Ephesians 4:15

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 4:7-16

Redemptive influence the gift of Christ. "But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 4:12-16

Christ's gifts to his Church: their end or purpose. I. Generally, Christ has a work of perfection on hand. This denoted by—"for the perfecting of the saints" ( Ephesians 4:12 ), and "unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" ( Ephesians 4:13 ). What a high aim with reference to creatures so poor and needy as the members of his Church! II. In order to this, the work of the ministry exists; and that work seeks III. While ministers are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 4:13-16

The full-grown man. The object for which the various gifts that flow from the ascension of Christ (see Ephesians 4:8 ) are bestowed is here described. That object is not the mere enjoyment of the gifts themselves. It is practical and for a distinct purpose, viz. to accomplish "the building up of the body of Christ." For this same end the offices of the Christian ministry and all other ordinances and institutions of Christianity are now ordained. It is not enough to hold services and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 4:15

But speaking the truth in love. ἀληθεύοντες is hardly translatable in English it implies being true as well as speaking the truth and following the truth. Truth is the element in which we are to live, move, and have our being; fidelity to truth is the backbone of the Christian ministry. But truth must be inseparably married to love; good tidings spoken harshly are no good tidings; the charm of the message is destroyed by the discordant spirit of the messenger. The more painful the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 4:15-16

The true method and conditions of Christian growth. The apostle sees the conditions of Christian stability in a faith that worketh by love—the love being at once the sphere and the means of our spiritual growth. The expressive figure used by the apostle sets forth several important truths concerning the Church and its development. I. THE SOURCE OF ITS GROWTH — CHRIST THE HEAD . As the Church is a spiritual body, so the characteristics of the natural body are found in... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ephesians 4:15

But speaking the truth in love - Margin, “being sincere.” The translation in the text is correct - literally, “truthing in love” - ἀληθεύοντες alētheuontes. Two things are here to be noted:(1) The truth is “to be spoken” - the simple, unvarnished truth. This is the way to avoid error, and this is the way to preserve others from error. In opposition to all trick, and art, and cunning, and fraud, and deception, Christians are to speak the simple truth, and nothing but the truth. Every... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ephesians 4:15-16

Ephesians 4:15-16. But speaking the truth Or, as αληθευοντες may be rendered, teaching, or maintaining the truth; in love To God and one another, or in that charitable temper which the gospel enjoins, and without which our clearest and most extensive knowledge will be but of little use to us; may grow up into him Into his image and Spirit, and into a full union with him; who is the head of guidance, as well as of government, to all the members of his mystical body, the chief teacher... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ephesians 4:1-16

4:1-6:24 THE DAILY LIFE OF THE CHURCH MEMBERSUnity in the church (4:1-16)God’s great purposes for his church should produce a new quality in the lives of the church members. The blessings that God gives should not lead the believers to pride. On the contrary, when they see that these blessings are an indication of the standard God expects, they will develop a new humility. When people or circumstances annoy them and try their patience, they will show love by being patient and helpful... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Ephesians 4:15

speaking the truth . Literally truthing it. Greek. aletheuo. Only here and Galatians 4:16 . See App-175Ephesians 1:2; Ephesians 1:2 . may grow up . See Ephesians 2:21 . Which = Who. Head . See Ephesians 1:22 . read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Ephesians 4:15

15. speaking the truth—Translate, "holding the truth"; "following the truth"; opposed to "error" or "deceit" ( :-). in love—"Truth" is never to be sacrificed to so-called "charity"; yet it is to be maintained in charity. Truth in word and act, love in manner and spirit, are the Christian's rule (compare Ephesians 4:21; Ephesians 4:24). grow up—from the state of "children" to that of "full-grown men." There is growth only in the spiritually alive, not in the dead. into him—so as to be more and... read more

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