Johann!@#
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- Sep 10, 2023
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4:22 "lay aside" There are three AORIST INFINITIVE CLAUSES in Eph. 4:22, 23 and 24. Clothing is used as imagery to describe spiritual characteristics (cf. Job 29:14; Ps. 109:29; Isa. 61:10; and Zech. 3:1-7). This was also an emphasis on the need for repentance and a resulting changed life (cf. Mark 1:15; Acts 3:16,19; 20:21).
NASB "your former manner of life"
NKJV "your former conduct"
NRSV "your former way of life"
TEV "which made you live as you used to"
NJB "give up your old way of life"
Peshitta "your former practices"
The KJV translation has "conversation," which meant "lifestyle" in A.D. 1611 when that translation was written. This clearly shows the need for updating translations! No translation is inspired. Their job is to communicate the gospel to one or more generations. Only the original message given by God is inspired. All translations are mini commentaries.
For a good discussion about translations, see Fee and Stuart, How To Read the Bible for All Its Worth, pp. 33-53.
"the old self" This refers to mankind's fallen characteristics and propensities in Adam (cf. Rom. 6:6; Col. 3:9). It is the priority of self, independence from God, more and more for me at any cost!
4:23 "you be renewed in the spirit of your mind" This is a PRESENT PASSIVE INFINITIVE. Believers are to continue to be made new in their thinking by allowing the Spirit to develop the mind of Christ in them (cf. Rom. 12:2; Titus 3:5). This is an aspect of the "new covenant" from Jer. 31:31-34 (cf. Ezek. 36:22-36).
SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRIT IN THE NT
4:24 "put on" This is an AORIST MIDDLE INFINITIVE. This is the clothing iimagery which emphasizes the continuing decision to be in Christ (cf. Rom. 13:14; Gal. 3:27; Col. 3:8,10,12,14; James 1:21; 1 Pet. 2:1). This terminology of putting on Christ may have even been connected to the ordinance of baptism in the early church, where new converts put on clean, white clothing after baptism. It denotes a volitional, daily choice!
"new self" This is a imagery for the new life in Christ. Peter called it "partaking of the divine nature" in 2 Pet. 1:4. This is in contrast to the old, fallen, Adamic nature of Eph. 4:22.
"in the likeness of God" Believers should have the family characteristics of God (cf. Rom. 8:28-29; Gal. 4:19; Eph. 1:4; 2:10). The Bible emphasizes our position in Christ and also our need for progressive Christlikeness. Salvation is free, but maturity costs everything! Christianity is both a death and a life, a point and a process, a gift and a reward! This paradox is very difficult for modern people to grasp. They tend to emphasize one aspect or the other.
SPECIAL TOPIC: SANCTIFICATION
SPECIAL TOPIC: EASTERN LITERATURE (BIBLICAL PARADOXES)
"in righteousness" See SPECIAL TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: EPHESIANS 4:25-32
25Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor , for we are members of one another. 26be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27and do not give the devil an opportunity. 28He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. 29Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. 30Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
4:25 "lay aside" This is an AORIST MIDDLE PARTICIPLE used as an IMPERATIVE. It continues the imagery of clothing (cf. Eph. 4:24). The believer needs to make an initial decision followed by repeated (i.e., daily, even hourly) decisions to live a holy life.
SPECIAL TOPIC: VICES AND VIRTUES IN THE NT
"falsehood" This refers to either
lying
"the lie" of unbelief as it was used in 1 John 2:22
the message of the false teachers
"speak truth each one of you with his neighbor" This is a quote from Zechariah 8:16. Notice Paul quotes the OT as encouragement for new covenant believers (cf. Eph. 4:26). The OT is not a means of salvation, but it is still the revealed and authoritative revelation of God (cf. Matt. 5:17-19). The OT still functions in sanctification, just not in justification.
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE MOSAIC LAW AND THE CHRISTIAN
SPECIAL TOPIC: PAUL'S VIEWS OF THE MOSAIC LAW
SPECIAL TOPIC: "TRUTH" IN PAUL'S WRITINGS
"for we are members of one another" The "body" is one of Paul's images for the church (cf. 1 Cor. 12:12-30). Believers are gifted for the common good (cf. 1 Cor. 12:7). Believers live for the family. They cannot live as isolated individuals. The goal of the mature believer is the health and growth of the Body!
4:26 "Be angry, and yet do not sin" This is a PRESENT MIDDLE (deponent) IMPERATIVE. This is a quote from Ps. 4:4. There are some areas of life where anger is appropriate, but it must be handled properly (i.e., Jesus cleansing the temple, cf. John 2:13-17). Jesus' last words to the scribes and Pharisees are in Matt. 23:13-28.
This begins a series of PRESENT IMPERATIVES with the NEGATIVE PARTICLE which usually means to stop an act already in progress (cf. Eph. 4:26, 27, 28, 29, and 30).
"do not let the sun go down on your anger" This may have been an allusion to Deut. 24:15. The Jewish day began at sunset (cf. Gen. 1:5). Anger is a powerful emotion which must be dealt with quickly. This may refer to time or to sleep which allows anger to become a subconscious force.
4:27
NASB "do not give the devil an opportunity"
NKJV "nor give a place to the devil"
NRSV "do not make room for the devil"
TEV, Peshitta "don't give the Devil a chance"
NJB "or else you will give the devil a footnold"
This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE with the NEGATIVE PARTICLE which usually implies to stop an act in process. Anger which is not godly is an opening for spiritual attack; even godly anger (cf. John 2:13-17; Matt. 21:12-13) must be dealt with quickly (cf. Eph. 6:10-18).
The term "devil" is a Greek compound (diabolos) which meant "to throw across" (cf. Acts 13:10; Eph. 4:27; 6:11; 1 Tim. 3:6,7; 2 Tim. 2:26). It was imagery referring to Satan the accuser. Paul referred to Satan in several passages (cf. Acts 26:18; Rom. 16:20; 1 Cor. 5:5; 7:5; 2 Cor. 2:11; 11:14; 12:7; 1 Thess. 2:18; 2 Thess. 2:9; 1 Tim. 1:20; 5:15). Satan was apparently an angelic being who initially served God but developed into an enemy of God (cf. Genesis 3; Job 1-2; Zechariah 3). For more information on Satan see A. B. Davidson, OT Theology, pp. 300-306.
It is biblically difficult to talk about Satan because
the Bible never speaks definitively of the origin or purpose of evil
the OT texts which are usually seen as possibly related to Satan's rebellion are specifically directed to the condemnation of prideful earthly rulers (King of Babylon, Isaiah 14 and King of Tyre, Ezekiel 28) and not Satan
It is obvious from several NT passages that there was conflict in the spiritual realm (Matt. 4:10; 12:26; 16:23; John 13:27; 14:30; 16:11; Acts 5:3; 2 Cor. 4:4. Eph. 2:2; 1 John 5:19; Rev. 2:9,13,24; 3:9; 12:9; 20:2,7). Where, when, and how are all mysteries. Believers do have an angelic enemy (cf. Eph. 2:2; 6:11-12)!
The relationship between God and Satan has developed from one of service to antagonism. Satan was not created evil. His adversarial work in Genesis 3, Job 1-2 and Zechariah 3 were within God's will (cf. A. B. Davidson's An Old Testament Theology, pp. 300-306, for the development of evil in the Bible). He provided a test for human loyalty and trustworthiness. Mankind failed!
SPECIAL TOPIC: SATAN
SPECIAL TOPIC: DEVIL
SPECIAL TOPIC: WAR IN HEAVEN
This man has made studying the Scriptures enjoyable and meaningful. His approach makes it a joy rather than a burden, but it’s important to remember that he is still fallible.
Johann.
NASB "your former manner of life"
NKJV "your former conduct"
NRSV "your former way of life"
TEV "which made you live as you used to"
NJB "give up your old way of life"
Peshitta "your former practices"
The KJV translation has "conversation," which meant "lifestyle" in A.D. 1611 when that translation was written. This clearly shows the need for updating translations! No translation is inspired. Their job is to communicate the gospel to one or more generations. Only the original message given by God is inspired. All translations are mini commentaries.
For a good discussion about translations, see Fee and Stuart, How To Read the Bible for All Its Worth, pp. 33-53.
"the old self" This refers to mankind's fallen characteristics and propensities in Adam (cf. Rom. 6:6; Col. 3:9). It is the priority of self, independence from God, more and more for me at any cost!
4:23 "you be renewed in the spirit of your mind" This is a PRESENT PASSIVE INFINITIVE. Believers are to continue to be made new in their thinking by allowing the Spirit to develop the mind of Christ in them (cf. Rom. 12:2; Titus 3:5). This is an aspect of the "new covenant" from Jer. 31:31-34 (cf. Ezek. 36:22-36).
SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRIT IN THE NT
4:24 "put on" This is an AORIST MIDDLE INFINITIVE. This is the clothing iimagery which emphasizes the continuing decision to be in Christ (cf. Rom. 13:14; Gal. 3:27; Col. 3:8,10,12,14; James 1:21; 1 Pet. 2:1). This terminology of putting on Christ may have even been connected to the ordinance of baptism in the early church, where new converts put on clean, white clothing after baptism. It denotes a volitional, daily choice!
"new self" This is a imagery for the new life in Christ. Peter called it "partaking of the divine nature" in 2 Pet. 1:4. This is in contrast to the old, fallen, Adamic nature of Eph. 4:22.
"in the likeness of God" Believers should have the family characteristics of God (cf. Rom. 8:28-29; Gal. 4:19; Eph. 1:4; 2:10). The Bible emphasizes our position in Christ and also our need for progressive Christlikeness. Salvation is free, but maturity costs everything! Christianity is both a death and a life, a point and a process, a gift and a reward! This paradox is very difficult for modern people to grasp. They tend to emphasize one aspect or the other.
SPECIAL TOPIC: SANCTIFICATION
SPECIAL TOPIC: EASTERN LITERATURE (BIBLICAL PARADOXES)
"in righteousness" See SPECIAL TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: EPHESIANS 4:25-32
25Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor , for we are members of one another. 26be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27and do not give the devil an opportunity. 28He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. 29Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. 30Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
4:25 "lay aside" This is an AORIST MIDDLE PARTICIPLE used as an IMPERATIVE. It continues the imagery of clothing (cf. Eph. 4:24). The believer needs to make an initial decision followed by repeated (i.e., daily, even hourly) decisions to live a holy life.
SPECIAL TOPIC: VICES AND VIRTUES IN THE NT
"falsehood" This refers to either
lying
"the lie" of unbelief as it was used in 1 John 2:22
the message of the false teachers
"speak truth each one of you with his neighbor" This is a quote from Zechariah 8:16. Notice Paul quotes the OT as encouragement for new covenant believers (cf. Eph. 4:26). The OT is not a means of salvation, but it is still the revealed and authoritative revelation of God (cf. Matt. 5:17-19). The OT still functions in sanctification, just not in justification.
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE MOSAIC LAW AND THE CHRISTIAN
SPECIAL TOPIC: PAUL'S VIEWS OF THE MOSAIC LAW
SPECIAL TOPIC: "TRUTH" IN PAUL'S WRITINGS
"for we are members of one another" The "body" is one of Paul's images for the church (cf. 1 Cor. 12:12-30). Believers are gifted for the common good (cf. 1 Cor. 12:7). Believers live for the family. They cannot live as isolated individuals. The goal of the mature believer is the health and growth of the Body!
4:26 "Be angry, and yet do not sin" This is a PRESENT MIDDLE (deponent) IMPERATIVE. This is a quote from Ps. 4:4. There are some areas of life where anger is appropriate, but it must be handled properly (i.e., Jesus cleansing the temple, cf. John 2:13-17). Jesus' last words to the scribes and Pharisees are in Matt. 23:13-28.
This begins a series of PRESENT IMPERATIVES with the NEGATIVE PARTICLE which usually means to stop an act already in progress (cf. Eph. 4:26, 27, 28, 29, and 30).
"do not let the sun go down on your anger" This may have been an allusion to Deut. 24:15. The Jewish day began at sunset (cf. Gen. 1:5). Anger is a powerful emotion which must be dealt with quickly. This may refer to time or to sleep which allows anger to become a subconscious force.
4:27
NASB "do not give the devil an opportunity"
NKJV "nor give a place to the devil"
NRSV "do not make room for the devil"
TEV, Peshitta "don't give the Devil a chance"
NJB "or else you will give the devil a footnold"
This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE with the NEGATIVE PARTICLE which usually implies to stop an act in process. Anger which is not godly is an opening for spiritual attack; even godly anger (cf. John 2:13-17; Matt. 21:12-13) must be dealt with quickly (cf. Eph. 6:10-18).
The term "devil" is a Greek compound (diabolos) which meant "to throw across" (cf. Acts 13:10; Eph. 4:27; 6:11; 1 Tim. 3:6,7; 2 Tim. 2:26). It was imagery referring to Satan the accuser. Paul referred to Satan in several passages (cf. Acts 26:18; Rom. 16:20; 1 Cor. 5:5; 7:5; 2 Cor. 2:11; 11:14; 12:7; 1 Thess. 2:18; 2 Thess. 2:9; 1 Tim. 1:20; 5:15). Satan was apparently an angelic being who initially served God but developed into an enemy of God (cf. Genesis 3; Job 1-2; Zechariah 3). For more information on Satan see A. B. Davidson, OT Theology, pp. 300-306.
It is biblically difficult to talk about Satan because
the Bible never speaks definitively of the origin or purpose of evil
the OT texts which are usually seen as possibly related to Satan's rebellion are specifically directed to the condemnation of prideful earthly rulers (King of Babylon, Isaiah 14 and King of Tyre, Ezekiel 28) and not Satan
It is obvious from several NT passages that there was conflict in the spiritual realm (Matt. 4:10; 12:26; 16:23; John 13:27; 14:30; 16:11; Acts 5:3; 2 Cor. 4:4. Eph. 2:2; 1 John 5:19; Rev. 2:9,13,24; 3:9; 12:9; 20:2,7). Where, when, and how are all mysteries. Believers do have an angelic enemy (cf. Eph. 2:2; 6:11-12)!
The relationship between God and Satan has developed from one of service to antagonism. Satan was not created evil. His adversarial work in Genesis 3, Job 1-2 and Zechariah 3 were within God's will (cf. A. B. Davidson's An Old Testament Theology, pp. 300-306, for the development of evil in the Bible). He provided a test for human loyalty and trustworthiness. Mankind failed!
SPECIAL TOPIC: SATAN
SPECIAL TOPIC: DEVIL
SPECIAL TOPIC: WAR IN HEAVEN
This man has made studying the Scriptures enjoyable and meaningful. His approach makes it a joy rather than a burden, but it’s important to remember that he is still fallible.
Johann.
