<- Previous   First   Next ->

which poimhvn is the definite title of an office [ v. not. ad loc. ] may be compared John 21:16 ‘He saith unto him, Tend ( poivmaine ) my sheep.’

XI. CHARACTERISTICS.

‘In this Epistle St Paul still dwells on the same class of truths as in the Epistle to the Colossians. Only whereas in the Colossians he combats error directly, he here combats it indirectly; whereas there he is special, distinct, personal, here he speaks broadly and generally.’ (Lightfoot, Biblical Essays , p. 395.)

‘Besides this, St Paul has given to his teaching a new centre. In this Epistle it revolves about the doctrine of the Church. The same truths which in the Epistle to the Colossians are advanced to combat a peculiar phase of false doctrine, have here a place as leading up to the doctrine of the Church. Compare, for example, the treatment of the subject of Christ the Logos in Col. 1:1, 2:9 with Eph. 1:22, or of the law of ordinances in Col. 2:14 with Eph. 2:14, 15, or again the practical lessons of the relations of husbands and wives in Col. 3:18, 19 with Eph. 5:25 f., 32. The propriety of this new centre of teaching is obvious when we remember that it is addressed not in a special letter to an individual Church, but in an encyclical to several Churches.’ ( id. ib. )

The Epistle to the Ephesians ‘conducts us from the two peoples who are so prominent in the Epistle to the Romans to the one people, or one man, which in that Epistle is nowhere explicitly set forth, though it is implied in its teachings and aspirations..., but now in the Epistle to the Ephesians is to be brought into clear prominence.’ (Hort, Prolegomena , p. 179.)

‘This idea—of the unity of Christians as forming a single society with Christ for its invisible Head—which in different forms dominates the whole Epistle, was the natural outflow of the Apostle's mind at this time, as determined by the course of outward and inward history on the basis of his primary faith. It was needed to be set forth for the completion of his Gospel. On the other hand it was equally needed for the instruction of the no longer infant churches of Western Asia Minor.’ ( id. ib. )

In reading the Epistle we all feel the grandeur of the vision, which it opens, of the unity of Creation.

Experience more and more shews us that we were born to strive for it. It is brought ever nearer.

St Paul enforces this truth when he tells of the ‘mystery’ entrusted to him—the incorporation of the Gentiles in the Body of Christ.

Having set forth the truth—unsearchable, inexhaustible, and extending ‘unto all the ages of the ages,’ he goes on to shew that it yet finds its application in the commonest virtues.

‘Walk worthily,’ he says, ‘of the calling wherewith ye are called.’ The consummation depends on the co-operation of all to whom the truth has been made known.

‘There is one God and Father of all, Who is over all and through all and in all.’ Here is our sufficient, and unfailing hope. ‘But to each of us’—here is our strength and our responsibility—‘was given’—not ‘will be’ in the future, but ‘ was ’ given—the grace which we severally need for the fulfilment of our specific functions.

While we keep in mind the whole, we must do our part.


<- Previous   First   Next ->