us is the measure of that which He does. Comp. Col. 1:29.
21. hJ dovxa ] This characteristic use of the article in the doxologies implies that all perfection which is disclosed to us flows finally from GOD. The glory, through which whatever is glorious gains its splendour, belongs to Him only. Comp. [Matt. 6:13]; Gal. 1:5; Rom. 11:36; 16:27; Phil. 4:20; 2 Tim. 4:18; Heb. 13:21; 1 Pet. 4:11; 5:11; 2 Pet. 3:18; Apoc. 1:6;5:13; 7:12; 19:1. Yet see 1 Tim. 1:17; Jude 25 (Lk. 2:14; 19:38).
ejn th'/ ejkkl. kai; ejn C. jI.
]
in the Church and in Christ Jesus.
The combination presents different aspects of the same truth, and perhaps points to different orders of the Divine working. The Church is the Body of Christ and the Bride of Christ (
c.
Eph. 5:32). As the Church approaches to its ideal, humanity embodies more and more perfectly the idea of GOD in creation, and Christ is revealed in further perfection as the spring of man's growth. So the glory of GOD is shewn, as the universe moves forward to its end, by the fulfilment of GOD'S will in man and by the offering of man's service in Christ to GOD. Yet it may be that Christ's work through the Church does not exhaust His action (1:10).
eij" pavsa" t. g. tou' aij. t. aij
.] V.
in omnes
(
universas
)
generationes saeculi saeculorum.
V.L.
in omnia saecula saeculorum: unto all the generations of the age of the ages.
Two main thoughts underlie this most remarkable phrase: (1) the natural succession and development of things represented by successive generations; and
(2) the immeasurable vastness of the Divine plan expressed in terms of time. The units of the great age are contributory ages.
B. The Christian Life
(Eph. 4:1-6:20).
I. THE GROUND, THE GROWTH, THE CHARACTER OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE (4:1-24).
II. THE OUTWARD MANIFESTATION OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE, PERSONAL AND SOCIAL (4:25-6:9).
III. THE CHRISTIAN CONFLICT (6:10-20). PERSONAL MESSAGE (6:21, 22). BLESSING (23, 24). St Paul at length after the twofold digression in
c.
iii. proceeds to apply to practice throughout the remainder of the Epistle the great truths which he has already unfolded. But the truths themselves are never out of sight. The simplest duties are shewn to be grounded upon them. The Christian life is the natural application of Christian doctrine to our special circumstances: Christian conduct rests upon supernatural sanctions. He first gives a general view of the Christian life (4:1-
24); and then examines it in detail (4:25-6:9), adding a vivid description of the Christian warfare (6:10-20).
I. The ground, the growth, the character of the Christian Life
(Eph. 4:1-24).
St Paul states briefly that the Christian life must correspond with the Christian faith (4:1-3). This principle brings into relief the cardinal lessons of unity and harmonious growth (4-16); and leads to a general contrast between the Gentile and the Christian life, the old life and the new (17-24).
1. The correspondence of life and faith (1-3).