the

Reformation
Study Bible

Ephesians Sample Selection

R.C. SPROUL
G e n e ra l Ed i t o r

O R L A N D O, F L O R I D A
The Reformation Study Bible™ (2015)
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Theological notes adapted from R.C. Sproul, Essential Truths of the Christian Faith (Tyndale House, 1992), used with permission. Some
notes in the New Testament adapted from: G.K. Beale, A New Testament Biblical Theology (Baker Academic, 2011), used with permission.
G.K. Beale, Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Baker Academic, 2012), used with permission. D.A. Carson and G.K.
Beale, Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Baker Academic, 2007), used with permission. G.K. Beale, The Temple and
the Church’s Mission (InterVarsity Press, 2004), used with permission. G.K. Beale, We Become What We Worship (InterVarsity Press, 2008),
used with permission. G.K. Beale, 1–2 Thessalonians (InterVarsity Press, 2003), used with permission. G.K. Beale, The Book of Revelation: a
Commentary on the Greek Text (Eerdmans, 1999), used with permission. Topical article “Creeds and Confessions” adapted from Burk Parsons,
Why Do We Have Creeds? (P&R, 2012), used with permission.
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 20 85 EPHESIANS

The epistle of pa u l the apostle t o t he

Ephesians
title and author The language and style of Ephesians differ in some
respects from Paul’s other letters. Still, they are
The title of the book comes from the salutation so similar to Paul’s that even if the letter did not
(1:1). The author is Paul, as evidenced by the let- bear his name, it is difficult to imagine the church
ter itself (1:1; 3:1). Themes and language common crediting it to anyone else. Furthermore, it seems
in Paul’s earlier letters appear frequently in Ephe- unlikely that a student of Paul would be so eager
sians, and the verbal similarities with Colossians to imitate his teacher that he would transcribe
are especially striking. However, modern scholar- verses from Colossians word for word, and yet be
ship has challenged both the traditional view on so daring as to move dramatically beyond Paul’s
the authorship and recipients of this letter. theology of the exalted and reigning Christ to one
of a universal church.
In the modern era, Pauline authorship of Ephe-
sians has been questioned. Some scholars say The verbal similarities with Colossians are most
easily explained by assuming that Paul wrote
Ephesians appears to be too dependent on Colos-
Ephesians shortly after completing Colossians.
sians. Although the letter seems like Paul’s writ-
Paul’s devotional and prayerful tone reaches its
ing, its phrases tend to build and multiply more
height as he contemplates the eternal and uni-
than in his earlier letters. The letter strikes some
versal significance of Christ’s church. In this way,
as less instructional and more prayerful. Ideas that he continues his reflections on the subject that
are only implicit in his earlier letters (e.g., that dominated his correspondence with the Colos-
beyond local churches there is one worldwide sians—the eternal and universal significance of
church) become explicit here. The author de- Christ. Because some early manuscripts lack “in
scribes “hearing” of his readers’ faith rather than Ephesus” at 1:1 (see Date and Occasion below and
having witnessed its evidence in person, although ESV text note on 1:1), some have proposed that
Paul had ministered for several years in Ephesus this epistle was a circular letter addressed not only
(cf. Gal. 4:13, 14; Col. 1:9; 2:1). Such considerations to Ephesus but also to other churches in Asia (cf.
lead many to say that Ephesians was written by 1 Pet. 1:1; Rev. 1:4, 11). This wider audience could
one of Paul’s students who was attempting to de- explain not only Paul’s mention of “hearing” of his
velop some of Paul’s ideas, especially those in Co- readers’ faith but also the fact that his tone is more
lossians. meditative and less directed to specific local crises.
EPHESIANS 20 8 6

d at e a nd o c c a s i o n the goddess, and the goddess in turn makes Ephe-

sus the “most glorious” of the Asian cities. People
The identity of the letter’s original audience has from the area would have appreciated the irony
also been questioned. This letter may have had of Paul’s words about Christ’s nourishing His own
a broader audience than the church at Ephesus body, the church (5:29). They would have appre-
alone. Some of the oldest Gk. manuscripts do not ciated the point of contrast when Paul describes
include “in Ephesus” in the address of the letter Christ’s church as a glorious or radiant bride
(1:1), reading instead: “to the saints who are also (5:27). It was also in Ephesus that Paul’s preaching
faithful in Christ Jesus.” Several early Christian of Christ came into dramatic conflict with an im-
writers seem unaware of a specifically Ephesian ad- portant trade dependent on pagan worship (Acts
dress. The letter lacks the personal references and 19:23–41) and that the gospel inspired a great
greetings Paul almost always included in his corre- turning away from the occult (Acts 19:17–20).
spondence, and there are other details about which Paul’s call to expose the deeds of darkness (5:8–14)
Paul writes that seem to conflict with what we and prepare for war against “the spiritual forces
know about his ministry in Ephesus (e.g., 3:1–13). of evil in the heavenly places” (6:12; cf. 1:20, 21;
3:10) would have struck the original readers with
At the same time, no manuscripts name any other special force.
city as the address of the epistle. Many scholars be-
lieve Ephesians was written as a general letter to a
number of churches in the region, which would
be in keeping with the sweeping contents of the genre
letter as a whole. It is possible that Paul origi-
nally sent the letter to Ephesus, but as the letter Because of its style, some have suggested that the
was sent from church to church the address was book of Ephesians should be classified as a written
omitted because the contents had little to do with sermon or a theological essay. The book, however,
Ephesus in particular. Or, it may be that the letter generally follows the standard epistolary conven-
was originally in two forms, one for the Ephesians tions of the first century (see Introduction to the
that contained “in Ephesus” and one for general Epistles). It contains a standard letter opening
circulation that did not. (1:1, 2), body (1:3–6:20), and conclusion (6:21–24).
It should, therefore, be classified as an epistle.
Questions about to whom Paul wrote this letter As he does in his other epistles, Paul adapts the
also lead to questions about when he wrote the standard conventions to his own purposes in his
letter. The imprisonment mentioned in 3:1 and letter to the Ephesians. For example, instead of
6:20 is the same as that in Colossians 4:3, 10, 18, moving immediately from his opening greeting
and is probably Paul’s two-year house arrest in to thanksgiving and prayer as he does elsewhere,
Rome (a.d. 60–62), recounted in Acts 28. he introduces in Ephesians an extended rhapsody
(1:3–14) immediately after the greeting and be-
Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of fore the thanksgiving. This has resulted in some
Asia on the west coast of Asia Minor (modern-day disagreement concerning whether the body of the
Turkey). It lay between the eastern and western text begins with 1:3 or with 2:1. However, because
halves of the Roman Empire and was among the 1:3–3:21 is a coherent unit, it is preferable to iden-
five most prominent cities in the empire during tify the beginning of the body of the letter at 1:3.
the first century. During Paul’s unusually long
stay in Ephesus, it became the center for evan-
gelizing the western part of Asia Minor (Acts
19:10). Paul’s affectionate ties with this church are l i t e r a ry f e at u r e s
evident in his farewell speech to its elders (Acts
20:16–38). The most striking feature of this book is how it re-
flects a deeply and thoroughly Pauline approach
Ephesus’s most prominent civic monument, to thinking about the Christian life. Chapters 1–3
the temple of the goddess Diana, was one of the build up the “indicatives,” the glorious statements
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city is of fact that undergird Christianity. Here Paul lays
described in one inscription as the “nurturer” of out the riches that are ours in Christ Jesus through
 20 87 EPHESIANS

His work of redemption. Chapters 4–6 then offer 6:9). The first statement is the most important:
the “imperatives,” the commands regarding how Paul tells us that God is now revealing the “mys-
we are live in light of our calling and the riches tery of his will,” which is the uniting of all things
that are already ours in Christ. in heaven and on earth in Christ. The great evi-
dence that this cosmic redemption is happening
Another important structural feature of this let- is the church, the body of Christ, His new human-
ter is the repetition of the verb “walk.” Believers ity (1:23, 2:15). In the church, God is uniting Jew
formerly “walked” in trespasses and sins (2:1) but and Gentile, reconciling them and tearing down
now have been “created in Christ Jesus for good the “wall of hostility” between them through the
works, which God prepared beforehand, that we cross (2:14). This “mystery of Christ” was hidden
should walk in them” (2:10). Chapters 4–6, the in past times (i.e., before the coming of Christ), but
applicatory section of this epistle, are structured is now seen clearly: “the Gentiles are fellow heirs,
around the Christian’s “walk,” or way of thinking members of the same body, and partakers of the
and living. Paul begins this section by urging us to promise in Christ through the gospel” (3:6).
“walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which
you have been called” (4:1). He later summons us That means, then, that the church is central to
“no longer [to] walk as the Gentiles do, in the futil- God’s purpose in the world because it is a sign of
ity of their minds” (4:17). We are to be “imitators the final reconciliation of all things in Christ. The
of God, as beloved children. And [to] walk in love” church is God’s precious possession, a colony in
(5:1, 2a). We are to “walk as children of light” (5:8) which the Lord of history has begun to fashion the
and “look carefully then how [we] walk, not as renewed humanity after His own image (1:10–14;
unwise but as wise” (5:15). Paul picked up “walk- 2:11–22; 3:6, 9–11; 4:1–6:9). The church is a com-
ing” as a metaphor for one’s pattern of conduct munity where God’s power to reconcile people to
from OT precedents (e.g., Deut. 5:32; 10:12; Ps. 1:1; Himself is experienced and shared in transformed
119:1). relationships (2:1–10; 4:1–16; 4:32–5:2; 5:22–6:9). It
is a new temple, a building of people, grounded in
Although the letter does not frequently quote the the sure revelation of what God has done in his-
OT in a formal manner (see Eph. 4:8), it alludes tory (2:19–22; 3:17–19). The church is an organ-
to it and engages it in other ways. Terms such ism in which power and authority are exercised
as “redemption,” “forgiveness,” “adoption,” and after the pattern of Christ (1:22; 5:25–27), and its
“inheritance” evoke specific covenant blessings stewardship is a means of serving Him (4:11–16;
mentioned in the OT (1:5, 6, 11). Paul invokes such 5:22–6:9). The church is an outpost in a dark world
familiar old covenant realities as “circumcision,” (5:3–17), looking for the day of final redemption.
“the commonwealth of Israel,” “the covenants of Above all, the church is the bride preparing for
promise,” and “temple” in order to help believers the approach of her lover and husband (5:22–32).
understand the nature and identity of the new
covenant people of God (2:11, 12, 21). Further-
more, the phrase “the helmet of salvation” directly
picks up terminology from the OT (6:17; cf. Is. theology of ephesians
59:17). Other pieces of the “armor of God” allude
to weaponry wielded by the Lord, His Messiah, Ephesians is a summary of Paul’s gospel. In ch. 1,
or His messengers in the OT (Ps. 144:1–2; Is. 11:5; Paul reflects on the triune God’s accomplishment
49:2; 52:7). No small part of the literary craft of this of our salvation: God the Father chose His people
epistle is the way in which Paul has seamlessly in- before the foundation of the world (1:3–6); God
corporated OT motifs. the Son accomplished redemption for His people
(1:7–10); and God the Spirit applies redemption
to us and assures us that the inheritance is ours
(1:11–14). Throughout this epistle, Paul reflects on
characteristics and salvation in personal and individual terms (2:1–
primary themes 10), in corporate terms (2:11–22), in cosmic terms
(1:9-10; 6:10–20), and in historical terms (3:1–6).
One of the key words in this letter is “mystery,” Redemption is both individual and cosmic; as
which appears seven times (1:9; 3:3, 4, 6, 9; 5:32; such, it has profound implications for the way in
EPHESIANS 20 8 8

which God’s people understand themselves and visible during the era of the OT, was that Jews and
live together (4:1–5:21). In particular, Paul uses the Gentiles would be fellow members of the people
plural pronouns “we” and “you” (1:12, 13; 2:1–3, of God, on equal terms and without distinc-
11–22) to emphasize God’s dismantling of the di- tion (3:6; cf. 2:14, 15). (Although “hidden” in the
viding wall between Israel (His ancient covenant sense of “not exhibited in history,” the inclusion
people) and the Gentiles through the sacrificial of the Gentiles by faith in a coming Messiah was
death of Christ, by which the two have been made also foretold in the OT, as Paul argues elsewhere;
one and given access to God the Father by the Spir- cf. Rom. 3:21, 22; 4:1–17; 15:8–12; Gal. 3:5–14.)
it (2:14, 16–18). In summary, this letter impresses Christ’s universal reign is now on particular dis-
upon us how comprehensive and far-reaching the play in His church, drawn from all people and na-
gospel is. tions who stand alongside one another as spiritual
equals in Jesus Christ.
The gospel also transforms the way we conduct
ourselves in marriage, in parenting, and in the
workplace (5:22–6:9). Paul prefaces these com-
mands regarding our relationships and roles with christ in ephesians
two significant points: (1) We are to walk in love
as Christ loved and as He gave Himself for us in This epistle helps us to understand the criti-
His atoning death and in His active obedience cal biblical doctrine of union with Christ. The
(5:1). (2) We are to submit to one another out of importance of this doctrine is evident from the
reverence for Christ (5:21). Love and submission opening verses of the book. It is “in Christ” that
then serve as the foundation to our roles as spous- the Father “has blessed us . . . with every spiritual
es, parents, children, employers, and employees. blessing in the heavenly places” (1:3) and that in
We are also kept from moralism by remember- whom He “chose us before the foundation of the
ing the cross and our redemption as that which world” and “predestined us for adoption” (1:4, 5).
enables to live the lives to which Paul calls us in It is “in the Beloved” that we have been “blessed”
5:22–6:9. by the Father’s “glorious grace,” and in Christ
that we have “redemption through his blood, the
forgiveness of our trespasses” (1:6, 7). In Christ
“we have obtained an inheritance” (1:11), and “in
ephesians in the larger story him . . . you were sealed with the promised Holy
of the bible Spirit” (1:13).

In 1:9, 10, Paul tells us that God’s purpose, “set Furthermore, it was by being united to Jesus
forth in Christ,” is “a plan for the fullness of time, Christ in His death and resurrection that we were
to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and saved by the grace of God (2:1–10). In Christ, the
things on earth.” All of history, including the his- whole church is “being built together into a dwell-
tory recorded throughout the OT (4:8, quoting ing place for God by the Spirit” (2:22) and is the
Ps. 68:18), moves toward this goal and destina- bride of Christ (5:25–33). We are joined to Christ,
tion—the bringing together of all things under as the body is to the head, and thus grow into ma-
the sovereign rule of the crucified and exalted turity (4:15, 16).
Christ (1:19–22). Christ’s mediatorial reign is
most visible in the church (1:22; 4:7–14), through In this letter, Paul particularly emphasizes Christ
whom “the manifold wisdom of God might now as raised from the dead as well as our union with
be made known to the rulers and authorities in Christ in His resurrection. The very same Spirit
the heavenly places . . . according to the eternal who raised Jesus from the dead made us alive
purpose that [God] has realized in Christ Jesus” together with Christ (2:5), presently indwells us
(3:10, 11). (3:16, 17), and is at work in us presently “according
to the working of his great might that he worked
Even so, under the new covenant, “the mystery in Christ when he raised him from the dead” (1:19,
of Christ” was first made known by the Spirit and 20a). Paul’s point is plain—in Christ and by the
through Christ’s “holy apostles and prophets” Spirit of the risen Christ, believers have all the
(3:5). This mystery, whose fulfillment was not yet resources they need to walk with God in this age.
 20 8 9 EPHESIANS

h i s to ry o f i n t e r p r e tat i o n sage is a concise and at the same time comprehen-

sive statement of the gospel that gives expression
Paul’s teaching on slavery (6:5–9) has been the to the distinctively Reformed approach to the doc-
occasion of both discussion and controversy, par- trines of grace. Furthermore, Eph. 2:8–10 is one of
ticularly within the last two centuries. For further the most concise and complete presentation of the
discussion of this issue, see Introduction to Phile- doctrine of justification by grace alone through
mon: History of Interpretation. Ephesians 1:3–14 faith alone that can be found in all of Scripture.
has played a long and crucial role in the Reformed Ephesians 6:10–20 has often been emphasized in
tradition’s understanding of the gospel. This pas- discussions of spiritual warfare.
EPHESIANS 20 9 0

outline of ephesians

I. SALUTATION (1:1, 2) VI. OUR WALK IN CHRIST: TOWARD UNITY

AND PURITY (4:1–6:9)
II. PRAISE TO GOD FOR BLESSINGS IN CHRIST
(1:3–14) A. Unity and Diversity (4:1–16)
B. A New Mind (4:17–24)
A. Elected by the Father (1:3–6)
C. A New Walk: In Unity, Love, Purity, Light,
B. Redeemed by the Son (1:7–10)
and Wisdom (4:25–5:17)
C. Sealed by the Spirit (1:11–14)
D. The Filling of the Spirit (5:18–6:9)
III. PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH (1:15–23) 1. In worship and submission to one another
(5:18–21)
IV. OUR POSITION IN CHRIST (2:1–3:13)
2. Mutual submission in specific relationships
A. Reconciled with God and Seated with Christ (5:22–6:9)
(2:1–10)
a. Husbands and wives (5:22–33)
B. Reconciled with God’s People and Growing
b. Parents and children (6:1–4)
into God’s Temple (2:11–22)
c. Masters and slaves (6:5–9)
C. Recipients and Revealers of God’s mystery
(3:1–13) VII. OUR STAND AGAINST THE SPIRITUAL FORCES
OF DARKNESS (6:10–20)
V. PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH AND DOXOLOGY
(3:14–21) A. Call to Arms against our Real Enemy
(6:10–12)
B. Our Armor, Weaponry, and Strategy
(6:13–20)

VIII. FINAL GREETINGS (6:21–24)

 20 91 EPHESIANS 1:12

Chapter 1 GREETING

1
1 a See 2 Cor. 1:1
b See 1 Cor. 1:1
c Col. 1:2
Paul, a an apostle of Christ Jesus b by the will of God,
2 d See Rom. 1:7 To the saints who are in Ephesus, and c are faithful1 in Christ Jesus:
3 e 2 Cor. 1:3; 1 Pet.
1:3 f See Rom.
2d
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
15:6 g ver. 20; ch.
2:6; 3:10; 6:12 SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS IN CHRIST
4 h [ch. 2:10;
2 Thess. 2:13;
1 Pet. 1:2] i James
3e
Blessed be f the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with
2:5; [Deut. 7:6; every spiritual blessing g in the heavenly places, 4 h even as he i chose us in him j before the foun-
26:18] j [2 Tim.
1:9]; See Matt. dation of the world, that we should be k holy and blameless before him. In love 5 l he predes-
13:35 k ch.
5:27; Col. 1:22; tined us2 for m adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, n according to the purpose of his will,
1 Thess. 4:7
5 l ver. 11; Rom.
6o
to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in p the Beloved. 7 q In him
8:29, 30 m See
Rom. 8:15 n ver.
we have r redemption s through his blood, t the forgiveness of our trespasses, u according to the
9; [Luke 2:14; riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 v making known3
Heb. 2:4]; See
Luke 12:32 to us the mystery of his will, n according to his purpose, which he w set forth in Christ 10 as a
6 o ver. 12, 14
p [John 3:35; plan for x the fullness of time, y to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
10:17; Col. 1:13];
See Matt. 3:17
11
In him we have obtained z an inheritance, a having been predestined b according to the
7 q Col. 1:14 r Rom. purpose of him who works all things according to c the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who
3:24; 1 Cor. 1:30;
[ch. 4:30] s See 1 Some manuscripts saints who are also faithful (omitting in Ephesus) 2 Or before him in love, having predestined us 3 Or he lavished upon us in all wisdom and insight, making known . . .
Acts 20:28 t See
Acts 2:38 u [ch.
See Rom. 2:4 9 v See Rom. 16:25 n [See ver. 5 above] w [ver. 11; Rom. 8:28; 9:11] 10 x See Mark 1:15 y Col. 1:16, 20; [ch. 3:15; Phil. 2:9, 10] 11 z Deut. 4:20; 32:9; See ver. 14 a ver. 5 b ch. 3:11; [Rev. 4:11];
3:8, 16; Col. 1:27];
See Rom. 8:28 c [Acts 20:27]

1:1 apostle of Christ Jesus. An authorized teaches that the very state of being “in Christ” is redemption. This means deliverance by paying
delegate commissioned and sent by the risen Lord something to which one is elected (1 Cor. 1:26–31). a price or ransom. In view here is the deliverance
Jesus, with the authority to receive and declare His Paul says explicitly that the sole ground of God’s from the guilt of sin by the blood of Christ shed at
special revelation. See note on 2 Cor. 1:1. predestinating love is His own good pleasure the cross. For the redemption that is yet to come,
(vv. 5, 10; cf. Deut. 7:7, 8), not anything the elect see v. 11.
in Ephesus. Some early manuscripts lack these
have done or will do (Rom. 9:11, 16). “In him” means
words, suggesting that this epistle was a circular 1:9 mystery. For Paul, “mystery” is not a conun-
that God’s choice always has had in view a fallen
letter intended to be read by churches in various drum impenetrable to finite human reason, but a
people in union with their Redeemer (2 Tim. 1:9). Cf.
cities in the province of Asia in addition to Ephesus truth previously and partially hidden that is now
1 Pet. 1:18–21; Rev. 13:8.
(cf. Col. 4:16; Rev. 1:4, 11). fully revealed through the coming of Christ. See 3:3,
holy and blameless. Cf. 5:27; Col. 1:22. God 5, 6, 10, and notes; Col. 1:27; Rom. 16:25–27. The use
1:3–14 The passage, which is one long sentence
intends to bring His elect all the way from spiri- of “mystery” in Paul always has to do in some way
in Greek, is an expansion on the praise of God’s
tual death in sin (2:1–5) to the forgiveness of sins in with OT prophecies, most of which have begun to
purpose in Rom. 8:28–30. Praise goes to the Fa- Christ (1:7), and finally to the elimination of all sin
ther who elects (vv. 4–6), the Son who redeems be fulfilled during the church age (cf. 3:3, 4, 9; 5:32).
from their experience (Rom. 8:29, 30). It is therefore
(vv. 7–12), and the Spirit who seals (vv. 13, 14). Paul untrue to say that election leads to careless, sinful 1:10 the fullness of time. This does not re-
reflects on believers’ election from eternity, their living (cf. 2:10; 4:1–3, 17–24; 5:25–27). fer simply to the future. Christ has already come
forgiveness in the present, and their inheritance in to bring redemption and adoption (cf. Gal. 4:4, 5,
the future. Note throughout the repetition of the In love. If “in love” belongs with the preceding where “fullness of time” refers to the latter days
phrases “in Christ” or “in Him,” referring to the in- phrase, it helps explain the nature of the holiness that have begun with Christ’s birth and redemp-
timate union God has established between Christ and blamelessness to which believers are called; tive work).
and His people. this is consistent with the use of the phrase else-
where in Ephesians (3:17; 4:2, 15, 16; 5:2). If it belongs That Christ is “to unite” all things refers to His
1:3 in the heavenly places. Two of the other with v. 5, the phrase explains predestination not managerial or stewarding role in God’s economy
five instances where this phrase appears in Ephe- simply as a matter of God’s decision, but as an act (translated in ESV as “plan”). This word refers
sians have a bearing on its meaning here. Christ of His love (Hos. 11:1). This understanding is prob- elsewhere in the Greek world to a manager of a
was raised from the dead and seated at the right ably better and is consistent with 2:4, 5. household; it is also used this way in Luke 12:42–44.
hand of the Father “in the heavenly places,” from The idea appears to be that the household of the
1:5 adoption. See Rom. 8:14–17, 29; Gal. 3:26, 27.
where He governs “all things to [for the sake of] cosmos has become fragmented and in disarray
the church” (v. 22). Moreover, believers have also 1:6 The thought of God’s almighty love leads to because the household managers allowed this to
been raised up and seated with Him “in the heav- an extravagant outpouring of praise (vv. 12, 14) to happen (Adam and his progeny). Christ is a faith-
enly places” (2:6). Christ’s victory over death has God, who has not only the power but also the will ful household manager who has come to put the
won believers a series of benefits (“every spiritual to overcome all obstacles in bringing the spiritu- fragmented household back together, especially
blessing”) for which Paul blesses the Father. ally dead into a living relationship with Himself the splintered relationships in the family of that
(expanded in 2:1–10). household.
1:4 he chose us in him. See theological note
“Predestination and Reprobation” on p. 1997. Paul grace . . . blessed us in the Beloved. “Be- 1:11–14 Paul anticipates what he will say in 3:6
rejoices that God chooses people for a relation- loved” is singular. This recalls the language of Col. about Jews and Gentiles being “fellow heirs” of
ship with Himself (Rom. 8:29–33; 9:6–26; 11:5, 7, 28; 1:13 but also brings into view the Redeemer as Him- the promise in Christ. Believing Jews of Paul’s day,
16:13; Col. 3:12; 1 Thess. 1:4; 2 Thess. 2:13; Titus 1:1). self an object of God’s electing love (1 Pet. 1:18–21; “who were the first to hope in Christ” (v. 12), have
Some suggest that “in him” means God foresaw Rev. 13:8) and may echo the Father’s words at Jesus’ become heirs by the will of God. Gentiles who have
who would have faith in Christ and on that basis baptism and transfiguration (Matt. 3:17; 17:5). The now received the same promise that was made to
elected them. Not only does this suggestion add a language of grace dominates vv. 6–8. Israel—the gift of the Holy Spirit—have likewise
thought that is not in the text, but elsewhere Paul 1:7 See notes on Col. 1:14; 2:13. become heirs, to the praise of God’s glory.
EPHESIANS 1:13 20 92

were the first to hope in Christ might be d to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when 12 d ver. 6, 14;
[Phil. 1:11]
you heard e the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, f were sealed 13 e 2 Cor. 6:7; Col.
1:5; 2 Tim. 2:15;
with the g promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is h the guarantee1 of our i inheritance until j we acquire [Acts 13:26; 15:7]
f ch. 4:30 g See
k
possession of it,2 l to the praise of his glory. Acts 1:4
14 h 2 Cor. 1:22
THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER i Acts 20:32;
[ver. 18] j Titus
For this reason, m because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love 3 to-
15 2:14; See ver. 7
k See 1 Pet. 2:9

ward all the saints, 16 I n do not cease to give thanks for you, o remembering you in my prayers, l ver. 6, 12

15 m Col. 1:4;
17
that p the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, q may give you the Spirit of Philem. 5; See
Rom. 1:8
wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 r having the eyes of your hearts en- 16 n Col. 1:9 o Rom.
lightened, that you may know what is s the hope to which he has called you, what are t the 1:9; 2 Tim. 1:3
17 p See Rom. 15:6
riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of q [Col. 1:9]

his power toward us who believe, u according to the working of v his great might 20 that he 18 r [Heb. 6:4;
10:32; Rev. 3:17,
worked in Christ w when he raised him from the dead and x seated him at his right hand y in 18]; See Acts
26:18 s ch. 4:4;
the heavenly places, 21 z far above a all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above [ch. 2:12] t ch. 3:8,
16; Col. 1:27; See
b
every name that is named, not only in c this age but also in the one to come. 22And d he put ver. 7
19 u ch. 3:7; Phil.
1 Or down payment 2 Or until God redeems his possession 3 Some manuscripts omit your love 3:21; Col. 1:29; 2:12
v ch. 6:10; [Dan.
20 w See Acts 2:24 x See Mark 16:19; Acts 2:33; 1 Pet. 3:22 y See ver. 3 21 z ch. 4:10; Col. 2:10; See John 3:31 a 1 Cor. 15:24 b ch. 3:15; Phil. 2:9; [Heb. 1:4] c [Matt. 12:32] 22 d Cited from Ps. 8:6; See 1 Cor. 15:27 4:30]

1:11 all things . . . his will. A sweeping state- “unto the praise of His glory.” This is the main point dom (3:8–10). This outcome results only from His
ment on the comprehensive extent of God’s will of vv. 3–14, and this phrase is repeated as the goal grace and redounds only to His glory.
and His sovereign power to enact His entire pur- and main point of the Father’s work in vv. 3–6 (cf. 1:19–23 These verses distill the New Testament’s
pose and plan. Believers have been “predestined” v. 6) and of the Son’s work in vv. 7–12 (cf. v. 12). Thus, teaching on the resurrection and enthronement
to receive an “inheritance.” the overriding main point of all of vv. 3–14 is that
of Jesus (Col. 1:18 note). They also make two vital
1:13 sealed. Like the indelible impression made the work of the Trinity in electing, redeeming, and
contributions to understanding Jesus’ resurrection
by a king’s signet ring, the Holy Spirit is an inward sealing is to the glory of God. This is why election
and the status of believers. First, the same power
mark of God’s ownership of His people. See theo- and predestination are repeated (vv. 3, 4, 11), since
that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in be-
logical note “Salvation” on p. 2058. God can receive glory for the work of redemption
lievers (2:4, 5; 3:16, 17). Second, Christ enjoys His po-
only if that work is all of God. If believers could con-
the promised Holy Spirit. As Jesus says in sition as head over everything for the sake of the
tribute anything independently to their salvation,
Luke 24:49, the Holy Spirit is the promise of the church. Not only is Christ at the most exalted posi-
then Paul could say that they get a share of the glo-
Father. Remarkably, this promise is extended to all tion in the universe, He is there representing be-
ry, but instead, he says all the glory belongs to God.
those who trust in Christ, Gentiles as well as Jews lievers (2:6; Col. 3:3) and governing the universe for
(Ezek. 36:26, 27; Joel 2:28; John 14–16; Acts 1:4, 5; 2:33, 1:15 because I have heard. See Introduction: their sake. The principles of conduct in Ephesians
38, 39; Gal. 3:14; 4:6). Date and Occasion. Paul had ministered in Ephesus emphasize that authority exists for the sake of
for more than two years, but the time of writing service. Jesus’ majestic use of power and author-
1:14 guarantee. The Spirit is not only a fulfill- may be as much as five years later. The church had ity in the interest of His people is the Christian’s
ment of God’s promise to indwell His people, but grown considerably since then. It may also be that model (4:1, 2, 7–13; 4:32–5:2, 22–33). Paul reminds
also a guarantee that He will bring them to their fi- Paul mentions people who live in the cities where his Gentile readers of two specific ways in which
nal inheritance. As a down payment or first install- the epistle circulated whose faith and love he Christ’s power has blessed them: He brought them
ment on their full redemption (2 Cor. 1:22; 5:5), the knows only by report (v. 1 note). from death to life (2:1–10) and from alienation
Spirit is a foretaste of the glory of the age to come
1:17 wisdom and of revelation in the from God’s people to inclusion with them (2:11–22).
(Rom. 8:18–23). This is a prime example that the
knowledge of Him. See theological note “The Paul alludes to OT passages cited elsewhere in the
latter days have begun (the end-time inheritance
Illumination of the Holy Spirit” on p. 2018. Some see NT as fulfilled in Jesus’ heavenly enthronement at
in the new creation) but are not yet consummated.
Eph. 1:17 as an allusion to Is. 11:2. This Isaiah passage God’s right hand (Ps. 110:1; cf. Mark 12:36; 14:62; Acts
possession. Paul’s use of the word here can be is a prophecy about the coming Messiah’s attri- 2:34–36; Rom. 8:34; Heb. 1:13) and in the submission
interpreted in two ways: (1) “Possession” refers to butes. Accordingly, Christians have this attribute of all things under His feet (Ps. 8:6; cf. 1 Cor. 15:25–27;
our acquiring the complete inheritance of which of the Messiah because they are united to Him Heb. 2:8, 9).
the Holy Spirit is guarantee (so ESV). The Old Testa- and are identified with Him (note the repeated “in 1:20 seated him . . . in the heavenly places.
ment speaks of the Lord as His people’s inheritance Christ” or “in Him” in 1:3, 4, 7, 11, 13). See theological note “The Ascension of Jesus” on
(Ps. 16:5, 6; Num. 18:20). (2) God’s people are His “in-
1:18 that you may know. See theological note p. 1842.
heritance,” which He will redeem finally and fully
in our resurrection (Rom. 8:23). The Old Testament “Knowledge of Self and Knowledge of God” on p. 1:21 above all rule and authority. Ephesus
teaches that God chose a people as His inheritance 1278. and its environs were a hotbed of occultic arts and
(Deut. 32:9; Ps. 33:12) and purchased them out of the hope to which he has called you. Paul strategies for placating and manipulating invis-
bondage to become His prized possession (Ex. 19:5; repeats this theme in 4:4, showing that the unity ible spiritual powers (Acts 19:11–20). Paul boldly
Deut. 7:6; 14:2; Mal. 3:17). Paul alludes to this theme of believers from diverse backgrounds is central to declares that in Jesus’ resurrection and ascension,
in v. 18, mentioning God’s “glorious inheritance in this hope (cf. 4:13). God exalted Him above all unseen forces, and that
the saints.” Behind the ESV’s “we acquire” is the Jesus wields His supreme dominion for the sake
his glorious inheritance in the saints. It is
Greek word “redemption,” used in v. 7 with refer- His church (cf. 3:10 note). “Rule and authority” here
amazing that God should so treasure as His inheri-
ence to God’s action in rescuing believers. Thus, the focuses on evil powers, as is clear from 6:12 and Col.
tance a gathering of people who were once dead in
second understanding is more likely (text note). trespasses and objects of His wrath (2:1–3), making 2:10 in comparison to 2:15.
The goal of the Spirit’s sealing work is that it be His church the venue to display His manifold wis- this age . . . the one to come. Cf. 1 Cor. 15:24.
 20 9 3 EPHESIANS 2:12

22 e ch. 4:15; 5:23;

Col. 1:18; 2:19;
all things under his feet and gave him as e head over all things to the church, 23 f which is his
[1 Cor. 11:3; Col.
2:10]
body, g the fullness of him h who fills i all in all.
23 f ch. 4:12, 16;
5:30; Col. 1:18, 24; BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

2
[ch. 5:23; 1 Cor.
12:27] g ch. 3:19; And you were k dead in the trespasses and sins 2 l in which you once walked, following the
j

See John 1:16

h ch. 4:10 i [Jer. course of this world, following m the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now
23:24; Col. 3:11]
at work in n the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in o the passions of
Chapter 2 our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body1 and the mind, and p were by nature q children
1 j Col. 2:13; [Col.
1:21] k ver. 5; [ch.
of wrath, like the rest of mankind.2 4 But3 God, being r rich in mercy, s because of the great love
4:18]; See Luke
15:24
with which he loved us, 5 even t when we were dead in our trespasses, u made us alive together
2 l ch. 4:17, 22; 5:8; with Christ—v by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and w seated us with
Col. 3:7; See Rom.
11:30; 1 Cor. 6:11 him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the im-
measurable x riches of his grace in y kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For z by grace you have
m [ch. 6:12; Rev.
9:11]; See John
12:31 n ch. 5:6;
[1 Pet. 1:14]
been saved a through faith. And this is b not your own doing; c it is the gift of God, 9 d not a result
3 o Gal. 5:16 p See of works, e so that no one may boast. 10 For f we are his workmanship, g created in Christ Jesus
Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:12
q [2 Pet. 2:14]
h
for good works, i which God prepared beforehand, j that we should walk in them.
4 r ver. 7; Titus
3:5; See Rom. 2:4 ONE IN CHRIST
s See John 3:16

5 t ver. 1; [Rom. 5:6,

8, 10] u Col. 2:12,
Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumci-
11

13; [John 14:19; sion” by what is called k the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember
Rev. 20:4] v ver.
8; See Acts 15:11 1 Greek flesh 2 Greek like the rest 3 Or And
6 w See ch. 1:20
7 x ver. 4 y Titus 8 z ver. 5 a 1 Pet. 1:5; [Rom. 4:16] b [2 Cor. 3:5] c [John 4:10; Heb. 6:4] 9 d 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:5; See Rom. 3:20, 28 e 1 Cor. 1:29; [Judg. 7:2] 10 f Deut. 32:6, 15; Ps. 100:3 g [ch. 3:9; 4:24; Col. 3:10] h ch. 4:24
3:4 i [ch. 1:4] j Col. 1:10 11 k Rom. 2:26, 28; [Col. 2:11, 13]

2:1–3 The natural state of all human beings is the present, there is a new mind (4:23, 24; Rom. 12:1, God and not as a human achievement. Sinners are
spiritual death. This condition is universal: both 2), a new identity as God’s children (Rom. 8:14–17), dependent on God’s gracious gift for their believ-
Gentiles (v. 2) and Jews (v. 3) are “by nature chil- and a new ability to live free from the control of ing response to Christ from the moment of conver-
dren of wrath” (v. 3; on Paul’s view of “nature,” see Satan (Rom. 8:1–4; 2 Cor. 5:17). These realities are all sion. Paul makes explicit here what is implicit else-
Rom. 1). Second, in their natural state, all people part of what it means that the believer is united to where in the New Testament about the ultimate
are in active rebellion against God; note the use of Jesus Christ in His resurrection. source of saving faith (Acts 13:48; Phil. 1:29).
“walked” in regard to Gentiles in v. 2 and “lived” in
2:7 The ground of our salvation is God’s love and 2:9 not a result of works. The spiritual death,
reference to Jews in v. 3. Third, they are subject to
mercy, and its goal is the promotion of His grace dominion by the devil and defiling desires, and
the evil rule of Satan (called in v. 2 “the prince of
and kindness (3:6 note). liability to divine wrath that characterize both
the power of the air”; cf. Gal. 4:3; Col. 1:13). Fourth,
they are totally unable to cease their rebellion 2:8 you have been saved. Salvation is a Gentile and Jew apart from the loving and gracious
against God (John 3:3). Fifth, they are exposed to completed action that has a present effect. In his initiative of God in Christ show that salvation is
the just anger of God (v. 3; 5:6; Rom. 1:18–20). earlier letters, Paul speaks of salvation either as a wholly God’s work, received through faith alone,
future event (Rom. 5:9, 10) or as a present process and in no way contingent on the intentions or
2:1 you were dead. See theological note “Re- actions of those whom God saves. The Christian’s
(1 Cor. 1:18; 2 Cor. 2:15). One exception is Rom. 8:24,
birth” on p. 1857. utter dependence on divine grace and kindness
where Paul puts salvation in the past, but qualifies
2:4 But God. Paul paints this bleak portrait of it as needing completion at Christ’s return: “in this (v. 7) silences all human boasting (Rom. 3:19–27;
the human situation to throw into relief God’s gra- hope we were saved.” Because salvation ultimately 1 Cor. 1:26–31).
cious and merciful response to it. encompasses several realities—including predesti- 2:10 for good works. Only faith, not works,
because of the great love. God loves His peo- nation, regeneration, justification, adoption, sanc- can bring acceptance with God (vv. 8, 9). But good
ple of His own will. Paul excludes any consideration tification, and glorification—the apostle can speak works are the vital and indispensable consequence
of merit, effort, or ability on the part of those who of it as a past event (predestination, regeneration, and evidence of life with God (Titus 2:14; 3:8, 14;
come to life (cf. Deut. 7:7, 8). The hopeless condi- justification, adoption), present process (sanctifi- James 2:14–26). God chose His elect to make them
tion of sinners apart from Christ that Paul has de- cation), and a future reality (glorification). No mat- holy sons and daughters (1:4, 5), and He has now
scribed in vv. 1–3 is the context for understanding ter the emphasis in any one passage, all who truly fashioned them to be new bearers of His image
his teaching on God’s election in 1:4–6 and on His experience one of the aspects of salvation will (4:24), designed for the kind of life that conforms to
gift of life here in vv. 4–10. Note the summary in certainly experience all of them (Rom. 8:28–30).
God’s character (4:1–6:20). Our good works are the
Rom. 8:29, 30. Salvation is a completed action with a present ef-
fruit of salvation, not its cause, and those who do
fect because it is accomplished by God and sure to
2:5, 6 made us alive . . . raised us up . . . not have good works show that they do not have
be consummated in all of its fullness. All who have
seated us. These are historical events in the saving faith (cf. Rom. 6; James 2:12–26). Also see
true faith, having been justified, will certainly be
life of Christ: His resurrection from the dead and theological note “Antinomianism” on p. 2272.
glorified.
enthronement at the right hand of God. But Paul
that we should walk in them. See 4:1; 5:2, 8,
also applies them to believers. Paul teaches a And this is not your own doing; it is the
15; note the ironic contrast to 2:2; 4:17.
union between Christ and those who come to gift of God. This parenthesis most likely refers to
trust in Him (1:3; Col. 3:1–4), so that what is said of the whole complex of salvation by grace through 2:11 made in the flesh by hands. The oppo-
the Redeemer can also be said of the redeemed. faith as a gift of God. Others, however, take “this” site of this circumcision is the spiritual circumci-
What once happened to Jesus will one day happen as referring specifically to “faith.” In either case, sion of the heart (Deut. 10:16; Jer. 4:4), applied to
to believers as well (2 Cor. 4:16): they will be resur- since faith is included in the whole complex of sal- Gentiles as well as Jews (Rom. 2:28, 29; Phil. 3:3; Col.
rected to glory at His return (Rom. 8:11; 1 Cor. 15). For vation, faith itself must be understood as a gift of 2:11–13).
EPHESIANS 2:13 20 9 4

l
that you were at that time separated from Christ, m alienated from the commonwealth of 12 l 1 Cor. 12:2;
[ch. 5:8; Col. 3:7]
Israel and strangers to n the covenants of promise, o having no hope and without God in the m ch. 4:18; Col.

1:21; [Ezek. 14:5;

world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were p far off have been brought near q by the Gal. 2:15; 4:8]
n See Rom. 9:4
blood of Christ. 14 For r he himself is our peace, s who has made us both one and has broken o 1 Thess. 4:13;

See ch. 1:18

down t in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments 13 p ver. 17; Acts
expressed in u ordinances, that he might create in himself one v new man in place of the two, 2:39 q [Col. 1:20];
See Rom. 3:25
so making peace, 16 and might w reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, 14 r Ps. 72:7; Mic.
5:5; Zech. 9:10;
thereby killing the hostility. 17And he came and x preached peace to you who were y far off and [Col. 3:15]; See
peace to those who were z near. 18 For a through him we both have b access in c one Spirit to the Luke 2:14 s See
Gal. 3:28 t Col.
Father. 19 So then you are no longer d strangers and aliens,1 but you are e fellow citizens with 1:21, 22; [Rom. 7:4]
15 u Col. 2:14, 20
1 Or sojourners v See Rom. 6:4

16 w Col. 1:20-22;
17 x Isa. 57:19 y ver. 13 z Deut. 4:7; Ps. 148:14 18 a [John 14:6] b ch. 3:12; [John 10:7, 9]; See Rom. 5:2 c ch. 4:4; 1 Cor. 12:13; [John 4:23] 19 d ver. 12; [Heb. 11:13; 13:14] e Phil. 3:20; [Heb. 12:22, 23] [1 Cor. 12:13]

THE CHURCH

T
he church refers to all the people who belong to the The church is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. The
Lord, those who have been purchased by the blood of church is one. Though fragmented by denominations,
Christ. Various other images and expressions are also the elect are united by one Lord, one faith, and one bap-
used to define or describe the church. The church is called tism. The church is holy because it is sanctified by God
the body of Christ, the family of God, the people of God, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The church is catholic
the elect, the bride of Christ, the company of the redeemed, (the word catholic means “universal”) in that its mem-
the communion of saints, the new Israel, among others. bership extends across the earth including people from
The New Testament word for church, ekklesia, means all nations. The church is apostolic in that the teaching
“those called out.” The church is viewed as an assembly or of the apostles as contained in sacred Scripture is the
gathering of the elect, those whom God calls out of the foundation of the church and the authority by which
world, away from sin and into a state of grace. the church is governed.
Because the church on earth is always what St. Augustine It is the duty and privilege of every Christian to be united to
called “a mixed body,” it is necessary to distinguish between the church of Christ. It is our solemn responsibility not to ne-
the visible church and the invisible church. In the visible glect the gathering together of the saints in corporate worship,
church (consisting of those who make a profession of faith, to be under the nurture and discipline of the church, and to
are baptized, and enrolled in membership of the institutional be actively involved as witnesses in the mission of the church.
church), Jesus indicated there would be tares growing along The church is not so much an organization as it is an
with the wheat. Though the church is “holy,” it always, in this organism. It is made up of living parts. It is called the body
age, has an unholy mixture within it. Not all of those who of Christ. Just as a human body is organized to function
honor Christ with their lips honor Him with their heart as well. in unity by the co-working and codependence of many
Since God alone can read the human heart, the true elect parts, so the church as a body displays unity and diversity.
are visible to Him, but in some measure invisible to us. The Though ruled by one “head”—Christ—the body has many
invisible church is transparent but completely visible to God. members, each gifted and endowed by God to contribute
It is the task of the elect to make the invisible church visible. to the work of the whole body.

2:12 at that time. Contrast with “But now” in they turned to idolatry. It remains true today that all as emblematic of the law’s function of keeping Is-
v. 13; see also 5:8. In Rom. 9:3–5, Paul lists the privileges those who are strangers to the covenants of promise rael separate from the surrounding pagan peoples.
of Jews. Here he lists five disadvantages of Gentiles. and have no access to special revelation (the Bible) 2:15 abolishing the law of commandments.
alienated . . . strangers to the covenants are without hope and without God in the world. They Christ offered in His own body the final sacrifice to
of promise. They were not citizens of the nation have no way of knowing His plan of redemption. which the temple’s sacrifices merely pointed. The
with whom God was in covenant relation. Though 2:13 in Christ Jesus . . . by the blood of ceremonial laws of the Old Testament that sepa-
God’s relationship with Israel included a promise Christ. There are two dimensions to Gentiles’ rated Jews and Gentiles are no longer appropriate
to bless the nations (Gen. 12:3), Gentiles had no being brought near to God. The first is their experi- for God’s people after their fulfillment in Christ.
awareness of that hope. ence of spiritual union with Christ (vv. 4–10); the create in himself one new man. Paul repeats
without God in the world. God has revealed second is the historical basis of that experience in the “creation” theme of v. 10, implying now that the
Himself to all humanity in nature and in the con- Christ’s sacrificial death (vv. 14–16; 1:7). age-old division between Jew and Gentile has been
science. Yet this general or natural revelation is in- far off . . . near. See v. 17. overcome in the reconciling death of Christ on the
sufficient to save, and apart from the Lord’s act of cross (v. 16). As the last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45; cf. Rom. 5:12–
2:14–16 See 4:22–24; Col. 3:9–12 and notes. 21), Christ is the head of a new human race, which is
regeneration, all people suppress the truth that this
revelation gives them (4:17, 18; Acts 17:22–31; Rom. 2:14 the dividing wall of hostility. This refers distinguished not only by unprecedented unity but
1:18–2:16). The Gentiles whom Paul addresses in Ephe- to the courts of the temple in Jerusalem. A wall also by His “true righteousness and holiness” (4:24).
sians were particularly bad off before Christ because separated Gentiles and Jews, and signs were post- 2:17, 18 Isaiah prophesied a day when God’s peace
they had no access to the Lord’s special revelation ed excluding Gentiles from the inner courts where would be proclaimed to Jews “far” and “near”
to Israel, which reveals the plan of salvation, and so sacrifices for sin were performed. Paul interprets it (Is. 57:19). Through the gospel of Christ, the Spirit
 20 9 5 EPHESIANS 3:11

19 f See Gal. 6:10

20 g [Jer. 12:16];
the saints and f members of the household of God, 20 g built on the foundation of the h apostles
See 1 Cor. 3:9
h Matt. 16:18;
and prophets, i Christ Jesus himself being j the cornerstone, 21 k in whom the whole structure,
Rev. 21:14 i [1 Cor. being joined together, grows into l a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him m you also are being
3:11] j Ps. 118:22;
Isa. 28:16 built together n into a dwelling place for God by1 the Spirit.
21 k ch. 4:15, 16 l See
1 Cor. 3:16, 17 THE MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL REVEALED

3
22 m 1 Pet. 2:5
n [ch. 3:17; 2 Cor.
For this reason I, Paul, o a prisoner for Christ Jesus p on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assum-
6:16; 1 Tim. 3:15]
ing that you have heard of q the stewardship of r God’s grace that was given to me for you,
Chapter 3
1 o ch. 4:1; Acts
3s
how the mystery was made known to me t by revelation, u as I have written briefly. 4 v When
23:18; Phil. 1:7;
[ch. 6:20] p ver.
you read this, you can perceive my insight into w the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made
13; Col. 1:24 known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apos-
2 q ch. 1:10; Col.
1:25; 1 Tim. 1:4 tles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is2 that the Gentiles are x fellow heirs, y mem-
r ver. 7; ch. 4:7;
See Acts 11:23; bers of the same body, and z partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Rom. 1:5 7a
Of this gospel I was made b a minister according to the gift of c God’s grace, which was
3 s Acts 22:17, 21;
26:16-18 t [Dan. given me d by the working of his power. 8 To me, e though I am the very least of all the saints,
2:29]; See Rom.
16:25; 2 Cor. 12:1 this grace was given, f to preach to the Gentiles the g unsearchable h riches of Christ, 9 and i to
u [ch. 1:9, 10]

4 v [2 Cor. 11:6]
bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery j hidden for ages in3 God k who cre-
w Col. 4:3
ated all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold l wisdom of God m might now be
6 x See Gal. 3:29
y ch. 2:16 z ch. 5:7 made known to n the rulers and authorities o in the heavenly places. 11 This was p according to
7 a Col. 1:23, 25
b See 2 Cor. 3:6 1 Or in 2 The words This mystery is are inferred from verse 4 3 Or by
c See ver. 2 d [ver.
20]; See ch. 1:19 8 e See 1 Cor. 15:9 f See Acts 9:15 g [Job 5:9; Rom. 11:33] h See ch. 1:18; Rom. 2:4 9 i See ver. 2, 3 j Col. 1:26 k Rev. 4:11; [ch. 2:10] 10 l Rom. 11:33 m [1 Pet. 1:12] n ch. 1:21; [ch. 6:12] o See ch. 1:3 11 p See ch. 1:11

brings Gentiles (“you who were far off”) and Jews 2:22 you also are being built. Paul again ad- not need to travel to geographical Israel and be-
(“those who were near”) together as true Israel dresses Gentile believers specifically (1:13; 2:1, 2, come Jews, obeying the kosher laws, being circum-
before the Father, in fulfillment of Isaiah’s promise. 11, 12) to emphasize the radical reversal that God’s cised, and so forth. Christ is now the only identifier
grace has effected. Not only are they no longer for a true Israelite.
he came and preached peace. Christ pro-
excluded from God’s people and God’s sanctuary now revealed to his holy apostles and
claimed His peacemaking achievement in the
(vv. 12–15) and granted access to the Father (2:18), but prophets. These two offices are “foundational”
cross, though He did not travel to Asia in the flesh
they are actually being used (with Jewish believers) for the new temple of God that the Spirit is build-
either before or after His resurrection. Instead, He
to build the very “dwelling place for God by the Spir- ing (2:20, 21) because through Christ’s apostles and
traveled through heralds such as Paul, whose feet
it.” The apostle Peter concurs: under the new cov- prophets of the NT church (cf. 1 Cor. 12:28), God’s
carried the gospel of peace (6:15; cf. Is. 52:7).
enant, God’s “spiritual house” is composed of “living formerly hidden mystery is now disclosed.
2:19–22 These verses describe the reversal of the stones,” people whom God’s Spirit has made alive
Gentile disadvantages outlined in vv. 11, 12 (cf. 3:6). (1 Pet. 2:4, 5). This is none other than the beginning 3:6 Gentiles are fellow heirs. Although the
The building of a new spiritual temple replaces the fulfillment in the church of the end-time temple. Old Testament gives occasional glimpses of a uni-
outmoded one in Jerusalem. fied redeemed people, only in the light of Christ’s
3:1 Paul begins a prayer that his Gentile readers sacrifice does God’s plan become clear: in one mag-
2:19 no longer strangers. The kingdom of God will be filled with the presence of Christ and be nificent act, He removed the enmity between Him-
is now international. See theological note “The able to grasp the truth about their Redeemer’s self and humanity and also took away the divisions
Church” on p. 2094. love and power (vv. 14–21). Yet Paul’s mention of that fracture humanity (2:14–18). Paul reflects else-
his special call to serve the Gentiles leads him to where on the unusual way that God has included
2:20 The foundation of God’s house was laid once
interrupt himself to explain the nature of his own Gentiles among His people: contrary to the rules of
for all by the New Testament apostles and proph-
ministry and insight into the union of Jew and agriculture, the Gentiles are a wild branch grafted
ets (cf. Rev. 21:14). The cornerstone is Christ (1 Cor.
Gentile in Christ (vv. 2–13). into a cultivated tree (Rom. 11:11–24).
3:10, 11). In 3:4–6, Paul will show that the founda-
tional role of the apostles and prophets lies in their prisoner. Paul is under house arrest in Rome as he 3:8 Compare the progression of Paul’s self-descrip-
reception of the revelation of the previously undis- writes this epistle (Acts 28:16, 30). tion from 1 Cor. 15:9 to Eph. 3:8 to 1 Tim. 1:15, 16. In
closed mystery of Christ, and the Gentiles’ inclusion 3:3 as I have written briefly. See 1:9, 10. each text, Paul stresses his own unworthiness and
among His people. The fact that the apostles and God’s excessive grace, but the contrast between
prophets make up the foundation of the church is 3:5 as it has now been revealed. The silence
of the OT about Paul’s mystery—the union of Jews these two truths grows more stark from the earli-
an indicator that these offices have passed away. est of these self-descriptions to the latest.
and Gentiles on equal terms in the church (v. 6)—is
Since the foundation has been laid, there is no lon-
relative, not absolute. Many OT prophecies speak 3:10 the rulers . . . in the heavenly places.
ger any need for apostles or prophets in the church.
of the bringing together of Jews and Gentiles into Paul has already mentioned “the prince of the
Until Christ returns, the church will build on this
one people of God, a fact that Paul recognized in power of the air” (2:2) and will return to the Chris-
foundation, not by adding new revelation but by
his teaching (Is. 19:25; 56:3–7; 66:18; Acts 26:22, 23; tians’ battle against their spiritual enemies in
coming to an ever fuller understanding of what the
Rom. 4; 15:8–12). The membership of Jews and Gen- the universe (6:10–17). It is helpful here to recall
apostles have given us and an ever more faithful
tiles in the church on fully equal terms, however, Paul’s recent controversy (recent in terms of the
application of their teaching to believers.
was not explicitly articulated in the OT Scripture; time at which he wrote Ephesians) with the false
2:21, 22 grows . . . being built. God’s house nor was it fully implemented in history until teachers in Colossae. He argues in his letter to
grows through the continued addition and inte- Christ’s death and exaltation inaugurated the new that church that Jesus is Lord of all things, includ-
gration of people as “living stones” (1 Pet. 2:5). The covenant. That is, the precise mystery that was not ing the spirit world, and further that it is only in
house is also a temple because God Himself lives in fully revealed is that Gentiles can become part of Jesus that heaven and earth are reconciled (Col.
this new building. true Israel by identification with Christ. They do 1:15–20; 2:8–23). Accordingly, the establishment of
EPHESIANS 3:12 20 9 6

the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have q bold- 12 q Heb. 4:16;
10:19 r See ch.
ness and r access with s confidence through our t faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart 2:18 s 2 Cor. 3:4
t Mark 11:22;
over what I am suffering u for you, v which is your glory. Phil. 3:9
13 u ver. 1 v [2 Cor.
PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL STRENGTH 1:6]
15 w See ch.
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom w every family1 in heaven
14
1:10, 21
16 x See ver. 8
and on earth is named, 16 that according to x the riches of his glory y he may grant you to be y 1 Cor. 16:13; [ch.

strengthened with power through his Spirit z in your inner being, 17 a so that Christ may dwell 6:10; Phil. 4:13;
Col. 1:11] z See
in your hearts through faith—that you, being b rooted and c grounded in love, 18 may have Rom. 7:22
17 a [ch. 2:22] b Col.
strength to d comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and e height and 2:7 c Col. 1:23
depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ f that surpasses knowledge, that g you may be filled 18 d [John 1:5]
e Rom. 8:39; [Job
with all h the fullness of God. 11:8, 9]
20 i
Now to j him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, k ac- 19 f [Phil. 4:7] g Col.
2:10 h ch. 1:23
cording to the power at work within us, 21 l to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus 20 i Rom. 16:25;
Jude 24 j [2 Cor.
throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. 9:8] k [ver. 7]
21 l See Rom. 11:36
UNITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

4
Chapter 4
I therefore, m a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to n walk in a manner worthy of o the call- 1 m See ch. 3:1
ing to which you have been called, 2 with all p humility and q gentleness, with r patience, n Col. 1:10; 2:6;
1 Thess. 2:12;
s
bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in t the bond of [Phil. 1:27] o See
Rom. 8:28
peace. 4 There is u one body and v one Spirit—just as you were called to the one w hope that 2 p Acts 20:19;
belongs to your call— 5 x one Lord, y one faith, z one baptism, 6 a one God and Father of all, b who Phil. 2:3; Col.
3:12; 1 Pet. 3:8;
is over all and through all and in all. 7 But c grace was given d to each one of us e according to 5:5; [Col. 2:18, 23]
q Gal. 5:23 r Col.

the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, 1:11 s Col. 3:13

3 t Col. 3:14; [Acts
1 Or fatherhood; the Greek word patria is closely related to the word for Father in verse 14 8:23]
4 u ch. 2:16 v See
5 x Zech. 14:9; See 1 Cor. 1:13; 8:6 y [ver. 13; Jude 3] z See Gal. 3:27, 28 6 a 1 Cor. 12:5, 6 b Rom. 9:5 7 c See ch. 3:2 d [Matt. 25:15; 1 Cor. 12:7] e Rom. 12:3; [ver. 16] ch. 2:18 w ch. 1:18

peace between Jews and Gentiles in the church is a edge for which Paul prays for believers are directed 4:1 walk. Throughout the second half of this let-
signal to all powers in the universe. For Paul, there not toward their individual achievements but to- ter, Paul unfolds the “walk,” or life of good works,
is no more basic division in the human race than ward their love for each other, in response to the first mentioned in 2:10 and then again in 4:17; 5:2;
that between Jew and Gentile. That they can be immeasurable love of Christ for them (v. 19; 4:32–5:2). and 5:15. This figure of speech for moral conduct is
united with each other in Christ displays the pro- common in Scripture.
3:18 breadth and length and height and
found wisdom of God (Is. 55:8, 9; 1 Cor. 2:6–10), and
depth. These measures of space recall the temple calling. Paul earlier spoke of a hope to which
it proves even to supernatural powers that Jesus
image of 2:21. As the “living stones” (1 Pet. 2:5) are believers are called (1:18; 4:4); now he focuses on
is Lord of the universe (1:20–23). See note on 1:21.
linked in love, God’s dwelling grows and is filled with the life to which they are called. He has already
3:14 bow my knees. Jews normally prayed Christ Himself. God uses the love among “all the provided strong indications of its shape and sig-
standing (Matt. 6:5; Luke 18:11, 13). Kneeling in saints”—Jew and Gentile alike—to build a whole that nificance (1:4; 2:10). God’s call is both sovereign
prayer appears to have been an expression of hu- is greater than any of its individual parts. The spatial and gracious (1 Cor. 1:26–31), and in the ethical and
mility and urgency (Ezra 9:5; Luke 22:41; Acts 7:59, language exalts Christ’s love for His people—a love relational instructions that follow, Paul will repeat-
60). This verse resumes the prayer that Paul began that is inclusive, inexhaustible, and self-sacrificing. edly ground his exhortations in the gospel truths
introducing in v. 1 (note). already expounded in chs. 1–3.
3:20 the power at work within us. See
3:15 every family in heaven. Jewish intertes- 1:19–23; 2:5, 6. This power is the Spirit of the risen 4:3 maintain the unity of the Spirit. God’s
tamental and rabbinic literature refers to families Christ. The first half of the letter climaxes as Paul Spirit has united believers by drawing them to
of angels. considers the overwhelming power of God, who the Father through faith in the Son and indwelling
3:16 strengthened with power. Paul returns carries out His gracious (2:7) and all-wise (3:10) plan them as a new temple (2:18, 21, 22). Christians have
to the motifs of power and knowledge (v. 18, 19) for the reconciliation of human beings. a responsibility to retain and express their unity
that were the subject of his prayer for illumination 3:21 glory. Because of the power that God has given through the Spirit’s fruit, which include humility,
of believers’ minds (1:19–22). to the church, Paul gives glory to Him. Paul’s doctri- patience, and love (v. 2; Gal. 5:22, 23).
in your inner being. This is some of Paul’s most nal exposition opened in doxology (1:3–14) and now 4:4–6 one. This word is repeated seven times
pointed language about the work of the Holy Spirit closes in doxology, laying the groundwork for his out- in vv. 4–6—three times regarding the persons of
within individuals (2 Cor. 5:17). Much of the letter working of the ethical implications of God’s gracious the Godhead and four times regarding aspects of
to the Ephesians addresses believers’ corporate calling to His people in Christ (4:1). As in 1:3–14, 3:21 in- His salvation. In Phil. 2:1–4, Paul appeals similarly
identity (e.g., 4:3–6, 12–16). Yet Christ also dwells dicates that God’s “glory” is the goal and main point to the involvement of the persons of the Trinity in
in individual hearts. Elsewhere, Paul speaks of the of everything expounded in chs. 1–3. Believers should order to motivate believers toward the humility
ongoing renewal of believers’ “inner self” (2 Cor. live to give God glory and to reflect God’s glory. and love that foster unity. Just as the first half of
4:16) and of God’s working in them both the desire in the church and in Christ Jesus. In this Ephesians begins with the all-important work of
and the power to do what pleases Him (Phil. 2:12, letter, Paul uses a variety of images to describe the Trinity (1:3–14), so the second half of the book
13; cf. 1:6). Christianity is neither a common confes- the mutual relationship between the church and begins that way.
sion to the exclusion of individual experience nor a Christ: the body and the head (1:22, 23); the recon- 4:7 But grace was given to each one of us.
private piety without corporate vision. ciled and the reconciler (2:14–18; 4:3); and the bride All Christians share the grace of salvation through
3:17 grounded in love. The strength and knowl- and her groom (5:22, 33). faith (2:5, 8). Each Christian is also given some
 20 97 EPHESIANS 4:22

8 f Cited from Ps.

68:18 g Judg. 5:12;
f
“ When he ascended on high g he led a host of captives,
[Col. 2:15] and he gave gifts to men.”1
9 h See John 3:13
i Ps. 63:9; Isa.
44:23 ( In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into i the
9 h

10 j See Mark 16:19

k Heb. 4:14; 7:26;
lower regions, the earth?2 10 He who descended is the one who also j ascended k far above all
9:24 l ch. 1:23 the heavens, that he might l fill all things.) 11And m he gave the n apostles, the prophets, the
11 m [1 Cor. 12:5, 6]
n See 1 Cor. 12:28
o
evangelists, the p shepherds3 and teachers,4 12 q to equip the saints for the work of ministry,
o Acts 21:8; 2 Tim.
4:5 p Jer. 3:15;
for r building up s the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to t the unity of the faith and of the
[Acts 20:28] knowledge of the Son of God, u to mature manhood,5 to the measure of the stature of v the
12 q See 2 Cor. 13:9
r ver. 16, 29 s See fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, w tossed to and fro by the waves
1 Cor. 12:27
13 t [ver. 5] u Heb.
and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in x deceitful
5:14 v ch. 1:23 schemes. 15 Rather, y speaking the truth in love, we are to z grow up in every way into him who
14 w [Matt. 11:7;
Heb. 13:9; James is a the head, into Christ, 16 b from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every
1:6; Jude 12]
x ch. 6:11 joint with which it is equipped, c when each part is working properly, makes the body grow
15 y 1 John 3:18; so that it builds itself up in love.
[ver. 25] z ch. 2:21
a See ch. 1:22
THE NEW LIFE
16 b Col. 2:19
c [ver. 7]
Now this I say and d testify in the Lord, e that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles
17
17 d 1 Thess. 2:12
e ver. 22; ch. 2:1-3; do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They g are darkened in their understanding, h alienated
f

Col. 3:7; 1 Pet. 4:3

f Rom. 1:21; 1 Pet. from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to i their hardness of heart.
1:18; [Col. 2:18;
2 Pet. 2:18]
19
They j have become callous and k have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice
18 g [Rom. 11:10]
h See ch. 2:12
every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you l learned Christ!— 21 assuming that m you
i See Mark 3:5 have heard about him and n were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to o put off p your old
19 j [Prov. 23:35];
1 Tim. 4:2 k [1 Kgs. 1 The Greek word anthropoi can refer to both men and women 2 Or the lower parts of the earth? 3 Or pastors 4 Or the shepherd-teachers 5 Greek to a full-grown man
21:25; Rom. 1:24,
26, 28] 20 l See Matt. 11:29 21 m ch. 1:13 n Col. 2:7 22 o Col. 3:8; Heb. 12:1; James 1:21; 1 Pet. 2:1 p Rom. 6:6; Col. 3:9

particular gift of grace to benefit the church (Paul in a broader sense of people sent out as delegates the measure of the stature of the full-
speaks of his own in 3:2, 8). See Rom. 12:3–8; 1 Cor. of particular churches (2 Cor. 8:23; Phil. 2:25), though ness of Christ. Saints’ ministries to each other,
12:3–13, 27–30. these do not appear to be whom Paul has in mind in which further the building of the body of Christ,
4:8 Ps. 68 celebrates God’s triumphant march from this passage. See 2:20; 3:5 and notes; note on 2 Cor. 1:1. will continue until all believers attain maturity or
Mount Sinai in the wilderness to Mount Zion in Jeru- prophets. The New Testament prophets con- perfection, as defined by the norm of Jesus Christ
salem and His enthronement there. Paul regards this veyed special revelation to the early church. Himself. This process will last until Christ’s return
as prefiguring Christ’s victorious ascent into heaven. Their functions included prediction, exhortation, from heaven. so the mark of increasing maturity is
encouragement, warning, and explanation (Acts believers’ ongoing pursuit of conformity to Christ
captives. The spiritual forces of darkness were
15:32; 21:9–11; 1 Cor. 14:3). The teaching of the New and of helping one another in that pursuit as they
defeated at the cross (Col. 2:15 and note). There
Testament prophets and apostles laid the founda- await the return of Jesus (Phil. 3:12–16, 20, 21).
is debate over how to interpret Paul’s use of Ps.
68:18. The parallelism in the psalm citation might tion of the church (2:20; 3:5), and certain aspects of 4:16 body. Paul uses the analogy of the human
imply that the “captives” are the “gifts” that the their work related to that unique task have been body. Believers are not given gifts for their own
ascended Christ gave to His church. Thus, those discontinued (2:20 note). However, teachers and private benefit, and no one can grow to maturity
whom Christ conquered and made His own by elders continue to be responsible for exhorting, in isolation (1 Cor. 12:7, 12–26). Paul himself strives
grace (cf. Phil. 3:12) are the ones whom He now encouraging, and warning believers through the for a knowledge of the Son of God that comes to
commissions to bring His Word to His people (v. 11). explanation of God’s Word (2 Tim. 4:1, 2).
maturity only when all believers attain it as well.
While Ps. 68:18 describes the victorious Lord receiv- evangelists. People especially gifted to proclaim
4:17–19 This passage closely resembles the critique
ing gifts from men, Paul pictures Christ as sharing the gospel (Acts 21:8; 2 Tim. 4:5). Evangelism was at
of Gentile culture in Rom. 1 and contains echoes of
His tribute with men. Paul may have thought of the core of Paul’s apostolic calling (1 Cor. 1:17), al-
the descriptions of the Ephesians’ prior condition in
this psalm in light of Pentecost, the day on which though his office included greater authority to re-
paganism in 2:1–3, 11, 12 (“walk . . . alienated from the
the ascended Christ poured out His Spirit on the ceive and transmit revelation from the Holy Spirit
church (Acts 2:32, 33). (3:5) and to lead the church. life of God . . . sensuality”). While the letter to the Ro-
mans shows God as giving Gentiles over to a reckless
4:9 Christ came to the exalted position He now shepherds and teachers. The two words may and wanton life (Rom. 1:24–31), Ephesians presents
enjoys through humiliation. This passage is some- go together to refer to a single set of individuals the same progression from the human side: those
times thought to teach Christ’s “descent into Ha- who both shepherd and instruct God’s flock. On who have turned aside “have given themselves up”
des” between His death and resurrection (1 Pet. the other hand, two distinct but related offices (v. 19). Similarly, in Exodus, God is said to harden Pha-
3:19 note), but it probably refers to His incarnation, may be in view: “teachers” and other elders who raoh’s heart (Ex. 4:21; 7:3), but Pharaoh also hardens
when He took on a human nature here in “the low- provide spiritual oversight with less of a focus on his own heart (Ex. 8:15, 32; 9:34).
er regions, the earth” (cf. 1:20–23; Phil. 2:1–11). This teaching (1 Cor. 12:28; 1 Tim. 5:17).
pattern of service is to be imitated by believers. 4:20 you learned Christ. As Paul elsewhere sums
4:12, 13 It is not primarily those mentioned in v. 11
up the gospel as “proclaiming Christ” (1 Cor. 2:2; Phil.
4:11 apostles. In a restricted sense, those who who do the work of the ministry; it is the people
1:18; Col. 1:27), so here he characterizes as “learning
walked with Jesus during His earthly ministry and they equip. Thus, Paul goes on to describe the
Christ” the new pattern of desiring and behaving that
witnessed to His resurrection (or received a special growth that results when each member of the
flows from gratitude for God’s grace in the gospel.
revelation of the risen Jesus) and who were com- body works “properly” to serve others (vv. 15, 16).
missioned by Jesus to be founders of the church Effective teachers help believers find their own 4:21 heard about him. That is, in the message
(Acts 1:21, 22; 1 Cor. 15:1–9). The word was also used way to benefit the rest of the church. proclaimed about Him.
EPHESIANS 4:23 20 9 8

self,1 which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through q deceitful desires, 22 q [Heb. 3:13]
23 r See Rom. 12:2
23
and r to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on s the new self, t created after 24 s See Rom. 6:4
t See ch. 2:10
the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. 25 u Zech. 8:16;
25
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you u speak the truth with his Col. 3:9; [ver. 15]
v Rom. 12:5

neighbor, for v we are members one of another. 26 w Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun 26 w [Ps. 37:8]
27 x See James 4:7
go down on your anger, 27 and x give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer 28 y Acts 20:35;
steal, but rather y let him labor, z doing honest work with his own hands, so a that he may have Gal. 6:10
z 1 Thess. 4:11;

something to share with anyone in need. 29 b Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, 2 Thess. 3:8, 11, 12
a [Prov. 21:26]
but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give c grace to those 29 b ch. 5:4; Col.
who hear. 30And d do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, e by whom you were sealed for the day 3:8; [Matt. 12:34]
c Col. 4:6; [Eccles.

of f redemption. 31 g Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away 10:12]
30 d Isa. 63:10;
from you, along with all malice. 32 h Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, i forgiving one [1 Thess. 5:19]
e ch. 1:13 f See
another, as God in Christ forgave you. ch. 1:7
31 g Col. 3:8, 19
WALK IN LOVE 32 h Col. 3:12, 13;

5
1 Pet. 3:8 i [2 Cor.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2And k walk in love, l as Christ loved
j 2:7, 10]; See
Matt. 6:14
us and m gave himself up for us, a n fragrant o offering and sacrifice to God.
Chapter 5
3
But p sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness q must not even be named 1 j [ch. 4:32; Matt.
among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be r no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude 5:7, 48; Luke
6:36]
joking, s which are out of place, but instead t let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure 2 k Rom. 14:15; [Col.
3:14]; See John
of this, that u everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (v that is, an 13:34 l See Rom.
8:37 m See Rom.
idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 w Let no one x deceive you 4:25 n See Gen.
8:21 o Heb. 7:27;
with empty words, for because of these things y the wrath of God comes upon z the sons of dis- 9:14; 10:10, 12
obedience. 7 Therefore a do not become partners with them; 8 for b at one time you were c dark- 3 p 1 Cor. 6:18; See
Gal. 5:19 q [ver. 12;
ness, but now you are light in the Lord. d Walk as children of light 9 (for e the fruit of light is Ps. 16:4]
4 r ch. 4:29;
found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and f try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. [Eccles. 10:13]
s [Rom. 1:28]
1 Greek man; also verse 24 t ver. 20

5 u See 1 Cor. 6:9

6 w See Matt. 24:4 x Col. 2:8 y Rom. 1:18; Col. 3:6 z ch. 2:2; [1 Pet. 1:14] 7 a ch. 3:6 8 b See ch. 2:1, 2 c See Acts 26:18 d Isa. 2:5; See Luke 16:8; John 12:35, 36 9 e [Gal. 5:22]; See Rom. 7:4 10 f 1 Thess. 2:4; 5:21 v Col. 3:5

as the truth is in Jesus. God has broken the speak truth with their neighbor, which is grounded firm knowledge of God’s love and of one’s place in
cycle of death by giving them an understanding of not only in OT scripture (Zech. 8:16) but also in the His family (1:5) motivates the self-sacrifice neces-
His Son and His work on their behalf (1:13, 15). reality that we belong to one body, which grows sary for Christian living (cf. v. 2).
in unity as we speak truth in love (4:12, 15, 16). In
4:22–24 put off . . . be renewed . . . put on. 5:3, 4 proper . . . out of place. To trivialize
vv. 25–32, the behavior that Paul’s readers are ex-
Belonging to Christ involves repudiating an old life, the sexual relationship (“crude joking”) on the one
horted to exhibit is that of the “new man” living
the way of living “in Adam” (the “old self,” or “old hand or to idolize it on the other is out of step with
out the reality of the new creation.
man”; text note) and embracing a new one, the our identity as “saints.” As those chosen and called
way of living “in Christ” (the “new self,” or “new 4:26, 27 Because practical unity among believers (1:4–6) to bear God’s restored image (4:24), we can
man”). In 2:15, 16, Paul speaks of God’s creating “one displays God’s reconciling power (vv. 1–10; 2:14–16), accept God’s gifts, including sexuality, with thanks-
new man” in Christ and reconciling believing Jews the devil especially prizes its disruption (2:2; 6:11). giving, and restore them to their proper use (Prov.
and Gentiles to God through His cross. In Gal. 3:27, 4:30 do not grieve. That is, by the destructive 5:18, 19; 1 Tim. 4:1–5; Heb. 13:4).
Paul describes conversion as “putting on Christ.” use of speech described in v. 29. That the Holy
The image is that of taking off frayed clothes and 5:6 Although the day of reckoning may be denied
Spirit can be grieved is an indication of His being a
putting on new ones. See also Col. 3:9–11, where with “empty words” (cf. 2 Pet. 3:3, 4), God’s judg-
person and not an impersonal force. The idea is not
Paul makes explicit that this change of “clothing” ment will make a final separation between “the
new to the New Testament, as is clear from Paul’s
(identity), from Adam to Christ, has already hap- sons of disobedience” (2:2; cf. 5:5) and God’s be-
quotation of the prophet Isaiah (Is. 63:10). The di-
pened for believers. loved children (1:4, 5; 5:1).
visive attitudes and behaviors forbidden in v. 31
4:25–5:5 Paul outlines six concrete ways that disrupt the unity that the Spirit has established in 5:7 do not become partners with them.
Christians “put off” their old lives and “put on” Christ’s church (4:3). Christians must consider the fearful destiny of
life in Christ: they must turn from lying to telling 4:32–5:2 as God . . . as Christ. Believers must nonbelievers and refuse to join them in their folly
the truth (4:25, 26), from uncontrolled anger to extend to others—especially to fellow believers— (1 Pet. 4:3–5). Instead, they should remember their
self-control (4:26, 27), from stealing to useful labor the forgiveness and love that God has extended status as partakers with the Jews in the promise of
(4:28), from harmful to helpful speech (4:29, 30), to them. In the same way, because the Israelites God in Christ (3:6).
from bitterness to love (4:31–5:2), and from unre- were purchased from slavery in Egypt, they were 5:8 one time . . . but now. See 2:11, 13. Paul
strained sexual desires to a thankful acknowledge- to have a special regard for aliens, slaves, and the wants believers to do more than abstain from the
ment of God’s good gifts (5:3–5). In each case, Paul dispossessed in their own midst (Ex. 22:21; 23:9; Lev. things that bring God’s wrath. They should live as
offers a reason for the change from old to new. 19:33, 34; Deut. 5:15). The same logic is found in “children of light” (Col. 1:13 note). A result of the
4:25 members one of another. On the basis Jesus’ new commandment: “as I have loved you, believers’ union with Christ is that He who is “the
(“therefore”) that believers are now a “new man” you also are to love one another” (John 13:34). light of the world” (John 8:12; 9:5) has made them
in the last Adam, they have the responsibility to 5:1 as beloved children. See note on Col. 3:12. A also “the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14).
 20 9 9 EPHESIANS 5:25

11 g See 1 Cor.
5:9 h Rom. 6:21
Take no part in the h unfruitful i works of darkness, but instead j expose them. 12 For k it is
11 g

i Rom. 13:12 j Lev.

19:17; 1 Tim. 5:20
shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when l anything is exposed
12 k [ver. 3] by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
13 l John 3:20, 21;
[ver. 9]
14 m [Isa. 51:17;
m
“ Awake, O sleeper,
52:1; 60:1; Mal. and n arise from the dead,
4:2]; See Rom.
13:11 n Isa. 26:19
o Luke 1:78, 79
and o Christ will shine on you.”
15 p Col. 4:5; [Prov.
15:21] Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 p making the best use of
15 p

16 p [See ver. 15
above] q ch. 6:13;
the time, because q the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what r the
Eccles. 12:1; Amos will of the Lord is. 18And s do not get drunk with wine, for that is t debauchery, but u be filled
5:13; Gal. 1:4
17 r Rom. 12:2; with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in v psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing
1 Thess. 4:3; 5:18
18 s Prov. 20:1;
and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 w giving thanks always and for everything
23:20, 31; 1 Cor. to God the Father x in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 y submitting to one another out of
5:11 t Titus 1:6;
1 Pet. 4:4 u [Luke reverence for Christ.
1:15]
19 v Acts 16:25; WIVES AND HUSBANDS
1 Cor. 14:26; Col.
3:16; James 5:13
20 w Col. 3:17;
22 z
Wives, a submit to your own husbands, b as to the Lord. 23 For c the husband is the head of
1 Thess. 1:2;
2 Thess. 1:3
the wife even as d Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is e himself its Savior. 24 Now as
x Heb. 13:15;
the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit f in everything to their husbands.
[John 14:13]
21 y [Phil. 2:3]
25 g
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and h gave himself up for her,
22 z For ch. 22–6:9,
a See Gen. 3:16 b [ch. 6:5] 23 c 1 Cor. 11:3 d See ch. 1:22, 23 e [1 Cor. 6:13] 24 f [Col. 3:20, 22; Titus 2:9] 25 g ver. 28, 33; [1 Pet. 3:7] h ver. 2
see Col. 3:18–4:1

5:13 it becomes visible. Paul assumes that 5:19–21 addressing . . . making melody . . . love—the church, His own body. His love also de-
certain sins are so shameful that bringing them giving thanks . . . submitting. These words are fines the marriage relationship for His people. Paul
to light will shame some nonbelievers into repen- dependent on the imperative “be filled with the Spir- teaches that the genders are complementary and a
tance. The Christians’ presence alone may expose it” and therefore make explicit the actions that result man and a woman are equal before God. Yet in mar-
sins through contrast, or Christians may openly from and exhibit the Spirit’s filling in believers’ lives. riage, God has called the husband to exercise leader-
denounce such sins. Paul quotes what may be an 5:19 one another . . . to the Lord. Worship ship. This leadership is not absolute, for the husband
early Christian hymn reminiscent of a number of is offered to God alone. At the same time, there is not to be followed if he calls his wife to sin. Never-
Old Testament passages (e.g., Is. 60:1) and calls is also a human dimension to corporate worship, theless, the husband’s leadership role gives him the
upon the spiritually dead to rise up and receive the since people worship together and address each initiative in directing his family in glorifying the Lord,
light of Christ (cf. 2:1–10). other for their mutual benefit (1 Cor. 14; Heb. 10:24). to which the wife responds. Paul’s understanding is
grounded in the creation order (1 Cor. 11:8, 9; 1 Tim.
5:14 Therefore it says. Paul’s “Awake, O sleep- psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. See 2:13), and he takes account of the lingering effects,
er” is introduced as a quotation, but its source in topical article “Worship” on p. 2383. even among Christians, of the fall (1 Tim. 2:14). Re-
an OT text, even allowing for apostolic editorial
5:21 This transitional verse is last in a series of demption in Christ restores the intimacy men and
modifications, has not been identified with cer-
expressions explaining the effects of being filled women were created to enjoy in marriage.
tainty. The imagery of light (befitting this context)
with the Spirit (vv. 19–21 note). Regardless of their 5:22 submit. A Christian wife is called to grateful
and awakening or rising is found in Is. 60:1, describ-
social rank, all Christians should pattern their social acceptance of her husband’s care and leadership.
ing the restoration of Israel in the end times; there
behavior on the humility and kindness of Christ
the Lord shines light on Israel, and here Christ is as to the Lord. See v. 24.
(4:32–5:2; cf. Luke 22:24–27; John 13:14–16). This
identified with the God of Is. 60 in shining light on submission “to one another” is further explained 5:23 head of the wife . . . head of the
people. However, Paul may be citing a portion of by the forms of authority and submission in the church. In other passages on Christ’s headship in
an early Christian hymn well known to the church- specific relationships discussed in 5:22–6:9. this letter, Paul speaks of the way Christ governs
es, as he seems to do elsewhere (Phil. 2:5–11; Col.
5:22–6:9 At least as far back as Aristotle (fourth the universe and the church (1:22) and serves as the
1:15–20; 1 Tim. 3:16). If this is the case, it would be a
century B.C.), Greek ethics had addressed relation- source of the body’s health and growth to matu-
hymn that has been influenced by Is. 60:1.
ships within the household in a familiar pattern: rity (4:14–16).
5:18 drunk with wine. Christians are not to be husbands and wives, parents and children, masters his body. That is, the church as His body—Christ
under the control of intoxicating beverages, but and slaves. Consistently, the interest was to help the Himself indwells the church (vv. 28–30) and rules
rather the controlling influences of the Holy Spirit. male head of household learn to govern his family over her.
be filled with the Spirit. This is better trans- and slaves. In their treatment of such rules, Paul and
Savior. It is especially in His role as Savior that
lated “be filled by means of the Spirit.” While the Peter (1 Pet. 2:18–3:7) transform the question from
Christ serves as the husband’s model (vv. 25–27
sealing of the Spirit (1:13, 14; 4:30) is a once-for-all how husbands, fathers, and masters dominate to
and notes).
initiation into the Christian life, the filling of the how they can imitate the love of Christ in their own
Spirit applies to all the Christian life. This filling is lives by nurturing those under their care. Simulta- 5:24 as the church . . . so also wives. The
progressive and is to be sought on an ongoing ba- neously, as wives, children, and slaves understand church’s subjection to Christ is a revealed and
sis. In the parallel passage in Colossians, Paul tells their roles in terms of service to Christ, they turn heavenly order, not a natural order. Christ’s dis-
Christians to let the “peace of Christ” govern their from being passive objects in a social world that ciples were His friends, not just His servants, and
hearts and to allow the “word of Christ” to dwell in devalues them and become instead active partners He died for them (John 15:12–15; cf. Luke 22:25–27).
them richly (Col. 3:15, 16). The one who is filled with with God in expressing Christian love before a world 5:25 Husbands, love. The emphasis in the pas-
the Spirit is filled with Christ, God, and His Word divided by gender, age, and economics. sage is not the husband’s authority to govern, but
(Eph. 1:23; 3:19; 4:10; cf. John 14:16, 26; 16:12–15; 17:17). 5:22–32 Jesus gives life to a new community of his responsibility to love.
EPHESIANS 5:26 2100

26
that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by i the washing of water j with the word, 26 i Titus 3:5; [Rev.
7:14] j ch. 6:17;
27
so k that he might present the church to himself in splendor, l without spot or wrinkle or Heb. 6:5; See
John 15:3
any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.1 28 In the same way m husbands 27 k 2 Cor. 11:2; See
ch. 1:4 l Song 4:7
should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no 28 m ver. 25, 33
one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 n [Gen. 2:23];
30
because n we are members of his body. 31 o “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother See 1 Cor. 6:15
31 o Matt. 19:5;
and hold fast to his wife, and p the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, Mark 10:7, 8;
Cited from Gen.
and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, q let each one of you love 2:24 p 1 Cor. 6:16

his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she r respects her husband. 33 q ver. 25, 28
r 1 Pet. 3:2, 6

CHILDREN AND PARENTS Chapter 6

6
1 s Prov. 1:8; 6:20;
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 t “Honor your father and
s
23:22
mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you 2 t Cited from Ex.
20:12
and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, u but 4 u Gen. 18:19;
bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Deut. 4:9; 6:7;
11:19; Ps. 78:4;
Prov. 19:18; 22:6;
BONDSERVANTS AND MASTERS 29:17; [2 Tim.
3:15]
Bondservants,2 obey your earthly masters3 with fear and trembling, w with a sincere heart,
5v
5 v See 1 Pet. 2:18
w [2 Cor. 11:3]
x
as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as y people-pleasers, but as bondservants x [ch. 5:22]

of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the 6 y See Gal. 1:10
8 z See Ps. 62:12
Lord and not to man, 8 z knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back a Gal. 3:28;
Col. 3:11
from the Lord, a whether he is a bondservant4 or is free. 9 Masters, do the same to them, b and 9 b Lev. 25:43
stop your threatening, knowing that c he who is both their Master5 and yours is in heaven, c John 13:13; [Job
31:13-15] d See
and that d there is no partiality with him. Deut. 10:17

1 Or holy and blameless 2 Or slaves; also verse 6 (for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface) 3 Or your masters according to the flesh 4 Or slave (for the contextual
rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface) 5 Greek Lord

as Christ loved the church and gave him- His bride. Having returned to His Father, He brings of tender bearers of the divine image. Accordingly,
self up for her. Nowhere in the New Testament us with Him to dwell before God forever. children do not exist for parents, but parents for
is Christ’s self-sacrificing love applied more directly 6:1–3 Children in the church have responsibility to children—to help them come into their own per-
to a specific relationship as a pattern to be emu- live as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. For Paul, part sonhood before God.
lated (cf. v. 2). Christ did not give up His kingly au- of what characterizes Gentile culture as standing un- discipline. The shaping of the will through train-
thority or become subject to the church when He ing and correction.
der God’s judgment is that it is marked by children’s
“gave himself up for her,” but His authority was ex-
disobedience to their parents (Rom. 1:30; 2 Tim. 3:2). instruction. The shaping of the mind through
pressed through His sacrifice, especially since this
accomplished redemption and victory over Satan. 6:2 the first commandment with a prom- teaching and admonition.
ise. The law of God has lost its power to condemn 6:5–8 Slaves follow the example of Christ through
5:26, 27 Paul outlines in these verses the entire
those who are in Christ (Col. 2:13, 14), and the ob- obedient submission (Phil. 2:1–11). All believers are
process to which Christ has committed Himself in
servance of the ceremonial law is abrogated after called to share Christ’s humiliation and sufferings
His relationship with the church: He has washed
its fulfillment in Christ (2:15; Col. 2:16, 17). However, in this age, in order to be exalted and glorified with
her from sin and is preparing her for a glorious
the “weightier matters of the law” (Matt. 23:23) are Him in the next (Rom. 8:17). Paul is not interested
destiny with Himself (v. 27 text note,). Husbands
revelations of God’s character, and provide per- in making anyone’s share of suffering greater than
are called in like manner to adapt their lives to
manent ethical principles, found in the Decalogue, it has to be (1 Cor. 7:21). He also does not pretend
their wives’ needs and to provide for their spiritual
which Paul quotes here (Ex. 20:12) and which define there is an easy route around it. As slaves serve
growth and development.
the Christian’s calling to respond to divine grace the exalted Christ, and not merely an earthly mas-
5:28–32 A person’s union with his or her own with love for God and others, thereby fulfilling ter, they do so in the new reality inaugurated by
body is intimate and permanent, so protecting and the law (Rom. 13:8–10; Gal. 5:13, 14). One of these Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). Paul insists elsewhere that being
providing for one’s body is natural and instinctive. principles is that children must honor their parents. owned by Christ makes all other definitions of our
Each husband must understand that marriage cre-
6:3 live long in the land. The promise sup- personhood irrelevant: “You were bought with a
ates a similar union with his wife, according to the
porting the fourth commandment anticipates the price; do not become slaves of men” (1 Cor. 7:23). By
Creator’s original design (Gen. 2:24). Christ has joined
covenantal blessings offered to Israel upon their rendering ungrudging service to their true heav-
the church to Himself through the bonds of the cov-
entrance into the Promised Land (Deut. 28:1–14). enly owner, slaves can work not for their value in
enant He fulfilled, and this intimate union forms a
Israel’s residence in that land foreshadowed new the marketplace, but in devotion to the One who
pattern for Christian marriage (2:6 and note).
covenant believers’ eternal life in the “heavenly poured out His own life for them, displaying the
5:31, 32 Paul says the quotation from Gen. 2:24 in homeland” in the new creation for which the patri- gospel’s beauty (Titus 2:9, 10).
v. 31 is a “mystery.” The idea is that God’s pre-fall archs hoped (Heb. 11:10, 13–16; 13:14; Rom. 4:13)—the 6:9 do the same. If masters can expect their
commission for a man to leave his family and be- gift of God’s grace received by persevering faith. Christian slaves to serve them willingly, slaves can
come one with his wife was ultimately intended to
6:4 Fathers. Conversely, to parents Paul stresses expect Christian masters to treat them the way
foreshadow Christ’s relationship with His bride, the
the responsibility of those in authority. Christ treats His own servants.
church. This was not so clearly seen in the Old Tes-
tament but now has been fully revealed in Christ. bring them up. The Greek suggests the idea of 6:10–17 The Christian duty of unity and purity is
As a man leaves his family and cleaves to his wife, nurturing and helping to flourish (cf. 5:29). Parents complicated by the presence of hostile spiritual
Christ left His Father’s side and came to cleave to are entrusted with the minds, feelings, and bodies powers. Christ’s cross was the devil’s undoing (Col.
 2 1 01 EPHESIANS 6:20

10 e Rom. 4:20 THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD

(Gk.); 2 Tim. 2:1;
[1 John 2:14]; See
ch. 3:16 f ch. 1:19
Finally, e be strong in the Lord and in f the strength of his might. 11 g Put on h the whole ar-
10

11 g ver. 14; Job mor of God, that you may be able to stand against i the schemes of the devil. 12 For j we do not
29:14; See Rom.
13:12 h ver. 13; wrestle against flesh and blood, but against k the rulers, against the authorities, against l the
[2 Cor. 10:4]
i ch. 4:14 cosmic powers over m this present darkness, against n the spiritual forces of evil o in the heav-
12 j See 1 Cor. 9:25
k ch. 1:21 l See enly places. 13 Therefore p take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand
ch. 2:2 m Luke
22:53; Col. 1:13
in q the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, r having fastened on the
n [ch. 3:10] o See
belt of truth, and s having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, t as shoes for your
ch. 1:3
13 p [1 Pet. 4:1] feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take
up u the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all v the flaming darts of w the evil one;
q ch. 5:16

14 r 1 Pet. 1:13; [Isa.

11:5]; See Luke 17
and take s the helmet of salvation, and x the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
12:35 s Isa. 59:17;
1 Thess. 5:8; [Isa.
18
praying y at all times z in the Spirit, a with all prayer and supplication. To that end b keep alert
61:10; 2 Cor. 6:7]
15 t Isa. 52:7; Rom. with all perseverance, making c supplication for all the saints, 19 and d also for me, that words
10:15; [Ex. 12:11]
may be given to me in opening my mouth e boldly to proclaim f the mystery of the gospel,
16 u [1 John 5:4]
v [Ps. 120:4] w See 20
for which I g am an ambassador h in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Matt. 13:19
17 s [See ver. 14 x Heb. 4:12; [Isa. 49:2; Hos. 6:5; 2 Cor. 6:7] 18 y Luke 18:1 z Jude 20; See Rom. 8:26 a Col. 4:2-4 b See Mark 13:33 c 1 Tim. 2:1 19 d Col. 4:3; 1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1; [Isa. 50:4] e See Acts 4:29 f ch. 3:3
above] 20 g See 2 Cor. 5:20 h See Acts 28:20

2:15 note), and in His resurrection Christ was exalt- is said of God and the Messiah in the Old Testa- opponent in the end-time battle (cf. Is. 59:17).
ed over every created being, visible and invisible, ment is applied to believers. Believers are to identify with this armor in Christ.
heavenly and earthly (1:20–22). At Christ’s second 6:14 fastened on the belt of truth. The Ro- For Paul, salvation is a present experience (2:8 and
coming, Satan’s defeat will be completed (Rom. man soldier’s leather belt supported and protected note) as well as a future hope (1 Thess. 5:8). The
16:20; Rev. 20:7–14). But the peace of the cross is ex- his lower abdomen, gathered his tunic together, believer’s final ground of confidence is the faith-
perienced in the meantime in the midst of spiritual and held his sword. Paul seems to have in mind the fulness of God to complete the salvation He has
struggle. The forces of darkness are defeated, but confidence that comes from certainty about the begun (Phil. 1:6).
not yet harmless. truthfulness of God’s Word. sword of the Spirit, which is the word of
6:10 be strong . . . the strength of his breastplate of righteousness. Believers are God. The one offensive weapon in the believer’s
might. Paul uses the phrase “in the strength of protected by the righteousness of Christ imputed arsenal is compared to the Roman sword, short and
his might” also in 1:19 to describe the power that to them (Rom. 4:6–11; Phil. 3:9), and they can stand designed for hand-to-hand combat. Jesus used the
raised Jesus from the dead. We are not encour- up to the accusations of the devil, whose title in Word of God in His battle against the temptations
aged to face the evil hosts of darkness in our own Greek means “slanderer” (Rom. 8:31–34). Simulta- of Satan in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13).
strength, but in the strength of the Holy Spirit who neously, Paul sees believers taking on the righteous The Lord was prophesied to make the mouth of
raised Jesus and believers with Him (2:4–6; 3:16– character of Christ (4:25; 5:9) while their growing His messianic Servant like a sharp sword (Is. 49:2;
19). This same phrase in Eph. 1:19 and 6:10 is also conformity to His image gives them confidence in cf. Rev. 1:16; 2:12, 16; 19:15). Christ has begun to fulfill
found in Is. 40:26, where it refers to God’s power resisting temptation. This piece of armor is what this prophecy at His first coming (Rev. 1:16; 2:12, 16)
in maintaining the ongoing existence of the starry God was prophesied to wear in judging and de- and the prophecy will be completed at Christ’s final
heavens. feating the enemy in the latter-day battle (cf. Is. coming (Rev. 19:15). Christ’s followers also have this
6:11 Put on the whole armor of God. The 59:17). Believers are to identify with this armor of offensive weapon when they believe in Christ and
new set of clothes (4:22–24 note) now becomes a God’s righteousness in Christ. come into union with Him.
warrior’s battle gear (Col. 3:10, 12 notes). The OT al- 6:15 shoes for your feet. This is a clear al- 6:18–20 The battle theme in this passage ends
lusions in Paul’s description of the various pieces of lusion to Is. 52:7. Paul has in mind the messenger with an urgent call to militant prayer (“keep alert”)
armor show that believers are now arrayed with who takes the gospel to others. The image here on behalf of all believers and on behalf of Paul’s
the very weapons that the Lord and His Messiah is of the Roman soldier’s sturdy sandals, which ministry (Col. 4:2–4). It is possible that, together
have worn to wage war on behalf of His people. gave him stability and protection in battle, so with “the sword of the Spirit,” prayer is one more
Elsewhere, Paul directs believers to “put on the ar- that Isaiah has been combined with this Roman offensive weapon in the believer’s arsenal. See
mor of light” and then explains the metaphor: “put background. Ironically, the peace that comes from 1:15–23 for Paul’s dependence on prayer. The radical
on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 13:12–14). the gospel readies one for war against evil (2:14, change effected by the gospel is shown in the fact
stand. Repeated three times in vv. 11, 13, 14 (the 15, 17). Is. 52:7 prophesied that in the end-time that Paul now asks Gentiles, once excluded from
related term “withstand” in v. 13 has the same restoration of Israel there would be peace, and God’s communion and community (2:11–12), to in-
meaning). The “walking” image of chs. 4 and 5 (4:1 this restoration has begun in Christ and all who tercede on his behalf, since they now have access
note) gives way to the picture of a soldier standing identify with Him. to the Father through the Son in the Spirit (2:18).
firm in battle (cf. Phil. 1:27, 28). 6:16 shield of faith. The Roman shield was 6:20 ambassador in chains. Paul’s situa-
6:12 See 1:21; 2:2; 3:10; 4:26, 27, and notes. large enough to cover the whole body; it was made tion is full of irony. He is an authorized delegate
of wood, covered with animal hide, and bound of the Lord who is exalted above every creature
rulers . . . spiritual forces. These terms all re- with iron at the top and bottom. When dipped in
fer to powerful spiritual beings that make up the in heaven and earth and whose title excels every
water before a battle, it could extinguish arrows other name (1:20, 21). Yet the rulers of this age have
“power of the air” (2:2) ruled by Satan. that had been dipped in pitch and set ablaze. In chained Paul as a prisoner, showing their ignorant
darkness. See 5:8–14. the OT, the Lord is the “shield” of His people (Gen. blindness to the Lord of glory (1 Cor. 2:8). His am-
6:13 the whole armor of God. Paul combines 15:1; Ps. 144:1, 2). bassadorial office demands that he speak on be-
the weapons of a Roman foot soldier with a num- 6:17 helmet of salvation. This part of the half of his Sovereign, while his chains tempt him
ber of Old Testament images of God, or the Mes- armor is what God was predicted to be wearing to timidity, prompting him to plead for prayers for
siah, as a warrior (see esp. Is. 11:1–5). Strikingly, what when He would come to judge and defeat the his boldness.
EPHESIANS 6:21 2 1 02

FINAL GREETINGS 21 i Col. 4:7-9 j Acts

20:4; 2 Tim.
So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved broth-
21 i j 4:12; Titus 3:12
22 k Col. 2:2
er and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this 23 l Gal. 6:16;
2 Thess. 3:16;
very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may k encourage your hearts. 1 Pet. 5:14 m [Gal.
5:6; 1 Thess. 5:8]
23 l
Peace be to the brothers,1 and m love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus 24 n [1 Cor.
16:22]
Christ. 24 Grace be with all who n love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.
1 Or brothers and sisters

6:21–24 Tychicus. See note on Col. 4:7, 8. The absence of personal greetings in this letter may be an indication that it was intended for circulation to more than
one church. See Introduction: Date and Occasion.
the
Reformation
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Ruth Sample Selection

R.C. SPROUL
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 389 RUTH

T he book of

Ruth
title and author The setting of the story is provided in v. 1 of the
opening chapter: “In the days when the judges
The writer of the book of Ruth is anonymous. ruled.” The period of the judges is the backdrop for
This, however, has not stopped speculation in re- the story of Ruth, and that period is encapsulated
gard to authorship. A widely held position is that in the last verse of Judges: “In those days there was
Solomon wrote the book after the death of his fa- no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in
ther, David. The Babylonian Talmud considers the his own eyes” (21:25). That statement reflects a
prophet Samuel to be the author: “Samuel wrote political anarchy in which there was no central
his book, Judges, and Ruth.” Some commentators authority in Israel. It also demonstrates a lack of
argue that this makes sense because they believe spiritual focus; the land was dominated by relativ-
that Judges and Ruth were originally one book. ism. God’s Word was no longer the standard of liv-
Others argue that Ruth was composed during the ing. The people were trusting in themselves and
ignoring their covenant obligations to God.
fifth century b.c. The title of the book does not
help to identify the author. It simply refers to one
The story takes place during a time of famine in
of the main characters of the story and not to its
the land (1:1). Agricultural adversity struck the
writer.
people of Israel in the Land of Promise. In the Old
Testament, famine is often understood as a sign of
God’s displeasure with an unfaithful Israel (Lev.
26:18–20). This reflects the period of the judges, a
d at e a nd o c c a s i o n time of disobedience and unfaithfulness. This was
also a time of moral collapse, great apostasy, and
The earliest date the book of Ruth could have physical hardship. The looming question at the
been written is during the time of David because outset of the book is, how will the people of Israel
the genealogy at the close of the book ends by list- respond to such adversity?
ing his name. David’s rise to the throne of Judah
occurred around 1010 b.c., and he ruled over Ju-
dah, and later over all Israel, until about 970 b.c.
The author thus wrote the book during David’s genre
reign or later. The writer may have employed
both written records and oral history that were The genre of the book of Ruth is historical narra-
related to David. tive in the form of a short story. The book contains
RUTH 390

a simple plot that revolves around three main grain (2:18; 3:17), and she experiences poetic full-
characters: Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. Its literary ness when Ruth and Boaz provide her with a son
style stands between a short tale like the brief ac- (4:13–17).
count of Ehud (Judg. 3:12–30) and a long novella
like the extended record of the life of Joseph (Gen. 2) Cost of disobedience. The people of God need to
37–50). The purpose of short stories in Scripture understand that there are consequences to their
is to teach and encourage the people of God in an sin. Although believers have been delivered from
entertaining way. sin by the work of Christ, there are yet temporal
results from disobedience to God and His Word.
Elimelech and his family are God’s covenantal
people, yet when hardship strikes, they move to
l i t e r a ry f e at u r e s
Moab. They place themselves under Moabite au-
thority, and even the two sons of the family marry
The book is written in highly artistic prose narra-
foreign women. This activity results in poverty,
tive. The writer employs various literary forms in
order to present his message in a dramatic manner. death, and widowhood.
For instance, the author uses leading words that
appear repeatedly throughout a passage. In 1:6–22 3) God’s sovereignty. God’s providence shines forth
the verb “to return” appears twelve times. While even in the midst of sin and disobedience. Though
this verb can simply indicate one’s physical return Elimelech’s family moves to Moab, a land of un-
to a particular place, it is often used in Scripture to believers, this book highlights God’s sovereign,
refer to spiritual renewal (e.g., Hos. 3:5; 6:1; 7:10). unconditional election of Ruth the Moabite as
So, the repetition of the verb in Ruth likely signi- a believer. She is made an heir of salvation. This
fies that the characters were returning not only to story, then, is a picture of the engrafting of the
the Land of Promise but also to the Lord. Gentiles into the people of God. The fact that Ruth
is included in the genealogy of Jesus confirms
The meaning of the names of the characters is also this truth (Matt. 1:5). God’s sovereignty is further
important for the development of the story. For ex- revealed throughout the book in many ways. He
ample, “Naomi” derives from a Hebrew word that providentially preserves the line of the Messiah;
means “sweet, pleasant, delightful” (1:2), but by behind the scenes, God is working, guiding, and
the close of chapter 1, Naomi wants to be called directing the events of the story.
“Mara” instead, which means “bitter” and not
“sweet.” These names thus echo Naomi’s radically 4) Faithful living. Boaz and Ruth are characters of
altered circumstances. faith and people of integrity, industry, and honor.
They exhibit their faith in how they live and act.
Another interesting feature regards the women of Their conduct is a true reflection of their faith as
Bethlehem. They appear in 2:19 and again in 4:17. followers of the Lord.
As secondary characters they serve to move the
narrative along at these two crucial junctures.
5) Redemption. The biblical concept of redemption
is the heart of the story. Redemption was a He-
brew cultural practice in which something alien-
characteristics and ated might be restored to a family by a kinsman-
primary themes redeemer or next of kin. Thus, if someone had to
sell himself or his land to pay a debt, the kinsman-
1) Emptiness to fullness. An overarching theme is redeemer had the duty to step in and act upon
how God fills people who find themselves empty. the situation. He was to redeem and restore. As
Though titled “Ruth” because Ruth is the heroine, one can imagine, there were varied circumstanc-
the story is largely about Naomi’s being brought es in regard to these laws, and the book of Ruth
from emptiness to fullness. Having lost all of the presents customs applicable to the period of the
males in her life, which means losing all forms of judges. More importantly, the Hebrew customs of
temporal security and provision, Naomi begins to redemption are a picture of God’s relationship to
be filled as Boaz, through Ruth, provides her with and activity on behalf of His covenant people.
 3 91 RUTH

ruth in the larger christ in the book of ruth

story of the bible
The eventual arrival of David, however, is not the
Although the human relationships in the story ultimate climax of the book. In reality, the book
ought to be encouraging to the reader (and in has its final fulfillment in the coming of the last
some ways the characters are worthy of emula- and consummate king—Jesus Christ, the son of
tion, especially Ruth and Boaz), this is hardly the David. Indeed, many of the main characters are
main point of the book. More important is that listed in the genealogy of Jesus (Matt. 1:1–17). The
the book of Ruth anticipates the coming of a king reader needs to keep Christ’s genealogy in mind
to the throne of Israel. The book records the an- continually when studying the book, for the
cestry of David, the most beloved king in the his- provision of a son for Naomi is a key part of the
tory of Israel. The book thus finds its climax in story of Israel and God’s salvation, the glorious
the coming David, whose ancestors are Ruth and end of which is the great coming of the Messiah,
Boaz. Moreover, by describing both Boaz and Obed our redeemer. The women of Bethlehem declare
as redeemers (4:14–15), the book of Ruth suggests to Ruth that a son, the redeemer, has been born to
that David will also be a redeemer. Therefore, the her (4:17). The angels declare to the shepherds the
book serves the higher purpose of pointing to the birth of the “Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke
future reality of David and his line. 2:10).
RUTH 3 92

OUTLINE OF RUTH

I. NAOMI IS EMPTIED (1:6–22) III. RUTH VISITS BOAZ AT THE THRESHING FLOOR
(3:1–18)
A. Naomi Loses Her Husband and Sons (1:1–5)
B. Naomi and Her Daughters-in-Law Leave A. Naomi’s Plan (3:1–5)
Moab (1:6, 7) B. Boaz Discovers Ruth (3:6–13)
C. Naomi Urges Orpah to Go Back Home C. Ruth Returns to Naomi (3:14–18)
(1:8–14)
IV. BOAZ REDEEMS RUTH (4:1–12)
D. Ruth’s Solemn Promise (1:15–18)
A. The Close Relative Excuses Himself (4:1–6)
E. Naomi’s Bitter Homecoming (1:19–22)
B. Ruth and Boaz Are Married before Wit-
II. RUTH GLEANS IN THE FIELDS OF BOAZ (2:1–23) nesses (4:7–12)
A. Ruth Goes Out to Glean (2:1–3) V. NAOMI IS FILLED (4:13–22)
B. Boaz Meets Ruth (2:4–16)
A. The First Child Is Welcomed and Blessed
C. Naomi’s Assessment of Boaz (2:17–23) (4:13–17)
B. Genealogy from Perez to David (4:18–22)
 393 RUTH 1:12

Chapter 1 NAOMI WIDOWED

1
1 a Judg. 2:16
b Gen. 12:10; 26:1;
43:1; 2 Kgs. 8:1
In the days a when the judges ruled there was b a famine in the land, and a man of c Bethle-
c See Judg. 17:7
hem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons.
2 d Gen. 35:19
6 e Ex. 3:16; 4:31;
2
The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his
Luke 1:68 f Ps. two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were d Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They
132:15
8 g Josh. 2:12, 14; went into the country of Moab and remained there. 3 But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi,
Judg. 1:24 h ver.
5; ch. 2:20
died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was
9 i ch. 3:1 Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years, 5 and both Mahlon
11 j Gen. 38:11;
Deut. 25:5
and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.
RUTH’S LOYALTY TO NAOMI
6
Then she arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she
had heard in the fields of Moab that e the Lord had visited his people and f given them food.
7
So she set out from the place where she was with her two daughters-in-law, and they went
on the way to return to the land of Judah. 8 But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go,
return each of you to her mother’s house. May the Lord g deal kindly with you, as you have
dealt with h the dead and with me. 9 The Lord grant that you may find i rest, each of you in
the house of her husband!” Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept.
10
And they said to her, “No, we will return with you to your people.” 11 But Naomi said, “Turn
back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Have I yet sons in my womb j that they may
become your husbands? 12 Turn back, my daughters; go your way, for I am too old to have a

1:1–5 The preface moves quickly through the nec- as shown by David’s placement of his parents with 1:6, 7 These verses set the stage for vv. 8–18. The
essary background (time, place, and source of con- the king of Moab while he was a fugitive (1 Sam. women must decide what factors will determine
flict), setting the stage for the scenes that follow. 22:3). During the period of the judges, in which the their paths: finding a husband and having children,
1:1 In the days when the judges ruled. The book of Ruth takes place, there were times of hos- living in one’s own country, being close to one’s
tility between Israel and Moab (see Judg. 3:12–30). family, or (finally, for Ruth) trusting in the sovereign
period of the judges in Israel was infamous as a
Lord of Israel and the only true God. Naomi’s love
time of instability and apostasy. The final verse of 1:2 Elimelech. Lit. “my God is king.” There is irony
for her daughters-in-law and her reaction to bit-
the book of Judges summarizes the moral quality in the fact that Elimelech’s actions belie his name:
ter experiences at God’s hand dominate this scene.
of the time: “In those days there was no king in Is- he does not trust God, his king, to provide for him
Ruth’s decision and her irrevocable vow of fidelity
rael. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” in the Promised Land, and so he moves to a pagan
to Naomi’s people and her God say much about
(Judg. 21:25). land where he dies. The ensuing drama emphasizes
the impact of Naomi’s character and faith on her
a famine. Famine in ancient Israel was a common the role of the women in the family as they dem- daughter-in-law.
calamity: Abraham fled to Egypt due to a famine onstrate the trust in the Lord that Elimelech lacked
(4:14, 16). 1:6 the Lord had visited his people. A note
(Gen. 12:10); Jacob led the Hebrews to Egypt be-
of hope is sounded. Ruth’s story never loses sight
cause of a severe famine (Genesis 42–45). Famines Naomi. Lit. “pleasant/sweet” (vv. 20, 21). Naomi’s of God, whose faithful love determines history.
were often understood as a sign of God’s displea- story is told first.
sure (Lev. 26:18–20; 1 Kin. 17:1). The occurrence of a 1:7 to return. The verb “to return” occurs twelve
Mahlon and Chilion. Like their father, Mahlon times in Ruth 1:6–22. While it is commonly used in
famine at this time reflects Israel’s overall disobe-
(lit. “illness”) and Chilion (lit. “destruction”) die out- Hebrew of a person changing a course of action
dience and unfaithfulness during the period of the
side the Promised Land. and physically returning to a place, it can also de-
judges.
1:4 Moabite wives. These marriages are ill- scribe a spiritual renewal. It is used in the OT for
Bethlehem in Judah. This city lies in the tribal a person who repents and turns back to God (e.g.,
advised. Biblical law demands that the Israelites
region of Judah. This distinctive name first occurs Hos. 3:5; 6:1; 7:10). Its repetition in the text of Ruth
not intermarry with pagan peoples (e.g., Deut.
in the final chapters of Judges (17:7–9; 19:1, 2, 18) likely indicates that the characters are not merely
7:1–4). The irony is that an heir, and an ancestor
and in the opening verses of Ruth (vv. 1, 2). Beth- returning to the Land of Promise but also turning
of the great king David, will come through one of
lehem means “house of food,” but at this point the to Yahweh.
these foreigners. God will take these questionable
house of food is empty.
marriages and redeem them for His own glory and 1:9, 10 we will return with you. This initial
to sojourn. A technical term in antiquity for purposes. declaration of both daughters heightens the dra-
someone living as an alien in a foreign land. It de- matic tension.
Orpah. The meaning of this name is not certain,
scribes the social standing of one who works in a
but it may be related to “stubborn,” which is con- 1:11 Have I yet sons. Naomi’s talk of raising up
foreign country but has few of the rights and privi-
sistent with Orpah’s decision to stay in Moab. sons to replace the missing husbands only exag-
leges of a native citizen.
gerates her loss. The idea itself may refer to the law
Ruth. This name sounds like the Hebrew word for
country of Moab. Lit. “fields of Moab.” of levirate marriage. According to this law, if a man
“friend,” and Ruth’s actions epitomize covenant
Moabites, who were related to Israel through Lot dies leaving a widow, his brother is obligated to
(Gen. 19:37), occupied parts of central Transjordan friendship.
marry the widow, taking his place and preserving
at various times. Although God protected them 1:5 the woman was left without. Naomi the family line (Deut. 25:5, 6). The term “levirate”
at first from the Israelite invaders (Deut. 2:9), the is an elderly widow, a sojourner in a foreign land, derives from the Latin levir, which means “hus-
Moabites were subjugated by Saul (1 Sam. 14:47) with two Moabite daughters-in-law who are also band’s brother.” There is also a custom that when
and then by David (2 Sam. 8:2). See also Deut. 23:3. widows and childless. She is completely empty at someone dies, a close relative (or redeemer) is sup-
There were some periods of friendly relations, with this point and seems an unlikely prospect for any posed to buy (or redeem) the deceased’s estate
considerable cultural and economic interchange, role in the Lord’s covenantal history of redemption. (2:20 note).
RUTH 1:13 394

husband. If I should say I have hope, even if I should have a husband this night and should 13 k Judg. 2:15;
[Job 19:21; Ps.
bear sons, 13 would you therefore wait till they were grown? Would you therefore refrain 32:4; 38:2; 39:10]
15 l Judg. 11:24;
from marrying? No, my daughters, for it is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake that k the 1 Kgs. 11:7; Jer.
48:7, 13, 46
hand of the Lord has gone out against me.” 14 Then they lifted up their voices and wept again. 16 m [ch. 2:11, 12]
And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. 17 n 1 Sam. 3:17;
25:22; 2 Sam.
15
And she said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to l her gods; return 19:13; 1 Kgs. 2:23
18 o [Acts 21:14]
after your sister-in-law.” 16 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from fol- 19 p [Matt. 21:10]
lowing you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. m Your people shall 20 q Ex. 15:23
21 r Job 1:21
be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. 22 s 2 Sam. 21:9;
n
May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” 18 oAnd [ch. 2:23]

when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more. Chapter 2
1 t ch. 3:2, 12 u ch.
NAOMI AND RUTH RETURN 4:21; Matt. 1:5
2 v [Deut. 24:19]
19
So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Beth- w ver. 10, 13

lehem, p the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?”
20
She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi;1 call me q Mara,2 for the Almighty has dealt very
bitterly with me. 21 r I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call
me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity
upon me?”
22
So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabite her daughter-in-law with her, who returned
from the country of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem s at the beginning of barley harvest.
RUTH MEETS BOAZ

2
v
Now Naomi had t a relative of her husband’s, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech,
whose name was u Boaz. 2And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and
glean among the ears of grain after him w in whose sight I shall find favor.” And she said to
her, “Go, my daughter.” 3 So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers,
and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of
1 Naomi means pleasant 2 Mara means bitter

1:13 the hand of the LORD has gone out both cases, the problem is childlessness or lack of God had already provided an answer through the
against me. Naomi understands that no matter a male heir. law (Leviticus 25).
what happens to her, good or ill, her circumstances barley harvest. Early calendars, like the Gezer 2:1 relative. Or “acquaintance.” The Hebrew text
are playing out according to the providence of God. calendar from the tenth century B.C., associated leaves the technical status of Boaz unclear, but the
1:15 her gods. A new element is introduced. months with the agricultural cycle. Barley was story unfolds as if he is the one described in Lev. 25:25
It becomes clear that the choice of homeland is the first of the cereals to be harvested, in April; as the “nearest redeemer,” whose responsibility re-
a choice for or against the true God. Against the wheat was the last. In later tradition the barley lates primarily but not exclusively to the property of
background of Orpah’s choice, the courage and and wheat harvests came to be identified with an impoverished relative (1:11; 2:20 and notes). Later
beauty of Ruth’s declaration (vv. 16, 17) are all the the festivals of Passover and Pentecost. The sea- (2:20; 3:9), Boaz will be identified as a “close relative,”
more obvious. son of harvest was a time of celebration, rejoicing but at this point he is introduced to prepare the
together before God, and remembering the poor. reader for the events that place Ruth in his field.
1:16 where you go I will go. This verse includes
The narrative development is tied to this scheme. worthy. This Hebrew word describes someone
four constructions known as idem per idem, a
The women return home at the barley harvest, a powerful and important in society.
literary device in which the same verb or noun is
time of God’s favor and the beginning of fruitful
used of one person’s actions and then of another Boaz. Lit. “in him is strength,” and Boaz shows
restoration for Naomi.
person’s actions. It is used to underscore the inten- himself to be a man of strong covenant character.
sity of the action as well as the totality of com- 2:1–23 Ch. 2 introduces the last main character,
Boaz, and the major theme, that of the close rela- 2:2 Let me go to the field. Ruth’s initiative, on
mitment.
tive, or redeemer, who has certain responsibilities the surface, is simply to keep herself and Naomi
1:20 Mara. As noted in 1:2, Naomi’s name means alive, according to a custom codified in Leviticus
for the family and property of a relative who
“sweet.” She does not want to be called this any- (19:9, 10; 23:22) and Deuteronomy (24:19). As poor
dies (2:20 note). The narrator, who already knows
more because this name does not reflect her people, Ruth and Naomi will receive some help, but
what is ahead, gives only a hint with the descrip-
current life situation. She now wants to be called much more is about to come their way. A hint of
tion of Boaz as “a relative” in v. 1. Only after the
“Mara,” a Hebrew word meaning “bitter” (cf. 1:13). this provision is given in Ruth’s plaintive request
natural kindness of Boaz and the natural win-
1:22 Ruth the Moabite. She is not just any someness of Ruth have taken their course does that she might glean “after him in whose sight I
Ruth. For the story it is crucial that she be remem- Naomi reveal the key to the entire story: Boaz is shall find favor.”
bered as a foreigner (1:4; 2:2, 6, 21; 4:5, 10; esp. 2:10). “a close relative” (2:20). Even then, no claims are 2:3 she happened to come. From Ruth’s
Also, the reader is prompted to think of Ruth’s made; there is no appeal to custom. Events must perspective, where she ends up working is mere
ancestor, Lot’s daughter, and the incestuous be- wait their time; while Naomi plans, Ruth serves happenstance. However, in reality, all is unfolding
ginnings of the Moabite nation (Gen. 19:30–38). In quietly, and Boaz finishes the harvest. However, according to the mysterious providence of God.
 395 RUTH 2:20

4 x Ps. 129:7, 8
6 y ch. 1:22
Elimelech. 4And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem. And he said to the reapers, x “The Lord
10 z [1 Sam. 25:23, be with you!” And they answered, “The Lord bless you.” 5 Then Boaz said to his young man
41] a ver. 19
11 b ch. 1:14, 16, 17
who was in charge of the reapers, “Whose young woman is this?” 6And the servant who
12 c [1 Sam. 24:19] was in charge of the reapers answered, “She is the young Moabite woman, y who came back
13 d ver. 2, 10; Gen.
33:15; 1 Sam. 1:18 with Naomi from the country of Moab. 7 She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the
14 e ver. 18 sheaves after the reapers.’ So she came, and she has continued from early morning until now,
18 f ver. 14
19 g ver. 10 except for a short rest.”1
20 h ch. 3:10; Judg. 8
Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or
17:2; 1 Sam. 15:13;
23:21; 2 Sam. 2:5 leave this one, but keep close to my young women. 9 Let your eyes be on the field that they
are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And
when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn.” 10 Then
z
she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your
eyes, that you should a take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” 11 But Boaz answered her,
b
“All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been
fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to
a people that you did not know before. 12 c The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a
full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come
to take refuge!” 13 Then she said, d “I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have com-
forted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.”
14
And at mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come here and eat some bread and dip your morsel in
the wine.” So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed to her roasted grain. And she ate until
e
she was satisfied, and she had some left over. 15 When she rose to glean, Boaz instructed his
young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. 16And also
pull out some from the bundles for her and leave it for her to glean, and do not rebuke her.”
17
So she gleaned in the field until evening. Then she beat out what she had gleaned, and
it was about an ephah2 of barley. 18And she took it up and went into the city. Her mother-in-
law saw what she had gleaned. She also brought out and gave her what food she had left
over f after being satisfied. 19And her mother-in-law said to her, “Where did you glean today?
And where have you worked? Blessed be the man g who took notice of you.” So she told her
mother-in-law with whom she had worked and said, “The man’s name with whom I worked
today is Boaz.” 20And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, h “May he be blessed by the Lord,
1 Compare Septuagint, Vulgate; the meaning of the Hebrew phrase is uncertain 2 An ephah was about 3/5 bushel or 22 liters

2:4 behold. Boaz’s arrival satisfies the expecta- is no ordinary foreigner. She has taken “refuge” un- 2:18 what food she had left over. What she
tions raised in vv. 1–3. der the “wings” of the Lord, and she will receive “a set aside from her noon meal (v. 14).
2:6, 7 The servant’s answer establishes Ruth’s full reward” from Him (v. 12). Though a foreigner, 2:20 whose kindness has not forsaken. God
character. She is faithful, having come while still in Ruth’s loyalty to God is a key element in God’s is faithful, and He will not forget the ones He loves.
her youth to a foreign country for the sake of her great plan of redemption. The plan will be worked The blessings He promises will pass from Boaz to
mother-in-law. She is hardworking, having been out through two of Ruth’s descendants: David, the Ruth to Naomi, and eventually to all the elect.
busy since morning. covenant king, and Christ, David’s greatest son. The
reward of Ruth’s faith far transcends local time and close relative of ours. The law of redemp-
2:7 among the sheaves. Ruth’s request is tion now comes into view. According to this law,
circumstances.
within the bounds of her right as a widow (Deut. the nearest male blood relative has the duty of
24:19–21). But Boaz’s response will go far beyond 2:10 take notice of . . . a foreigner. There is a
preserving the family name and property. This
the legal requirement (v. 15), thereby demonstrat- wordplay here, as the term “foreigner” is related to
duty might entail avenging the death of a family
ing his generosity. the verb “to take notice of.”
member (Num. 35:19–21); buying back family prop-
except for a short rest. Lit. “This is her dwell- 2:12 wings. A frequent image of safety and pro- erty that was sold to pay debts (Lev. 25:25); buying
ing; the house is little.” “This” refers to the field, and tection in the Psalms (17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 61:4; 63:7; 91:4). back a relative who sold himself into slavery to pay
it has been her residence all day long. The “house” 2:14–16 Boaz’s permission is clearly extraordinary. debts (Lev. 25:47–49); and levirate marriage, marry-
in town has meant “little” to her. Ruth is diligent ing the widow of a deceased relative (Deut. 25:5–
and industrious, spending so much time at work in 2:14 wine. A sour but refreshing drink or dip (cf. 10). Apparently, these duties can be renounced or
the field that it has become her “home.” Num. 6:3). declined under certain circumstances (cf. Ruth 3:12;
2:8–12 Events unfold quickly as Boaz accedes to 2:17 beat out . . . about an ephah. Beating 4:1–8). Boaz is such a “close relative” (or “redeem-
the request and offers his protection and provision out the grain, or threshing it, separates the ker- er”) to Ruth, and this fact now determines the
(vv. 8, 9). Ruth acknowledges his favor to her, an nels from the husks, chaff, and stalks. An ephah course of action (1:11; 2:1 and notes). Ruth’s destiny
undeserving “foreigner” (v. 10). Only then does the is a measure of dry capacity equal to three-fifths will proceed according to the law, unlike that of her
narrative give some inkling of God’s providential of a bushel, or about thirty pounds (13 kg) of ancestor, Lot’s daughter, who committed incest
working (vv. 11, 12). Boaz already knows that Ruth barley. (Gen. 19:30–38).
RUTH 2:21 396

whose kindness has not forsaken i the living or the dead!” Naomi also said to her, “The man 20 i ch. 1:8 j ch.
3:9; 4:14
is a close relative of ours, one of j our redeemers.” 21 And Ruth the Moabite said, “Besides, he
Chapter 3
said to me, ‘You shall keep close by my young men until they have finished all my harvest.’” 1 k ch. 1:9
22
And Naomi said to Ruth, her daughter-in-law, “It is good, my daughter, that you go out with 2 l ch. 2:1 m ch. 2:8
3 n 2 Sam. 12:20;
his young women, lest in another field you be assaulted.” 23 So she kept close to the young 14:2
women of Boaz, gleaning until the end of the barley and wheat harvests. And she lived with 7 o See Judg. 19:6
9 p Ezek. 16:8;
her mother-in-law. [Deut. 22:30]
q ch. 2:20

RUTH AND BOAZ AT THE THRESHING FLOOR 10 r See ch. 2:20

3
s ch. 1:8

Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek k rest for you, 11 t Prov. 12:4; 31:10
12 u ch. 4:1
that it may be well with you? 2 Is not Boaz l our relative, m with whose young women 13 v ch. 4:5; [Deut.
you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. 3 n Wash therefore and 25:5] w Judg.
8:19; 1 Sam. 14:39;
anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make 2 Sam. 4:9; 12:5;
2 Kgs. 2:2, 6
yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 But when he lies
down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he
will tell you what to do.” 5And she replied, “All that you say I will do.”
6
So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had com-
manded her. 7And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and o his heart was merry, he went to lie
down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay
down. 8At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his
feet! 9 He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. p Spread your
wings1 over your servant, for you are q a redeemer.” 10And he said, r “May you be blessed by the
Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than s the first in that you have
not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. 11 And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will
do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are t a worthy woman.
12
And now it is true that I am u a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I. 13 Remain
tonight, and in the morning, if he will v redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not will-
ing to redeem you, then, w as the Lord lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning.”
14
So she lay at his feet until the morning, but arose before one could recognize another.
1 Compare 2:12; the word for wings can also mean corners of a garment

2:23 until the end of the barley and wheat effect, saying she wants to be redeemed, and she is mirrored by that of Ruth (1:8, 16, 17). Now her
harvests. The time of Ruth’s labor amounts to awaits Boaz’s judgment in the matter. faithfulness is proved as she invokes the duties of
approximately three months in the fields. lie down. Ruth lies patiently at Boaz’s feet until a close relative and declines to follow any of the
he awakens (vv. 8, 9); nothing unseemly happens young men. The “kindness” Boaz refers to is evi-
3:1–18 Now the narrative moves toward resolu-
dently Ruth’s proposal to follow the custom that
tion. In a late-night visit, Ruth carries out and between them during the night (v. 11).
will provide an heir for Naomi.
expands Naomi’s plan, putting her own reputation 3:7 merry. Boaz has been drinking but is hardly
and all her expectations at risk. She claims the pro- the first. When she chose to accompany Naomi.
drunk. He is content and fulfilled with his day’s la-
tection of Boaz as a “redeemer” (v. 9). Her trust in bor and his evening meal. After all the work of the 3:11 a worthy woman. The feminine equiva-
his character is vindicated, and she is unharmed. day, Boaz goes to “the end of the heap of grain,” lent of the Hebrew phrase in 2:1. Ruth has risen
God’s activity behind the scenes continues with- a place where Ruth is able to meet him privately. from being a Moabite and servant to becoming
out a break. But even at this moment, the engage- God’s providence is clearing a path for her. attractive to Boaz as a possible marriage partner.
ment must be delayed; there is a closer relative In the Hebrew canon, the book of Ruth follows the
(3:12), and Boaz, a man of outstanding honor, will 3:9 Spread your wings over your servant.
book of Proverbs. In the last section of Proverbs,
Boaz has wished for protection for Ruth under
not rest until this obstacle is removed. the author asks, “A worthy woman who can find?”
God’s wings (2:12); Ruth now gives Boaz the oppor-
3:1 rest for you. This means that Ruth should one whose “works praise her in the gates?” (Prov.
tunity to be the answer to his own prayer. See text
be married, a need that Naomi has taken to heart 31:30, 31). The answer is immediate in the Hebrew
note. Ezek. 16:8 explains the idiom. Ruth asks di-
(1:9). canon: Boaz has found a “worthy woman” who is
rectly for the favor of marriage, although Naomi’s
praised in the gates, one who is known for her self-
3:3 the threshing floor. A cleared area where instructions were not quite so bold (v. 4).
lessness and her covenant love for Naomi (2:8–13).
grain is crushed or torn to separate the chaff, redeemer. The law does not specify marriage
3:12 a redeemer nearer than I. Boaz sud-
straw, and grains. The harvest is then winnowed, as the responsibility of such a person, though an
denly mentions a complicating factor. Hebrew
or thrown into the air for the wind to blow away extension of Leviticus 25 can readily be envisioned.
law appears to mandate an order of rank of
the chaff as the grains fall directly to the ground. Mahlon’s name and property will be preserved
kinsman-redeemers (Lev. 25:47–49), and there is a
All this takes place in the spring at the time of the (4:10), suggesting the levirate marriage, but it is closer kinsman than Boaz who has the first right
harvest festivals. difficult to see how Deut. 25:5, 6 can be strictly of acceptance or refusal. The custom of redemp-
3:4 uncover his feet. A highly symbolic act. By applied. tion seems to be leading to a solution, but now it
coming to the threshing floor and lying at Boaz’s 3:10 kindness. Lit. “covenant love.” Through- creates a problem along the way. The engagement
feet, Ruth is asking Boaz to marry her. She is, in out the book, God’s own covenant love (1:8; 2:20) must be postponed.
 3 97 RUTH 4:11

Chapter 4
1 x 2 Sam. 15:2;
And he said, “Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” 15And he said,
18:4, 24, 33; 19:8; “Bring the garment you are wearing and hold it out.” So she held it, and he measured out six
Ps. 127:5 y ch. 2:20
2 z 1 Kgs. 21:8; measures of barley and put it on her. Then she went into the city. 16And when she came to
Prov. 31:23
4 a Lev. 25:25; [Jer.
her mother-in-law, she said, “How did you fare, my daughter?” Then she told her all that the
32:7, 8] man had done for her, 17 saying, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said to
5 b ver. 10; ch. 3:13;
Deut. 25:5, 6 me, ‘You must not go back empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’” 18 She replied, “Wait, my
6 c ch. 3:12, 13 daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle
7 d See Deut.
25:7-10 the matter today.”
9 e ch. 1:2, 4, 5
10 f ver. 5 BOAZ REDEEMS RUTH

4
11 g See ver. 1
Now Boaz had gone up to x the gate and sat down there. And behold, y the redeemer, of
whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So Boaz said, “Turn aside, friend; sit down here.” And
he turned aside and sat down. 2And he took ten men z of the elders of the city and said, “Sit
down here.” So they sat down. 3 Then he said to the redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back
from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our relative Elime-
lech. 4 So I thought I would tell you of it and say, a ‘Buy it in the presence of those sitting here
and in the presence of the elders of my people.’ If you will redeem it, redeem it. But if you 1
will not, tell me, that I may know, for there is no one besides you to redeem it, and I come
after you.” And he said, “I will redeem it.” 5 Then Boaz said, “The day you buy the field from
the hand of Naomi, you also acquire Ruth2 the Moabite, the widow of the dead, in order b to
perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance.” 6 c Then the redeemer said, “I cannot re-
deem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself,
for I cannot redeem it.”
7d
Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchang-
ing: to confirm a transaction, the one drew off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was
the manner of attesting in Israel. 8 So when the redeemer said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself,”
he drew off his sandal. 9 Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses
this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all
that belonged to e Chilion and to Mahlon. 10Also Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, I
have bought to be my wife, f to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance, that the
name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native
place. You are witnesses this day.” 11 Then all the people who were g at the gate and the elders
said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman, who is coming into your house, like
1 Hebrew he 2 Masoretic Text you also buy it from Ruth

3:15 six measures of barley. This gift of barley regulations (Deut. 25:5–10) and the laws for a re- later Jewish tradition by which ten men make up a
shows Boaz’s magnanimity toward Ruth (v. 17) and deeming relative (Lev. 25). Ruth is taken as a wife, quorum for worship may derive from this incident.
is a symbol of Naomi’s changed estate (1:21). Ruth and ancient blessings for fruitfulness are invoked. In a rural culture, where the use of writing was lim-
receives grain from Boaz as an emblem of her fu- Naomi’s bitterness turns to joy, and her grandson ited, it was important for a contract to be made
ture fruitfulness. is shown to be the grandfather of King David. In with a number of official witnesses.
these events the Lord’s hidden providence is re-
Then she went into the city. Lit. “Then he 4:3 selling the parcel of land. This sale is a
vealed.
went into the city.” The latter makes perfectly surprising new element, no hint of which has been
good sense: as soon as Boaz gives his word to Ruth, 4:1 the gate. Excavations at Iron Age Israelite given up to now. Details about the sale are not
he goes directly into Bethlehem to fulfill his oath. sites have revealed a number of gateways with necessary for the story and are omitted. A parallel
built-in benches where the elders sat in judgment example can be seen in Jer. 32:6–15.
3:16 How did you fare. The same Hebrew
(e.g., Megiddo and Gezer). The city gates were an
words are translated “Who are you?” in v. 9. 4:7 drew off his sandal. Little is known about
area of economic activity.
3:17 six measures of barley. The grain serves the symbolism of this custom. Its point clearly is to
friend. Boaz must know the man’s name, but the confirm the transaction legally. See Deut. 25:9, 10 (a
as a token and pledge not only to Ruth but also to
narrator quotes Boaz as referring to the man with different setting) and Amos 8:6.
Naomi. It is a visible sign of a promise.
an indefinite phrase, something like the English
3:18 Wait. This is an ironic touch, for the time to expression “Mr. So-and-So.” Because the other 4:10 to perpetuate the name of the dead.
wait will be very short. Naomi does not expect a names in the book are related to one’s character, The OT considers the disappearance of one’s name
conclusion to be long in coming. it is likely that this man has no name because he an extreme misfortune (1 Sam. 24:21; 2 Sam. 14:7).
4:1–17 Ch. 4 brings out the divine purpose be- has no character. For the purposes of the story, he 4:11 like Rachel and Leah. These are the two
hind Ruth’s original decision to follow Naomi and is “Mr. No Name.” wives of Jacob (Israel), the mothers, either natu-
Naomi’s God. The necessary arrangements seem 4:2 took ten men. There is no recorded legal rally or through their maids Zilpah and Bilhah, of
to turn on a combination of levirate marriage requirement for a particular number of men. The all the sons of Israel, the heads of the twelve tribes.
RUTH 4:12 398

Rachel and Leah, h who together i built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in j Eph- 11 h See Gen.
29:31–30:24;
rathah and k be renowned in Bethlehem, 12 and may your house be like the house of Perez, 35:16-18 i Deut.
25:9 j Gen. 35:16,
l
whom Tamar bore to Judah, because m of the offspring that the Lord will give you by this 19 k ver. 14
12 l Gen. 38:29;
young woman.” 1 Chr. 2:4; Matt.
1:3 m 1 Sam. 2:20
RUTH AND BOAZ MARRY 13 n Gen. 29:31;
33:5
13
So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, n and the Lord gave 14 o [Luke 1:58]
p ch. 2:20 q ver. 11

her conception, and she bore a son. 14 o Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, 15 r 1 Sam. 1:8
who has not left you this day without p a redeemer, and may his name q be renowned in Israel! 17 s Luke 1:59
18 t For ver. 18-22,
15
He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law see 1 Chr. 2:4-15;
Matt. 1:3-6
who loves you, r who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” 16 Then Naomi 20 u Num. 1:7; [Ex.
took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. 17 sAnd the women of the neigh- 6:23]

borhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed.
He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
THE GENEALOGY OF DAVID
18
Now these are the generations of Perez: t Perez fathered Hezron, 19 Hezron fathered Ram,
Ram fathered Amminadab, 20 uAmminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon,
21
Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, 22 Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.

Ephrathah . . . Bethlehem. As in 1:1, 2, these 4:14–17 The women’s praises celebrate the ful- what is recorded in the genealogy of Jesus in Matt.
place names, associated with David, are given spe- fillment of God’s covenant love to Naomi. Her 1:3–6. The book of Ruth finds its climax in the com-
cial prominence. daughter-in-law Ruth is more to her than seven ing of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The main charac-
sons would be (v. 15). Moreover, Naomi in effect has ters, Boaz and Ruth, have faded from the story.
4:12 be like . . . Perez. In a much earlier time, Ju-
a son in her grandson Obed (v. 17). He will become The emphasis is now on the lineage that points to
dah became the father of Perez because Onan re-
the grandfather of David. Remarkably, the infant Christ. The coming of the Messiah is the end-all of
fused to carry out his obligation as a close relative
Obed is described by the women of Bethlehem the book of Ruth.
(Gen. 38:29). Perez is a symbol of the fruitful off-
as a redeemer. This implies that the line of Boaz is
spring. In the same way, Boaz becomes the father 4:22 David. Here and in v. 17, the author men-
associated with the concept of redemption. Ulti-
of Obed (v. 21) because another person has refused tions ancient Israel’s greatest king explicitly. We are
mately, Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of the world.
to carry out the levirate obligation. Despite human not to view the book of Ruth as merely a story of
failures, the messianic line is preserved (Matt. 1:3, 4:16 Naomi took the child. This is probably
honorable people in a dishonorable era, but as the
5, 16). Interestingly, strong parallels exist between not a formal rite of adoption. Rather, it is a symbol
account of God’s providence and grace in providing
Tamar and Ruth, both of whom are women and that Naomi views the child as her own in a manner
a king who gives rest to His people Israel (2 Sam.
foreigners who play key roles in continuing the of speaking. He is the heir of Elimelech’s estate and
the continuation of her husband’s lineage. 7:1–17). Of course, David fails to give Israel perma-
messianic line. nent rest, but in providing a son for Naomi, the
4:13 and the LORD gave her conception. 4:17 Obed. Lit. “servant,” because he will serve Lord also preserves a lineage that births David’s
This statement underscores the providence of God Naomi in her old age. greatest son, Jesus Christ, who gives rest to all who
in the story. 4:18–22 The closing genealogy is almost exactly trust in Him (Matt. 11:28–30).