Sin and Redemption

An Expository Commentary Based upon Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians

Robert B. Callahan Sr.

• Publisher: Resource Publications
• Year: 2011
• Print ISBN:
  9781608996469
  9781498257091
• eBook ISBN:
  9781630870676
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Biblical Criticism & Interpretation

The genius of Paul is evident in chapter 2 of his Letter to the Ephesians. However, more importantly, two truths are revealed through a closer examination of his presentation. First is the realization that Paul listens, contemplates, and abides by the words of his Savior, and ours, in presenting the truths revealed to him. This was the result of Paul relinquishing the mantle of self-centeredness and replacing it with the crown of Christ-centeredness. This became his guiding light through the tests, trials, and tribulations of walking with Jesus. Second, there is the recognition of Paul's love for, and commitment to, professing Christians, whether they be babes in the faith, adolescents, or maturing adults. He realized they had been, or would be, confronted by the desires of the flesh and of the mind during their life's journey. He wanted them to know the living Christ. This chapter is pivotal to understanding God's mercy and grace, as well as our need for His spiritual blessings. When we accept the Lord Jesus' invitation to follow Him in His commands and teachings, we will know the joy of a right relationship with the glorious Father, reconciliation through Christ, praying through the Holy Spirit, and God's Foundation built on the apostles and prophets.

1

The Doctrine of Sin

AND you hath he quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course (age) of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Among whom also we all had our conversation (conducted ourselves) in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others [Eph.2:1–3].

The Apostle Paul was an amazing individual. He was a master at communicating with others. He loved the Ephesians. He wanted them to know and to love the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He also wanted them to understand and accept the truths concerning God, the Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. He laid this foundation in the first chapter, which he concluded with a magnificent, meaningful prayer.

Why did he do it this way? Because of the Ephesians’ background. They had been pagans, worshipping idols or not anything except themselves. However, they had accepted Christ and were new to the Christian faith. They were infants, or adolescents, young adults in the faith, they were not mature Christians. Paul had received word of their condition and through the power of the Holy Spirit felt compelled to write this epistle. Therefore, before continuing he prayed that the Triune God would give unto them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him (Christ) [Eph. 1:17]. Paul prays they will acquire knowledge of Christ through the spirit of wisdom and revelation. He wanted the Triune God to open their hearts and minds to this knowledge. What is this knowledge?

That, the eyes of your understanding . . . May know what is the hope of his calling, . . . and the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

Which he wrought, in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set (seated) him at his own right hand in the heavenly places [Eph. 1:18–20].

Paul wanted the Ephesians to know the full glory of Christ their Redeemer. He wanted them to be knowledgeable about God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. He knew from experience that their faith had to be nourished and strengthened so they would increase in faith and not succumb to the temptations of the secular world and the wiles of Satan. He loved them, therefore, he shared his faith with them so that they would know the Triune God as he did, and walk with Jesus in gratitude, humility, and joy.

The Apostle Paul learned much during his three years in the wilderness with the Lord Jesus. Yes, he learned the truths of the Gospel, but the pinnacle of his learning was to know, to have a deep personal knowledge and relationship with the Lord Jesus, His Father, and the Holy Spirit. It was this learning, this love, this empathy, this Christ-centeredness that enabled Paul to counsel the Ephesians and others in a loving, respectful, and firm manner.

Consider how he moved from his magnificent, majestic prayer to communicating directly with the Ephesians regarding their former condition, their current situation, and what they should know and do. The remarkable Ruth Paxson sums it up beautifully saying, “A wondrous spiritual panorama now unfolds before us; God’s grace and power in operation in the creation of a Christian and in the Constitution of the Church; the Master-Workman at work forming ‘the New Man.’”

Paul opens this portion of his letter stating,

AND you hath he quickened (made alive) who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course (age) of this world, according to the prince of power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience [Eph. 2:1–2].

Paul reminds them of their past in strong, straightforward words speaking the truth in love. He wants them to remember two things: first, that it was God who had intervened and made them alive, when they were mired in their trespasses and sins; and second, he wanted them to acknowledge what God had done, and is doing that had changed their lives for the better.

You will note in these two verses that Paul uses the words “you” and “ye.” He is drawing the distinction that while he was a Jew bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to them, they were Gentiles. They had . . . walked according to the course (age) of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. What a thought provoking statement! Paul, through the Holy Spirit wanted them to realize their lives had been controlled by Satan and the criteria of the secular world. This meant that they could do whatever they wanted to do as long as it felt good. They were not subject to any rules, standards, or principles, except their own. Sound familiar today?

Then, Paul, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, changes his tune. He discards the term “ye” and substitutes the all inclusive “we,” as he firmly states,

Among whom also we all had our conversation (conducted ourselves) in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others [Eph. 2:3].

What a statement by Paul! He had told the Ephesian Gentiles unequivocally what they had been, how they had acted, and who they had followed. How would you like to hear these words?

However, Paul through the wisdom bestowed upon him softens the blow by saying “we”, “we Jews were no better than you Gentiles—both ethnic groups were sinful,” according to the King James Study Bible. The faithful Ruth Paxson provides additional clarity regarding the Jews and Gentiles saying that we “as individuals, are in the same position and condition of sin and death . . . The individual Jew is as great a sinner as the individual Gentile . . . ‘By nature’ both Gentile and Jew are ‘the children of wrath,’ both facing the same awful destiny.” Paul wanted his beloved Ephesian Gentiles to know that their position and condition before God had been the same. They both faced the same challenges and obstacles.

Paul emphasizes in these verses certain truths that have a negative impact upon the Jews and the Gentiles. What are they?

Trespasses and sins; . . . the prince of the power of the air (Satan), we all had our conversation (conducted ourselves) in times past in the lusts of our flesh . . . and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath . . . [Selections from Eph. 2:1–3].

It was Paul’s purpose that the Ephesians (and we) grasp and understand what they were without God and the Lord Jesus. These truths are to be taught, so that people will know what may afflict them and keep them from being in a right relationship with God.

Before proceeding, it is prudent to consider Paul’s positive words to Timothy in his second letter to him, which are pertinent at this juncture:

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them . . .

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise into salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished (equipped) unto all good works.

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick (living) and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

Preach the word; be instant (ready) in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables [2 Tim. 3:14–4:4].

What a contrast between Paul’s words to the Ephesians and Timothy! However, they do have similarities. They are God’s Word spoken to those He loves under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

Paul loved Timothy, and he wanted to encourage him. But, more importantly, Paul wanted the people, to whom Timothy was ministering, to hear God’s word in all its glory and not be distract...

Table of contents

• Title Page
• Topical Categories in Walking with Jesus
• Volume Two: Topical Categories
• Foreword
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• The Question of Authorship
• Introduction
• Chapter 1: The Doctrine of Sin
• Chapter 2: Death by Sin
• Chapter 3: Trespasses and Sins
• Chapter 4: The Doctrine of God’s Wrath
• Chapter 5: But God, Rich in Mercy
• Chapter 6: Raised Up Together
• Chapter 7: A Remarkable Truth
• Chapter 8: God’s Kindness Toward Us
• Chapter 9: Saved Through Faith
• Chapter 10: Created in Christ Jesus
• Chapter 11: God’s Chastening Grace
• Chapter 12: Circumcision and Uncircumcision
• Chapter 13: Aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel
• Chapter 14: By the Blood of Christ
• Chapter 15: Making Peace
• Chapter 16: Reconcile Both Unto God
• Chapter 17: He Came and Preached Peace
• Chapter 18: Through Him By One Spirit
• Chapter 19: Christ’s Righteousness
• Chapter 20: Making Intercession According to the Will of God
• Chapter 21: Having Faith in Prayer
• Chapter 22: Unity In Christ
• Chapter 23: Fellow Citizens with the Saints
• Chapter 24: Abraham’s Seed
• Chapter 25: God’s Dwelling Place
• Chapter 26: The Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets
• Chapter 27: Being Members of Christ’s Body
• Outline Questions
• Bibliography