Verse 19
Even though some in the Ephesian church were upsetting and being upset, the universal church itself had stood and would continue to stand firm (Gr. perfect tense; cf. 2 Timothy 2:20-21; Isaiah 28:16 LXX; 1 Corinthians 3:10-12; Ephesians 2:20-22; 1 Timothy 3:15; 1 Timothy 6:19). The witness (seal) to this was the truth contained in two passages from the Old Testament (Numbers 16:5, and Isaiah 52:11 or possibly Numbers 16:26; cf. Joel 3:5). The first passage assures that God differentiates between His faithful servants and those who are unfaithful. The second calls on those who choose to identify themselves with the Lord to abstain from wicked behavior. Seals in New Testament times indicated ownership, security, and authenticity.
"What is intended is the ’seal’ of ownership that the architect or owner would have inscribed on the foundation stone (similar in some ways to our modern cornerstones)." [Note: Fee, p. 257. Cf. Guthrie, p. 150.]
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