Ephesians

Ephesians 4

Daniel C Snaddon — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:50:47 -0600

v. 7 “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.”

From v. 7 thru 16 we have the divine program for the proper functioning of the Body of Christ.

Each born-again believer has been given a gift from the Lord, and with it the grace or ability to use it.

Some gifts are of a public character other gifts are not.

But whatever the nature of the gift it is important to realize that every believer has something he can contribute to the blessing of the Body of Christ.

In the Body of Christ “every believer” has his place, given to him by Christ or the Holy Spirit. The ideal assembly is one on which each believer has found out, from the risen Lord, his gift and place in the body, and functions accordingly. We should remember that whatever the gift, public or hidden, important or menial, God provides the spiritual ability—strength to operate it. Wisdom.

v. 8

This is a difficult verse.

The traditional view is as follows (describe)

This view is arrived at because of the interpretation put on the words “captivity captive.” = a “multitude of captives.”

The phrase “captivity captive” is found in Judges 5:12.

“Awake, awake, Deborah: awake and utter a song: Arise, Barak, and lead captivity captive.”

This could only mean one thing “lead him captive who held you captive.”

The meaning of our present passage seems clear in the light of this. Our blessed Lord in His triumph over death lead captive him who had the power of death up to that time.

New Testament (Acts-Revelation)

Alfred P Gibbs — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:44:54 -0500

Lesson 221: The Ascension Of Christ
Acts 1:1-11
Golden Text: Acts 1:11

I. The Great Commission. Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15, 10.

1. The Person Who gave it. He had the right by virtue of His Person and His work.

2. The power for it—“Himself;” v. 18. Note the “power” as seen in (1) His birth; Luke 1:35. (2) Ministry; Luke 4:32. (3) Miracles; Luke 4:36. (4) Forgiveness; Matthew 9:6. (5) Death; John 10:18. (6) Resurrection. Romans 1:4; Colossians 2:13-15. (7) Ascension; Ephesians 1:20. (8) Coming; Matthew 24:30.

3. The plan of it. (1) The command “go ye.” (2) The scope, “world.” (3) The theme, “the Gospel.” (4) The persons, “every creature.”

4. The persons to whom given—His disciples. (1) Chosen. Mark 3:14; John 15:16. (2) Saved; Matthew 16:16. (3) Taught. (4) Commissioned. (5) Equipped.

5. The privilege of it. Ambassadors, co-workers, witnesses, trustees, servants of the Lord Jesus Christ.

6. The price of it. “Go” means leave. Cp. Luke 14:26.

7. The promise with it. “I am with you.” Cp Hebrews 13:5.

II. The Promise. Acts 1:4, 5.

1. Promised in O. T. Isaiah 32:15; Jeremiah 31:33; Ezek 11:19; Joel 228.

2. Promised in N. T. John 15:26—16:14.

III. The Questioning Disciples. Vs. 6-8.

1. The question; v. 6. (1) An earthly kingdom expected; Isaiah 2:2-4. (2) The King being rejected, the kingdom is in obeyance. Luke 19:14; Acts 3:14. (3) He will yet be King over the Earth; Psalm 2.

Ephesians

John Nelson Darby — Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The epistle to the Ephesians gives us the richest exposition of the blessings of the saints individually, and of the assembly, setting forth at the same time the counsels of God with regard to the glory of Christ. Christ Himself is viewed as the One who is to hold all things united in one under His hand, as Head of the assembly. We see the assembly placed in the most intimate relationship with Him, as those who compose it are with the Father Himself, and in the heavenly position dispensed to...

Introductory Notes By Arno C. Gaebelein