Verse by Verse Exposition of the "Book of Ephesians"

Overview from Baker New Testament Commentary - William Hendriksen

If it be true that in Colossians Paul dwells on “Christ, the Pre-eminent One, the Only and All-Sufficient Savior,” then in Ephesians he discusses its corollary, namely, “The Unity of All Believers in Christ.” For “All Believers” one can substitute “The Church Glorious.” The ideas of “unity” and of the “in Christ” relationship can be given their proper place in the Outline. Careful study of Ephesians has led an ever-increasing number of exegetes to arrive at the conclusion that the concept of the church receives such emphasis in this epistle that the entire contents can be grouped around it without superimposing one’s own subjective opinions upon the apostle’s thinking.

The term church, as here used, indicates the body (Eph. 1:22, 23; 4:4, 16; 5:23, 30), building (2:19–22), and bride (5:25–27, 32) of Christ; the totality of those, whether Jew or Gentile, who were saved through the blood of Christ and through him have their access in one Spirit to the Father (2:13, 18).

As in Romans and Colossians so also here in Ephesians there is a rather clear-cut division between Exposition and Exhortation, between the truth stated and the truth applied; chapters 1–3 belonging to the first, chapters 4–6 to the second part. The style, especially of the first division, is, however, so exalted that Adoration more precisely expresses what is offered here than Exposition. The soul of the apostle is filled with humble gratitude to God, the Author of the Church Glorious. He pours out his heart in sincere, spontaneous, lavish praise. With Paul doctrine is doxology! It is a matter not only of the mind but also of the heart, of Christian experience under the guidance of inspiration.

Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953-2001). Vol. 7: New Testament commentary : Exposition of Ephesians. New Testament Commentary (62–63). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.