cheiropoiētos (Acts 7:48; Ephesians 2:11), possibly first in Mark 14:58 where both words occur concerning the temple. In 2 Corinthians 5:1 the reference is to the resurrection body. The feminine form of this compound adjective is the same as the masculine. In the putting off (εν τηι απεκδυσει en tēi apekdusei). As if an old garment (the fleshly body). From απεκδυομαι apekduomai (Colossians 2:15, possibly also coined by Paul) and occurring nowhere else so far as known. The word is made in a perfectly normal way by the perfective use of the two Greek prepositions (απο εκ apoτου Χριστου ek), “a resource available for and generally used by any real thinker writing Greek” (Moulton and Milligan, Vocabulary). Paul had as much right to mint a Greek compound as any one and surely no one ever had more ideas to express and more power in doing it. Of Christ Specifying genitive, the kind of circumcision that belongs to Christ, that of the heart. [source]
Colossians 2:13Being dead through your trespasses [νεκρους οντας τοις παραπτωμασιν] Moral death, of course, as in Romans 6:11; Ephesians 2:1,Ephesians 2:5. Correct text does not have εν en but even so παραπτωμασιν paraptōmasin (from παραπιπτω parapiptō to fall beside or to lapse, Hebrews 6:6), a lapse or misstep as in Matthew 6:14; Romans 5:15-18; Galatians 6:1, can be still in the locative, though the instrumental makes good sense also. And the uncircumcision of your flesh (και τηι ακροβουστιαι της σαρκος υμων kai tēi akroboustiāi tēs sarkos humōn). “Dead in your trespasses and your alienation from God, of which the uncircumcision of your flesh was a symbol” (Abbott). Clearly so, “the uncircumcision” used merely in a metaphorical sense. Did he quicken together with him First aorist active indicative of the double compound verb συνζωοποιεω sunzōopoieō to make alive First aorist middle participle of χαρις charizomai common verb from charis (favour, grace). Dative of the person common as in Colossians 3:13. The act of forgiving is simultaneous with the quickening, though logically antecedent. [source]
1 Thessalonians 4:7Unto uncleanness [ἐπὶ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ] Better, for uncleanness; ἐπὶ denoting aim or intention. The intention is viewed as the basis of the act ( ἐπὶ upon). Comp. Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 2:10. [source]
1 Thessalonians 5:23The very God of peace [αὐτὸς ὁ Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης] Better, the God of peace himself. God's work is contrasted with human efforts to carry out the preceding injunctions. The phrase God of peace only in Paul and Hebrews. See Romans 15:33; Romans 16:20; Philemon 4:9; Hebrews 13:20. The meaning is, God who is the source and giver of peace. Peace, in the Pauline sense, is not mere calm or tranquillity. It is always conceived as based upon reconciliation with God. God is the God of peace only to those who have ceased to be at war with him, and are at one with him. God's peace is not sentimental but moral. Hence the God of peace is the sanctifier. “Peace” is habitually used, both in the Old and New Testaments, in connection with the messianic salvation. The Messiah himself will be Peace (Micah 5:5). Peace is associated with righteousness as a messianic blessing (Psalm 72:7; Psalm 85:10). Peace, founded in reconciliation with God, is the theme of the gospel (Acts 10:36). The gospel is the gospel of peace (Ephesians 2:17; Ephesians 6:15; Romans 10:15). Christ is the giver of peace (John 14:27; John 16:33). [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:8Vengeance [εκδικησιν] Late word from εκδικεω ekdikeō to vindicate, in Polybius and lxx. To them that know not God (τοις μη ειδοσιν τεον tois mē eidosin theon). Dative plural of perfect active participle ειδως eidōs Apparently chiefly Gentiles in mind (1 Thessalonians 4:3; Galatians 4:8; Romans 1:28; Ephesians 2:12), though Jews are also guilty of wilful ignorance of God (Romans 2:14). And to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Repetition of the article looks like another class and so Jews (Romans 10:16). Both Jews as instigators and Gentiles as officials Note the use of “gospel” here as in Mark 1:15 “believe in the gospel.” [source]
1 Timothy 3:15In the house of God [εν οικωι τεου] Probably here “household of God,” that is “the family of God” rather than “the house (or temple) of God.” Christians as yet had no separate houses of worship and οικος oikos commonly means “household.” Christians are the ναος naos (sanctuary) of God (1 Corinthians 3:16.; 2 Corinthians 6:16), and Paul calls them οικειοι του τεου oikeioi tou theou (Ephesians 2:19) “members of God‘s family.” It is conduct as members of God‘s family (οικος oikos) that Paul has in mind. [source]
1 Timothy 3:15That thou mayest know [ινα ειδηις] Final clause with ινα hina and second perfect active subjunctive of οιδα oida to know. How men ought (πως δει pōs dei). “How it is necessary for thee” (supply σε se more naturally than τινα tina any one). Indirect question. To behave themselves Present middle (direct) infinitive of αναστρεπω anastrephō old verb, to turn up and down. See note on 2 Corinthians 1:12; Ephesians 2:3. In the house of God (εν οικωι τεου en oikōi theou). Probably here “household of God,” that is “the family of God” rather than “the house (or temple) of God.” Christians as yet had no separate houses of worship and οικος oikos commonly means “household.” Christians are the ναος naos (sanctuary) of God (1 Corinthians 3:16.; 2 Corinthians 6:16), and Paul calls them οικειοι του τεου oikeioi tou theou (Ephesians 2:19) “members of God‘s family.” It is conduct as members of God‘s family (οικος oikos) that Paul has in mind. Which “Which very house of God,” agreeing (feminine) with the predicate word εκκλησια ekklēsia (church). The church of the living God (εκκλησια τεου ζωντος ekklēsia theou zōntos). Probably here the general church or kingdom as in Colossians and Ephesians, though the local church in 1 Timothy 3:5. The pillar and ground of the truth Paul changes the metaphor again as he often does. Those words are in apposition to εκκλησια ekklēsia and οικος oikos On στυλος stulos old word for pillar, see note on Galatians 2:9; Revelation 3:12 (only other N.T. examples). εδραιωμα Hedraiōma late and rare word (from εδραιοω hedraioō to make stable) occurs here first and only in ecclesiastical writers later. Probably it means stay or support rather than foundation or ground. See 1 Corinthians 1:23; 2 Timothy 2:19 for similar idea. See also Matthew 16:18. [source]
1 Timothy 3:15To behave themselves [αναστρεπεσται] Present middle (direct) infinitive of αναστρεπω anastrephō old verb, to turn up and down. See note on 2 Corinthians 1:12; Ephesians 2:3. In the house of God (εν οικωι τεου en oikōi theou). Probably here “household of God,” that is “the family of God” rather than “the house (or temple) of God.” Christians as yet had no separate houses of worship and οικος oikos commonly means “household.” Christians are the ναος naos (sanctuary) of God (1 Corinthians 3:16.; 2 Corinthians 6:16), and Paul calls them οικειοι του τεου oikeioi tou theou (Ephesians 2:19) “members of God‘s family.” It is conduct as members of God‘s family (οικος oikos) that Paul has in mind. Which “Which very house of God,” agreeing (feminine) with the predicate word εκκλησια ekklēsia (church). The church of the living God (εκκλησια τεου ζωντος ekklēsia theou zōntos). Probably here the general church or kingdom as in Colossians and Ephesians, though the local church in 1 Timothy 3:5. The pillar and ground of the truth Paul changes the metaphor again as he often does. Those words are in apposition to εκκλησια ekklēsia and οικος oikos On στυλος stulos old word for pillar, see note on Galatians 2:9; Revelation 3:12 (only other N.T. examples). εδραιωμα Hedraiōma late and rare word (from εδραιοω hedraioō to make stable) occurs here first and only in ecclesiastical writers later. Probably it means stay or support rather than foundation or ground. See 1 Corinthians 1:23; 2 Timothy 2:19 for similar idea. See also Matthew 16:18. [source]
Hebrews 7:19The bringing in of a better hope [ἐπεισαγωγὴ κρείττονος ἐλπίδος] Επεισαγωγὴ N.T.oolxx, is “a bringing in upon ” ( ἐπὶ ), upon the ground formerly occupied by the commandment. So Rev., correctly, “a bringing in thereupon.” For κπείττων bettersee on Hebrews 1:4. The comparison is not between the hope conveyed by the commandment, and the better hope introduced by the gospel, but between the commandment which was characteristic of the law (Ephesians 2:15) and the hope which characterized the gospel (Romans 5:2-5; Romans 8:24). [source]
Hebrews 7:16The law of a carnal commandment [νόμον ἐντολῆς σαρκίνης] The phrase N.T.o Νόμον thenorm or standard, as Romans 7:21,Romans 7:23. Εντολῆς, the specific precept of the Mosaic law regarding Levitical priests. Comp. Ephesians 2:15. Σαρκίνης fleshlyindicates that the conditions of the Levitical priesthood had reference to the body. Fitness for office was determined largely by physical considerations. The priest must be of proper descent, without bodily blemish, ceremonially pure. See Hebrews 9:1-5,Hebrews 9:10, and comp. Romans 8:3. Such a priesthood cannot be eternal. [source]
Hebrews 4:16Come - unto [προσερχώμεθα] oP., often in Hebrews, and commonly in the same sense as here - approach to God through the O.T. sacrifices or the sacrifice of Christ. Paul's word προσαγωγή accessexpresses the same idea. See Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:12. The phrase come boldly expresses a thought which the Epistle emphasizes - that Christianity is the religion of free access to God. Comp. 2 Corinthians 3:12,2 Corinthians 3:13. [source]
Hebrews 13:9Which have not profited them that have been occupied therein [ἐν οἶς οὐκ ὠφελήθησαν οἱ περιπατοῦντες] Lit. in the which they who walked were not profited. Περιπατεῖν towalk about is often used to express habitual practice or general conduct of life. See Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 10:3; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:7; Colossians 4:5. [source]
Hebrews 6:1Wherefore [διο] Because of the argument already made about the difficulty of the subject and the dulness of the readers. Let us cease to speak Second aorist active participle of απιημι aphiēmi to leave off or behind. Of the first principles of Christ Objective genitive Χριστου Christou (about Christ). “Leaving behind the discussion of the beginning about Christ,” another way of saying again τα στοιχεια της αρχης των λογιων του τεου ta stoicheia tēs archēs tōn logiōn tou theou of Hebrews 5:12. And press on Volitive present subjunctive passive, “Let us be borne on” (both the writer and the readers). The Pythagorean Schools use περωμετα pherōmetha in precisely this sense of being borne on to a higher stage of instruction. Bleek quotes several instances of Greek writers using together as here of απεντες περωμετα aphentes pherōmetha (Eurip., Androm. 393, for instance). Unto perfection Old word from τελειος teleios mature, adults as in Hebrews 5:14. Only twice in N.T. (here and Colossians 3:14). Let us go on to the stage of adults, not babes, able to masticate solid spiritual food. The writer will assume that the readers are adults in his discussion of the topic. Not laying again the foundation The regular idiom for laying down the foundation of a building The metaphor is common (1 Corinthians 3:11) and the foundation is important, but one cannot be laying the foundation always if he is to build the house. There are six items mentioned here as part of the “foundation,” though the accusative διδαχην didachēn in apposition with τεμελιον themelion may mean that there are only four included in the τεμελιον themelion Two are qualitative genitives after τεμελιον themelion What is meant by “dead works” There are frequent allusions to the deadening power of sin (James 2:17,James 2:26; John 7:25; Romans 6:1,Romans 6:11; Romans 7:8; Colossians 2:13; Ephesians 2:1,Ephesians 2:5). The use of repentance and faith together occurs also elsewhere (Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21; 1 Thessalonians 1:9). [source]
James 3:18For them that make peace [τοις ποιουσιν ειρηνην] Dative case of the articular participle of ποιεω poieō See Ephesians 2:15 for this phrase (doing peace), and Colossians 1:20 for ειρηνοποιεω eirēnopoieō of Christ, and Matthew 5:9 for ειρηνοποιοι eirēnopoioi (peacemakers). Only those who act peaceably are entitled to peace. [source]
1 Peter 1:18From your vain manner of life [εκ της ματαιας υμων αναστροπης] “Out of” This adjective, though predicate in position, is really attributive in idea, like χειροποιητου cheiropoiētou in Ephesians 2:11 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 777), like the French idiom. This double compound verbal adjective (πατερ παρα διδωμι paterparadidōmi), though here alone in N.T., occurs in Diodorus, Dion. Halic, and in several inscriptions (Moulton and Milligan‘s Vocabulary; Deissmann, Bible Studies, pp. 266f.). The Jews made a wrong use of tradition (Matthew 15:2.), but the reference here seems mainly to Gentiles (1 Peter 2:12). [source]
1 Peter 1:18Ye were redeemed [ελυτρωτητε] First aorist passive indicative of λυτροω lutroō old verb from λυτρον lutron (ransom for life as of a slave, Matthew 20:28), to set free by payment of ransom, abundant examples in the papyri, in N.T. only here, Luke 24:21; Titus 2:14. The ransom is the blood of Christ. Peter here amplifies the language in Isaiah 52:3.Not with corruptible things (ου πταρτοις ou phthartois). Instrumental case neuter plural of the late verbal adjective from πτειρω phtheirō to destroy or to corrupt, and so perishable, in N.T. here, 1 Peter 1:23; 1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 Corinthians 15:53.; Romans 1:23. Αργυριωι η χρυσιωι Arguriōi ē chrusiōi (silver or gold) are in explanatory apposition with πταρτοις phthartois and so in the same case. Slaves were set free by silver and gold.From your vain manner of life “Out of” This adjective, though predicate in position, is really attributive in idea, like χειροποιητου cheiropoiētou in Ephesians 2:11 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 777), like the French idiom. This double compound verbal adjective (πατερ παρα διδωμι paterparadidōmi), though here alone in N.T., occurs in Diodorus, Dion. Halic, and in several inscriptions (Moulton and Milligan‘s Vocabulary; Deissmann, Bible Studies, pp. 266f.). The Jews made a wrong use of tradition (Matthew 15:2.), but the reference here seems mainly to Gentiles (1 Peter 2:12). [source]
1 Peter 1:18Handed down from your fathers [πατροπαραδοτου] This adjective, though predicate in position, is really attributive in idea, like χειροποιητου cheiropoiētou in Ephesians 2:11 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 777), like the French idiom. This double compound verbal adjective The Jews made a wrong use of tradition (Matthew 15:2.), but the reference here seems mainly to Gentiles (1 Peter 2:12). [source]
1 Peter 2:11As sojourners and pilgrims [ως παροικους και παρεπιδημους] This combination from the lxx (Gen 33:4; Psalm 39:13). See note on 1 Peter 1:1 for παρεπιδημος parepidēmos and see note on 1 Peter 1:17 for παροικια paroikia and see note on Ephesians 2:19 for παροικος paroikos (only there and here in N.T., Christians whose fatherland is heaven). [source]
1 Peter 3:18That he might bring us to God [ινα ημας προσαγαγηι τωι τεωι] Purpose clause with ινα hina with second aorist active subjunctive of προσαγω prosagō and the dative case τωι τεωι tōi theōi The MSS. vary between ημας hēmās (us) and υμας humās (you). The verb προσαγω prosagō means to lead or bring to (Matthew 18:24), to approach God (cf. προσαγωγην prosagōgēn in Ephesians 2:18), to present us to God on the basis of his atoning death for us, which has opened the way (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 10:19.) [source]
1 Peter 3:18For sins [περι αμαρτιων] “Concerning sins” (not his, but ours, 1 Peter 1:18). Περι Peri (around, concerning) with αμαρτιας hamartias in the regular phrase for the sin offering (Leviticus 5:7; Leviticus 6:30), though υπερ αμαρτιας huper hamartias does occur (Ezekiel 43:25). So in the N.T. we find both περι αμαρτιων peri hamartiōn (Hebrews 5:3) and υπερ αμαρτιων huper hamartiōn (Hebrews 5:1).Once (απαχ hapax). Once for all (Hebrews 9:28), not once upon a time (ποτε pote).The righteous for the unrighteous Literally, “just for unjust” (no articles). See 1 Peter 2:19 for the sinlessness of Christ as the one perfect offering for sin. This is what gives Christ‘s blood value. He has no sin himself. Some men today fail to perceive this point.That he might bring us to God (ινα ημας προσαγαγηι τωι τεωι hina hēmās prosagagēi tōi theōi). Purpose clause with ινα hina with second aorist active subjunctive of προσαγω prosagō and the dative case τωι τεωι tōi theōi The MSS. vary between ημας hēmās (us) and υμας humās (you). The verb προσαγω prosagō means to lead or bring to (Matthew 18:24), to approach God (cf. προσαγωγην prosagōgēn in Ephesians 2:18), to present us to God on the basis of his atoning death for us, which has opened the way (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 10:19.)Being put to death in the flesh First aorist passive participle of τανατοω thanatoō old verb (from τανατος thanatos death), to put to death. Σαρκι Sarki is locative case of σαρχ sarx quickened in the spirit First aorist passive participle of ζωοποιεω zōopoieō rare (Aristotle) verb (from ζωοποιος zōopoios making alive), to make alive. The participles are not antecedent to απετανεν apethanen but simultaneous with it. There is no such construction as the participle of subsequent action. The spirit of Christ did not die when his flesh did, but “was endued with new and greater powers of life” (Thayer). See 1 Corinthians 15:22 for the use of the verb for the resurrection of the body. But the use of the word πνευματι pneumati (locative case) in contrast with σαρκι sarki starts Peter‘s mind off in a long comparison by way of illustration that runs from 1 Peter 3:19-22. The following verses have caused more controversy than anything in the Epistle. [source]
1 Peter 3:18The righteous for the unrighteous [δικαιος υπερ αδικων] Literally, “just for unjust” (no articles). See 1 Peter 2:19 for the sinlessness of Christ as the one perfect offering for sin. This is what gives Christ‘s blood value. He has no sin himself. Some men today fail to perceive this point.That he might bring us to God (ινα ημας προσαγαγηι τωι τεωι hina hēmās prosagagēi tōi theōi). Purpose clause with ινα hina with second aorist active subjunctive of προσαγω prosagō and the dative case τωι τεωι tōi theōi The MSS. vary between ημας hēmās (us) and υμας humās (you). The verb προσαγω prosagō means to lead or bring to (Matthew 18:24), to approach God (cf. προσαγωγην prosagōgēn in Ephesians 2:18), to present us to God on the basis of his atoning death for us, which has opened the way (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 10:19.)Being put to death in the flesh First aorist passive participle of τανατοω thanatoō old verb (from τανατος thanatos death), to put to death. Σαρκι Sarki is locative case of σαρχ sarx quickened in the spirit First aorist passive participle of ζωοποιεω zōopoieō rare (Aristotle) verb (from ζωοποιος zōopoios making alive), to make alive. The participles are not antecedent to απετανεν apethanen but simultaneous with it. There is no such construction as the participle of subsequent action. The spirit of Christ did not die when his flesh did, but “was endued with new and greater powers of life” (Thayer). See 1 Corinthians 15:22 for the use of the verb for the resurrection of the body. But the use of the word πνευματι pneumati (locative case) in contrast with σαρκι sarki starts Peter‘s mind off in a long comparison by way of illustration that runs from 1 Peter 3:19-22. The following verses have caused more controversy than anything in the Epistle. [source]
1 Peter 4:3May suffice [αρκετος] No copula in the Greek, probably εστιν estin (is) rather than δυναται dunatai (can). Late and rare verbal adjective from αρκεω arkeō to suffice, in the papyri several times, in N.T. only here and Matthew 6:34; Matthew 10:25, apparently referring to Christ‘s words in Matthew 6:34 (possibly an axiom or proverb).To have wrought (κατειργασται kateirgasthai). Perfect middle infinitive of κατεργαζομαι katergazomai common compound (κατα εργον kataτο βουλημα ergon work) as in 1 Corinthians 5:3.The desire Correct text, not πεπορευμενους thelēma Either means the thing desired, willed. Jews sometimes fell in with the ways of Gentiles (Romans 2:21-24; Romans 3:9-18; Ephesians 2:1-3) as today some Christians copy the ways of the world.And to have walked (πορευομαι peporeumenous). Perfect middle participle of κατειργασται poreuomai in the accusative plural of general reference with the infinitive εν ασελγειαις kateirgasthai Literally, “having walked or gone.”In lasciviousness All these sins are in the locative case with επιτυμιαις en “In unbridled lustful excesses” (2 Peter 2:7; 2 Corinthians 12:21).Lusts (οινοπλυγιαις epithumiais). Cf. 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Peter 4:2.Winebibbings Old compound Old word (from ποτοις keimai to lie down), rioting drinking parties, in N.T. here and Galatians 5:21; Romans 13:13.Carousings Old word for drinking carousal (from ατεμιτοις ειδωλολατριαις pinō to drink), here only in the N.T. In the light of these words it seems strange to find modern Christians justifying their “personal liberty” to drink and carouse, to say nothing of the prohibition law. The Greeks actually carried lust and drunkenness into their religious observances (Aphrodite, for instance).Abominable idolatries (ειδωλον λατρεια athemitois eidōlolatriais). To the Christian all “idolatry,” (τεμιτος eidōlonτεμιστος latreia), worship of idols, is “abominable,” not allowed (alpha privative and τεμιζω themitos ατεμιτος themistos the old form, verbal of themizō to make lawful), but particularly those associated with drinking and licentiousness. The only other N.T. example of athemitos is by Peter also (Acts 10:28) and about the Mosaic law. That may be the idea here, for Jews often fell into idolatrous practices (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 274). [source]
1 Peter 4:3The desire [τελημα] Correct text, not πεπορευμενους thelēma Either means the thing desired, willed. Jews sometimes fell in with the ways of Gentiles (Romans 2:21-24; Romans 3:9-18; Ephesians 2:1-3) as today some Christians copy the ways of the world.And to have walked (πορευομαι peporeumenous). Perfect middle participle of κατειργασται poreuomai in the accusative plural of general reference with the infinitive εν ασελγειαις kateirgasthai Literally, “having walked or gone.”In lasciviousness All these sins are in the locative case with επιτυμιαις en “In unbridled lustful excesses” (2 Peter 2:7; 2 Corinthians 12:21).Lusts (οινοπλυγιαις epithumiais). Cf. 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Peter 4:2.Winebibbings Old compound Old word (from ποτοις keimai to lie down), rioting drinking parties, in N.T. here and Galatians 5:21; Romans 13:13.Carousings Old word for drinking carousal (from ατεμιτοις ειδωλολατριαις pinō to drink), here only in the N.T. In the light of these words it seems strange to find modern Christians justifying their “personal liberty” to drink and carouse, to say nothing of the prohibition law. The Greeks actually carried lust and drunkenness into their religious observances (Aphrodite, for instance).Abominable idolatries (ειδωλον λατρεια athemitois eidōlolatriais). To the Christian all “idolatry,” (τεμιτος eidōlonτεμιστος latreia), worship of idols, is “abominable,” not allowed (alpha privative and τεμιζω themitos ατεμιτος themistos the old form, verbal of themizō to make lawful), but particularly those associated with drinking and licentiousness. The only other N.T. example of athemitos is by Peter also (Acts 10:28) and about the Mosaic law. That may be the idea here, for Jews often fell into idolatrous practices (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 274). [source]
1 Peter 4:6Even to the dead [και νεκροις] Does Peter here mean preached to men after they are dead or to men once alive but dead now or when the judgment comes? There are those (Augustine, Luther, etc.) who take “dead” here in the spiritual sense (dead in trespasses and sins as in Colossians 2:13; Ephesians 2:1), but consider it “impossible” for Peter to use the same word in two senses so close together; but Jesus did it in the same sentence, as in the case of πσυχη psuchē (life) in Matthew 16:25. Bigg takes it to mean that all men who did not hear the gospel message in this life will hear it in the next before the final judgment.That they might be judged (ινα κριτωσιν μεν hina krithōsin men). Purpose clause with ινα hina and the first aorist passive subjunctive of κρινω krinō to judge, whereas ζωσιν δε zōsin de (by contrast) is the present active subjunctive of ζαω zaō to live. There is contrast also between κατα αντρωπους kata anthrōpous (according to men) and κατα τεον kata theon (according to God). [source]
1 John 1:2The Father [] See on John 12:26. The title “the Father” occurs rarely in the Synoptists, and always with reference to the Son. In Paul only thrice (Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 2:18). Nowhere in Peter, James, Jude, or Revelation. Frequent in John's Gospel and Epistles, and in the latter, uniformly. [source]
Revelation 11:1Like a rod [ομοιος ραβδωι] See Revelation 2:27; Mark 6:8 for ραβδος rabdos one said “Saying” (present active masculine participle of λεγω legō) is all that the Greek has. The participle implies εδωκεν edōken (he gave), not εδοτη edothē a harsh construction seen in Genesis 22:20; Genesis 38:24, etc.Rise and measure (εγειρε και μετρησον egeire kai metrēson). Present active imperative of εγειρω egeirō (intransitive, exclamatory use as in Mark 2:11) and first aorist active imperative of μετρεω metreō In Ezekiel 42:2. the prophet measures the temple and that passage is probably in mind here. But modern scholars do not know how to interpret this interlude (Revelation 11:1-13) before the seventh trumpet (Revelation 11:15). Some (Wellhausen) take it to be a scrap from the Zealot party before the destruction of Jerusalem, which event Christ also foretold (Mark 13:2; Matthew 24:2; Luke 21:6) and which was also attributed to Stephen (Acts 6:14). Charles denies any possible literal interpretation and takes the language in a wholly eschatological sense. There are three points in the interlude, however understood: the chastisement of Jerusalem or Israel (Revelation 11:1,Revelation 11:2), the mission of the two witnesses (Revelation 11:3-12), the rescue of the remnant (Revelation 11:13). There is a heavenly sanctuary (Revelation 7:15; Revelation 11:19; Revelation 14:15, etc.), but here ναος naos is on earth and yet not the actual temple in Jerusalem (unless so interpreted). Perhaps here it is the spiritual (Revelation 3:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:4; 1 Corinthians 3:16.; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:19.). For altar (τυσιαστηριον thusiastērion) see Revelation 8:3. Perhaps measuring as applied to “them that worship therein” (τους προσκυνουντας εν αυτωι tous proskunountas en autōi) implies a word like numbering, with an allusion to the 144,000 in chapter 7 (a zeugma). [source]
Revelation 11:1Rise and measure [εγειρε και μετρησον] Present active imperative of εγειρω egeirō (intransitive, exclamatory use as in Mark 2:11) and first aorist active imperative of μετρεω metreō In Ezekiel 42:2. the prophet measures the temple and that passage is probably in mind here. But modern scholars do not know how to interpret this interlude (Revelation 11:1-13) before the seventh trumpet (Revelation 11:15). Some (Wellhausen) take it to be a scrap from the Zealot party before the destruction of Jerusalem, which event Christ also foretold (Mark 13:2; Matthew 24:2; Luke 21:6) and which was also attributed to Stephen (Acts 6:14). Charles denies any possible literal interpretation and takes the language in a wholly eschatological sense. There are three points in the interlude, however understood: the chastisement of Jerusalem or Israel (Revelation 11:1,Revelation 11:2), the mission of the two witnesses (Revelation 11:3-12), the rescue of the remnant (Revelation 11:13). There is a heavenly sanctuary (Revelation 7:15; Revelation 11:19; Revelation 14:15, etc.), but here ναος naos is on earth and yet not the actual temple in Jerusalem (unless so interpreted). Perhaps here it is the spiritual (Revelation 3:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:4; 1 Corinthians 3:16.; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:19.). For altar (τυσιαστηριον thusiastērion) see Revelation 8:3. Perhaps measuring as applied to “them that worship therein” (τους προσκυνουντας εν αυτωι tous proskunountas en autōi) implies a word like numbering, with an allusion to the 144,000 in chapter 7 (a zeugma). [source]
What do the individual words in Ephesians 2:1 mean?
Greek Commentary for Ephesians 2:1
The verb for did he quicken does not occur till Ephesians 2:5 and then with ημας hēmās (us) instead of υμας humās (you). There is a like ellipsis or anacoluthon in Colossians 1:21, Colossians 1:22, only there is no change from υμας humās to ημας hēmās [source]
Present active participle referring to their former state. Spiritually dead. Trespasses and sins (παραπτωμασιν και αμαρτιαις paraptōmasin kai hamartiais). Both words (locative case) though only one in Ephesians 2:5. [source]
Both words (locative case) though only one in Ephesians 2:5. [source]
Taking up the closing thought of the preceding chapter, the magnitude of God's power toward believers as exhibited in Christ's resurrection. He now shows that the same power is applied to his readers. Hence the connection is: “When He raised Him from the dead, etc., and you did He quicken, even as He quickened Christ.” The structure of the passage is broken. Paul having prominently in mind the thought God quickened you as He did Christ, begins with you also. Then the connection is interrupted by Ephesians 2:2, Ephesians 2:3, which describe their previous condition. Then Ephesians 2:1is taken up in Ephesians 2:4, by but God, God introducing a new sentence. [source]
Better, Rev., when ye were dead, thus giving the sense of the continued state in the past expressed by the participle being. [source]
See on Matthew 1:21; see on Matthew 6:14. Trespasses, special acts. Sins, all forms and phases of sin: more general. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Ephesians 2:1
The Lord here uses another word for sins, and still another ( ἁμαρτιας ) appears in Luke's version of the prayer, though he also says, “every one that is indebted to us.” There is no difficulty in supposing that Christ, contemplating sins in general, should represent them by different terms expressive of different aspects of wrong-doing (see on Matthew 1:21). This word is derived from παραπίπτω , to fall or throw one's self beside. Thus it has a sense somewhat akin to ἁμαρτία , of going beside a mark, missing. In classical Greek the verb is often used of intentional falling, as of throwing one's self upon an enemy; and this is the prevailing sense in biblical Greek, indicating reckless and wilful sin (see 1 Chronicles 5:25; 1 Chronicles 10:13; 2 Chronicles 26:18; 2 Chronicles 29:6, 2 Chronicles 29:19; Ezekiel 14:13; Ezekiel 18:26). It does not, therefore, imply palliation or excuse. It is a conscious violation of right, involving guilt, and occurs therefore, in connection with the mention of forgiveness (Romans 4:25; Romans 5:16; Colossians 2:13; Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 2:5). Unlike παράβασις (transgression )which contemplates merely the objective violation of law, it carries the thought of sin as affecting the sinner, and hence is found associated with expressions which indicate the consequences and the remedy of sin (Romans 4:25; Romans 5:15, Romans 5:17; Ephesians 2:1). [source]
Not merely “peaceable men” (Wycliff) but “makkers up o‘ strife” (Braid Scots). It is hard enough to keep the peace. It is still more difficult to bring peace where it is not. “The perfect peacemaker is the Son of God (Ephesians 2:14.)” (McNeile). Thus we shall be like our Elder Brother. [source]
Assigned to the same root as ἔθω , to be accustomed, and hence of a people bound together by like habits or customs. According to biblical usage the term is understood of people who are not of Israel, and who therefore occupy a different position with reference to the plan of salvation. Hence the extension of the gospel salvation to them is treated as a remarkable fact. See Matthew 12:18, Matthew 12:21; Matthew 24:14; Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:45; Acts 11:18; Acts 18:6. Paul is called distinctively an apostle and teacher of the Gentiles, and a chosen vessel to bear Christ's name among them. In Acts 15:9; Ephesians 2:11, Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:6, we see this difference annihilated, and the expression at last is merely historical designation of the non-Israelitish nations which, as such, were formerly without God and salvation. See Acts 15:23; Romans 16:4; Ephesians 3:1. Sometimes the word is used in a purely moral sense, to denote the heathen in opposition to Christians. See 1 Corinthians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 10:20; 1 Peter 2:12. Light is promised here to the Gentiles and glory to Israel. The Gentiles are regarded as in darkness and ignorance. Some render the words εἰς ἀποκάλυψιν , above, for the unveiling of the Gentiles, instead of for revelation. Compare Isaiah 25:7. Israel, however, has already received light by the revelation of God through the law and the prophets, and that light will expand into glory through Christ. Through the Messiah, Israel will attain its true and highest glory. [source]
Second aorist active indicative and difficult to put into English as the aorist often is. The verb παροικεω paroikeō means to dwell beside one, then as a stranger like παροικοι paroikoi (Ephesians 2:19). In Jerusalem everybody was talking about Jesus. [source]
Properly, apart from me. So Rev. Compare John 1:3; Ephesians 2:12. [source]
Literally, came into being, or became. Expressing the passage from nothingness into being, and the unfolding of a divine order. Compare John 1:14, John 1:17. Three words are used in the New Testament to express the act of creation: κτίζειν , to create (Revelation 4:11; Revelation 10:6; Colossians 1:16); ποιεῖν , to make (Revelation 14:7; Mark 10:6), both of which refer to the Creator; and γίγνεσθαι , to become, which refers to that which is created. In Mark 10:6, both words occur. “From the beginning of the creation ( κτίσεως ) God made ” ( ἐποίησεν ). So in Ephesians 2:10: “We are His workmanship ( ποίημα ), created ( κτισθέντες ) in Christ Jesus.” Here the distinction is between the absolute being expressed by ἦν (see on John 1:1), and the coming into being of creation ( ἐγένετο ). The same contrast occurs in John 1:6, John 1:9. “A man sent from God came into being ” ( ἐγένετο ); “the true Light was ” ( ἦν ). “The main conception of creation which is present in the writings of St. John is expressed by the first notice which he makes of it: All things came into being through the Word. This statement sets aside the notions of eternal matter and of inherent evil in matter. 'There was when' the world 'was not' (John 17:5, John 17:24); and, by implication, all things as made were good. The agency of the Word, 'who was God,' again excludes both the idea of a Creator essentially inferior to God, and the idea of an abstract Monotheism in which there is no living relation between the creature and the Creator; for as all things come into being 'through' the Word, so they are supported 'in' Him (John 1:3; compare Colossians 1:16sq.; Hebrews 1:3). And yet more, the use of the term ἐγένετο , came into being, as distinguished from ἐκτίσθη , were created, suggests the thought that creation is to be regarded (according to our apprehension) as a manifestation of a divine law of love. Thus creation (all things came into being through Him ) answers to the Incarnation (the Word became flesh ). All the unfolding and infolding of finite being to the last issue lies in the fulfillment of His will who is love” (Westcott, on 1 John 2:17). [source]
Jesus repeats and applies the metaphor of John 15:1. Apart from me See Ephesians 2:12 for χωρις Χριστου chōris Christou There is nothing for a broken off branch to do but wither and die. For the cosmic relation of Christ see John 1:3 (χωρις αυτου chōris autou). [source]
See John 4:23 for this phrase. Not the future resurrection in John 5:28, but the spiritual resurrection here and now. The dead The spiritually dead, dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 2:5; Ephesians 5:14). Shall hear the voice of the Son of God Note three genitives Note three articles (correlation of the article) and that Jesus here calls himself “the Son of God” as in John 10:36; John 11:4. Shall live Future active indicative, shall come to life spiritually. [source]
Another apostle with a Greek name and associated with Philip again (John 6:7.), the man who first brought his brother Simon to Jesus (John 1:41). Andrew was clearly a man of wisdom for a crisis. Note the vivid dramatic presents here, cometh What was the crisis? These Greeks wish an interview with Jesus. True Jesus had said something about “other sheep” than Jews (John 10:16), but he had not explained. Philip and Andrew wrestle with the problem that will puzzle Peter on the housetop in Joppa (Acts 10:9-18), that middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile that was only broken down by the Cross of Christ (Ephesians 2:11-22) and that many Christians and Jews still set up between each other. Andrew has no solution for Philip and they bring the problem, but not the Greeks, to Jesus. [source]
An indignant expression. See Ephesians 2:11. [source]
Originally, order, and hence the order of the world; the ordered universe. So in classical Greek. In the Septuagint, never the world, but the ordered total of the heavenly bodies; the host of heaven (17:3; Isaiah 24:21; 40:26). Compare, also, Proverbs href="/desk/?q=pr+17:6&sr=1">Proverbs 17:6, and see note on James 3:6. In the apocryphal books, of the universe, and mainly in the relation between God and it arising out of the creation. Thus, the king of the world (2 Maccabees 7:9); the creator or founder of the world (2 Maccabees 12:15). In the New Testament: 1. In the classical and physical sense, the universe (John href="/desk/?q=joh+17:5&sr=1">John 17:5; John 21:25.; Romans 1:20; Ephesians 1:4, etc.). 2. As the order of things of which man is the centre (Matthew 13:38; Mark 16:15; Luke 9:25; John 16:21; Ephesians 2:12; 1 Timothy 6:7). 3. Humanity as it manifests itself in and through this order (Matthew 18:7; 2 Peter 2:5; 2 Peter 3:6; Romans 3:19). Then, as sin has entered and disturbed the order of things, and made a breach between the heavenly and the earthly order, which are one in the divine ideal - 4. The order of things which is alienated from God, as manifested in and by the human race: humanity as alienated from God, and acting in opposition to him (John 1:10; John 12:31; John 15:18, John 15:19; 1 Corinthians 1:21; 1 John 2:15, etc.). The word is used here in the classical sense of the visible creation, which would appeal to the Athenians. Stanley, speaking of the name by which the Deity is known in the patriarchal age, the plural Elohim, notes that Abraham, in perceiving that all the Elohim worshipped by the numerous clans of his race meant one God, anticipated the declaration of Paul in this passage (“Jewish Church,” i., 25). Paul's statement strikes at the belief of the Epicureans, that the world was made by “a fortuitous concourse of atoms,” and of the Stoics, who denied the creation of the world by God, holding either that God animated the world, or that the world itself was God. [source]
The conjunction hōs is sometimes equivalent to hoti (that). The old form of athemitos was athemistos from themisto But there is no O.T. regulation forbidding such social contact with Gentiles, though the rabbis had added it and had made it binding by custom. There is nothing more binding on the average person than social custom. On coming from the market an orthodox Jew was expected to immerse to avoid defilement (Edersheim, Jewish Social Life, pp. 26-28; Taylor‘s Sayings of the Jewish Fathers, pp. 15, 26, 137, second edition). See also Acts 11:3; Galatians 2:12. It is that middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:14) which Jesus broke down. [source]
No word here for “houses” or “temples” in correct text Literally, “In things made with hands” It occurs in Mark 14:58 of the temple and of the sanctuary of Moab (Isaiah 16:12). It occurs also in Acts 7:24; Hebrews 9:11, Hebrews 9:24; Ephesians 2:11. Common in the old Greek. The prophet (ο προπητης ho prophētēs). Isaiah 66:1. Isaiah taught plainly that heaven is God‘s throne. [source]
Gospelizing peace through Jesus Christ. There is no other way to have real peace between individuals and God, between races and nations, than by Jesus Christ. Almost this very language occurs in Ephesians 2:17 where Paul states that Jesus on the cross “preached (gospelized) peace to you who are afar off and peace to you who are near.” Peter here sees what Paul will see later with great clearness. He is Lord of all (ουτος εστιν παντων κυριος houtos estin pantōn kurios). A triumphant parenthesis that Peter throws in as the reason for his new truth. Jesus Christ is Lord of all, both Jews and Gentiles. [source]
The word for “babbler” means “seed-picker” or picker up of seeds Note the use of αν an and the present active optative τελοι theloi conclusion of a fourth-class condition in a rhetorical question (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1021). It means, What would this picker up of seeds wish to say, if he should get off an idea? It is a contemptuous tone of supreme ridicule and doubtless Paul heard this comment. Probably the Epicureans made this sneer that Paul was a charlatan or quack. Other some (οι δε hoi de). But others, in contrast with the “some” just before. Perhaps the Stoics take this more serious view of Paul. He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods This view is put cautiously by δοκει dokei (seems). Καταγγελευς Kataggeleus does not occur in the old Greek, though in ecclesiastical writers, but Deissmann (Light from the Ancient East, p. 99) gives an example of the word “on a marble stele recording a decree of the Mitylenaens in honour of the Emperor Augustus,” where it is the herald of the games. Here alone in the N.T. Δαιμονιον Daimonion is used in the old Greek sense of deity or divinity whether good or bad, not in the N.T. sense of demons. Both this word and καταγγελευς kataggeleus are used from the Athenian standpoint. Χενος Xenos is an old word for a guest-friend (Latin hospes) and then host (Romans 16:23), then for foreigner or stranger (Matthew 25:31; Acts 17:21), new and so strange as here and Hebrews 13:9; 1 Peter 4:12, and then aliens (Ephesians 2:12). This view of Paul is the first count against Socrates: Socrates does wrong, introducing new deities On this charge the Athenians voted the hemlock for their greatest citizen. What will they do to Paul? This Athens was more sceptical and more tolerant than the old Athens. But Roman law did not allow the introduction of a new religion (religio illicita). Paul was walking on thin ice though he was the real master philosopher and these Epicureans and Stoics were quacks. Paul had the only true philosophy of the universe and life with Jesus Christ as the centre (Colossians 1:12-20), the greatest of all philosophers as Ramsay justly terms him. But these men are mocking him. Because he preached Jesus and the resurrection (ευαγγελιζω hoti ton Iēsoun kai tēn anastasin euēggelizato). Reason for the view just stated. Imperfect middle indicative of αναστασις euaggelizō to “gospelize.” Apparently these critics considered anastasis (Resurrection) another deity on a par with Jesus. The Athenians worshipped all sorts of abstract truths and virtues and they misunderstood Paul on this subject. They will leave him as soon as he mentions the resurrection (Acts 17:32). It is objected that Luke would not use the word in this sense here for his readers would not under stand him. But Luke is describing the misapprehension of this group of philosophers and this interpretation fits in precisely. [source]
This view is put cautiously by δοκει dokei (seems). Καταγγελευς Kataggeleus does not occur in the old Greek, though in ecclesiastical writers, but Deissmann (Light from the Ancient East, p. 99) gives an example of the word “on a marble stele recording a decree of the Mitylenaens in honour of the Emperor Augustus,” where it is the herald of the games. Here alone in the N.T. Δαιμονιον Daimonion is used in the old Greek sense of deity or divinity whether good or bad, not in the N.T. sense of demons. Both this word and καταγγελευς kataggeleus are used from the Athenian standpoint. Χενος Xenos is an old word for a guest-friend (Latin hospes) and then host (Romans 16:23), then for foreigner or stranger (Matthew 25:31; Acts 17:21), new and so strange as here and Hebrews 13:9; 1 Peter 4:12, and then aliens (Ephesians 2:12). This view of Paul is the first count against Socrates: Socrates does wrong, introducing new deities On this charge the Athenians voted the hemlock for their greatest citizen. What will they do to Paul? This Athens was more sceptical and more tolerant than the old Athens. But Roman law did not allow the introduction of a new religion (religio illicita). Paul was walking on thin ice though he was the real master philosopher and these Epicureans and Stoics were quacks. Paul had the only true philosophy of the universe and life with Jesus Christ as the centre (Colossians 1:12-20), the greatest of all philosophers as Ramsay justly terms him. But these men are mocking him. Because he preached Jesus and the resurrection (ευαγγελιζω hoti ton Iēsoun kai tēn anastasin euēggelizato). Reason for the view just stated. Imperfect middle indicative of αναστασις euaggelizō to “gospelize.” Apparently these critics considered anastasis (Resurrection) another deity on a par with Jesus. The Athenians worshipped all sorts of abstract truths and virtues and they misunderstood Paul on this subject. They will leave him as soon as he mentions the resurrection (Acts 17:32). It is objected that Luke would not use the word in this sense here for his readers would not under stand him. But Luke is describing the misapprehension of this group of philosophers and this interpretation fits in precisely. [source]
You Jews. To your descendants, sons and daughters of Acts 2:17. To all that are afar off (πασιν τοις εις μακραν pāsin tois eis makran The horizon widens and includes the Gentiles. Those “afar off” from the Jews were the heathen (Isaiah 49:1; Isaiah 57:19; Ephesians 2:13, Ephesians 2:17). The rabbis so used it. Shall call First aorist middle subjunctive with αν an in an indefinite relative clause, a perfectly regular construction. The Lord God calls men of every nation anywhere whether Jews or Gentiles. It may be doubted how clearly Peter grasped the significance of these words for he will have trouble over this very matter on the housetop in Joppa and in Caesarea, but he will see before long the full sweep of the great truth that he here proclaims under the impulse of the Holy Spirit. It was a great moment that Peter here reaches. [source]
Σάρξ fleshoccurs in the classics in the physical sense only. Homer commonly uses it in the plural as denoting all the flesh or muscles of the body. Later the singular occurs in the same sense. Paul's use of this and other psychological terms must be determined largely by the Old-Testament usage as it appears in the Septuagint. 1. In the physical sense. The literal flesh. In the Septuagint τὰ κρέα flesh(plural) is used where the reference is to the parts of animals slain, and αἱ σάρκες , flesh (plural) where the reference is to flesh as the covering of the living body. Hence Paul uses κρέα in Romans 14:21; 1 Corinthians 8:13, of the flesh of sacrificed animals. Compare also the adjective σάρκιμος fleshy 2 Corinthians 3:3; and Ezekiel 11:19; Ezekiel 36:26, Sept. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- 2. Kindred. Denoting natural or physical relationship, Romans 1:3; Romans 9:3-8; Romans 11:14; Galatians 4:23, Galatians 4:29; 1 Corinthians 10:18; Philemon 1:16. This usage forms a transition to the following sense: the whole human body. Flesh is the medium in and through which the natural relationship of man manifests itself. Kindred is conceived as based on community of bodily substance. Therefore:-DIVIDER- 3. The body itself. The whole being designated by the part, as being its main substance and characteristic, 1 Corinthians 6:16; 1 Corinthians 7:28; 2 Corinthians 4:11; 2 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Corinthians 10:3; 2 Corinthians 12:7. Romans 2:28; Galatians 6:13, etc. Paul follows the Septuagint in sometimes using σῶμα bodyand sometimes σάρξ fleshin this sense, so that the terms occasionally seem to be practically synonymous. Thus 1 Corinthians 6:16, 1 Corinthians 6:17, where the phrase one body is illustrated and confirmed by one flesh. See Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:28, Ephesians 5:31, where the two are apparently interchanged. Compare 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 5:3, and Colossians 2:5. Σάρξ , however, differs from σῶμα in that it can only signify the organism of an earthly, living being consisting of flesh and bones, and cannot denote “either an earthly organism that is not living, or a living organism that is not earthly” (Wendt, in Dickson). Σῶμα not thus limited. Thus it may denote the organism of the plant (1 Corinthians 15:37, 1 Corinthians 15:38) or the celestial bodies (1 Corinthians 15:40). Hence the two conceptions are related as general and special: σῶμα bodybeing the material organism apart from any definite matter (not from any sort of matter), σάρξ , flesh, the definite, earthly, animal organism. The two are synonymons when σῶμα is used, from the context, of an earthly, animal body. Compare Philemon 1:22; 2 Corinthians 5:1-8. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- Σῶμα bodyand not σάρξ fleshis used when the reference is to a metaphorical organism, as the church, Romans 12:4sqq.; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 12:12-27; Ephesians 1:23; Ephesians 2:16; Colossians 1:18, etc. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- The σάρξ is described as mortal (2 Corinthians 4:11); subject to infirmity (Galatians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 12:7); locally limited (Colossians 2:15); an object of fostering care (Ephesians 5:29). -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- 4. Living beings generally, including their mental nature, and with a correlated notion of weakness and perishableness. Thus the phrase πᾶσα σάρξ allflesh (Genesis 6:12; Isaiah 49:26; Isaiah 49:23). This accessory notion of weakness stands in contrast with God. In Paul the phrase all flesh is cited from the Old Testament (Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16) and is used independently (1 Corinthians 1:29). In all these instances before God is added. So in Galatians 1:16, flesh and blood implies a contrast of human with divine wisdom. Compare 1 Corinthians 15:50; Ephesians 6:12. This leads up to-DIVIDER- 5. Man “either as a creature in his natural state apart from Christ, or the creaturely side or aspect of the man in Christ.” Hence it is correlated with ἄνθρωπος man 1 Corinthians 3:3; Romans 6:19; 2 Corinthians 5:17. Compare Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9; Galatians 5:24. Thus the flesh would seem to be interchangeable with the old man. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- It has affections and lusts (Galatians 5:24); willings (Ephesians 2:3; Romans 8:6, Romans 8:7); a mind (Colossians 2:18); a body (Colossians 2:11). -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- It is in sharp contrast with πνεῦμα spirit(Galatians 3:3, Galatians 3:19; Galatians 5:16, Galatians 5:17, Galatians 5:19-24; Galatians 6:8; Romans 8:4). The flesh and the spirit are thus antagonistic. Σάρξ fleshbefore or in contrast with his reception of the divine element whereby he becomes a new creature in Christ: the whole being of man as it exists and acts apart from the influence of the Spirit. It properly characterizes, therefore, not merely the lower forms of sensual gratification, but all - the highest developments of the life estranged from God, whether physical, intellectual, or aesthetic. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- It must be carefully noted:-DIVIDER- 1. That Paul does not identify flesh and sin. Compare, flesh of sin, Romans 8:3. See Romans 7:17, Romans 7:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Galatians 2:20. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- 2. That Paul does not identify σάρξ withthe material body nor associate sin exclusively and predominantly with the body. The flesh is the flesh of the living man animated by the soul ( ψυχή ) as its principle of life, and is distinctly used as coordinate with ἄνθρωπος manAs in the Old Testament, “it embraces in an emphatic manner the nature of man, mental and corporeal, with its internal distinctions.” The spirit as well as the flesh is capable of defilement (2 Corinthians 7:1; compare 1 Corinthians 7:34). Christian life is to be transformed by the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2; compare Ephesians 4:23). -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- 3. That Paul does not identify the material side of man with evil. The flesh is not the native seat and source of sin. It is only its organ, and the seat of sin's manifestation. Matter is not essentially evil. The logical consequence of this would be that no service of God is possible while the material organism remains. See Romans 12:1. The flesh is not necessarily sinful in itself; but as it has existed from the time of the introduction of sin through Adam, it is recognized by Paul as tainted with sin. Jesus appeared in the flesh, and yet was sinless (2 Corinthians 5:21).The motions of sins ( τὰ παθήματα τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν )Motions used in earlier English for emotions or impulses. Thus Bacon: “He that standeth at a stay where others rise, can hardly avoid motions of envy” (“Essay” xiv.). The word is nearly synonymous with πάθος passion(Romans 1:26, note). From πάθειν tosuffer; a feeling which the mind undergoes, a passion, desire. Rev., sinful passions: which led to sins.Did work ( ἐνηργεῖτο )Rev., wrought. See 2 Corinthians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 4:12; Ephesians 3:20; Galatians 5:6; Philemon 2:13; Colossians 1:29. Compare Mark 6:14, and see on power, John 1:12. [source]
Used only by Paul. Compare Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:12. Lit., the act of bringing to. Hence some insist on the transitive sense, introduction. Compare 1 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 2:13. The transitive sense predominates in classical Greek, but there are undoubted instances of the intransitive sense in later Greek, and some illustrations are cited from Xenophon, though their meaning is disputed. [source]
Some make the two prepositions equivalent. The difference may be explained from the fact that the real Jew has already a germinating faith from the completion of which justification arises as fruit from a tree. So Wordsworth: “The Jews are justified out of ( ἐκ ) the faith which their father Abraham had, and which they are supposed to have in him The Gentiles must enter that door and pass through it in order to be justified.” Compare Ephesians 2:17. [source]
This word is most important, since it is the key to the conception of Christ's atoning work. In the New Testament it occurs only here and Hebrews 9:5; and must be studied in connection with the following kindred words: ἱλάσκομαι which occurs in the New Testament only Luke 18:13, God be merciful, and Hebrews 2:17, to make reconciliation. Ἱλασμός twice, Amos 5:21-246; 1 John 4:10; in both cases rendered propitiation. The compound ἐξιλάσκομαι , which is not found in the New Testament, but is frequent in the Septuagint and is rendered purge, cleanse, reconcile, make atonement. Septuagint usage. These words mostly represent the Hebrew verb kaphar to cover or conceal, and its derivatives. With only seven exceptions, out of about sixty or seventy passages in the Old Testament, where the Hebrew is translated by atone or atonement, the Septuagint employs some part or derivative of ἱλάσκομαι or ἐξιλάσκομαι or Ἱλασμός or ἐξιλασμός is the usual Septuagint translation for kippurim covering for sin, A.V., atonement. Thus sin-offerings of atonement; day of atonement; ram of the atonement. See Exodus 29:36; Exodus 30:10; Leviticus 23:27; Numbers 5:8, etc. They are also used for chattath sin-offering, Ezekiel 44:27; Ezekiel 45:19; and for selichah forgiveness. Psalm 129:4; Daniel 9:9. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- These words are always used absolutely, without anything to mark the offense or the person propitiated. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- Ἱλάσκομαι , which is comparatively rare, occurs as a translation of kipher to cover sin, Psalm 65:3; Psalm 78:38; Ezra 10:1-15; A.V., purge away, forgive, pardon. Of salach to bear away as a burden, 2 Kings 5:18; Psalm 25:11: A.V., forgive, pardon. It is used with the accusative (direct objective) case, marking the sin, or with the dative (indirect objective), as be conciliated to our sins. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- Ἑξιλάσκομαι mostly represents kipher to cover, and is more common than the simple verb. Thus, purge the altar, Ezekiel 43:26; cleanse the sanctuary, Ezekiel 45:20; reconcile the house, Daniel 9:24. It is found with the accusative case of that which is cleansed; with the preposition περί concerningas “for your sin,” Exodus 32:30; with the preposition ὑπέρ onbehalf of A.V., for, Ezekiel 45:17; absolutely, to make an atonement, Leviticus 16:17; with the preposition ἀπό fromas “cleansed from the blood,” Numbers 35:33. There are but two instances of the accusative of the person propitiated: appease him, Genesis 32:20; pray before (propitiate) the Lord, Zechariah 7:2. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- Ἱλαστηριον , A.V., propitiation, is almost always used in the Old Testament of the mercy-seat or golden cover of the ark, and this is its meaning in Hebrews 9:5, the only other passage of the New Testament in which it is found. In 1 John 1:1-3 Ezekiel 43:17, Ezekiel 43:20, it means a ledge round a large altar, and is rendered settle in A.V.; Rev., ledge, in margin. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- This term has been unduly pressed into the sense of explanatory sacrifice. In the case of the kindred verbs, the dominant Old-Testament sense is not propitiation in the sense of something offered to placate or appease anger; but atonement or reconciliation, through the covering, and so getting rid of the sin which stands between God and man. The thrust of the idea is upon the sin or uncleanness, not upon the offended party. Hence the frequent interchange with ἀγιάζω tosanctify, and καθαρίζω tocleanse. See Ezekiel 43:26, where ἐξιλάσονται shallpurge, and καθαριοῦσιν shallpurify, are used coordinately. See also Exodus 30:10, of the altar of incense: “Aaron shall make an atonement ( ἐξιλάσεται ) upon the horns of it - with the blood of the sin-offering of atonement ” ( καθαρισμοῦ purification). Compare Leviticus 16:20. The Hebrew terms are also used coordinately. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- Our translators frequently render the verb kaphar by reconcile, Leviticus 6:30; Leviticus 14:48-53; Ezekiel 45:20. In Leviticus 8:15, Moses put blood upon the horns of the altar and cleansed ( ἐκαθάρισε ) the altar, and sanctified ( ἡγίασεν ) it, to make reconciliation ( τοῦ ἐξιλάσασθαι ) upon it. Compare Ezekiel 45:15, Ezekiel 45:17; Daniel 9:24. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- The verb and its derivatives occur where the ordinary idea of expiation is excluded. As applied to an altar or to the walls of a house (Leviticus 16:20), this idea could have no force, because these inanimate things, though ceremonially unclean, could have no sin to be expiated. Moses, when he went up to make atonement for the idolatry at Sinai, offered no sacrifice, but only intercession. See also the case of Korah, Numbers 16:46; the cleansing of leprosy and of mothers after childbirth, Leviticus href="/desk/?q=le+12:7&sr=1">Leviticus 12:7; Leviticus 15:30; the reformation of Josiah, Ezra href="/desk/?q=ezr+10:1-15&sr=1">Psalm 79:9; the offering of the Israelite army after the defeat of Midian. They brought bracelets, rings, etc., to make an atonement ( ἐξιλάσασθαι ) before the Lord; not expiatory, but a memorial, Numbers 31:50-54. The Passover was in no sense expiatory; but Paul says, “Christ our Passover was sacrificed for us; therefore purge out ( ἐκκαθάρατε ) the old leaven. Let us keep the feast with sincerity and truth;” 1 Corinthians 5:7, 1 Corinthians 5:8. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- In the Old Testament the idea of sacrifice as in itself a propitiation continually recedes before that of the personal character lying back of sacrifice, and which alone gives virtue to it. See 1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 40:6-10; Psalm 50:8-14, Psalm 50:23; Psalm 51:16, Psalm 51:17; Isaiah 1:11-18; Jeremiah 7:21-23; 1713586072_52; Micah 6:6-8. This idea does not recede in the Old Testament to be reemphasized in the New. On the contrary, the New Testament emphasizes the recession, and lays the stress upon the cleansing and life-giving effect of the sacrifice of Christ. See John 1:29; Colossians 1:20-22; Hebrews 9:14; Hebrews 10:19-21; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 1:7; 1 John 4:10-13. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- The true meaning of the offering of Christ concentrates, therefore, not upon divine justice, but upon human character; not upon the remission of penalty for a consideration, but upon the deliverance from penalty through moral transformation; not upon satisfying divine justice, but upon bringing estranged man into harmony with God. As Canon Westcott remarks: “The scripture conception of ἱλάσκεσθαι is not that of appeasing one who is angry with a personal feeling against the offender, but of altering the character of that which, from without, occasions a necessary alienation, and interposes an inevitable obstacle to fellowship” (Commentary on St. John's Epistles, p. 85). -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- In the light of this conception we are brought back to that rendering of ἱλαστήριον which prevails in the Septuagint, and which it has in the only other New-Testament passage where it occurs (Hebrews 9:5) - mercy-seat; a rendering, maintained by a large number of the earlier expositors, and by some of the ablest of the moderns. That it is the sole instance of its occurrence in this sense is a fact which has its parallel in the terms Passover, Door, Rock, Amen, Day-spring, and others, applied to Christ. To say that the metaphor is awkward counts for nothing in the light of other metaphors of Paul. To say that the concealment of the ark is inconsistent with set forth is to adduce the strongest argument in favor of this rendering. The contrast with set forth falls in perfectly with the general conception. That mercy-seat which was veiled, and which the Jew could approach only once a fear, and then through the medium of the High-Priest, is now brought out where all can draw nigh and experience its reconciling power (Hebrews 10:19, Hebrews 10:22; compare Hebrews 9:8). “The word became flesh and dwelt among us. We beheld His glory. We saw and handled” (John 1:14; Ezekiel 43:14,). The mercy-seat was the meetingplace of God and man (Exodus 25:17-22; Leviticus 16:2; Numbers 7:89); the place of mediation and manifestation. Through Christ, the antitype of the mercy-seat, the Mediator, man has access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18). As the golden surface covered the tables of the law, so Christ stands over the law, vindicating it as holy and just and good, and therewith vindicating the divine claim to obedience and holiness. As the blood was annually sprinkled on the golden cover by the High-Priest, so Christ is set forth “in His blood,” not shed to appease God's wrath, to satisfy God's justice, nor to compensate for man's disobedience, but as the highest expression of divine love for man, taking common part with humanity even unto death, that it might reconcile it through faith and self-surrender to God.Through faithConnect with propitiation (mercy-seat). The sacrifice of Christ becomes effective through the faith which appropriates it. Reconciliation implies two parties. “No propitiation reaches the mark that does not on its way, reconcile or bring into faith, the subject for whom it is made. There is no God-welcome prepared which does not open the guilty heart to welcome God” (Bushnell).In His bloodConstrue with set forth, and render as Rev., by His blood; i.e., in that He caused Him to shed His blood.To declare His righteousness ( εἱς ἔνδειξιν τῆς δικαιοσύνης αὐτοῦ )Lit., for a shewing, etc. Rev., to shew. For practical proof or demonstration. Not, as so often explained, to shew God's righteous indignation against sin by wreaking its penalty on the innocent Christ. The shewing of the cross is primarily the shewing of God's love and yearning to be at one with man (John 3:14-17). The righteousness of God here is not His “judicial” or “punitive” righteousness, but His righteous character, revealing its antagonism to sin in its effort to save man from his sin, and put forward as a ground of mercy, not as an obstacle to mercy.For the remission of sins that are past ( διὰ τὴν πάρεσιν τῶν προγεγονότων ἁμαρτημάτων )Rev., correctly, because of the passing over of the sins done aforetime. Passing over, praetermission, differs from remission ( ἄφεσις ). In remission guilt and punishment are sent away; in praetermission they are wholly or partially undealt with. Compare Acts 14:16; Acts 17:30. Ἁμάρτημα sinis the separate and particular deed of disobedience, while ἁμαρτία includes sin in the abstract - sin regarded as sinfulness. Sins done aforetime are the collective sins of the world before Christ.Through the forbearance of God ( ἐν τῇ ἀνοχῇ τοῦ Θεοῦ )Rev., in the forbearance. Construe with the passing by. The word ἀνοχή forbearancefrom ἀνέχω tohold up, occurs in the New Testament only here and Romans 2:4. It is not found in the Septuagint proper, and is not frequent in classical Greek, where it is used of a holding back or stopping of hostilities; a truce; in later Greek, a permission. The passage has given much trouble to expositors, largely, I think, through their insisting on the sense of forbearance with reference to sins - the toleration or refraining from punishment of sins done aforetime. But it is a fair construction of the term to apply it, in its primary sense of holding back, to the divine method of dealing with sin. It cannot be said that God passed over the sins of the world before Christ without penalty, for that is plainly contradicted by Romans 1:18-32; but He did pass them over in the sense that He did not apply, but held back the redeeming agency of God manifest in the flesh until the “fullness of time.” The sacrifices were a homage rendered to God's righteousness, but they did not touch sin with the power and depth which attached to Christ's sacrifice. No demonstration of God's righteousness and consequent hatred of sin, could be given equal to that of the life and death of Jesus. Hence Paul, as I take it, says: God set forth Christ as the world's mercy-seat, for the showing forth of His righteousness, because previously He had given no such manifestation of His righteousness, but had held it back, passing over, with the temporary institution of sacrifices, the sin at the roots of which He finally struck in the sacrifice of Christ. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- [source]
The christian brother, whose christian personality is God's work. See 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10; James 1:18. [source]
Abstract for concrete. Those elected; like ἡ περιτομή thecircumcision for those uncircumcised (Ephesians 2:11. Compare τὴν κατατομήν theconcision, Philemon 3:3). [source]
Christ put a stop to the law as a means of salvation (Romans 6:14; Romans 9:31; Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14) as in Luke 16:16. Christ is the goal or aim of the law (Galatians 3:24). Christ is the fulfilment of the law (Matthew 5:17; Romans 13:10; 1 Timothy 1:5). But here (Denney) Paul‘s main idea is that Christ ended the law as a method of salvation for “every one that believeth” whether Jew or Gentile. Christ wrote finis on law as a means of grace. [source]
Old word from προσαγω prosagō to bring to, to introduce. Hence “introduction,” “approach.” Elsewhere in N.T. only Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:12. Wherein we stand (εν ηι εστηκαμεν en hēi hestēkamen). Perfect active (intransitive) indicative of ιστημι histēmi Grace is here present as a field into which we have been introduced and where we stand and we should enjoy all the privileges of this grace about us. Let us rejoice “Let us exult.” Present middle subjunctive (volitive) because εχωμεν echōmen is accepted as correct. The exhortation is that we keep on enjoying peace with God and keep on exulting in hope of the glory of God. [source]
First aorist active indicative of προετοιμαζω proetoimazō old verb to make ready (from ετοιμος hetoimos ready) and προ pro before, in N.T. only here and Ephesians 2:10. But same idea in Romans 8:28-30. [source]
See on Matthew 26:28. Those concluded with the patriarchs since Abraham. See Galatians 3:16, Galatians 3:17; Ephesians 2:12. The plural never occurs in the Old Testament. See on Hebrews 9:16. [source]
Only here and Ephesians 2:10. The studied difference in the use of this term instead of καταρτίζω tofit (Romans 9:22), cannot be overlooked. The verb is not equivalent to foreordained ( προορίζω ). Fitted, by the adjustment of parts, emphasizes the concurrence of all the elements of the case to the final result. Prepared is more general. In the former case the result is indicated; in the latter, the previousness. Note before prepared, while before is wanting in Romans 9:22. In this passage the direct agency of God is distinctly stated; in the other the agency is left indefinite. Here a single act is indicated; there a process. The simple verb ἑτοιμάζω often indicates, as Meyer remarks, to constitute qualitatively; i.e., to arrange with reference to the reciprocal quality of the thing prepared, and that for which it is prepared. See Luke 1:17; John 14:2; 1 Corinthians 2:9; 2 Timothy 2:21. “Ah, truly,” says Reuss, “if the last word of the christian revelation is contained in the image of the potter and the clay, it is a bitter derision of all the deep needs and legitimate desires of a soul aspiring toward its God. This would be at once a satire of reason upon herself and the suicide of revelation. But it is neither the last word nor the only word; nor has it any immediate observable bearing on the concrete development of our lives. It is not the only word, because, in nine-tenths of Scripture, it is as wholly excluded from the sphere of revelation as though it had been never revealed at all; and it is not the last word, because, throughout the whole of Scripture, and nowhere more than in the writings of the very apostle who has faced this problem with the most heroic inflexibility, we see bright glimpses of something beyond. How little we were intended to draw logical conclusions from the metaphor, is shown by the fact that we are living souls, not dead clay; and St. Paul elsewhere recognized a power, both within and without our beings, by which, as by an omnipotent alchemy, mean vessels can become precious, and vessels of earthenware be transmuted into vessels of gold” (Farrar). See note at end of ch. 11. [source]
Lit., shall be unto one flesh: i.e., from being two, shall pass into one. Hence Rev., rightly, shall become. Compare Ephesians 2:15. [source]
The steward or house manager Hence the under-rower They were entrusted with the knowledge of some of God‘s secrets though the disciples were not such apt pupils as they claimed to be (Matthew 13:51; Matthew 16:8-12). As stewards Paul and other ministers are entrusted with the mysteries (see note on 1 Corinthians 2:7 for this word) of God and are expected to teach them. “The church is the οικος oikos (1 Timothy 3:15), God the οικοδεσποτης oikodespotēs (Matthew 13:52), the members the οικειοι oikeioi (Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 2:19)” (Lightfoot). Paul had a vivid sense of the dignity of this stewardship The ministry is more than a mere profession or trade. It is a calling from God for stewardship. [source]
Here Paul uses one of his great doctrinal words, καταλλασσω katallassō old word for exchanging coins. Διαλλασσω Diallassō to change one‘s mind, to reconcile, occurs in N.T. only in Matthew 5:24 though in papyri (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East, p. 187), and common in Attic. Καταλλασσω Katallassō is old verb, but more frequent in later writers. We find συναλλασσω sunallassō in Acts 7:26 and αποκαταλλασσω apokatallassō in Colossians 1:20.; Ephesians 2:16 and the substantive καταλλαγη katallagē in Romans 5:11; Romans 11:15 as well as here. It is hard to discuss this great theme without apparent contradiction. God‘s love (John 3:16) provided the means and basis for man‘s reconciliation to God against whom he had sinned. It is all God‘s plan because of his love, but God‘s own sense of justice had to be satisfied (Romans 3:26) and so God gave his Son as a propitiation for our sins (Romans 3:25; Colossians 1:20; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10). The point made by Paul here is that God needs no reconciliation, but is engaged in the great business of reconciling us to himself. This has to be done on God‘s terms and is made possible through (δια dia) Christ. [source]
Comp. 2 Corinthians 5:17. For καινὴ newsee on Matthew 26:29. For κτίσις see on Romans 8:19; see on 2 Corinthians 5:17. Here of the thing created, not of the act of creating. The phrase was common in Jewish writers for one brought to the knowledge of the true God. Comp. Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 2:15. [source]
Πρὸς combines with the sense of direction that of active relation with. Comp. Matthew 13:56; Mark 9:16; John 1:1; Acts 3:25; Acts 28:25; 1 Thessalonians 4:12; Hebrews 9:20. Frequently in Class. of all kinds of personal intercourse. See Hom. Od. xiv. 331; xix. 288; Thucyd. ii. 59; iv. 15; vii. 82; Hdt. i. 61. Ὁικεῖοι ofthe household, rare in N.T. See Ephesians 2:19; 1 Timothy 5:8. Quite often in lxx of kinsmen. It is unnecessary to introduce the idea of a household here, as A.V., since the word acquired the general sense of pertaining or belonging to. Thus οἰκεῖοι φιλοσοφίας or γεωγραφίας belongingto philosophy or geography, philosophers, geographers. So here, belonging to the faith, believers. [source]
One moral personality. The individual differences are merged in the higher unity into which all are raised by their common life in Christ. This is the one new man, Ephesians 2:15. [source]
Lit. sinners taken from the Gentiles, or sprung from. Sinners, in the conventional Jewish sense; born heathen, and as such sinners; not implying that Jews are not sinners. The Jew regarded the Gentile as impure, and styled him a dog (Matthew 15:27). See Romans 2:12; 1 Corinthians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 9:21; Ephesians 2:12; Luke 18:32; Luke 24:7. Possibly Paul here cites the very words by which Peter sought to justify his separation from the Gentile Christians, and takes up these words in order to draw from them an opposite conclusion. This is quite according to Paul's habit. [source]
The bond which is peace. Compare Ephesians 2:14, our peace - made both one. Christ, our peace, is thus a bond of peace. Others, however, treat in the bond as parallel with in love of Ephesians 4:2, and cite Colossians 3:14, “love the bond of perfectness.” [source]
See on Ephesians 2:10. [source]
Notice the article, the Christ, and see on Ephesians 2:13. [source]
Resuming Ephesians 2:1. [source]
Answering to temple. Only here and Revelation 18:2. Indicating a permanent dwelling. See on dwell, Luke 11:26; see on Acts 2:5; see on Mark 5:3. In marked contrast with sojourners, Ephesians 2:19. [source]
Jews. See on Romans 3:30. As children of the messianic covenant. See on Ephesians 2:12. Compare Isaiah 57:9, where the Septuagint reads, peace upon peace to those who are far and to those who are near. [source]
Only here and Colossians 1:20, Colossians 1:21. See on Colossians 1:20. The new man precedes the reconciling in Paul's statement, though, as a fact, the order is the reverse. The verb contains a hint of restoration to a primal unity. See on Ephesians 2:12. [source]
Rev., that He might create. See on created, Ephesians 2:10. The work was to be a new creation on a new foundation. [source]
The enmity immediately follows the middle wall of partition, and should be rendered in apposition with and as defining it, and as dependent on brake down, not on abolished: the middle wall which was the enmity. It is used abstractly, as peace in Ephesians 2:14. The enmity was the result and working of the law regarded as a separative system; as it separated Jew from Gentile, and both from God. See Romans 3:20; Romans 4:15; Romans 5:20; Romans 7:7-11. For abolished, see on cumbereth, Luke 13:7, and make without effect, see on Romans 3:3. [source]
Lit., the both. The neuter gender shows that Jews and Gentiles are conceived by the writer merely as two facts. The masculine is used in Ephesians 2:15, Ephesians 2:16. [source]
Taking up the closing thought of the preceding chapter, the magnitude of God's power toward believers as exhibited in Christ's resurrection. He now shows that the same power is applied to his readers. Hence the connection is: “When He raised Him from the dead, etc., and you did He quicken, even as He quickened Christ.” The structure of the passage is broken. Paul having prominently in mind the thought God quickened you as He did Christ, begins with you also. Then the connection is interrupted by Ephesians 2:2, Ephesians 2:3, which describe their previous condition. Then Ephesians 2:1is taken up in Ephesians 2:4, by but God, God introducing a new sentence. [source]
Change in the structure of the sentence here, resuming Ephesians 2:1 after the break. [source]
Repeats the beginning of Ephesians 2:1, but he changes υμας humās (you Gentiles) to ημας hēmās (us Jews). [source]
This conjunction applies to the Gentile Christians the arguments in Ephesians 2:1-10. [source]
No verb is expressed, but in Ephesians 2:12 Paul repeats οτι εν τωι καιρωι εκεινωι hoti en tōi kairōi ekeinōi (for ποτε pote) “that at that time” and inserts ητε ēte (ye were). Uncircumcision (ακροβυστια akrobustia), circumcision (περιτομης peritomēs). The abstract words are used to describe Gentiles and Jews as in Galatians 5:6; Romans 2:27. Made by hands Agreeing with περιτομης peritomēs Verbal (Mark 14:58) from χειροποιεω cheiropoieō like αχειροποιητος acheiropoiētos in Colossians 2:11. [source]
The two men (masculine here, neuter in Ephesians 2:14), Jew and Gentile. One new man (εις ενα καινον αντρωπον eis hena kainon anthrōpon). Into one fresh man (Colossians 3:9-11) “in himself” (εν αυτωι en hautōi). Thus alone is it possible. Making peace Thus alone can it be done. Christ is the peace-maker between men, nations, races, classes. [source]
“The both,” “the two” The “one new man” of Ephesians 2:15 of which Christ is Head (Ephesians 1:23), the spiritual church. Paul piles up metaphors to express his idea of the Kingdom of God with Christ as King (the church, the body, the commonwealth of Israel, oneness, one new man in Christ, fellow-citizens, the family of God, the temple of God). Thereby On the Cross where he slew the enmity (repeated here) between Jew and Gentile. [source]
The “one new man” of Ephesians 2:15 of which Christ is Head (Ephesians 1:23), the spiritual church. Paul piles up metaphors to express his idea of the Kingdom of God with Christ as King (the church, the body, the commonwealth of Israel, oneness, one new man in Christ, fellow-citizens, the family of God, the temple of God). [source]
One mystical body of Christ (the spiritual church or kingdom, cf. Ephesians 1:23; Ephesians 2:16). [source]
Ablative case απηλλοτριωμενοι zōēs after δια την αγνοιαν apēllotriōmenoi (Ephesians 2:12). [source]
Και Kai is genuine here, though not in Colossians 1:3. The one article First aorist active participle of ευλογεω eulogeō the same word, antecedent action to the doxology (ευλογητος eulogētos). With So-called instrumental use of εν en though in is clear. Every spiritual blessing (πασηι ευλογιαι πνευματικηι pasēi eulogiāi pneumatikēi). Third use of the root ευλογ eulog (verbal, verb, substantive). Paul lovingly plays with the idea. The believer is a citizen of heaven and the spiritual blessings count for most to him. In the heavenly places in Christ In four other places in Ephesians (Ephesians 1:20; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 3:10; Ephesians 6:12). This precise phrase (with εν en) occurs nowhere else in the N.T. and has a clearly local meaning in Ephesians 1:20; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 3:10, doubtful in Ephesians 6:12, but probably so here. In Ephesians 2:6 the believer is conceived as already seated with Christ. Heaven is the real abode of the citizen of Christ‘s kingdom (Philemon 3:20) who is a stranger on earth (Philemon 1:27; Ephesians 2:19). The word επουρανιος epouranios (heavenly) occurs in various passages in the N.T. in contrast with τα επιγεια ta epigeia (the earthly) as in John 3:12; 1 Corinthians 15:40, 1 Corinthians 15:48, 1 Corinthians 15:49; Philemon 2:10, with πατρις patris (country) in Hebrews 11:16, with κλησις klēsis (calling) in Hebrews 3:1, with δωρεα dōrea (gift) in Hebrews 6:4, with βασιλεια basileia (kingdom) in 2 Timothy 4:18. [source]
So-called instrumental use of εν en though in is clear. Every spiritual blessing (πασηι ευλογιαι πνευματικηι pasēi eulogiāi pneumatikēi). Third use of the root ευλογ eulog (verbal, verb, substantive). Paul lovingly plays with the idea. The believer is a citizen of heaven and the spiritual blessings count for most to him. In the heavenly places in Christ In four other places in Ephesians (Ephesians 1:20; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 3:10; Ephesians 6:12). This precise phrase (with εν en) occurs nowhere else in the N.T. and has a clearly local meaning in Ephesians 1:20; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 3:10, doubtful in Ephesians 6:12, but probably so here. In Ephesians 2:6 the believer is conceived as already seated with Christ. Heaven is the real abode of the citizen of Christ‘s kingdom (Philemon 3:20) who is a stranger on earth (Philemon 1:27; Ephesians 2:19). The word επουρανιος epouranios (heavenly) occurs in various passages in the N.T. in contrast with τα επιγεια ta epigeia (the earthly) as in John 3:12; 1 Corinthians 15:40, 1 Corinthians 15:48, 1 Corinthians 15:49; Philemon 2:10, with πατρις patris (country) in Hebrews 11:16, with κλησις klēsis (calling) in Hebrews 3:1, with δωρεα dōrea (gift) in Hebrews 6:4, with βασιλεια basileia (kingdom) in 2 Timothy 4:18. [source]
is clear. Every spiritual blessing (πασηι ευλογιαι πνευματικηι pasēi eulogiāi pneumatikēi). Third use of the root ευλογ eulog (verbal, verb, substantive). Paul lovingly plays with the idea. The believer is a citizen of heaven and the spiritual blessings count for most to him. In the heavenly places in Christ In four other places in Ephesians (Ephesians 1:20; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 3:10; Ephesians 6:12). This precise phrase (with εν en) occurs nowhere else in the N.T. and has a clearly local meaning in Ephesians 1:20; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 3:10, doubtful in Ephesians 6:12, but probably so here. In Ephesians 2:6 the believer is conceived as already seated with Christ. Heaven is the real abode of the citizen of Christ‘s kingdom (Philemon 3:20) who is a stranger on earth (Philemon 1:27; Ephesians 2:19). The word επουρανιος epouranios (heavenly) occurs in various passages in the N.T. in contrast with τα επιγεια ta epigeia (the earthly) as in John 3:12; 1 Corinthians 15:40, 1 Corinthians 15:48, 1 Corinthians 15:49; Philemon 2:10, with πατρις patris (country) in Hebrews 11:16, with κλησις klēsis (calling) in Hebrews 3:1, with δωρεα dōrea (gift) in Hebrews 6:4, with βασιλεια basileia (kingdom) in 2 Timothy 4:18. [source]
“The brand-new (see note on Ephesians 2:15) man,” though τον νεον ton neon in Colossians 3:10. After God (κατα τεον kata theon). After the pattern God, the new birth, the new life in Christ, destined to be like God in the end (Romans 8:29). [source]
In four other places in Ephesians (Ephesians 1:20; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 3:10; Ephesians 6:12). This precise phrase (with εν en) occurs nowhere else in the N.T. and has a clearly local meaning in Ephesians 1:20; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 3:10, doubtful in Ephesians 6:12, but probably so here. In Ephesians 2:6 the believer is conceived as already seated with Christ. Heaven is the real abode of the citizen of Christ‘s kingdom (Philemon 3:20) who is a stranger on earth (Philemon 1:27; Ephesians 2:19). The word επουρανιος epouranios (heavenly) occurs in various passages in the N.T. in contrast with τα επιγεια ta epigeia (the earthly) as in John 3:12; 1 Corinthians 15:40, 1 Corinthians 15:48, 1 Corinthians 15:49; Philemon 2:10, with πατρις patris (country) in Hebrews 11:16, with κλησις klēsis (calling) in Hebrews 3:1, with δωρεα dōrea (gift) in Hebrews 6:4, with βασιλεια basileia (kingdom) in 2 Timothy 4:18. [source]
First aorist passive participle of κτιζω ktizō not the original creation as in Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 3:9, but the moral and spiritual renewal in Christ, the new birth, as in Ephesians 2:15; Ephesians 4:24. For good works (επι εργοις αγατοις epi ergois agathois). Probably the true dative of purpose here with επι epi (Robertson, Grammar, p. 605). Purpose of the new creation in Christ. Which Attraction of the relative α ha (accusative after προητοιμασεν proētoimasen) to case of the antecedent εργοις ergois Afore prepared (προητοιμασεν proētoimasen). First aorist active indicative of προητοιμαζω proētoimazō old verb to make ready beforehand. In N.T. only here and Romans 9:23. Good works by us were included in the eternal foreordination by God. That we should walk in them Expexegetic final clause explanatory of the election to good works. [source]
But it is very doubtful if την εχτραν tēn echthran (old word from εχτρος echthros hostile, Luke 23:12) is the object of καταργησας katargēsas It looks as if it is in apposition with to μεσοτοιχον mesotoichon and so the further object of λυσας lusas The enmity between Jew and Gentile was the middle wall of partition. And then it must be decided whether “in his flesh” Final clause with first aorist active subjunctive of κτιζω ktizō The twain The two men (masculine here, neuter in Ephesians 2:14), Jew and Gentile. One new man (εις ενα καινον αντρωπον eis hena kainon anthrōpon). Into one fresh man (Colossians 3:9-11) “in himself” (εν αυτωι en hautōi). Thus alone is it possible. Making peace Thus alone can it be done. Christ is the peace-maker between men, nations, races, classes. [source]
“Unto oneness of faith” (of trust) in Christ (Ephesians 4:3) which the Gnostics were disturbing. And of the knowledge of the Son of God (και της επιγνωσεως του υιου του τεου kai tēs epignōseōs tou huiou tou theou). Three genitives in a chain dependent also on την ενοτητα tēn henotēta “the oneness of full (επι epi̇) knowledge of the Son of God,” in opposition to the Gnostic vagaries. Unto a full-grown man Same figure as in Ephesians 2:15 and τελειος teleios in sense of adult as opposed to νηπιοι nēpioi (infants) in Ephesians 4:14. Unto the measure of the stature (εις μετρον ηλικιας eis metron hēlikias). So apparently ηλικια hēlikia here as in Luke 2:52, not age (John 9:21). Boys rejoice in gaining the height of a man. But Paul adds to this idea “the fulness of Christ” (του πληρωματος του Χριστου tou plērōmatos tou Christou), like “the fulness of God” in Ephesians 3:19. And yet some actually profess to be “perfect” with a standard like this to measure by! No pastor has finished his work when the sheep fall so far short of the goal. [source]
Same figure as in Ephesians 2:15 and τελειος teleios in sense of adult as opposed to νηπιοι nēpioi (infants) in Ephesians 4:14. Unto the measure of the stature (εις μετρον ηλικιας eis metron hēlikias). So apparently ηλικια hēlikia here as in Luke 2:52, not age (John 9:21). Boys rejoice in gaining the height of a man. But Paul adds to this idea “the fulness of Christ” (του πληρωματος του Χριστου tou plērōmatos tou Christou), like “the fulness of God” in Ephesians 3:19. And yet some actually profess to be “perfect” with a standard like this to measure by! No pastor has finished his work when the sheep fall so far short of the goal. [source]
Locative case. Probably διανοια dianoia It is possible to take απηλλοτριωμενοι ontes with εσκοτωμενοι apēllotriōmenoi (see note on Ephesians 2:12) which would then be periphrastic (instead of της ζωης του τεου eskotōmenoi) perfect passive participle. From the life of God (ζωης tēs zōēs tou theou). Ablative case απηλλοτριωμενοι zōēs after δια την αγνοιαν apēllotriōmenoi (Ephesians 2:12). Because of the ignorance Old word from πωρωσιν agnoeō not to know. Rare in N.T. See note on Acts 3:17. Hardening (pōrōsin). Late medical term (Hippocrates) for callous hardening. Only other N.T. examples are Mark 3:5; Romans 11:25. [source]
Only here in the New Testament. The kindred verb occurs in the Septuagint only, of mutilations forbidden by the Mosaic law. See Leviticus 21:5. The noun here is a play upon περιτομή circumcisionIt means mutilation. Paul bitterly characterizes those who were not of the true circumcision (Romans 2:28, Romans 2:29; Colossians 2:11; Ephesians 2:11) as merely mutilated. Compare Galatians 5:12, where he uses ἀποκόπτειν tocut off, of those who would impose circumcision upon the Christian converts: “I would they would cut themselves off who trouble you;” that is, not merely circumcise, but mutilate themselves like the priests of Cybele. [source]
We believers in Christ, the children of Abraham by faith, whether Jew or Gentile, the spiritual circumcision in contrast to the merely physical (Romans 2:25-29; Colossians 2:11; Ephesians 2:11). See note on Galatians 5:12 for αποτεμνειν apotemnein (to cut off) in sense of mutilation also. [source]
Which comes from Christ. See John 14:27; Ephesians 2:14. [source]
For the circumcised. So Romans 4:12; Ephesians 2:11; Philemon 3:3. [source]
See on Luke href="/desk/?q=lu+2:1&sr=1">Luke 2:1. Lit., in ordinances; consisting in, or, as Rev., written in, as suggested by handwriting. As Paul declares this bond to be against us, including both Jews and Gentiles, the reference, while primarily to the Mosaic law, is to be taken in a wider sense, as including the moral law of God in general, which applied to the Gentiles as much as to the Jews. See Romans 3:19. The law is frequently conceived by Paul with this wider reference, as a principle which has its chief representative in the Mosaic law, but the applications of which are much wider. See on Romans 2:12. This law is conceived here as a bond, a bill of debt, standing against those who have not received Christ. As the form of error at Colossae was largely Judaic, insisting on the Jewish ceremonial law, the phrase is probably colored by this fact. Compare Ephesians 2:15. [source]
Freely ( χάρις gracefree gift ), as Luke 7:42; 2 Corinthians 2:7, 2 Corinthians 2:10; Colossians 3:13. Note the change of pronoun from you to us, believers generally, embracing himself. This change from the second to the first person, or, vice versa, is common in Paul's writings. See Colossians 1:10-13; Colossians 3:3, Colossians 3:4; Ephesians 2:2, Ephesians 2:3, Ephesians 2:13, Ephesians 2:14; Ephesians 4:31, Ephesians 4:32. [source]
That sinful, carnal nature of which uncircumcision was the sign, and which was the source of the trespasses. Compare Ephesians 2:11. [source]
The spiritual circumcision effected through Christ. See Ephesians 2:11; Philemon 3:3; Romans 2:29. In, as above. The fleshly circumcision removed only a portion of the body. In spiritual circumcision, through Christ, the whole corrupt, carnal nature is put away like a garment which is taken off and laid aside. [source]
Only here, Colossians 1:21, and Ephesians 2:16. The connection is: it was the good pleasure of the Father (Colossians 1:19) to reconcile. The compounded preposition ἀπό gives the force of back, hinting at restoration to a primal unity. So, in Ephesians 2:12-16, it occurs as in Colossians 1:21, in connection with ἀπηλλοτριωμένοι alienatedas if they had not always been strangers. See on Ephesians 2:12. Others explain to reconcile wholly. For the verb καταλλάσσω toreconcile, see on Romans 5:10. [source]
Only here in the New Testament. Having concluded peace; see on John 3:21. The participle is parallel with to reconcile, and marks peace-making and reconciliation as contemporaneous. The kindred εἰρηνοποιός peacemakeronly in Matthew 5:9. The phrase making peace, in which the two factors of this verb appear separately, occurs only Ephesians 2:15. [source]
Both words are emphatic. Ἔστιν is, is used as in John 8:58(see note), to express Christ's absolute existence. “He emphasizes the personality, is the preexistence ” (Lightfoot). For similar emphasis on the pronoun, see Ephesians 2:14; Ephesians 4:10, Ephesians 4:11; 1 John 2:2; Revelation 19:15. [source]
Accusative case in a rather loose sentence, to be explained as the object of the infinitive παραστησαι parastēsai in Colossians 1:22 (note repeated υμας humās there) or as the anticipated object of αποκατηλλαχεν apokatēllaxen if that be the genuine form in Colossians 1:22. It can be the accusative of general reference followed by anacoluthon. See similar idiom in Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 2:12. [source]
As the sufficient and chosen agent in the work of reconciliation This double compound (απο κατα apoαλλασσω kata with καταλλασσω allassō) occurs only here, Colossians 1:22; Ephesians 2:16, and nowhere else so far as known. Paul‘s usual word for “reconcile” is διαλλασσω katallassō (2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Romans 5:10), though απο diallassō (Matthew 5:24) is more common in Attic. The addition of καταλλασσω apo here is clearly for the idea of complete reconciliation. See note on 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 for discussion of τα παντα katallassō Paul‘s great word. The use of εις αυτον ta panta (the all things, the universe) as if the universe were somehow out of harmony reminds us of the mystical passage in Romans 8:19-23 which see for discussion. Sin somehow has put the universe out of joint. Christ will set it right. [source]
Unto God, though αυτον auton is not reflexive unless written ειρηνοποιησας hauton Having made peace (ειρηνοποιος eirēnopoiēsas). Late and rare compound (Proverbs 10:10 and here only in N.T.) from ποιων ειρηνην eirēnopoios peacemaker (Matthew 5:9; here only in N.T.). In Ephesians 2:15 we have πληρωμα poiōn eirēnēn (separate words) making peace. Not the masculine gender, though agreeing with the idea of Christ involved even if ευδοκησεν plērōma be taken as the subject of τεος eudokēsen a participial anacoluthon (construction according to sense as in Colossians 2:19). If ευδοκησεν theos be taken as the subject of ειρηνοποιησας eudokēsen the participle τεος eirēnopoiēsas refers to Christ, not to δια του αιματος του σταυρου αυτου theos (God). Through the blood of his cross This for the benefit of the Docetic Gnostics who denied the real humanity of Jesus and as clearly stating the causa medians (Ellicott) of the work of reconciliation to be the Cross of Christ, a doctrine needed today. Or things in the heavens (eite ta en tois ouranois). Much needless trouble has been made over this phrase as if things in heaven were not exactly right. It is rather a hypothetical statement like Colossians 1:16 not put in categorical form (Abbott), universitas rerum (Ellicott). [source]
See the same combination in Colossians 2:11 though in Ephesians 2:14 only σαρκι sarki (flesh). Apparently Paul combines both σωμα sōma and σαρχ sarx to make plain the actual humanity of Jesus against incipient Docetic Gnostics who denied it. [source]
Late and rare compound (Proverbs 10:10 and here only in N.T.) from ποιων ειρηνην eirēnopoios peacemaker (Matthew 5:9; here only in N.T.). In Ephesians 2:15 we have πληρωμα poiōn eirēnēn (separate words) making peace. Not the masculine gender, though agreeing with the idea of Christ involved even if ευδοκησεν plērōma be taken as the subject of τεος eudokēsen a participial anacoluthon (construction according to sense as in Colossians 2:19). If ευδοκησεν theos be taken as the subject of ειρηνοποιησας eudokēsen the participle τεος eirēnopoiēsas refers to Christ, not to δια του αιματος του σταυρου αυτου theos (God). [source]
Periphrastic perfect passive participle (continuing state of alienation) of απαλλοτριοω apallotrioō old word from Plato on, to estrange, to render αλλοτριος allotrios (belonging to another), alienated from God, a vivid picture of heathenism as in Romans 1:20-23. Only other N.T. examples in Ephesians 2:12; Ephesians 4:18. Ενεμιες Enemies Old word from εχτος echthos (hatred). Active sense here, hostile as in Matthew 13:28; Romans 8:7, not passive hateful (Romans 11:28). In your mind (τηι διανοιαι tēi dianoiāi). Locative case. Διανοια Dianoia (δια νους diaεν τοις εργοις τοις πονηροις nous), mind, intent, purpose. Old word. It is always a tragedy to see men use their minds actively against God. In your evil works Hostile purpose finds natural expression in evil deeds. [source]
First aorist (effective, timeless) active indicative (a sort of parenthetical anacoluthon). Here B reads αποκαταλλαγητε apokatallagēte be ye reconciled like καταλλαγητε katallagēte in 2 Corinthians 5:20 while D has αποκαταλλαγεντες apokatallagentes Lightfoot prefers to follow B here (the hard reading), though Westcott and Hort only put it in the margin. On the word see Colossians 1:20. In the body of his flesh (εν τωι σωματι της σαρκος αυτου en tōi sōmati tēs sarkos autou). See the same combination in Colossians 2:11 though in Ephesians 2:14 only σαρκι sarki (flesh). Apparently Paul combines both σωμα sōma and σαρχ sarx to make plain the actual humanity of Jesus against incipient Docetic Gnostics who denied it. Through death The reconciliation was accomplished by means of Christ‘s death on the cross (Colossians 1:20) and not just by the Incarnation (the body of his flesh) in which the death took place. To present (παραστησαι parastēsai). First aorist active (transitive) infinitive (of purpose) of παριστημι paristēmi old verb, to place beside in many connections. See it used of presenting Paul and the letter from Lysias to Felix (Acts 23:33). Repeated in Colossians 1:28. See also 2 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Corinthians 4:14. Paul has the same idea of his responsibility in rendering an account for those under his influence seen in Hebrews 13:17. See note on Romans 12:1 for use of living sacrifice. Holy Positively consecrated, separated unto God. Common in N.T. for believers. Haupt holds that all these terms have a religious and forensic sense here. Without blemish (αμωμους amōmous). Without spot (Philemon 2:15). Old word α a privative and μωμος mōmos (blemish). Common in the lxx for ceremonial purifications. Unreproveable Old verbal adjective from α a privative and εγκαλεω egkaleō to call to account, to pick flaws in. These three adjectives give a marvellous picture of complete purity (positive and negative, internal and external). This is Paul‘s ideal when he presents the Colossians “before him” (κατενωπιον αυτου katenōpion autou), right down in the eye of Christ the Judge of all. [source]
This late and rare negative compound verbal occurs only in the N.T. (Mark 14:58; 2 Corinthians 5:1; Colossians 2:11) by merely adding α a privative to the old verbal χειροποιητος cheiropoiētos (Acts 7:48; Ephesians 2:11), possibly first in Mark 14:58 where both words occur concerning the temple. In 2 Corinthians 5:1 the reference is to the resurrection body. The feminine form of this compound adjective is the same as the masculine. In the putting off (εν τηι απεκδυσει en tēi apekdusei). As if an old garment (the fleshly body). From απεκδυομαι apekduomai (Colossians 2:15, possibly also coined by Paul) and occurring nowhere else so far as known. The word is made in a perfectly normal way by the perfective use of the two Greek prepositions (απο εκ apoτου Χριστου ek), “a resource available for and generally used by any real thinker writing Greek” (Moulton and Milligan, Vocabulary). Paul had as much right to mint a Greek compound as any one and surely no one ever had more ideas to express and more power in doing it. Of Christ Specifying genitive, the kind of circumcision that belongs to Christ, that of the heart. [source]
Moral death, of course, as in Romans 6:11; Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 2:5. Correct text does not have εν en but even so παραπτωμασιν paraptōmasin (from παραπιπτω parapiptō to fall beside or to lapse, Hebrews 6:6), a lapse or misstep as in Matthew 6:14; Romans 5:15-18; Galatians 6:1, can be still in the locative, though the instrumental makes good sense also. And the uncircumcision of your flesh (και τηι ακροβουστιαι της σαρκος υμων kai tēi akroboustiāi tēs sarkos humōn). “Dead in your trespasses and your alienation from God, of which the uncircumcision of your flesh was a symbol” (Abbott). Clearly so, “the uncircumcision” used merely in a metaphorical sense. Did he quicken together with him First aorist active indicative of the double compound verb συνζωοποιεω sunzōopoieō to make alive First aorist middle participle of χαρις charizomai common verb from charis (favour, grace). Dative of the person common as in Colossians 3:13. The act of forgiving is simultaneous with the quickening, though logically antecedent. [source]
Better, for uncleanness; ἐπὶ denoting aim or intention. The intention is viewed as the basis of the act ( ἐπὶ upon). Comp. Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 2:10. [source]
Better, the God of peace himself. God's work is contrasted with human efforts to carry out the preceding injunctions. The phrase God of peace only in Paul and Hebrews. See Romans 15:33; Romans 16:20; Philemon 4:9; Hebrews 13:20. The meaning is, God who is the source and giver of peace. Peace, in the Pauline sense, is not mere calm or tranquillity. It is always conceived as based upon reconciliation with God. God is the God of peace only to those who have ceased to be at war with him, and are at one with him. God's peace is not sentimental but moral. Hence the God of peace is the sanctifier. “Peace” is habitually used, both in the Old and New Testaments, in connection with the messianic salvation. The Messiah himself will be Peace (Micah 5:5). Peace is associated with righteousness as a messianic blessing (Psalm 72:7; Psalm 85:10). Peace, founded in reconciliation with God, is the theme of the gospel (Acts 10:36). The gospel is the gospel of peace (Ephesians 2:17; Ephesians 6:15; Romans 10:15). Christ is the giver of peace (John 14:27; John 16:33). [source]
Late word from εκδικεω ekdikeō to vindicate, in Polybius and lxx. To them that know not God (τοις μη ειδοσιν τεον tois mē eidosin theon). Dative plural of perfect active participle ειδως eidōs Apparently chiefly Gentiles in mind (1 Thessalonians 4:3; Galatians 4:8; Romans 1:28; Ephesians 2:12), though Jews are also guilty of wilful ignorance of God (Romans 2:14). And to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Repetition of the article looks like another class and so Jews (Romans 10:16). Both Jews as instigators and Gentiles as officials Note the use of “gospel” here as in Mark 1:15 “believe in the gospel.” [source]
Dative plural of perfect active participle ειδως eidōs Apparently chiefly Gentiles in mind (1 Thessalonians 4:3; Galatians 4:8; Romans 1:28; Ephesians 2:12), though Jews are also guilty of wilful ignorance of God (Romans 2:14). [source]
An O.T. phrase, used of the temple. More frequently, house of the Lord ( κυρίου ); see 1 Kings 3:1; 1 Kings 6:1; 1 Chronicles 22:2, 1 Chronicles 22:11; 1 Chronicles 29:2, etc. Applied to the church only here. Paul has οἰκείους τῆς πίστεως Hebrews householders of the faith (Galatians 6:10), and οἰκεῖοι τοῦ θεοῦ householdersof God (Ephesians 2:19), signifying members of the church. Christians are called ναὸς θεοῦ sanctuaryof God (1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 6:16); and the apostles are οἰκονόμοι householdstewards (1 Corinthians 4:1). So of a Bishop (Titus 1:7). See also Hebrews 3:6. [source]
Probably here “household of God,” that is “the family of God” rather than “the house (or temple) of God.” Christians as yet had no separate houses of worship and οικος oikos commonly means “household.” Christians are the ναος naos (sanctuary) of God (1 Corinthians 3:16.; 2 Corinthians 6:16), and Paul calls them οικειοι του τεου oikeioi tou theou (Ephesians 2:19) “members of God‘s family.” It is conduct as members of God‘s family (οικος oikos) that Paul has in mind. [source]
Final clause with ινα hina and second perfect active subjunctive of οιδα oida to know. How men ought (πως δει pōs dei). “How it is necessary for thee” (supply σε se more naturally than τινα tina any one). Indirect question. To behave themselves Present middle (direct) infinitive of αναστρεπω anastrephō old verb, to turn up and down. See note on 2 Corinthians 1:12; Ephesians 2:3. In the house of God (εν οικωι τεου en oikōi theou). Probably here “household of God,” that is “the family of God” rather than “the house (or temple) of God.” Christians as yet had no separate houses of worship and οικος oikos commonly means “household.” Christians are the ναος naos (sanctuary) of God (1 Corinthians 3:16.; 2 Corinthians 6:16), and Paul calls them οικειοι του τεου oikeioi tou theou (Ephesians 2:19) “members of God‘s family.” It is conduct as members of God‘s family (οικος oikos) that Paul has in mind. Which “Which very house of God,” agreeing (feminine) with the predicate word εκκλησια ekklēsia (church). The church of the living God (εκκλησια τεου ζωντος ekklēsia theou zōntos). Probably here the general church or kingdom as in Colossians and Ephesians, though the local church in 1 Timothy 3:5. The pillar and ground of the truth Paul changes the metaphor again as he often does. Those words are in apposition to εκκλησια ekklēsia and οικος oikos On στυλος stulos old word for pillar, see note on Galatians 2:9; Revelation 3:12 (only other N.T. examples). εδραιωμα Hedraiōma late and rare word (from εδραιοω hedraioō to make stable) occurs here first and only in ecclesiastical writers later. Probably it means stay or support rather than foundation or ground. See 1 Corinthians 1:23; 2 Timothy 2:19 for similar idea. See also Matthew 16:18. [source]
Present middle (direct) infinitive of αναστρεπω anastrephō old verb, to turn up and down. See note on 2 Corinthians 1:12; Ephesians 2:3. In the house of God (εν οικωι τεου en oikōi theou). Probably here “household of God,” that is “the family of God” rather than “the house (or temple) of God.” Christians as yet had no separate houses of worship and οικος oikos commonly means “household.” Christians are the ναος naos (sanctuary) of God (1 Corinthians 3:16.; 2 Corinthians 6:16), and Paul calls them οικειοι του τεου oikeioi tou theou (Ephesians 2:19) “members of God‘s family.” It is conduct as members of God‘s family (οικος oikos) that Paul has in mind. Which “Which very house of God,” agreeing (feminine) with the predicate word εκκλησια ekklēsia (church). The church of the living God (εκκλησια τεου ζωντος ekklēsia theou zōntos). Probably here the general church or kingdom as in Colossians and Ephesians, though the local church in 1 Timothy 3:5. The pillar and ground of the truth Paul changes the metaphor again as he often does. Those words are in apposition to εκκλησια ekklēsia and οικος oikos On στυλος stulos old word for pillar, see note on Galatians 2:9; Revelation 3:12 (only other N.T. examples). εδραιωμα Hedraiōma late and rare word (from εδραιοω hedraioō to make stable) occurs here first and only in ecclesiastical writers later. Probably it means stay or support rather than foundation or ground. See 1 Corinthians 1:23; 2 Timothy 2:19 for similar idea. See also Matthew 16:18. [source]
A special injunction. See on James 2:8; see on Ephesians 2:15. [source]
Επεισαγωγὴ N.T.oolxx, is “a bringing in upon ” ( ἐπὶ ), upon the ground formerly occupied by the commandment. So Rev., correctly, “a bringing in thereupon.” For κπείττων bettersee on Hebrews 1:4. The comparison is not between the hope conveyed by the commandment, and the better hope introduced by the gospel, but between the commandment which was characteristic of the law (Ephesians 2:15) and the hope which characterized the gospel (Romans 5:2-5; Romans 8:24). [source]
The phrase N.T.o Νόμον thenorm or standard, as Romans 7:21, Romans 7:23. Εντολῆς, the specific precept of the Mosaic law regarding Levitical priests. Comp. Ephesians 2:15. Σαρκίνης fleshlyindicates that the conditions of the Levitical priesthood had reference to the body. Fitness for office was determined largely by physical considerations. The priest must be of proper descent, without bodily blemish, ceremonially pure. See Hebrews 9:1-5, Hebrews 9:10, and comp. Romans 8:3. Such a priesthood cannot be eternal. [source]
oP., often in Hebrews, and commonly in the same sense as here - approach to God through the O.T. sacrifices or the sacrifice of Christ. Paul's word προσαγωγή accessexpresses the same idea. See Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:12. The phrase come boldly expresses a thought which the Epistle emphasizes - that Christianity is the religion of free access to God. Comp. 2 Corinthians 3:12, 2 Corinthians 3:13. [source]
Lit. in the which they who walked were not profited. Περιπατεῖν towalk about is often used to express habitual practice or general conduct of life. See Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 10:3; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:7; Colossians 4:5. [source]
The verb means to fence in; block up. Rare in N.T. See Romans 3:19; 2 Corinthians 11:10, and comp. φραγμός afence, Matthew 21:33; Ephesians 2:14. Occasionally in lxx, as Job 38:8; Proverbs 21:13; Zechariah 14:5. The reference is no doubt to Daniel, Daniel 6:22; comp. 1 Maccabees 2:60. [source]
Because of the argument already made about the difficulty of the subject and the dulness of the readers. Let us cease to speak Second aorist active participle of απιημι aphiēmi to leave off or behind. Of the first principles of Christ Objective genitive Χριστου Christou (about Christ). “Leaving behind the discussion of the beginning about Christ,” another way of saying again τα στοιχεια της αρχης των λογιων του τεου ta stoicheia tēs archēs tōn logiōn tou theou of Hebrews 5:12. And press on Volitive present subjunctive passive, “Let us be borne on” (both the writer and the readers). The Pythagorean Schools use περωμετα pherōmetha in precisely this sense of being borne on to a higher stage of instruction. Bleek quotes several instances of Greek writers using together as here of απεντες περωμετα aphentes pherōmetha (Eurip., Androm. 393, for instance). Unto perfection Old word from τελειος teleios mature, adults as in Hebrews 5:14. Only twice in N.T. (here and Colossians 3:14). Let us go on to the stage of adults, not babes, able to masticate solid spiritual food. The writer will assume that the readers are adults in his discussion of the topic. Not laying again the foundation The regular idiom for laying down the foundation of a building The metaphor is common (1 Corinthians 3:11) and the foundation is important, but one cannot be laying the foundation always if he is to build the house. There are six items mentioned here as part of the “foundation,” though the accusative διδαχην didachēn in apposition with τεμελιον themelion may mean that there are only four included in the τεμελιον themelion Two are qualitative genitives after τεμελιον themelion What is meant by “dead works” There are frequent allusions to the deadening power of sin (James 2:17, James 2:26; John 7:25; Romans 6:1, Romans 6:11; Romans 7:8; Colossians 2:13; Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 2:5). The use of repentance and faith together occurs also elsewhere (Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21; 1 Thessalonians 1:9). [source]
Dative case of the articular participle of ποιεω poieō See Ephesians 2:15 for this phrase (doing peace), and Colossians 1:20 for ειρηνοποιεω eirēnopoieō of Christ, and Matthew 5:9 for ειρηνοποιοι eirēnopoioi (peacemakers). Only those who act peaceably are entitled to peace. [source]
“Out of” This adjective, though predicate in position, is really attributive in idea, like χειροποιητου cheiropoiētou in Ephesians 2:11 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 777), like the French idiom. This double compound verbal adjective (πατερ παρα διδωμι paterparadidōmi), though here alone in N.T., occurs in Diodorus, Dion. Halic, and in several inscriptions (Moulton and Milligan‘s Vocabulary; Deissmann, Bible Studies, pp. 266f.). The Jews made a wrong use of tradition (Matthew 15:2.), but the reference here seems mainly to Gentiles (1 Peter 2:12). [source]
First aorist passive indicative of λυτροω lutroō old verb from λυτρον lutron (ransom for life as of a slave, Matthew 20:28), to set free by payment of ransom, abundant examples in the papyri, in N.T. only here, Luke 24:21; Titus 2:14. The ransom is the blood of Christ. Peter here amplifies the language in Isaiah 52:3.Not with corruptible things (ου πταρτοις ou phthartois). Instrumental case neuter plural of the late verbal adjective from πτειρω phtheirō to destroy or to corrupt, and so perishable, in N.T. here, 1 Peter 1:23; 1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 Corinthians 15:53.; Romans 1:23. Αργυριωι η χρυσιωι Arguriōi ē chrusiōi (silver or gold) are in explanatory apposition with πταρτοις phthartois and so in the same case. Slaves were set free by silver and gold.From your vain manner of life “Out of” This adjective, though predicate in position, is really attributive in idea, like χειροποιητου cheiropoiētou in Ephesians 2:11 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 777), like the French idiom. This double compound verbal adjective (πατερ παρα διδωμι paterparadidōmi), though here alone in N.T., occurs in Diodorus, Dion. Halic, and in several inscriptions (Moulton and Milligan‘s Vocabulary; Deissmann, Bible Studies, pp. 266f.). The Jews made a wrong use of tradition (Matthew 15:2.), but the reference here seems mainly to Gentiles (1 Peter 2:12). [source]
This adjective, though predicate in position, is really attributive in idea, like χειροποιητου cheiropoiētou in Ephesians 2:11 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 777), like the French idiom. This double compound verbal adjective The Jews made a wrong use of tradition (Matthew 15:2.), but the reference here seems mainly to Gentiles (1 Peter 2:12). [source]
This combination from the lxx (Gen 33:4; Psalm 39:13). See note on 1 Peter 1:1 for παρεπιδημος parepidēmos and see note on 1 Peter 1:17 for παροικια paroikia and see note on Ephesians 2:19 for παροικος paroikos (only there and here in N.T., Christians whose fatherland is heaven). [source]
Purpose clause with ινα hina with second aorist active subjunctive of προσαγω prosagō and the dative case τωι τεωι tōi theōi The MSS. vary between ημας hēmās (us) and υμας humās (you). The verb προσαγω prosagō means to lead or bring to (Matthew 18:24), to approach God (cf. προσαγωγην prosagōgēn in Ephesians 2:18), to present us to God on the basis of his atoning death for us, which has opened the way (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 10:19.) [source]
“Concerning sins” (not his, but ours, 1 Peter 1:18). Περι Peri (around, concerning) with αμαρτιας hamartias in the regular phrase for the sin offering (Leviticus 5:7; Leviticus 6:30), though υπερ αμαρτιας huper hamartias does occur (Ezekiel 43:25). So in the N.T. we find both περι αμαρτιων peri hamartiōn (Hebrews 5:3) and υπερ αμαρτιων huper hamartiōn (Hebrews 5:1).Once (απαχ hapax). Once for all (Hebrews 9:28), not once upon a time (ποτε pote).The righteous for the unrighteous Literally, “just for unjust” (no articles). See 1 Peter 2:19 for the sinlessness of Christ as the one perfect offering for sin. This is what gives Christ‘s blood value. He has no sin himself. Some men today fail to perceive this point.That he might bring us to God (ινα ημας προσαγαγηι τωι τεωι hina hēmās prosagagēi tōi theōi). Purpose clause with ινα hina with second aorist active subjunctive of προσαγω prosagō and the dative case τωι τεωι tōi theōi The MSS. vary between ημας hēmās (us) and υμας humās (you). The verb προσαγω prosagō means to lead or bring to (Matthew 18:24), to approach God (cf. προσαγωγην prosagōgēn in Ephesians 2:18), to present us to God on the basis of his atoning death for us, which has opened the way (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 10:19.)Being put to death in the flesh First aorist passive participle of τανατοω thanatoō old verb (from τανατος thanatos death), to put to death. Σαρκι Sarki is locative case of σαρχ sarx quickened in the spirit First aorist passive participle of ζωοποιεω zōopoieō rare (Aristotle) verb (from ζωοποιος zōopoios making alive), to make alive. The participles are not antecedent to απετανεν apethanen but simultaneous with it. There is no such construction as the participle of subsequent action. The spirit of Christ did not die when his flesh did, but “was endued with new and greater powers of life” (Thayer). See 1 Corinthians 15:22 for the use of the verb for the resurrection of the body. But the use of the word πνευματι pneumati (locative case) in contrast with σαρκι sarki starts Peter‘s mind off in a long comparison by way of illustration that runs from 1 Peter 3:19-22. The following verses have caused more controversy than anything in the Epistle. [source]
Literally, “just for unjust” (no articles). See 1 Peter 2:19 for the sinlessness of Christ as the one perfect offering for sin. This is what gives Christ‘s blood value. He has no sin himself. Some men today fail to perceive this point.That he might bring us to God (ινα ημας προσαγαγηι τωι τεωι hina hēmās prosagagēi tōi theōi). Purpose clause with ινα hina with second aorist active subjunctive of προσαγω prosagō and the dative case τωι τεωι tōi theōi The MSS. vary between ημας hēmās (us) and υμας humās (you). The verb προσαγω prosagō means to lead or bring to (Matthew 18:24), to approach God (cf. προσαγωγην prosagōgēn in Ephesians 2:18), to present us to God on the basis of his atoning death for us, which has opened the way (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 10:19.)Being put to death in the flesh First aorist passive participle of τανατοω thanatoō old verb (from τανατος thanatos death), to put to death. Σαρκι Sarki is locative case of σαρχ sarx quickened in the spirit First aorist passive participle of ζωοποιεω zōopoieō rare (Aristotle) verb (from ζωοποιος zōopoios making alive), to make alive. The participles are not antecedent to απετανεν apethanen but simultaneous with it. There is no such construction as the participle of subsequent action. The spirit of Christ did not die when his flesh did, but “was endued with new and greater powers of life” (Thayer). See 1 Corinthians 15:22 for the use of the verb for the resurrection of the body. But the use of the word πνευματι pneumati (locative case) in contrast with σαρκι sarki starts Peter‘s mind off in a long comparison by way of illustration that runs from 1 Peter 3:19-22. The following verses have caused more controversy than anything in the Epistle. [source]
No copula in the Greek, probably εστιν estin (is) rather than δυναται dunatai (can). Late and rare verbal adjective from αρκεω arkeō to suffice, in the papyri several times, in N.T. only here and Matthew 6:34; Matthew 10:25, apparently referring to Christ‘s words in Matthew 6:34 (possibly an axiom or proverb).To have wrought (κατειργασται kateirgasthai). Perfect middle infinitive of κατεργαζομαι katergazomai common compound (κατα εργον kataτο βουλημα ergon work) as in 1 Corinthians 5:3.The desire Correct text, not πεπορευμενους thelēma Either means the thing desired, willed. Jews sometimes fell in with the ways of Gentiles (Romans 2:21-24; Romans 3:9-18; Ephesians 2:1-3) as today some Christians copy the ways of the world.And to have walked (πορευομαι peporeumenous). Perfect middle participle of κατειργασται poreuomai in the accusative plural of general reference with the infinitive εν ασελγειαις kateirgasthai Literally, “having walked or gone.”In lasciviousness All these sins are in the locative case with επιτυμιαις en “In unbridled lustful excesses” (2 Peter 2:7; 2 Corinthians 12:21).Lusts (οινοπλυγιαις epithumiais). Cf. 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Peter 4:2.Winebibbings Old compound Old word (from ποτοις keimai to lie down), rioting drinking parties, in N.T. here and Galatians 5:21; Romans 13:13.Carousings Old word for drinking carousal (from ατεμιτοις ειδωλολατριαις pinō to drink), here only in the N.T. In the light of these words it seems strange to find modern Christians justifying their “personal liberty” to drink and carouse, to say nothing of the prohibition law. The Greeks actually carried lust and drunkenness into their religious observances (Aphrodite, for instance).Abominable idolatries (ειδωλον λατρεια athemitois eidōlolatriais). To the Christian all “idolatry,” (τεμιτος eidōlonτεμιστος latreia), worship of idols, is “abominable,” not allowed (alpha privative and τεμιζω themitos ατεμιτος themistos the old form, verbal of themizō to make lawful), but particularly those associated with drinking and licentiousness. The only other N.T. example of athemitos is by Peter also (Acts 10:28) and about the Mosaic law. That may be the idea here, for Jews often fell into idolatrous practices (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 274). [source]
Correct text, not πεπορευμενους thelēma Either means the thing desired, willed. Jews sometimes fell in with the ways of Gentiles (Romans 2:21-24; Romans 3:9-18; Ephesians 2:1-3) as today some Christians copy the ways of the world.And to have walked (πορευομαι peporeumenous). Perfect middle participle of κατειργασται poreuomai in the accusative plural of general reference with the infinitive εν ασελγειαις kateirgasthai Literally, “having walked or gone.”In lasciviousness All these sins are in the locative case with επιτυμιαις en “In unbridled lustful excesses” (2 Peter 2:7; 2 Corinthians 12:21).Lusts (οινοπλυγιαις epithumiais). Cf. 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Peter 4:2.Winebibbings Old compound Old word (from ποτοις keimai to lie down), rioting drinking parties, in N.T. here and Galatians 5:21; Romans 13:13.Carousings Old word for drinking carousal (from ατεμιτοις ειδωλολατριαις pinō to drink), here only in the N.T. In the light of these words it seems strange to find modern Christians justifying their “personal liberty” to drink and carouse, to say nothing of the prohibition law. The Greeks actually carried lust and drunkenness into their religious observances (Aphrodite, for instance).Abominable idolatries (ειδωλον λατρεια athemitois eidōlolatriais). To the Christian all “idolatry,” (τεμιτος eidōlonτεμιστος latreia), worship of idols, is “abominable,” not allowed (alpha privative and τεμιζω themitos ατεμιτος themistos the old form, verbal of themizō to make lawful), but particularly those associated with drinking and licentiousness. The only other N.T. example of athemitos is by Peter also (Acts 10:28) and about the Mosaic law. That may be the idea here, for Jews often fell into idolatrous practices (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 274). [source]
Does Peter here mean preached to men after they are dead or to men once alive but dead now or when the judgment comes? There are those (Augustine, Luther, etc.) who take “dead” here in the spiritual sense (dead in trespasses and sins as in Colossians 2:13; Ephesians 2:1), but consider it “impossible” for Peter to use the same word in two senses so close together; but Jesus did it in the same sentence, as in the case of πσυχη psuchē (life) in Matthew 16:25. Bigg takes it to mean that all men who did not hear the gospel message in this life will hear it in the next before the final judgment.That they might be judged (ινα κριτωσιν μεν hina krithōsin men). Purpose clause with ινα hina and the first aorist passive subjunctive of κρινω krinō to judge, whereas ζωσιν δε zōsin de (by contrast) is the present active subjunctive of ζαω zaō to live. There is contrast also between κατα αντρωπους kata anthrōpous (according to men) and κατα τεον kata theon (according to God). [source]
See on John 12:26. The title “the Father” occurs rarely in the Synoptists, and always with reference to the Son. In Paul only thrice (Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 2:18). Nowhere in Peter, James, Jude, or Revelation. Frequent in John's Gospel and Epistles, and in the latter, uniformly. [source]
See Revelation 2:27; Mark 6:8 for ραβδος rabdos one said “Saying” (present active masculine participle of λεγω legō) is all that the Greek has. The participle implies εδωκεν edōken (he gave), not εδοτη edothē a harsh construction seen in Genesis 22:20; Genesis 38:24, etc.Rise and measure (εγειρε και μετρησον egeire kai metrēson). Present active imperative of εγειρω egeirō (intransitive, exclamatory use as in Mark 2:11) and first aorist active imperative of μετρεω metreō In Ezekiel 42:2. the prophet measures the temple and that passage is probably in mind here. But modern scholars do not know how to interpret this interlude (Revelation 11:1-13) before the seventh trumpet (Revelation 11:15). Some (Wellhausen) take it to be a scrap from the Zealot party before the destruction of Jerusalem, which event Christ also foretold (Mark 13:2; Matthew 24:2; Luke 21:6) and which was also attributed to Stephen (Acts 6:14). Charles denies any possible literal interpretation and takes the language in a wholly eschatological sense. There are three points in the interlude, however understood: the chastisement of Jerusalem or Israel (Revelation 11:1, Revelation 11:2), the mission of the two witnesses (Revelation 11:3-12), the rescue of the remnant (Revelation 11:13). There is a heavenly sanctuary (Revelation 7:15; Revelation 11:19; Revelation 14:15, etc.), but here ναος naos is on earth and yet not the actual temple in Jerusalem (unless so interpreted). Perhaps here it is the spiritual (Revelation 3:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:4; 1 Corinthians 3:16.; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:19.). For altar (τυσιαστηριον thusiastērion) see Revelation 8:3. Perhaps measuring as applied to “them that worship therein” (τους προσκυνουντας εν αυτωι tous proskunountas en autōi) implies a word like numbering, with an allusion to the 144,000 in chapter 7 (a zeugma). [source]
Present active imperative of εγειρω egeirō (intransitive, exclamatory use as in Mark 2:11) and first aorist active imperative of μετρεω metreō In Ezekiel 42:2. the prophet measures the temple and that passage is probably in mind here. But modern scholars do not know how to interpret this interlude (Revelation 11:1-13) before the seventh trumpet (Revelation 11:15). Some (Wellhausen) take it to be a scrap from the Zealot party before the destruction of Jerusalem, which event Christ also foretold (Mark 13:2; Matthew 24:2; Luke 21:6) and which was also attributed to Stephen (Acts 6:14). Charles denies any possible literal interpretation and takes the language in a wholly eschatological sense. There are three points in the interlude, however understood: the chastisement of Jerusalem or Israel (Revelation 11:1, Revelation 11:2), the mission of the two witnesses (Revelation 11:3-12), the rescue of the remnant (Revelation 11:13). There is a heavenly sanctuary (Revelation 7:15; Revelation 11:19; Revelation 14:15, etc.), but here ναος naos is on earth and yet not the actual temple in Jerusalem (unless so interpreted). Perhaps here it is the spiritual (Revelation 3:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:4; 1 Corinthians 3:16.; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:19.). For altar (τυσιαστηριον thusiastērion) see Revelation 8:3. Perhaps measuring as applied to “them that worship therein” (τους προσκυνουντας εν αυτωι tous proskunountas en autōi) implies a word like numbering, with an allusion to the 144,000 in chapter 7 (a zeugma). [source]