The Pulpit Commentary — Ephesians — Section 114

whole career, the secret of his wonderful zeal. Why was he a prisoner? Generally, for the Gentiles. Why for them? Because the Divine purpose regarding them bad been revealed to him, and through him to the world, a.nd the enmity of the Jews to that puri=e had brought Paul into captivity. Looking at the passage as a whole, it may show us how Paul found compensation for his captivity in the privileges connected mt.h his office as apostle of the Gentiles. 'l'his compensation le.y chiefly in three things. I. 'The precious insight he obtained into the glory of the Divine purpose in reference t0 tl::e Gentiles, giving him a. high conception of the far-reaching generosity of God. L Tl::ere is a high intellectual pleasure in the discovery of any great truth. 2. A pro- f,,Jcn.i emotional pleasure in discovering a truth of .ast benefit to mankind. 3. A still hif;iler pleasure in =iving such a truth direct from God. This truth did not involve a case of levelling down, but of levelling up. Though the Jews, as a nation, were no lon,:er t-0 occupy a higher platform than the Gentiles, yet all were to be invited to equal nearness to God, and if any should reject the invitation, the blame and the loss wonld be all their own. II. The remarkably high qualifications given to him for his office (see ver. 7)-great love, faith, courage, perseverance, hope; great intellectual insight; great spiritual power. Others got frightened (Mark, Demas, etc.); Paul went on. The human spirit was often depressed, but God comforted him. The thorn in the side was annoying, but "my grace is sufficient for thee." • _ IIL The great honour and privilege of being called to so blessed a work. The work had a glory on earth and a glory in heaven. 1. On earth. He preached to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. He proclaimed his riches of grace, and showed them to be UDSearchable. He not only proclaimed them, but in a sense imparted them- br;iught them into contact with the Ephesians, so that they got the good of them, through the blessing of the Holy Spirit. 2. In heaven. The goepel bas aspects of blessing beyond this world. It carries important lessons to the principalities and powers. It shows the manifold msdom of God, shows how all classes and varieties of mankind are brought to God by the cross of Christ, assimilating all characters, overcoming all alienations, demolishing all walls of separation, and building up all together in Christ Jesus. _ One great conclusion. In every sense the success of the gospel is very glorifying' to God; it illustrates his perfections; it glorifies his Son; it educates the very angels; and thus it carries forward the grand purpose of God in the creation of the wol'lds, " To him be glory for ever. Amen." Ver. 8.-771.e unsearchable riches of fJhrist. "Riches" an attractive word. Human Ilea.rt leaps towards them. Ceaselus disappointments of most who follow after them. Here the riches that moth and rust do not corrupt, nor thieves break through to steal. 1. There are in Christ unsearchable riches of compassion. Case of the lost, pro~ object of pity. Christ's pity boundless. Human pity often quenched by great wickedness, troublesomeness, loathsomeness. Not so Christ's I Pity for thief on cross, Saul, Corinthians, and other gross sinners. 2. Unsearchable riches of merit. His blood cleanseth us from all sin. He iB "able to save to the uttermost nil that come to God by him "-Augustine, Bunyan, Lord Rochester, John Newt.on, and such like. 3. Unsearchable riches of 6anctifying grace. Great change needed to make men meet for kir;.,-dom of heaven. This includes grace t.o enlighten, guide, strengthen, and to restore from declension. 4. Unsearchable riches of comforting grace. No sorrow to wh;ch we are liable for which the gospel bas not a comfort; no wound for which t!lere is no balm. The Third Pen;on, "tu Comforter," is sent by Christ. 5. Unsearch- abie riches of glorifying grace. Can make provision for the foll satisfaction and infinit.e enjuyr:ient of every EOul for ever and ever. "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anv more· . . . for the Lamb in the midst of the throne shall feed them;" " He that hath the Son bath life ; n "He that overcometh shall inherit all thin.,us, and I will be his God, and be shall be my son." Vers. 14-21.-Prager for spiritual enrichment. This prayer remarkable for qualities already noted as belonging to Paul's prayer. Three parts in this prayer- (1) introduction; (2) petitions; (3) dozolo911. CB. W. 1-21.] 'l'HE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS. lll