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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:13-14

Sealed. I. THE ASSURANCE THAT CHRISTIANS ARE SEALED . 1. They are owned by God . "The Lord knoweth them that are his." God is said to keep a book of remembrance, so that they who fear him shall be remembered in the day when he makes up his jewels (Ma Ephesians 3:16 , Ephesians 3:17 ). 2. They are to be known by men . A seal is conspicuous. It is intended to be seen and understood. There are signs in the life by which the inward spiritual religion may be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:14

Who is the earnest of our inheritance. The gift of the Spirit is not only a seal, but an earnest, firstfruit, or installment, a pledge that the rest shall follow. The seal of the Spirit not only assures us of the full inheritance to come, but gives us a right conception of its nature. It shows us the kind of provision God makes for those whom he takes as his heritage, his peculiar people. It is an inward heaven the Spirit brings them. "The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:14

The believer's earnest of his Divine inheritance. The Spirit is the earnest—the sample as well as pledge of future blessedness. It is now we see the purpose of the seal. It is because the Spirit is an earnest of our inheritance that his indwelling is a seal. The earnest is the same in kind with the prospective inheritance. It is "the inheritance in miniature." It is a sample of the stock, a pledge that all the rest will come in due time. The indwelling of the Spirit is part of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:15

Wherefore I also, having heard of the faith among you in the Lord Jesus, and your love which extends to all the saints. The "wherefore" has reference to their present standing in grace, described in the verses preceding: since ye have heard, believed, been sealed, and thereby shown to be in the right line, I apply myself towards promoting your progress, towards advancing you to the higher stages of the Christian life. Special mention is made of their faith and love, as cardinal Christian... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:15-16

Spiritual prosperity. Although St. Paul could soar into strange heights of contemplation, his interest was not confined to cold theological abstractions. If he meditated on the final consummation of all things, he was never negligent of the spiritual condition of the Christians of his day. No man could show more deep, earnest, personal concern for those committed to his charge, than the great apostle evinced for the Churches of which he had the oversight. They were ever m his thoughts and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:15-23

Prayer for spiritual growth. General characteristics of Paul's prayers (see Exposition, Ephesians 1:16 ). The prayer is I. RETROSPECTIVE . Consists of thanksgiving ( Ephesians 1:16 ). Happy key-note for prayer. II. PROSPECTIVE . Of supplication. Here we may note: 1. The name by which God is invoked ( Ephesians 1:17 ; see Exposition). 2. The blessing sought, viz. further illumination in the knowledge of God's will. 3. The points needing to be more fully... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:15-23

Paul's first prayer for the Ephesians. Having spoken of the inspiration of the adopted children, the apostle proceeds next to his first prayer on their behalf. He has a still more remarkable prayer in Ephesians 3:1-21 ., but the present one is most instructive too. It begins, as usual, with thanksgiving for the faith towards the Lord Jesus, and love to all the saints which the Ephesians cherish. This need not detain us, but we may at once proceed to the substance of his petition for... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:15-23

Prayer for the Ephesians. I. FOUNDED ON INFORMATION . 1. Regarding their faith . "For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you." He had already more than once referred to their Christian faith; he refers to it now as ground for his prayer on their behalf. We are to pray for "all men," even for unbelievers; but whoever through faith are admitted into the same Christian circle, claim a special interest in our prayers. 2. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:15-23

Apostolic philanthropy. "Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the... read more

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