Chapter 3
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The
apostle sets forth his office, and his qualifications for it, and his call to
it
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1–7
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Also
the noble purposes answered by it
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8–12
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He
prays for the Ephesians
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13–19
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And
adds a thanksgiving
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20,
21
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Verses 1–7
For having preached the doctrine of truth, the apostle was a
prisoner, but a prisoner of Jesus Christ; the object of special protection and
care, while thus suffering for him. All the gracious offers of the gospel, and
the joyful tidings it contains, come from the rich grace of God; it is the
great means by which the Spirit works grace in the souls of men. The mystery,
is that secret, hidden purpose of salvation through Christ. This was not so
fully and clearly shown in the ages before Christ, as unto the prophets of the
New Testament. This was the great truth made known to the apostle, that God
would call the Gentiles to salvation by faith in Christ. An effectual working
of Divine power attends the gifts of Divine grace. As God appointed Paul to the
office, so he qualified him for it.
Verses 8–12
Those whom God advances to honourable employments, he makes
low in their own eyes; and where God gives grace to be humble, there he gives
all other needful grace. How highly he speaks of Jesus Christ; the unsearchable
riches of Christ! Though many are not enriched with these riches; yet how great
a favour to have them preached among us, and to have an offer of them! And if
we are not enriched with them it is our own fault. The first creation, when God
made all things out of nothing, and the new creation, whereby sinners are made
new creatures by converting grace, are of God by Jesus Christ. His riches are
as unsearchable and as sure as ever, yet while angels adore the wisdom of God
in the redemption of his church, the ignorance of self-wise and carnal men
deems the whole to be foolishness.
Verses 13–19
The apostle seems to be more anxious lest the believers
should be discouraged and faint upon his tribulations, than for what he himself
had to bear. He asks for spiritual blessings, which are the best blessings.
Strength from the Spirit of God in the inner man; strength in the soul; the
strength of faith, to serve God, and to do our duty. If the law of Christ is
written in our hearts, and the love of Christ is shed abroad there, then Christ
dwells there. Where his Spirit dwells, there he dwells. We should desire that
good affections may be fixed in us. And how desirable to have a fixed sense of
the love of God in Christ to our souls! How powerfully the apostle speaks of the
love of Christ! The breadth shows its extent to all nations and ranks; the
length, that it continues from everlasting to everlasting; the depth, its
saving those who are sunk into the depths of sin and misery; the height, its
raising them up to heavenly happiness and glory. Those who receive grace for
grace from Christ’s fulness, may be said to be filled with the fulness of God.
Should not this satisfy man? Must he needs fill himself with a thousand
trifles, fancying thereby to complete his happiness?
Verses 20, 21
It is proper always to end prayers with praises. Let us
expect more, and ask for more, encouraged by what Christ has already done for
our souls, being assured that the conversion of sinners, and the comfort of
believers, will be to his glory, for ever and ever.
Excerpt from:
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible
Matthew Henry (1662 - 1714)
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