“ Tux first chapter has, so to speak, a liturgical, psalmodic character, being, as it were, a glowing song in praise of the transcendent riches of the grace of God in Christ, and the glory of the Christian calling ” (Schaff).
1. By the will of God. As frequently in the introductions of the epistles, to emphasize his divine appointment. In Rom. i. 1; 1 Cor. i. 1, called is added.
To the saints. See on Rom. i. 7; Col. i. 2; Philip. i. 1.
At Ephesus. There is much discussion as to the genuine- ness of these words. They are bracketed by both Westcott and Hort, and Tischendorf.* On their omission or retention turns the question whether the epistle was addressed to the church at Ephesus, or was a circular epistle, addressed to Ephesus along with several other churches. For Ephesus, see on Apoc. ii. 1.
The faithful. Not faithful in the sense of fidelity and per- severance, but believing, as John xx. 27; Acts x. 45. It is to be included with the saints under the one article.
2. Grace. One of the leading words of the epistle.t It is used thirteen times.
3. Blessed (edAoyntos). Placed first in the clause for em- phasis, as always in the corresponding Hebrew in the Old Test-
* See the discussion in Westcott and Hort’s Greek Testament, part 2. + See Farrar’s ‘‘ Paul,” ii., 491.
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ament. The verb is commonly omitted—blessed the God. In the New Testament used of God only. The perfect participle of the verb, evroynpévos blessed, is used of men. See on 1 Pet. i.3. The word differs from that used in the Beatitudes, waxdp- wos, which denotes character, while this word denotes repute. Lit., well-spoken of.
God and Father of our Lord, etc. Some object to this rendering on the ground that the phrase God of Christ is un- usual, occurring nowhere in Paul, except ver. 17 of this chapter. Such render, God who is also the Father, ete. But Christ of God is found Matt. xxvii. 46; and my God, John xx. 17; Apoe. iii. 12. Compare, also, 1 Cor. iii. 23; and the phrase is un- doubted in ver. 17.
Hath blessed (edroyjoas). Kindred with edroyntos blessed.
Spiritual (avevpatixp). Another leading word. Sport and spiritual occur thirteen times. Paul emphasizes in this epistle the work of the divine Spirit upon the human spirit. Not spiritual as distinguished from bodily, but proceeding Srom the Holy Spirit. Note the collocation of the words, blessed, blessed, blessing.
In the heavenly places (€v Tots érrovpaviows). Another key- word; one of the dominant thoughts of the epistle being the work of the ascended Christ. Places is supplied, the Greek meaning in the heavenlies. Some prefer to supply thengs, as more definitely characterizing spiritual blessing. But in the four other passages where the phrase occurs, i. 20; 11.6; 11.103 vi. 12, the sense is local, and ésrovpdvios heavenly, is local through- out Paul’s epistles. The meaning is that the spiritual blessings of God are found in heaven and are brought thence to us. Compare Philip. iti. 20.
4. Even as (xaJos). Explaining blessed us, in ver. 3. His blessing is in conformity with the fact that He chose.
Chose (éferéEato). Middle voice, for Himself.
In Him. As the head and representative of our spiritual humanity. Compare 1 Cor. xv. 22. Divine election ig in Christ
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the Redeemer. The crown of divine sovereignty is redemp- tion. God rules the world to save it.
Holy and without blame (dylous cal ayepous). The posi- tive and negative aspects of christian life. See on Col. i. 22. Rev., without blemish. The reference is to moral rather than than to forensic righteousness. Compare 1 Thess. iv. 7.
In love. Join with foreordained, ver. 5. Having in love Soreordained.