Notes on Ephesians Chapter One
AUTHOR: | Oliphant, James H. |
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By Elder James H. Oliphant 1. Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, by the will of God:This eminent servant in the Gospel, the most striking character in the New Testament next to Jesus, was not an apostle from his own choice. He had not thrust himself into the office, nor sought it, but declared of it, "Necessity is laid upon me, yea woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel." His labors, sacrifices, and sufferings were patiently endured because of this necessity. He did not engage in this work that he might obtain a livelihood, or secure an honorable name, but simply because God had called him to the work. No man taketh this honor upon himself, nor does he shrink from its sacrifices and responsibility, when moved by the "necessity" that God implants. We yet need men "called of God" to preach the ever-living gospel of truth, men who do not labor for gain, but from love to God and to his people. The man who engages in this work from any other motive, cannot preach the gospel. He may preach many things pleasing to the world, but the bearer of the true message to God’s people must be "sent" of him. It was God who sent the prophets and servants of old, who sent Jesus of Nazareth, and John the forerunner of his kingdom. It was he who called and sent each one of his apostles, who "set in the church" every official gift; and it is to him, as the Lord of the harvest, that we are directed to pray that he will send laborers into his field and the question may properly be asked, "How can they preach, except they be sent?" To the Saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus. This epistle is clearly addressed to Christian people, and not to men of the world. The distinction should be kept in view with every part of the letter. Being directed "to the Saints," or faithful believers, no minister or teacher has the right to apply it to unbelievers, or the unregenerate. The same thought is connected with every portion of God’s word, and it is a fruitful source of error and confusion to disregard so plain a truth. Whatever there may be of promise, privilege, or comfort in this letter, it cannot be applied farther than to the faithful in Christ Jesus.
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