The Ephesians are Asians. These, having received the word of truth, persevered in the faith. The Apostle commends them, writing to them from Rome, from prison. The Ephesians, both from Jews and from Gentiles, believed at the Apostle's preaching, and to them, standing firm, he writes. In the beginning of the Epistle, addressing the Jews, he expounds the mysteries of Christ's Incarnation. Afterward he turns to the Gentiles, and exhorts them not to be ungrateful for so great benefits. Then in common, up to the end, he lays down moral precepts. FIRST CHAPTER. 'Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus.' As in all his Epistles apostolic authority is set at the head. 'By the will of God': understand, of the Father—not by my own merits. 'To all the saints who are at Ephesus.'
Every saint is faithful, but not every faithful person is a saint—that is, to the faithful who have been baptized or who faithfully preserve holiness; not to the catechumens, who have faith, because they believe, but do not have holiness. 'And to the faithful in Christ Jesus': those who use lawful things. 'Grace to you': understand [also]. 'And peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.' Then will grace be yours, if you are not ungrateful to Him, and if you attribute your salvation not to your own merits, but to His grace. And we shall have kept the peace of reconciliation, if henceforth we do nothing contrary to His goodness or justice. This is his customary greeting: when grace is wished from both, they are shown to be one. 'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.'
He begins with the praises of God, who has given them such things as are contained below. 'Who hath blessed us with every blessing': not with some, so that nothing be lacking in any grace. 'Spiritual': not with carnal prosperity, nor earthly abundance. 'In the heavenly places': in things, not in earthly ones. 'In Christ': in the Head He has blessed and chosen all the members, that He might make us holy and immaculate—not because we were going to be so, but that we might be so. 'As He chose us in Him': in Christ He predestined, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and immaculate. For to God nothing is new, with whom all things existed before they came to be—not, as some dream, that souls were chosen in heaven before the world:
but His Church, without spot or wrinkle, is in them predestined and elected by foreknowledge, because He Himself knows who are His. It is not as the Pelagians think of this passage, that, having received precepts, they can by free will alone be immaculate, saying: 'Because God foreknew that we would be such, therefore He chose us before the foundation of the world, and predestined us in Christ.' But it is not so; nor because He foreknew that we would be such, but that we might be such—He Himself about to make us such through that very election of His grace, by which He made us pleasing in His beloved Son. When therefore He predestined us, He foreknew His own work, by which He makes us holy and immaculate. 'In His sight in charity': not of men. 'Who predestined us.'
This He predestined, that by infusing faith He might make all believers sons of God. They indeed spoke the word of God with confidence to everyone willing to believe; but that they might believe, God had already touched their heart, as we read in the Acts themselves: 'And Lydia, the seller of purple, believed, whose heart God opened, that she might understand the things spoken by Paul.' And: 'The Lord knoweth who are His'; and: 'The will is prepared by the Lord.' 'Unto the adoption of sons': not by nature. 'Through Jesus Christ unto Himself': that we might be His members. 'According to the purpose of His will': not according to our merits. 'Unto the praise of the glory of His grace': that we might praise the glory of His justice and mercy, which He bestowed on the undeserving. 'In which He hath made us gracious.'
By His grace or will He made us pleasing to Himself in Him. So it is said, 'made gracious,' from grace, just as 'justified,' from justice. 'In the Beloved: in whom we have redemption through His blood, the remission of sins.' 'In the Beloved'—understand, His Son. Not because He foreknew that we would be such, but that we might be such, He made us such through that very election of His grace. He not only redeemed us, but also remitted our sins, that we might be righteous without our own labor. 'According to the riches of His grace': understand, we have redemption—not according to our merits. Where are those who say they can be saved by their own industry? 'Which hath superabounded in us, in all wisdom and prudence:'
'that He might make known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure.' More than abounded, so that He not only forgave the sins of those redeemed from death, but also gave us so great wisdom, that we might know the hidden mysteries of His will; He Himself, of His clemency, revealing them; in this mystery of His will He placed the riches of His grace, according to His good pleasure, not according to ours. 'Which He purposed in Him.' In Christ, in whom we are chosen and predestined, that He Himself might make us holy—not because He foresaw us as holy. 'In the dispensation of the fullness of times.' In the last times, when now every dispensation of the times of the law and of nature is accomplished, and of the prophets, as he says elsewhere:
'When the fullness of times was come, the Lord sent His Son.' 'To restore all things in Christ.' This He purposed. 'The things that are in heaven, and the things that are on earth, in Him.' Many have thought diversely on this matter: some say that by 'heavens' souls are to be understood, by 'earth' bodies. Others, that the 'heavens' are the Jews, who had received heavenly precepts, and the 'earth' the Gentiles. Others, however, assert that in the heavens it is not the angels who were restored, but that their knowledge advanced from the time of Christ, who, as if ignorant, asked: 'Who is this King of glory?' and are taught that He is the Lord of hosts. But since a thing is not said to be restored except [when it is restored to] itself,
it is better, if we say that their joy was restored through the salvation of men, the joy which they had before men wholly turned away from righteousness. But who can doubt that on earth the human race was restored? Likewise otherwise: there is repaired in heaven that portion of the angels which fell with its prince, through the increase and fellowship of the saints, of whom it is written: 'But they are as the angels in heaven.' All things are also repaired on earth, when, even in the place of the failing Jews, believers from the Gentiles will be admitted. And otherwise: the things which are on earth are restored, while we are repaired through the blood and reconciliation of our Mediator. The heavenly things are repaired, when from our salvation the joy of the angels is born.
'In whom we also are called by lot': we who believed from among the Jews. 'Predestined': foredestined, or foreknown and foreseen—not because we were, but because from evil men we were going to be good by Him. 'According to His purpose': because He purposed to restore first the Jews, and thus the Gentiles, although only a part of the Jews believed. 'Who worketh all things.' The cause of all things is the will of God, which no one of the faithful is ignorant is reasonable, and without doubt good. If He Himself [works] all things, where is Pelagian pride? He therefore also works that we may begin to believe, He who works all things. 'According to the counsel of His will': not according to our merits. Let those who say 'My good will made me a Christian' be silent, when they have heard:
'According to the counsel of His will,' let them be silent about merits. 'That we may be unto the praise of His glory': that through the good things which we do, the glory of God may be praised. 'We who before hoped in Christ': we from among the Jews, who believed first, or who from the law hoped [in Him]. 'In whom': in whom to you also has salvation been announced. 'And you, when you had heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation'—the Gentiles are to be understood. 'In whom, believing also, you were sealed': in which Gospel, or in Christ, sealed with one character, and hence you shall be recognized to be one flock, because you also, like us, work virtues through the Spirit, which virtues are the earnest of the future inheritance. If, then, to raise the dead is the earnest, how great will the possession itself be?
'The Holy Spirit of promise': who was promised through the prophet Joel. 'Who is the pledge of our inheritance.' A pledge is given, that the promises may be believed. 'Unto the redemption of the acquisition': those whom He acquired for Himself by His blood. 'Unto the praise of His glory': that in this too His name may be glorified by us. 'Therefore I also, hearing of your faith which is in the Lord Jesus, and your love toward all the saints': how firmly you believe in the Lord Jesus, and how you love all the saints, without exception of person or acquaintance. For we are commanded to beware of false prophets, and not to believe every spirit, not to judge before proof. 'I cease not to give thanks for you.' This is to prove faith by works:
because by the gift of His mercy He infused into you faith, by which you might believe, and charity, by which you might love. 'Making remembrance of you in my prayers.' In prayers, not, as some do, in the pleasantness of a banquet; but to me nothing is more pleasant than prayer. 'That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory'—the Father of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ—'may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and of revelation.' How does he ask wisdom from God for the Ephesians, when he said to the Corinthians that 'knowledge puffs up'? But it differs in effect which does not differ in name: for there he speaks of worldly knowledge, which is foolishness with God; but here he asks for heavenly and divine wisdom, which whoever has can be humbled rather than puffed up:
and through which, by the gift of God, all virtues can be acquired: because knowledge, as without charity it puffs up, so with charity it edifies. 'In the knowledge of Him.' How does he wish that they may know God, whom they knew to such a degree that, believing in Him, they loved all the saints for His sake? But that they may perfectly know that they were saved by the grace of God, not by their own merit; and how great is His power and greatness. Power, because He can fulfill the promised rewards or punishments; greatness, because He is everywhere, and nothing can be hidden from Him. For he who has known these things, and held them for certain, greatly dreads to commit capital sins. For he who blushes at human presence, much more [blushes at] the divine.
Hence the sons of Eli the priest are said not to have known God, because they in no way feared His presence and His power. 'The enlightened eyes of your heart.' Spiritual promises are not foreseen except with spiritual eyes. 'That you may know what is the hope of His calling, and what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance.' If you know to what hope you are called, you will easily despise all the hope of the age. And if you see the riches of God's inheritance, every earthly inheritance will become vile to you. For no one who hopes for a kingdom deigns to possess brass or lead with his own wealth. 'In the saints': in the just and holy, not in all men. 'And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe.'
Who can comprehend the greatness of His power, and the ineffable goodness which He bestowed either on those who are of the circumcision or on those who believed from among the Gentiles, that He might make them believers, and might make them members of His Son, who is the Head of His Church, and might place them at His right hand in the heavenly places? 'According to the working of the might': not according to the law or nature. 'Of His power, which He wrought in Christ.' This is the exceeding greatness of His power over us. 'Raising Him from the dead': by the assumption of our nature. 'And setting Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, above all principality, and power, and virtue.' The right hand is put for honor and beatitude; not that God is to be believed corporeal:
for the Father too is said to be at the right hand of the Son, as it is written: 'The Lord at thy right hand hath broken.' Both, therefore, are at the right hand, because there is nothing left-handed in the Godhead. The right hand of God, therefore, is to be understood as beatitude, sitting, dwelling. 'And dominion': because He is one with God, or in God. 'And every name that is named': if there be any other which we know not. 'Not only in this age, but also in that which is to come.' 'And He hath subjected all things under His feet': in the future, that is, in the heavenly [age], which is future to us, not to God, nor to Himself. 'And He gave Him to be head over all the Church.' Christ is the Head of the Church, the fullness of all its members. 'Which is His body, and His fullness'—of the Head—'who is filled all in all.'
He who is filled wholly in all the members, not in individual ones, lest there be any diversity of merits: when all shall have believed and been made perfect, then will the body be perfect in all its members. CHAPTER II. 'And you, when you were.' Hence he wishes to show how great a benefit was conferred on them. 'Dead in your offenses and sins': by the death of sin—against the Pelagians, who defend nature only so far as reason does not hold, and say that faith is from nature. For what good can a dead man do? 'In which you formerly walked': but now indeed you no longer walk. 'According to the course of this world.' Therefore we call 'the world' the men of the world, just as we call a house either good or bad, while we understand by it the men of the world dwelling in it.
He calls those who worship idols 'the world,' and likewise 'serpents,' whose likeness we bore while we followed the will of the devil. 'According to the prince of the power of this air.' That is, according to the prince of that power who is in this windy air, having been cast down from heaven. 'The spirit that now works.' By persuasion, not by force. 'In the sons of unbelief.' That is, in those who do not believe: each man becomes the son of him whom he imitates, or of him whose deeds make him worthy—just as they are sons of wrath, and of death, and of hell. 'Among whom we also.' Not you only. 'We all once had our conversation.' The Gentiles by not believing in God, the Jews by living wickedly: we were all held fast by original sin. 'In the desires of our flesh, doing the will of the flesh and of our thoughts.'
When our soul clung to earthly and carnal things: not only desiring, but even doing what our thought suggested. 'And we were by nature'—so the evil habit of our paternal origin possessed us, that we were all born unto damnation. 'Children of wrath, even as the rest.' Children of wrath, as above 'children of unbelief,' sons of Adam, sons of vengeance. Let those hear this and blush who ascribe so much to corrupted nature that they contradict the Apostle and stray from the faith. 'But God, who is rich in mercy.' Not only in power, but also in mercy. For 'thou hast mercy,' it says, 'upon all, because thou canst do all things, and lovest the things which thou hast made: for thou hast not appointed anything hating it.' 'For his exceeding charity.'
It is exceeding charity to love rebellious and impious servants as though they were sons. Hence we must consider how greatly he loves those now made holy, who so loved sinners and the impious. 'Wherewith he loved us.' And had mercy on us. 'And when we were dead in our sins.' Being guilty of death, we already lived as though dead, not only in original sin, but also in actual sin. 'He hath quickened us together in Christ.' By making us without sin through baptism, and by raising us up: nor ought we to despair that in us may be accomplished what our nature already possesses in Christ. 'By whose grace ye are saved.' Freely, not by our merit, that human pride, which boasts of its merits, might be humbled, and might know that grace is given freely.
'And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.' For where the head is, there also shall the body be, as he himself says: 'I will that where I am, they also may be.' 'That he might show in the ages to come.' He foreordained what he was about to fashion at the proper time. 'The abundant riches of his grace in his goodness.' Truly abundant grace, that not only forgives sins, but even raises us up with Christ: and even this was not enough, unless he also placed us at the right hand of God in the heavenly places, in the manhood he assumed. 'Over us in Christ Jesus.' Into the body of Christ, after his example. 'For by grace ye are saved.' Not by your merits, but by grace freely given. This is against those who say that they are saved by their own merits. 'Through faith.'
Through faith alone, which the Holy Spirit pours in by his gift. 'And that not of yourselves, for it is the gift of God.' But by the gift of grace, lest they should say that faith was of themselves and not of God. 'Not of your works, that no man may glory.' Lest anyone should boast that he had received it by his own merits. 'For we are his workmanship.' Because we have lately been reborn in Christ, that we may walk in the good works of God by his help, which are set forth in the Gospel. 'Created in Christ, in good works.' He speaks not of that creation by which we are born in Adam or from Adam, but of that by which we are reformed in baptism through grace, that by his help we may walk in good works. All these things come from grace, or are prepared by it:
for what follows, 'Which God hath prepared,' that is, hath foreordained. 'Which God hath prepared, that we should walk in them.' God prepared them in his own presence: and now he has given them through his grace, that we may walk according to the new man: that is, he foreordained; for predestination cannot exist without foreknowledge. 'Wherefore be mindful that ye were once Gentiles.' He reminds them from what great obscurity they were brought to the highest place of the kingdom, that they might not be ungrateful to him who by his grace deigned to grant them this. 'In the flesh, who were called uncircumcision.' The Gentiles were called 'uncircumcision,' the Jews 'circumcision.' 'By that which is called circumcision.' Not in the heart through the Spirit. 'Made by hand in the flesh.' That is, human.
'Because at that time ye were without Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel.' Because they had Christ promised in many mysteries and sacraments: but you, following blind and mute idols, did not even know Christ by name, who were reckoned the people of God. 'And strangers to the covenants.' Even if some believed, they were held as proselytes, that is, as foreigners: for the Gentiles were estranged from Israel and from Christ. 'Having no hope of the promise.' As they hoped for the things God had promised, which he had promised to Abraham, that salvation should come in Christ. 'And without God in this world.' For following many false gods, they had lost the one and true God. 'But now in Christ Jesus.' You are one in his body, that is, the Church.
'You who once were far off have been made near.' So that you might be made equal to the Jews. 'By the blood of Christ.' Believe that you were freed by his blood, who made you equal to them. 'For he is our peace.' The reconciliation of both peoples to one another, and to God. 'Who hath made both one.' One flock. 'And the middle wall of partition.' Like a middle wall and partition, the burdens of the law had fenced off the two peoples from each other, which deterred the Gentiles from being joined to the people of Israel. 'That wall is named enmity.' Or certainly sins, both actual and original, which are known to separate from God, are rightly called enmity. 'Abolishing the enmity in his flesh, the law of commandments.'
That is, of circumcision and the rest, which not the will of God but the hardness of the people demanded. These enmities the Lord took away, and poured back peace, and voided the law, that he might make two into one new man: in whom he signifies not only the inner and the outer man, but also Jew and Greek, that he might be all in all. For the Lord of the Sabbath took away the superstition of the bodily Sabbath, and, as it were, broke down the middle wall of the law, which by the difficulty of its decrees kept us from that piety which is according to God: because it was impossible for the Gentiles to serve God according to the law of Moses. 'Abolishing it by his decrees, that he might make two into himself into one new man.' Justifying by faith alone:
and while he decrees, he destroyed those moral precepts alone, whereby not only the outer and the inner man, but even one Christian people made from two peoples. 'Making peace, and that he might reconcile both in one body to God.' Because both had been turned away through sin. 'By the cross.' By faith in the cross alone, which deters no one. For it is not burdensome, since even the crucified thief was able to receive it in a moment. 'Slaying the enmity.' Of separation. 'In himself.' In his own flesh. 'And coming he preached the gospel.' For this he came. 'Peace to you who were far off.' He speaks to the Gentiles, who had departed far from God: not in place, but by worshipping idols. 'And peace to those who were near.' The Jews. 'For through him we have.' No one comes to the Father but through me. 'Both an access.'
The peoples. 'In one Spirit unto the Father.' One body has one spirit. 'Therefore ye are no longer strangers and sojourners, but ye are fellow-citizens with the saints and of the household of God.' No longer foreigners, nor proselytes: for he did not separate you from his people, as Isaiah foretold: they are citizens of the same origin and dwelling. 'Built upon the foundation.' The foundation of the apostles and prophets is Christ, who is also called the corner-stone; as it is written: 'The stone which the builders rejected,' joining and holding together two walls. And he is both the foundation and the summit, because in him the Church is both founded and consummated. 'Of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner-stone.'
Of the prophets, of the New, not of the Old Testament: otherwise he ought to have named the former prophets first. 'In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth.' By comparison with the temple of Solomon he says that the body of Christ, that is, the Church, is being built: so that the truth may have much greater purity and holiness than the figure. 'Unto a holy temple in the Lord.' In a holy temple unsanctified stones cannot be placed. 'In whom ye also.' That ye also may be a spiritual dwelling-place of God, that is, not made by hand. 'Are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.' Upon the apostles and prophets. CHAPTER III. 'For this cause.' For this, which I mentioned above, that the Son of God, descending from heaven, saved both Jews and Gentiles, and made them one flock. 'Grace.' The gift of God.
'I Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus.' Whether bound with chains, or bound with the love of Christ, I cannot do my own will unless the Lord grants it. When he calls himself a prisoner, he confirms the Gospel, showing how great is his hope, for which he willingly embraces such sufferings, though among the Jews he might, as a teacher of the law, abound in great riches and be held in highest honor. 'For you Gentiles.' According to the Gospel, an enemy for your sake, who declared them to be one. 'If indeed ye have heard.' If ye firmly hold fast. 'The dispensation of the grace of God which is given me toward you.' 'Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the Lord hath set over his household, to give them meat in due season?' This is the dispensation of preaching.
Carefully observe that he attributes to the grace of God what he is, lest anyone be exalted concerning his merits; and while he attributes to himself what he has, he shows himself ungrateful for the gift of God. 'For by revelation was the mystery made known to me.' That Jews and Gentiles are one in Christ, by revelation, not by human teaching. 'As I have written above in brief, as ye may, by reading, understand.' Not as much as I could write, but as much as ye were able to understand. 'My understanding in the mystery of Christ.' Not in worldly eloquence. 'Which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men.' The ancient prophets indeed knew that the Gentiles were to be called; but they did not know that there would be no distinction between Jew and Gentile:
or the prophets did not speak as mere men. 'As it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets.' The prophets of the New Testament, to whom he now asserts it was revealed. 'By the Spirit.' Through the Spirit. 'That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs.' Not only fellow-heirs, for that can be of a different kind: nor only of the same body, for sons of the same kind can be, yet not sharers of the same substance in the inheritance. 'But of the same body, and partakers together of his promise in Christ Jesus.' Of one body. 'Through the Gospel, whereof I am made a minister.' It is made known to all that this gift was particularly conferred on me. 'According to the gift of the grace of God, which is given unto me.' Not according to my merit: whence let us recognize that we ought not to glory in merits, since the gift is given freely.
'According to the working of his power.' Whose power strengthened me: or the Gospel is confirmed by miracles. 'Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, to preach among the Gentiles.' He is therefore the least among the saints, that is, last in rank, and greatest through grace. For although he humbled himself, yet there is a work in which each humbles himself. 'To preach.' To announce the riches of the future inheritance. 'The unsearchable riches of Christ.' Unsearchable in themselves to human sense, but not to divine revelation. 'And to enlighten all men, what is the dispensation of the hidden mystery.' That I might teach both Jews and Gentiles the meaning of this mystery. 'From the ages in God.' From former ages within God, that is, known to him alone.
'Who created all things.' Both Jews and Gentiles: or every creature—against Marcion. 'That it might be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places.' That through me the manifold grace of God might be made known to those who rule over heavenly things throughout the whole Church. 'Through the Church, the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he made in Christ Jesus our Lord.' Which he predetermined, that at this time, when men could not otherwise be saved, they should be saved by faith in Christ alone. 'In whom we have boldness and access with confidence.' Not through our own righteousness do we have boldness and access to God; but in him whose faith has forgiven us our sins. 'Through faith in him.'
Hear his faith, and do not arrogate this to yourself, that you have faith of your own, unless it be given by him. 'Wherefore I ask that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which are your glory.' Lest, hearing that I am imprisoned and afflicted with insults without cause and with impunity, ye think that my injury does not pertain to God; but rather ye ought to glory, understanding that I cannot suffer such things without fruit, since he will render recompense in the future. 'For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.' 'Of whom all fatherhood in heaven and on earth is named.' Of whom all fatherhood has received its name; or of whom every thing is named as fatherhood:
for since he is our first and true Father, from his name it is derived, from whom other fathers are called fathers. 'That he would grant you according to the riches of his glory.' That he may strengthen you through the illumination of the knowledge of the riches of his glory. 'To be strengthened with might through his Spirit.' Of his wisdom and protection. 'That Christ may dwell in the inner man through faith in your hearts.' Where the inner man is made strong through faith, there Christ dwells, not where the outer man is fattened. 'In charity.' That, when his benefits are known, ye may love him. 'Rooted and grounded, that ye may be able to comprehend.' That from every side ye may be able to comprehend the greatness of knowledge. 'With all the saints.' Thou seekest wisdom among the wicked, and shalt not find it.
'What is the breadth, and length, and height, and depth.' Some say that by breadth is understood the spacious way; by length, the eternal way; by height, heaven; by depth, hell; namely, that having knowledge of all these, they may know what to choose and what to shun. Again, otherwise: in breadth, the good works of charity; in length, perseverance in good even unto the end; in height, the hope of heavenly rewards; in depth, the inscrutable judgments of God, whence this grace comes upon men, and he fits this understanding to the mystery of the cross. Length, that by long-suffering troubles may be borne for the breadth of charity. Height, the eternal reward. Depth, whence the free grace of God according to the
the decree of his will exists. 'And to know also the charity of Christ, which surpasseth knowledge.' The charity of Christ surpasses knowledge, so that from it knowledge is born, just as the fruit surpasses the root. 'That ye may be filled unto all the fulness of God.' That ye may be perfected in all the virtues of Christ. 'Now unto him who is able to do all things superabundantly beyond what we ask or understand.' Frequently he bestows greater things not only than we ask, but even than we understand. 'According to the power that worketh in us.' From the power of signs we understand this, which works in us: or whatever good is done through us, he himself works it in us. 'Unto him be glory in the Church.' For we have nothing whereof to glory. 'In Christ Jesus throughout all generations.'
Because Christ, coming, gathered the Church unto the glory of God. 'Of the age.' Immeasurable benefits are to be celebrated with immeasurable praises. 'Of ages. Amen.' Thus far concerning the mystery of Christ's Incarnation, and the calling of the Gentiles, and their union with the Jews accomplished through the Gospel; he himself undertook its mystery, that through all things, by the grace of God, he taught by his word and prayer to present them perfect. CHAPTER IV. 'I beseech you therefore, I the prisoner in the Lord, that ye walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye are called.' I ask you, who am a prisoner for your sake, that ye, recognizing yourselves as sons of God, may conduct yourselves worthily of so great an honor: because each dignity has its own institutes by which it is recognized, both of mind and of body, lest it be feigned.
'With all humility and meekness.' Humility claims nothing for itself: the meek man harms no one, renders no evil for evil to anyone. 'With patience supporting one another in charity.' The philosophers too endure, but not in charity, nor for God's sake; but for human praise. But we ought to endure, not that we may be praised, but that he whom we bear with may profit, enduring not with grief, but with love. 'Careful to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.' Through the bond of peace the unity of the Holy Spirit is retained, whom we all receive as one; and wherever there is unity and concord, there let us not doubt that the Holy Spirit and his gift is present.
But where there is discord and dissension, there is a contrary spirit, that is, the operation of Antichrist, who already works the mystery of iniquity. 'One body, and one Spirit, as ye are called in one hope of your calling.' All the members joined together in one body ought to have one consent, being called to one hope. It can be said against those who think it lawful for themselves to sin, but not for others: since they too, baptized in one body, have received the same Spirit: and the rest that follows. 'One Lord, one faith.' One faith of all, in which we all have believed. 'One baptism, one God.' Let the heretics who rebaptize take note. 'And Father of all.' Of all believing Gentiles too, not only of the Jews.
'Who is above all, and through all, and in us all.' Above all powers, because he is omnipotent through all his works; because he is immeasurable in all Christians, whom he deigns to indwell according to their sanctification. 'But to every one of us is given grace.' There are not many bodies, but diverse members through the variety of graces. 'According to the measure.' According to the measure of his giving, and the distinction of his bounty: the measure being faith. 'Of the gift of Christ: wherefore he saith.' They are his gifts, that we may both be prepared for each grace, and he dispenses as he himself wills. Let us acknowledge the gifts, and not presume upon merits. 'Ascending on high, he led captivity captive, he gave gifts unto men.'
Those whom the devil held captive unto death, Christ took captive unto life, bearing upward the head of our nature. 'Now that he ascended, what is it, but that he also first descended.' He explains why he is said to ascend, who is everywhere—namely, according to the form of a servant, to which he descended not by place, but by condescension. For he who according to his deity is everywhere, whither does he ascend or descend? For the body of the Lord, in which he suffered and rose again, can be in one place: his truth and divinity are everywhere. 'Into the lower parts of the earth?' Therefore hell is beneath the earth. 'He that descended is the same also that ascended above all heavens, that he might fill all things.'
He who descended with his soul into hell, the same ascended with soul and body into the heavens, that he might fulfill all things that were written. 'And he himself gave some indeed apostles.' Against the Arians, that the operation of the Son with the Father is one; for to the Corinthians he says that God the Father appointed first apostles, secondly prophets. But here he records that Christ gave them. 'And some prophets.' Of the New Testament. 'And others evangelists.' Every apostle is an evangelist, yet not every evangelist is an apostle: as Philip, who was one of the seven. 'And others pastors and teachers.' The pastors are the priests, the teachers all those whosoever are fit to instruct others.
All pastors therefore are also teachers [supply: but not all teachers are] also pastors. 'For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.' He appointed all these for this, that they might edify the Church, which is the body of Christ, and lead all to the reception of faith. 'Till we all come into the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God.' I would that all men were as I am: he who has acknowledged the Son of God does not resist against the precepts of God, nor commit capital sins, nor defend his own evils; which shall then come to pass, when Christ shall be all in all: and every schism or contention of death and flesh shall have departed, so that the just may say with free voice: 'O death, where is thy contention?' and the rest. 'Unto a perfect man.'
'As Christ.' For he who says he abides in Christ ought himself also to walk even as he walked. 'Unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.' That we may lean not upon the measure of his years, but of his fulness—that we may hold the perfection of his faith. 'That we may be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine.' That we may not be ignorant, nor doubtful, nor wavering, and, like an unskilled pilot, spread the sails of our mind to every wind, so as easily to be shipwrecked, or to come not at all to the harbor. 'In the wickedness of men.' Human wickedness and cunning turn from the right course of faith those whom they deceive. 'In cunning craftiness for the circumventing of error.'
Promising an easy remedy to those who err, they cause them to remain in error, or think it a remedy for their own error if they make more people err along with them. 'But doing the truth in charity, let us grow up in him.' Doing all things in truth for the sake of Christ's charity, and doing nothing in hypocrisy. 'In all things, who is the head, Christ.' Let us grow up in his perfection from every side. 'From whom the whole body, fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the working.' From the head the body, joined together and compacted, grows through every subjection of operation, while they edify one another by loving;
so that each member may increase in its own measure, that is, that he who is an eye may grow in the number of those who perform the office of the eye, and that the individual members may make progress each in its own place. 'By the measure of each single member, it maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.' While the individual members grow, the body is made greater, while the members edify one another in love. 'This therefore I say and testify in the Lord.' What he besought above, here he binds fast with the Lord's attestation. 'That ye henceforth walk not as the Gentiles walk.' I would not, he says, that ye be Christians in name, confessing God with the mouth but denying him by your works;
but as far as the devil is distant from God, by so great a difference ought the sons of God to be separated from the sons of the devil, not only in name, but also in works; lest, honoring God with the lips, we stand far off in heart, that is, in affection and fear, and it be said of us: 'In vain do they worship me,' that is, they gather no fruits from my worship. 'In the vanity of their mind.' All men are vain in whom there is not the knowledge of God. 'Having the understanding darkened.' Having indeed a natural understanding, but darkened by the shadows of ignorance, so that they venerate idols in place of God; but we, on the contrary, having it illuminated by the light of knowledge through the gift of grace. 'Alienated from the life of God.' They are alienated from the life of God for this reason, that they know not God.
But you who have known God ought to follow him. 'Through the ignorance that is in them.' Note that ignorance begot idolatry. 'Because of the blindness of their heart.' The foolish heart of those who say 'There is no God' is blinded. 'Who despairing.' Despairing that there is punishment for the impious and reward for the just, or despairing of the future life. 'Have given themselves over to lasciviousness.' It is necessary that those who despair of the future should cling to present pleasures, as it is said in the book of Wisdom in the person of those who presumed the soul is dissolved into the air: 'Come, let us enjoy the good things that are,' and the rest. 'Unto the working of all uncleanness, unto covetousness.' He comprehends all crimes under the name of covetousness. 'But ye have not so learned Christ.'
That ye should live together with them, that is, with the Gentiles. For he has truly heard Christ, and truly learned from him, who is found like the Gentiles in no vice. 'If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus.' As he truly died and truly rose again, that we truly may walk in newness of life, as he says to the Romans: 'Let us walk honestly, as in the day,' and the rest. 'That ye put off, concerning your former conversation, the old man.' He has explained what the old man is, and how he is put off, namely, that he who repudiates his former errors and is changed according to the conversation of Christ. 'Which is corrupt according to the desires of error.' Doing the will of the flesh and of the thoughts. 'And be renewed in the spirit of your mind.'
As Jeremiah says: 'Make you a new heart and a new spirit.' And by 'mind' we can understand 'spirit': be renewed in soul. 'And put on the new man.' Understand the new from the old. 'Which after God is created in righteousness and holiness.' He has explained what it is for man to be created in the image of God, namely, that he be righteous, and holy, and truthful like God. 'Of truth.' Not of vanity, which hunts after the vain glory of men, since it is written: 'Thou shalt justly pursue that which is just,' and again: 'They who have justly kept just things shall be justified, not they who have unjustly kept just things.' 'Wherefore, putting away lying, speak the truth every man with his neighbor.'
Putting away the lying of worldly writings, speak the truth of the law of God. He describes the very kinds of holiness by which the new man is recognized; but he has also taught us to flee falsehood. 'For we are members one of another.' Let no one circumvent his brother, because we are one body, and the members cannot deceive or tear one another; for neither does the hand lie to the mouth, nor do the teeth mangle the body, except where an unclean spirit dwells. 'Be angry, and sin not.' Let not anger intoxicate the mind, but let severity be dispensed: consider not your own injury, but your brother's sin; or be angry with yourselves, if in anything you are forestalled. 'Let not the sun go down upon your anger. Give no place to the devil.'
Lest the light of faith or of knowledge fail in your indignation. And we give place to the devil by retaining anger, or if indignation is turned into hatred. 'Let him that stole steal no more.' By being angry or by stealing we give place to the devil, or by any sin whatever; for robbery is the gate of the devil, just as righteousness is the gate of the Holy Spirit. 'But rather let him labor, working with his hands.' Let him compensate by his own labor for the labors of others he has plundered, and by working let him give to the needy, whom by stealing he has made destitute. 'That which is good, that he may have to give to those suffering want.' Not that which is evil. For there are many arts, either dishonorable or evil, such as sorceries and those which serve pleasure. 'Let no evil speech proceed out of your mouth.'
Not one, not two, but all. 'But if any be good to the edifying of faith.' Note that, although he commands the whole Church, yet especially the priestly office: and he did not impose silence, but changed the quality of speaking, that every word may edify the Christian faith, and our mouth may open to the word of God alone. 'That it may give grace to the hearers.' That from our speech the hearers may receive grace, as he says elsewhere: 'Let your speech be always in grace, seasoned with salt.' 'And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God.' He speaks by a human comparison, as to men, that from ourselves we may understand how great an injury we do to the Holy Spirit, when we defile his dwelling (or, his gift) in us with any filth of sin:
and because he grieves with us over his lodging, therefore, thus grieving, he departs sorrowful. But for the rest, sadness and anger and other things of this kind are passions in us, because we are passible; but in God they are dispensations; for we suffer these things unwillingly, while he by his will takes them up for our amendment. This is the difference of these conditions between God and man, which is also the difference of natures. Again, otherwise: For neither can the very substance of the Holy Spirit, which is whatsoever he himself is, be grieved, since it has eternal and unchangeable blessedness, and rather is itself the eternal and unchangeable blessedness.
But because he dwells in the saints, that he may fill them with charity, by which it is necessary that spiritual men rejoice in the progress of the faithful and in good works, therefore it is necessary that they also be grieved by the fall or the sins of those in whose faith and progress they had rejoiced. Therefore the Holy Spirit is said to be grieved by those who so act, in that the saints are grieved by their deeds—for no other reason than that they have the Holy Spirit, by whose gift they are so good that the wicked make them sorrowful: just as God is also said to do whatever we may do by his ordering, so it is rightly said that God rests, when by his gift we rest; just as he is said to know, when he brings it about that we know; just as he also is said to groan, when he makes us to groan.
'In whom you were sealed.' You have begun to bear a new sign. 'Unto the day of redemption.' On the day of baptism you received the seal of the Holy Spirit. 'All bitterness.' He shows in what the Holy Spirit is grieved, namely by bitterness, that is, by provocation. 'And anger.' He has taken away every occasion that we should be angry. 'And indignation, and clamour.' Indignation springs from pride, when we judge another unworthy, and therefore cannot endure him. 'A good man will not cry out nor contend.' Clamour is that which proceeds from rage, which Christ did not have. Yet Isaiah too is bidden to cry out; and the Lord cried out in the temple: 'If any man thirst, let him come and drink.' 'And blasphemy.' That you blaspheme no one. 'Let it be taken away from you, with all malice.'
'Which can even repay an enemy in kind.' 'But be kind one to another, merciful.' He keeps the order of the law, that not only should malice be removed, but that kindness also be implanted. 'Forgiving one another.' Lest it be said to us: 'Wicked servant, I forgave you all the debt,' and the rest. 'Even as God in Christ.' Through Christ. 'Hath forgiven you.' All sins. Chapter V. 'Be therefore imitators of God, as most dear children.' For by imitation or by adoption you are sons of God, not by nature, as the Lord says: 'That you may be sons of your Father,' and the rest. 'And walk in love, as Christ also loved you.' As John also says: 'In this we have known his charity, that he laid down his life for us:'
'and we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.' 'And delivered himself for us, an oblation and a sacrifice to God.' He of his own will delivered himself. 'For an odour of sweetness.' Charity is the sweetest odour to God. 'But fornication.' He briefly comprises all crimes by naming two roots. 'And all uncleanness, or covetousness.' For just as in the old law, concerning abominable crimes which are done in secret, and which it is most shameful even to name, lest by speaking them they defile the mouth and the ears of the hearers, Scripture wrapped it up generally, saying: 'Make the sons of Israel modest, or reverent, from all uncleanness.'
And in this passage the other extraordinary pleasures, and even the very acts of marriage, if they are not done modestly and with honour, as it were under the eyes of God, but only that lust may be served, are called uncleanness. 'Let it not be so much as named among you, as becometh saints.' Let us consider whether it be lawful to do what it is not lawful to name. 'Or filthiness, or foolish talking.' Foolish talking is reproved even among the sons of men. 'Or scurrility, which is to no purpose.' Scurrility is that which stirs up laughter, and does not befit Christian gravity, because it pertains to nothing heavenly and divine. 'But rather giving of thanks.' This you ought rather to do and to practise, that you be not ungrateful to God. 'For know this and understand, that no fornicator.'
He argues against those who say that faith alone can suffice for salvation without works, which is rightly said only of those who are carried off after baptism and have no time to work. 'Or unclean, or covetous person, which is a serving of idols.' Because acts of this kind are rendered not to God but to demons. For the covetous man, while he hoards his coins and is a slave to money, of which he takes thought neither for himself nor for others, surely worships the human likeness after the manner of images, and is not unfittingly said to serve idols. 'Hath no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.' Which is prepared for the sons of God, not of the devil. Against the Arians, who say: 'He is greater who is named first.' 'Let no man deceive you with vain words.'
By saying, it is enough that there be faith, and that a man only obtain the baptism of Christ, however much he sin, he cannot perish. 'For because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.' From things past learn things to come: if he spared not the Sodomites and those who perished in the flood, neither will he spare you. 'Be ye not therefore partakers with them.' If you have been partakers in their sins, you will be consorts also in their punishment. 'For you were heretofore darkness.' When you knew not the will of the Lord; but now you have known all things. As much therefore as there is between light and darkness, so much ought you to differ from your former manner of life. 'But now light in the Lord: walk as children of light.' It is to be diligently noted that we ourselves are darkness;
but the light is in the Lord, that no man may glory in his own merits. 'For the fruit of the light is in all goodness, and justice, and truth.' Such are the fruits which true knowledge has. 'Proving what is well-pleasing to God.' Prove from the law what God wills, not what men assert. 'And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.' Because neither can light have fellowship with darkness. Whatever is without the fear or the knowledge of God, or whatever is not done for God's sake, profits nothing. 'But rather reprove them.' Not only have no fellowship, but even reprove them. 'For the things that are done by them in secret.' In houses, or in temples. 'It is a shame even to speak of.' It is a shame for us to speak of what they are not ashamed to do as it were in darkness.
'But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light.' A man begins to be light when he believes and is joined to you. 'For all that is made manifest is light.' As he says to the Corinthians: 'The secrets of his heart are made manifest, and so falling down on his face he will adore the Lord, declaring that God is indeed in you.' Wherefore he says: 'Rise, thou that sleepest.' As it were, he brings in the voice of some wise man striking upon the conscience of the pagan. 'And Christ shall enlighten thee.' When thou hast believed in him, thou shalt be made light. 'See therefore, brethren, how you walk circumspectly, not as unwise, but as wise.' As sons of wisdom and sons of light, that you give not any occasion of stumbling to any one, and begin to be a cause of his ruin. 'Redeeming the time.'
For your wisdom, or your caution, and for your peace, it is necessary that something be lost to slanderers. 'Because the days are evil.' The days are not evil, but men are; just as a place is called evil in which some evil is committed. 'Wherefore become not unwise, but understanding what is the will of God.' Search the Scriptures, for therein his will is known. 'And be not drunk with wine, wherein is luxury; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to yourselves.' He sets forth the good of continence, because it does not befit those crucified to seek the material of luxury, but to be filled with the Holy Spirit, since drunkenness is the mother of vices. 'In psalms and hymns and spiritual canticles, singing.' Not of the things of the world, as David says:
'That my mouth may not speak the works of men.' 'And making melody in your hearts to God.' Let us not sing the words of God with the mouth only. 'Giving thanks always for all things, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God and the Father.' For all things that befall, whether adverse, whether good or evil, say: 'Blessed be the name of the Lord'; according to David: 'I will bless the Lord at all times.' 'Being subject one to another in the fear of Christ.' Not by human fear, or for the sake of covetousness, as some flatter their patrons. 'Let women be subject to their husbands, as to the Lord.'
Because he was not feeding them, like the Corinthians, as incontinent with milk, but was nourishing them with the perfect food of continence, he fears lest in most of them, when the office of the flesh ceases, either subjection in the women or the affection of charity in the men should cease, and he should seem to have taught not so much continence as divorce. Besides, how could it be that a preacher of the new life should for no cause teach what nature itself demands? 'For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the Church. He is the saviour of his body.' He renders the cause of subjection: because the man is prior, and ought to be the saviour of both bodies. 'But as the Church is subject to Christ, so also let the wives be to their husbands in all things.' They ought to obey all pious precepts.
'Husbands, love your wives, as Christ also loved the Church.' With so holy a love. 'And delivered himself up for it.' So you too, for the holiness of your wives, refuse not even to die, if it be necessary. 'That he might sanctify it, cleansing it by the laver of water.' The water washed the body, the sanctification of the word (or doctrine) the soul, as he says to the Hebrews: 'Having our body washed with clean water.' 'In the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious Church.' So you too cleanse the bodies of your wives by continence, and the soul by doctrine. 'Not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing.' So did Christ cleanse the Church for himself, that he might take away both old crimes and new spots. 'But that it should be holy and without blemish.'
If it is unblemished in all its members, those who are stained in it are not reckoned to be in it, unless they be again purged by purgatorial punishments; but it will be without spot and wrinkle in the future: for now it is mingled, like chaff and wheat on the threshing-floor before the winnowing. 'So also ought husbands to love their wives as their own bodies.' That such as they themselves desire to be found, such let them present their wives also. 'He that loveth his wife loveth himself. Because they are two in one flesh.' 'For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, as Christ also the Church.' Not that he should inflict labours and pains upon it, but that he should make it secure and at rest. He does not condemn marriage, but exhorts to continence. 'Because we are members of his body.'
His members ought to imitate him in all things. 'Of his flesh and of his bones.' We are of the whole substance of his body. 'For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they shall be two in one flesh. This is a great sacrament.' By love, not by place only. 'But I speak in Christ and in the Church.' 'Nevertheless let every one of you in particular love his wife as himself.' 'This,' he says, 'I understand of Christ and of the Church; yet not for that reason ought you not to love your wives, but rather the more, as Christ loved the Church.' 'For Christ left his mother,' that is, by leaving the Synagogue of the Jews, of whom according to the flesh he was born, and by cleaving to his Church, which he gathered out of all nations.
How did he leave the Father? Not because he departed from the Father, but because he appeared in that form in which he is equal to the Father. 'But let the wife fear her husband.' Let her be subject as the weaker, that she may be governed. Chapter VI. 'Children, obey your parents in the Lord.' Prepare them with discipline, for he commands that they be instructed by their parents according to God. 'For this is just.' That you render mutual duties. 'Honour thy father and thy mother.' But the good; for Moses himself taught that those who come against God are not to be followed, yet we ought to show them honour for the fear of God. 'Which is the first commandment with a promise.' The first of promise in the second table, which contained precepts pertaining to humanity, six in number.
For the first table required the proper divine duties. 'That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest be long-lived upon the earth.' Not in this earth, in which even impious and wicked men grow old, but upon that earth which the Lord promises to the meek, and in which the just shall dwell; and which the Psalmist believes he shall see. 'And you, fathers, provoke not your children to anger.' Whether it is to be taken simply, lest being immoderately and without cause chided they be rather provoked to anger. 'But bring them up in the discipline and correction of the Lord.' Lest, while you live wickedly either with your wives, or after your wives, you destroy them by your own evil. 'Servants, obey your carnal masters.' Servitude nature did not give, but captivity brought it about;
nor did it begin from the curse upon Ham, as some suppose, since we read that kings too were begotten of him: but it was fulfilled in the Canaanites, who were subjugated to the sons of Israel. The Apostle provided that the doctrine of God should in no way be blasphemed, if believing servants should become useless to their masters: and one who was perhaps about to permit other servants also to become Christians would begin to repent of those already made so; but if he should see them advanced for the better and made faithful, he would not only wish others to believe, but would himself also be saved: for Christ came not to change conditions, but morals. 'With fear and trembling, in the simplicity of your heart.' That is, with all humility, laying aside pride. 'As to Christ.'
'You do it to Christ,' whatever you render to men for Christ's sake. 'Not serving to the eye, as pleasing men; but as the servants of Christ.' That is, do not work for your master only when present. 'Doing the will of God from the heart, with a good will serving, as to the Lord, and not to men.' In those things which are not contrary to the will of God; for in many things the minds of masters naturally concur with the law, because they desire to have servants that are faithful, and sober, and chaste, and kind. 'Serve the master not with murmuring.' 'Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man shall do, the same shall he receive from the Lord.' To whomsoever you shall do good for God's sake, from God you await the reward. 'Whether he be servant, or free.'
Let not the condition of servitude make you despair. 'And you, masters.' Hear me: if you would have them also hear you, give them an example. 'Do the same things to them.' Lest, if they flee, you begin to impute it not to religion, but to your own malice. 'Forbearing threatenings: knowing that both their Lord and yours is in heaven.' Threaten for discipline's sake, but forbear for mercy's sake, that it may be requited to you also by your Lord. 'And there is no respect of persons with God.' With the Lord you are so far one that you have been equally bought, and one inheritance is promised to you. 'For the rest, brethren, be strengthened in the Lord, and in the might of his power.' He concludes the Epistle with a general exhortation, in the example and power of the Lord.
'Put on the armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.' Against spiritual enemies spiritual arms are to be taken up, that by the unlikeness of nature it may be protected by the strength of spiritual arms. 'For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood.' Man is called flesh and blood. 'But against principalities and powers.' Who have usurped principality over the men of this world, and who instigate ignorant and impious men to commit sins, and seem to govern them. 'Against the rulers of the darkness of this world.' Lest anyone should think that the wicked spirits, with their author and prince the devil, rule heaven and earth and sea, he added and expressed what was fitting, of the world.
'Of this darkness,' he says, that is, of this darkness, namely of the unbelievers and impious, to whom, now believing, it was said: 'You were heretofore darkness, but now light in the Lord.' You were darkness, that is unbelievers; but now through the Lord you have been made faithful. 'Against the spiritual forces of wickedness.' For there are also spiritual forces of goodness. 'In the high places.' In the air, in which flying birds are called the fowls of heaven. 'Therefore take up the arms of God.' Because you have such enemies. 'That you may be able to resist in the evil day.' The day is evil for us when we are assailed by evil. 'And in all things.' Not in one only. 'To stand perfect.'
That with God's help we may perfectly resist the diabolical snares with spiritual arms, having the loins of the mind girt, that is, being chaste, and manfully prepared in every battle, and freed from all cares of the world. 'Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth.' Not with hypocrisy. 'And having put on the breastplate of justice.' As a breastplate is woven with many rings or circles, so also justice is knit together with diverse kinds of virtues; and it guards not only the conscience of the breast, but also the continence of the belly, and reaches even to restraining the lust of the loins. 'And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace.' As shod feet walk confidently, so do you also preach undauntedly. 'In all things taking.'
In all battles let us be covered by faith, because the shield is the defence of the very arms themselves, and without it all things are weak. So too these virtues without faith cannot save. 'The shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one.' As the shield repels and shakes off all that is cast at it, so also faith extinguishes all his persuasions, although, being as it were rational, they may seem to have light. 'And take unto you the helmet of salvation.' Which protects or hides all the senses of the head from depraved offices. 'And the sword.' No soldier dares to set out for battle without a sword; for he can somehow defend himself, but he cannot slay the enemy; sometimes too he is slain, despoiled of his arms by a bold foe.
So without the word of God all justice is uncovered. 'The Spirit, which is the word of God.' The spiritual sword. 'By all prayer and supplication.' Now ask for the sword, and always have it. 'Praying at all times in the spirit.' Be not hindered from praying always, but pray for spiritual things. 'And in the same watching in all instance and supplication for all the saints and for me.' For it profits nothing for the soul to wander about while the body lies as one sleeping, since by this vanity nothing is obtained even from man. 'That speech may be given to me, in the opening of my mouth with confidence, to make known the mystery of the Gospel.' That I may abundantly and without fear of persecution or of the hatred of the Jews set forth the reason of the people united in Christ.
'For which I am an ambassador in a chain.' For all the ambassadors of the word must needs endure such things. 'So that therein I may be bold to speak as I ought.' For there will be greater confidence if it be spoken reasonably, and there be abundance to express the reasoning. 'Therein,' he says, and not in my own strength. 'But that you also may know the things that concern me, what I do, Tychicus, my dearest brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you: whom I have sent to you for this same purpose, that you may know the things that concern us, and that he may comfort your hearts.' He acts solicitously, not only that they may advance, but also that they may not fail in his tribulations, nor be saddened in any way. 'Peace to the brethren.' Peace, charity and faith make the Christian perfect.
And at the same time it is to be noted that he affirms these things to be to us not from ourselves, but from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, that no one may glory in his own merits, and say that he receives faith not from God. From whom therefore are peace and charity, from him also is faith. Wherefore from him we ask that it may not only be increased in those who have it, but we also entreat that it may be given to those who have it not. 'And charity.' Charity is greater than peace; for one can have peace, yet not also be loved. 'With faith, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.' For without faith all things are unfruitful. And diligently attend to this, that faith itself, with the rest of the virtues, is given to us. 'Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in incorruption. Amen.'