Ephesians 5:20

20. Giving thanks While the mouths of gay Gentilism are filled with mad laughter, the true Church’s heart is overflowing with thanks unto God.

Always For there is never a moment without its blessing. The drunkard is ever awaking from his mad fits to horror and despair; but with the Christian there is no interval of, and no room for, despondency.

All things This may mean for, or in behalf of, all the Christians of the Church. For as there is no interval in the time of blessedness, so there is no Christian exception to its universality. But there is no deduction, either, from the all things for which gratitude may glow; that is, all the circumstances in which the true Christian is placed; for all things work together for his good. And so Theophylact truly says, “For not only in our ease, but also in our griefs; and not only for our good fortunes, but for our misfortunes, and for things we know and for things we know not; for through all these are we beneficently conducted, whether we understand it or not.” Dr. Eadie, quoting Chrysostom’s appalling remark that we “should be thankful for hell itself,” justly doubts whether it is textual. Dr. Hopkins, with as bold a logic, inferred that sinners ought to be willing to be damned, and that the damned in hell ought to be thankful to God. But the apostle’s all things is circumscribed to the providences through which the Christian is called to pass. There are solemn and awful things in the universe for which God never has asked our thanks, but of which we are to think only with solemn and reverent submission.

Unto God and the Father Different appellatives of the same Being.

In the name By the authority. For the name affixed to a bond or a decree is the source and assurance of its authority. The name of the sultan is the token of submission to the tribes of the faithful. So the commission of the apostles was in the name of Christ; and our prayers and thanks are addressed to God in that name. Miracles were performed through that name, and believers are baptized into (for so Matthew 28:19 should be rendered) that name.

Lord Jesus Christ Lord, Saviour, Messiah; for such is the import of these divine appellatives.