Ephesians 1:13
Verse
Context
Spiritual Blessings
12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory.13And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,14who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory.
Sermons
Major Ian Thomas
Warren Wiersbe
C.H. Spurgeon
T. Austin-Sparks
Dana Congdon
Chuck Smith
Zac PoonenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In whom ye also trusted - Ye Gentiles, having heard from us the word, τον λογον, the doctrine, of the truth, which is the Gospel, or glad tidings, of your salvation, have believed, as we Jews have done, and received similar blessings to those with which God has favored us. In whom also, εν ὡ, through whom, Christ Jesus, after that ye had believed, viz. that he was the only Savior, and that through his blood redemption might be obtained, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise; that is, The Holy Spirit, which is promised to them who believe on Christ Jesus, was given to you, and thus you were ascertained to be the children of God, for God has no child who is not a partaker of the Holy Ghost, and he who has this Spirit has God's seal that he belongs to the heavenly family. It was customary among all nations, when a person purchased goods of any kind, to mark with his seal that which he had bought, in order that he might know it, and be able to claim it if mixed with the goods of others; to this custom the apostle may here allude but it was also customary to set a seal upon what was dedicated to God, or what was to be offered to him in sacrifice. See this proved in the note on Joh 6:27. The Jews themselves speak of the seal of God, which they term אמת emeth, truth, and which they consider as a representation of the unoriginated and endless perfections of God. As the apostle is here speaking of the doctrine of truth, which came by the Holy Spirit, and is sealed on the souls of believers by this Spirit, he may have in view the Jewish notion, which is at once both correct and elevated. This Spirit of truth, Joh 14:17, who leads into all truth, Joh 16:13, and teaches all things, Joh 14:26, makes the impression of his own eternal purity and truth in the souls of them who believe, and thus they bear the seal of God Almighty. And they who in the day of judgment are found to bear this seal - Truth; truth in the inward parts, having truly repented, truly believed, and having been in consequence truly justified, and truly sanctified; and having walked in truth and sincerity towards God and man; these are sealed to the day of redemption; for, having this seal, they are seen to have a right to eternal life.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
In whom ye also--Ye Gentiles. Supply as English Version, "trusted," from Eph 1:12; or "are." The priority of us Jews does not exclude you Gentiles from sharing in Christ (compare Act 13:46). the word of truth--the instrument of sanctification, and of the new birth (Joh 17:17; Ti2 2:15; Jam 1:18). Compare Col 1:5, where also, as here, it is connected with "hope." Also Eph 4:21. sealed--as God's confirmed children, by the Holy Spirit as the seal (Act 19:1-6; Rom 8:16, Rom 8:23; Jo1 3:24; see on Co2 1:22). A seal impressed on a document gives undoubted validity to the contract in it (Joh 3:33; Joh 6:27; compare Co2 3:3). So the sense of "the love of God shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost" (Rom 5:5), and the sense of adoption given through the Spirit at regeneration (Rom 8:15-16), assure believers of God's good will to them. The Spirit, like a seal, impresses on the soul at regeneration the image of our Father. The "sealing" by the Holy Spirit is spoken of as past once for all. The witnessing to our hearts that we are the children of God, and heirs (Eph 1:11), is the Spirit's present testimony, the "earnest of the (coming) inheritance" (Rom 8:16-18). that Holy Spirit of promise--rather, as the Greek, "The Spirit of promise, even the Holy Spirit": The Spirit promised both in the Old and New Testaments (Joe 2:28; Zac 12:10; Joh 7:38-39). "The word" promised the Holy Spirit. Those who "believed the word of truth" were sealed by the Spirit accordingly.
John Gill Bible Commentary
In whom ye also trusted,.... The Gentile believers, the Ephesians, whom the apostle now particularly addresses; and who participated of the same grace and privileges with the believing Jews; the promise belonged to all that God called, whether afar off or nigh; and the same common salvation was sent to one as to another; and the same faith was wrought in one as in the other; and they were interested in the same Christ, and were heirs of the same inheritance; the Alexandrian copy reads "we": after that ye heard the word of truth; the Gospel; and which is so called, on account of its divine original, coming from the God of truth, who cannot lie; and because of the concern which Christ has in it, who is truth itself, and was the author, subject, and preacher of it, and who confirmed it by his miracles, and his death; and on account of the Spirit of God, the dictator of it, and who leads into all truths, and owns and blesses them for conversion and comfort; and because it contains nothing but truth, and particularly that eminent one, salvation alone by Christ, for the chief of sinners; and in contradistinction from the law, which was typical and shadowy; , "the word of truth", is a phrase used by the Jews (e), for sublime and heavenly doctrine: now, by the hearing of this, faith came; and this the Ephesians heard, not only externally, but internally; so as to understand, approve, and believe it, and to put it in practice: and which is also called the Gospel of your salvation: because it is a declaration and publication of salvation by Christ; and gives an account of the author of salvation, of his ability and willingness to save, and of the nature of this salvation, and describes the persons who shall be saved; and because it is the means of salvation, when attended with the Spirit and power of God; and the instrument, in God's hand, of showing to souls their special and particular interest in salvation: in whom also after that ye believed; which may refer either to the Gospel of salvation, in which they believed upon hearing it; or rather to Christ, the Saviour revealed, in whom they believed to the saving of their souls: and this shows, that the sealing work of the Spirit after mentioned, and with which this stands in connection, is a distinct thing from faith, or indeed any other work of the Spirit; as illumination, regeneration, sanctification, &c. it is what follows believing, and is a work that passes upon the soul after it; and so is something over and above, and more than faith, at least than first believing: and from hence it also appears, that there may be true faith, where this is not as yet; and that none but believers in Christ enjoy the following privilege: ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. This cannot have respect to the Father's sealing his people in election, with the seal of his foreknowledge, Ti2 2:19 for that is before faith, and is within himself, and not on them, and is distinct from the Spirit's work; and for the same reasons it cannot design the Son's affection to them, setting them as a seal on his arm and heart, Sol 8:6, or his asserting his property in them, and the security and protection of them, Sol 4:12, nor the Spirit's finishing and completing his own work of grace upon the soul, in which sense the word is used, Rom 15:28 for this as yet was not done upon these believing Ephesians; nor the confirming the Gospel, and the saints in it, by the extraordinary effusion of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, or by his extraordinary works which attended the ministry of the word, to the establishing of it, and the faith of men in it; since these were not common to believers, nor did they continue; whereas the believing Ephesians, in common, were sealed; and the Spirit of God continues still as a sealer of his people, and as an earnest and pledge of their inheritance until the day of redemption; but it is to be understood of the confirming, certifying, and assuring the saints, as to their interest in the favour of God, and in the blessings of grace, of every kind, and their right and title to the heavenly glory; See Gill on Co2 1:22, and the seal of these things is not circumcision, nor baptism, nor the Lord's supper, nor even the graces of the Spirit; but the Spirit himself, who witnesses to the spirits of believers the truth of these things, and that as a "spirit of promise": so called, both because he is the Spirit promised, as the Syriac and Ethiopic versions render it, whom the Father and Christ had promised, and who was sent by them; and because he usually seals, or certifies believers of the truth of the above things, by opening and applying a word of promise to them: and which he does also, as the "Holy" Spirit; for this sealing work of his leaves a greater impress of holiness upon the soul, and engages more to acts of holiness; wherefore the doctrine of assurance is no licentious doctrine; no persons are so holy as those who are truly possessed of that grace; and as for such who pretend unto it, and live in sin, it is a certain thing that they in reality know nothing of it. (e) Zohar in Numb. fol. 76. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:13 he identified you as his own (or he put his seal on you): Just as a seal signifies authentic ownership, the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life signifies God’s ownership (4:30; 2 Cor 1:22).
Ephesians 1:13
Spiritual Blessings
12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory.13And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,14who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
If I Perish I Perish-01 Ministry From Esther
By Major Ian Thomas5.9K1:27:41EstherGEN 21:9MAT 6:33JHN 10:10ROM 8:16GAL 4:24EPH 1:13The sermon transcript discusses the concept of victorious living and spiritual experience. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible as a whole and not detaching any part from the rest. The story presented in the transcript portrays man's fallen condition and the need to replace the wrong influences with the right ones. The speaker highlights the transformative power of the gospel in getting the wrong man out and the right man in, leading to a radical change in one's life. The transcript also includes a personal testimony of how the lectures on the topic have had a profound impact on the student's spiritual journey.
Meet Your Psychiatrist: He Makes the Future Bright
By Warren Wiersbe5.5K36:31PSA 119:105JHN 3:16ACT 16:26ROM 10:17EPH 1:13REV 1:10REV 3:20In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" and the story of Christian and Hopeful being imprisoned in Doubting Castle. He emphasizes the importance of having faith in God's promises, comparing it to a key that can unlock any door. The preacher encourages the audience to keep a good relationship with the Holy Spirit and not to grieve or resist Him. He reassures them that no matter what challenges they face, God will always be there to help and fulfill His promises.
Christ Crucified
By C.H. Spurgeon5.5K55:02MAT 10:32LUK 19:5ACT 9:4ROM 1:161CO 1:181CO 2:2EPH 1:13In this sermon, the preacher describes two contrasting scenes. The first scene depicts a martyr being bound to a stake and burned alive. Despite the intense pain and suffering, the martyr remains steadfast in his faith, proclaiming his belief in the resurrection and the glory that awaits him in heaven. The preacher emphasizes the power of the gospel and the strength it gives to believers in times of persecution. In the second scene, a young girl lies on her deathbed, her body ravaged by illness. However, she radiates a peaceful smile, indicating her assurance of eternal life and the presence of an angel. The preacher calls upon the audience to reflect on their motives for attending the sermon and urges them to seek the wisdom and power found in the gospel.
Holy Spirit and the Crisis of Pentecost - Part 3
By T. Austin-Sparks2.7K30:42PentecostGEN 1:2MAT 28:19JHN 16:7ACT 1:8EPH 1:13EPH 4:13EPH 4:30In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the significance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. The Holy Spirit is described as a seal, representing our inheritance and the guarantee of what God will do for those who believe. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit's role in revealing Christ to us and opening our hearts to understand God's truth. The passage from Ephesians is referenced to support the idea that believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption.
(Presenting Christ #1) the Need for Fullness
By Dana Congdon2.6K1:06:31Fulness Of ChristEPH 1:3EPH 1:7EPH 1:9EPH 1:11EPH 1:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being gathered by God and understanding His purpose. They express a desire for the church to be recovered and actively involved in gathering others. The speaker shares their experience of preaching the gospel in Russia and witnessing the work of God there. They also mention the significance of technology, such as the internet and the Jesus movie, in spreading the message of Christ. The speaker encourages believers to recognize the responsibility they have been given and to see Christ in His fullness and the work of the cross.
(Through the Bible) 1 Chronicles 12-17
By Chuck Smith2.5K55:31Through The BibleROM 12:1EPH 1:3EPH 1:7EPH 1:11EPH 1:13EPH 4:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of responding to what God has done for us rather than relying on our own efforts to earn His blessings. The speaker refers to the book of Ephesians, where Paul spends three chapters explaining all the things that God has done for believers. The speaker criticizes the use of pressure tactics and worldly methods to raise funds for God's work, stating that if God guides a project, He will provide for it. The sermon also mentions the story of David, who was overwhelmed by God's blessings and promises for him and recognized the impossibility of adequately expressing his gratitude.
Tasting the Powers of the Future Age
By Zac Poonen1.1K45:55EPH 1:13
This sermon emphasizes the vision of the Apostle John in Revelation 21, highlighting the final goal of God to make us one body, a foretaste of the future unity and blessings available through the Holy Spirit. It encourages believers to seek a taste of heavenly gifts, the power of the age to come, and the love and holiness of Jesus, while preparing for potential persecution and focusing on building the body of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
A Life of Prayer by Gehard Dutoit (Hungarian)
By Gerhard Du Toit1.0K1:06:32ROM 12:1EPH 1:13
This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering everything to God, sharing personal testimonies of encountering God's presence and the transformative power of prayer. It challenges listeners to seek a deep, intimate relationship with God, highlighting the need for a hunger and thirst for God, a willingness to surrender all areas of life, and a desire for a supernatural Christian life that demands explanation.
Being Filled With the Spirit by Hans Waldvogel
By Hans R. Waldvogel93610:09ACT 1:8EPH 1:13
This sermon emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and walking in the Spirit, highlighting the transformation and blessings that come from surrendering to the Holy Ghost. It discusses the significance of receiving the Holy Ghost, being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost, and allowing the Spirit to reign within to experience continual change and blessings in life.
Believe God's Word Is True
By R. Edward Miller70453:16Word Of GodEXO 17:5JHN 10:30JHN 14:3JHN 14:18JHN 14:21JHN 17:17EPH 1:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing in the word of God. He mentions the concept of the "four square," which represents the four corners of the church's foundation: salvation by faith, baptism of the Holy Spirit, healing in the atonement, and the second coming of Christ. The preacher then refers to the story of Moses in Exodus 17, where God instructs Moses to speak to a rock, but Moses strikes it instead. This disobedience is attributed to Moses' lack of belief in God's word. The sermon concludes with the message that true faith involves not only hearing God's word but also obeying it.
Born Again Through Repentance and Faith
By Zac Poonen6841:12:20MAT 3:2MAT 22:36JHN 6:37ACT 20:21ROM 8:9EPH 1:13JAS 2:14REV 3:20
This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding who Jesus is speaking to in the Bible, highlighting the need to discern the intended audience to grasp the message correctly. It delves into Revelation 3:20, explaining that Jesus' message is often misapplied to unbelievers when it was directed to believers, specifically the elder and churches in Laodicea. The sermon stresses the significance of repentance and faith, urging listeners to genuinely desire to love Jesus above all and treat others as they want to be treated. It concludes with a call for individuals to invite Jesus into their hearts, emphasizing the assurance of salvation and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
Gentile Dogs Have Hope Too
By Tim Conway51056:33MRK 7:25JHN 17:17ACT 10:34ROM 1:16ROM 9:25ROM 10:14GAL 3:28EPH 1:13
This sermon delves into Ephesians 1, emphasizing the significance of hearing the Word of Truth, the Gospel of salvation, and believing in Christ for salvation. It explores the distinction between Jews and Gentiles, highlighting how both groups have obtained an inheritance through Christ. The message stresses the inclusive nature of salvation, urging unity among believers of all races and backgrounds. The importance of sharing the good news of Christ's work for sinners is emphasized as the means by which individuals become Christians.
The Holy Spirit's Ministry
By Ken Baird44643:38ROM 8:14EPH 1:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit. They explain that the Spirit reveals the greatest truths of the Bible directly to believers. The Spirit's ministry is described as bringing people to Jesus and helping them live for God. The speaker also highlights the Spirit's role as a Comforter, convicting believers of sin and teaching them to be thankful for Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
The People of God 09 a Separated People
By James K. Boswell40941:36EXO 33:16DEU 33:29MAT 6:33LUK 24:49JHN 20:21ACT 1:8EPH 1:13In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of being a separated people as Christians. He emphasizes that this separation is not about legalistic rules or restrictions, but rather about being magnetized to Jesus and demagnetized from anything that is unlike Him. The speaker shares a story about encouraging young people to wear a cross around their necks, but to wear it at their back as a symbol of being separated from the world. He also mentions the importance of reproducing as Christians and yielding to the indwelling spirit of God. The sermon is based on Luke 24 and encourages listeners to open their Bibles to that chapter.
Is Irresistible Grace Resistible?
By Shane Idleman1544:46Irresistible GraceFree WillISA 1:18JER 26:3MRK 10:15JHN 3:16JHN 16:8ACT 7:51ROM 1:201CO 2:14EPH 1:132PE 3:9Shane Idleman addresses the complex theological debate surrounding irresistible grace, exploring whether God's grace can be resisted. He carefully navigates the perspectives of both Calvinism and Arminianism, emphasizing the importance of free will in responding to God's call for salvation. Shane highlights the tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility, arguing that while God draws people to Himself, individuals still have the choice to accept or reject that grace. He passionately calls for a deeper understanding of God's love and justice, urging believers to share the message of hope and redemption with those who feel worthless or lost. Ultimately, Shane encourages the congregation to recognize their value in God's eyes and to actively participate in evangelism.
Perfect Love as a Definate Blessing
By Daniel Steele1DEU 6:4EPH 1:13EPH 3:19EPH 4:301JN 4:18Daniel Steele preaches about the importance of understanding and embracing the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - in our faith journey. He emphasizes the need to grasp Christ and the Holy Spirit in their distinct offices to experience spiritual power and deep religious growth. Steele highlights the significance of acknowledging the Sanctifier's role in purification, leading believers to perfect love that casts out fear, and the necessity of not neglecting or underestimating any of the Holy Spirit's offices to receive His blessings.
The Gospel of the Holy Spirit's Love
By Horatius Bonar0The TrinityThe Love of the Holy SpiritPSA 139:17ISA 40:1JER 29:11MAT 28:19LUK 11:13JHN 4:24ROM 8:26EPH 1:131JN 4:8REV 22:17Horatius Bonar emphasizes the profound love of the Holy Spirit, asserting that His love is equal to that of the Father and the Son, and is essential for understanding the fullness of God's grace. He argues that the Holy Spirit's love is not only personal but also active in the lives of believers, guiding, comforting, and empowering them in their spiritual journey. Bonar warns against misconceptions that portray the Spirit as distant or austere, urging believers to trust in His loving nature for growth in faith and joy. He highlights the Spirit's role in the Church and the necessity of recognizing His love to experience true peace and spiritual vitality. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, who is a living personality, not just an influence, and whose love is foundational to the Christian faith.
Where Is the Wise, Where Is the Scribe? &C.
By Isaac Penington0ISA 46:8MAT 11:27JHN 1:12ROM 8:14EPH 1:13HEB 5:8HEB 10:191PE 4:11The preacher delves into the significance of God as our Father, emphasizing the intimate relationship and the spiritual inheritance we have as His children. The sermon explores the concept of God's fatherhood in both physical and spiritual realms, highlighting the importance of recognizing God as our Father in prayer and life. It discusses the distinction between God's transcendence and immanence, calling believers to approach Him with reverence and trust. The message focuses on the foundational role of God as our Father in shaping our prayers, faith, and understanding of His character.
The Spirit of Life
By Samuel Chadwick0JHN 3:5ROM 8:1ROM 8:5ROM 8:15ROM 8:26ROM 8:372CO 3:18GAL 5:25EPH 1:13Samuel Chadwick preaches on the significance of the Spirit as the Lord and Giver of Life, emphasizing that all life is due to the direct action of God's Spirit, who is the Source, Medium, and Agent of living energy. The Spirit quickens into life the spirit of man, transforming and sanctifying believers, and guiding them into all truth. Life in the Spirit is a life lived in the realm of the spiritual, free from condemnation, filled with prayer, conquest, and Christlike compassion for the lost. The Spirit is both the Giver and Lord of the Life in Christ, covering every aspect of the believer's journey from regeneration to resurrection through the Spirit's work.
The Field of Clover
By H. P. Barker0JHN 14:26ACT 1:8ROM 8:161CO 2:102CO 1:222CO 5:5GAL 5:22EPH 1:13EPH 4:30H. P. Barker preaches about the significance of the Holy Spirit as the 'earnest' given to believers, providing comfort, assurance, and a foretaste of our heavenly inheritance. Using the analogy of a telescope given to a boy on a voyage, the Holy Spirit grants believers a clearer spiritual vision of the eternal promises awaiting them. Just as a farmer prepares a field of clover for his sheep, the Holy Spirit prepares believers for their heavenly home by allowing them to experience glimpses of their future inheritance now.
Indwelling Sin
By Anne Dutton0PRO 4:23PRO 13:20ROM 8:161CO 15:572CO 5:17EPH 1:13PHP 1:6HEB 10:221JN 1:9Anne Dutton's sermon emphasizes the transformative work of God's Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers, leading to regeneration, conviction, and conversion. She explains how the Spirit reveals the sinner's lost and sinful state, while also unveiling the glory and excellency of Christ as the Savior. Dutton addresses the ongoing battle against sin in the believer's life, highlighting the distinction between the renewed and unrenewed parts of the heart, and the assurance of God's sanctifying work leading to ultimate victory over sin. She encourages a steadfast faith in God's promises, a rejection of heart-idolatry, and the importance of choosing godly companions for spiritual growth.
Spirit Born
By Denis Lyle0JHN 3:5JHN 7:38JHN 16:8ACT 2:37ROM 8:9ROM 8:151CO 12:13EPH 1:13EPH 4:30EPH 5:18Denis Lyle preaches about the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, emphasizing the dual role of the Spirit as both Comforter and Convictor. Through various Bible verses, he illustrates how the Holy Spirit convicts individuals of sin, righteousness, and judgment, leading them to a deeper understanding of their need for salvation and righteousness in Christ. The sermon delves into the Holy Spirit's essential ministries of reproving, regenerating, residing, and reinforcing believers, highlighting the Spirit's work in sealing and guaranteeing the future redemption of those who are 'Spirit born.'
We Have Peace With God
By Jonathan Edwards0JHN 14:27ROM 5:12CO 1:22EPH 1:13HEB 6:17Jonathan Edwards preaches about the profound concept of having peace with God, emphasizing the nature of this peace, how it is attained, its distinguishing marks, the benefits it brings, and the necessary steps to obtain and enjoy it. He delves into the real and sensible aspects of peace with God, highlighting the believer's reconciliation and favor with the Creator, as well as the inward calm and quietness of soul that arises from a sense of union with God. Edwards also discusses the divine sources of this peace, the role of Christ's sacrifice, the union with Christ through faith, and the sanctification process that leads to a tangible peace with God.
The Holy Spirit a Person
By Roy Hession0The Person of the Holy SpiritSpiritual EmpowermentJHN 3:8JHN 14:16ROM 8:9EPH 1:13Roy Hession emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is not merely an influence but a distinct Person of the Trinity, equal to God the Father and God the Son. He highlights the Holy Spirit's role as the agent of new birth for believers, sealing them as children of God and empowering them for a life in Christ. Hession explains that while every believer receives the Holy Spirit at conversion, being filled with the Spirit involves yielding to His control and allowing Him to fully inhabit our lives. The sermon encourages Christians to recognize the Holy Spirit's presence and authority in their lives, leading to a deeper relationship with God. Ultimately, Hession calls for worship and reverence for the Holy Spirit, who dwells within believers as their guide and strength.
Christian Perfection: A Second Blessing
By Samuel Chadwick02CO 7:1EPH 1:13PHP 3:121TH 5:23HEB 6:1JAS 4:81PE 1:152PE 1:3Samuel Chadwick preaches about the deep-rooted prejudice against Christian Perfection as a second definite experience assured to the soul, highlighting the reluctance to embrace a sharp and definite crisis in both Regeneration and Sanctification due to modern theological influences. He emphasizes the importance of experiencing a Second Blessing, even if the terminology is contested, as it signifies a distinct work of grace subsequent to Regeneration, leading to the cleansing of the carnal mind and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Chadwick underscores the Methodist doctrine of holiness as a definite experience for believers, emphasizing the need for a crisis, acceptance, and confession in receiving this Second Blessing.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In whom ye also trusted - Ye Gentiles, having heard from us the word, τον λογον, the doctrine, of the truth, which is the Gospel, or glad tidings, of your salvation, have believed, as we Jews have done, and received similar blessings to those with which God has favored us. In whom also, εν ὡ, through whom, Christ Jesus, after that ye had believed, viz. that he was the only Savior, and that through his blood redemption might be obtained, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise; that is, The Holy Spirit, which is promised to them who believe on Christ Jesus, was given to you, and thus you were ascertained to be the children of God, for God has no child who is not a partaker of the Holy Ghost, and he who has this Spirit has God's seal that he belongs to the heavenly family. It was customary among all nations, when a person purchased goods of any kind, to mark with his seal that which he had bought, in order that he might know it, and be able to claim it if mixed with the goods of others; to this custom the apostle may here allude but it was also customary to set a seal upon what was dedicated to God, or what was to be offered to him in sacrifice. See this proved in the note on Joh 6:27. The Jews themselves speak of the seal of God, which they term אמת emeth, truth, and which they consider as a representation of the unoriginated and endless perfections of God. As the apostle is here speaking of the doctrine of truth, which came by the Holy Spirit, and is sealed on the souls of believers by this Spirit, he may have in view the Jewish notion, which is at once both correct and elevated. This Spirit of truth, Joh 14:17, who leads into all truth, Joh 16:13, and teaches all things, Joh 14:26, makes the impression of his own eternal purity and truth in the souls of them who believe, and thus they bear the seal of God Almighty. And they who in the day of judgment are found to bear this seal - Truth; truth in the inward parts, having truly repented, truly believed, and having been in consequence truly justified, and truly sanctified; and having walked in truth and sincerity towards God and man; these are sealed to the day of redemption; for, having this seal, they are seen to have a right to eternal life.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
In whom ye also--Ye Gentiles. Supply as English Version, "trusted," from Eph 1:12; or "are." The priority of us Jews does not exclude you Gentiles from sharing in Christ (compare Act 13:46). the word of truth--the instrument of sanctification, and of the new birth (Joh 17:17; Ti2 2:15; Jam 1:18). Compare Col 1:5, where also, as here, it is connected with "hope." Also Eph 4:21. sealed--as God's confirmed children, by the Holy Spirit as the seal (Act 19:1-6; Rom 8:16, Rom 8:23; Jo1 3:24; see on Co2 1:22). A seal impressed on a document gives undoubted validity to the contract in it (Joh 3:33; Joh 6:27; compare Co2 3:3). So the sense of "the love of God shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost" (Rom 5:5), and the sense of adoption given through the Spirit at regeneration (Rom 8:15-16), assure believers of God's good will to them. The Spirit, like a seal, impresses on the soul at regeneration the image of our Father. The "sealing" by the Holy Spirit is spoken of as past once for all. The witnessing to our hearts that we are the children of God, and heirs (Eph 1:11), is the Spirit's present testimony, the "earnest of the (coming) inheritance" (Rom 8:16-18). that Holy Spirit of promise--rather, as the Greek, "The Spirit of promise, even the Holy Spirit": The Spirit promised both in the Old and New Testaments (Joe 2:28; Zac 12:10; Joh 7:38-39). "The word" promised the Holy Spirit. Those who "believed the word of truth" were sealed by the Spirit accordingly.
John Gill Bible Commentary
In whom ye also trusted,.... The Gentile believers, the Ephesians, whom the apostle now particularly addresses; and who participated of the same grace and privileges with the believing Jews; the promise belonged to all that God called, whether afar off or nigh; and the same common salvation was sent to one as to another; and the same faith was wrought in one as in the other; and they were interested in the same Christ, and were heirs of the same inheritance; the Alexandrian copy reads "we": after that ye heard the word of truth; the Gospel; and which is so called, on account of its divine original, coming from the God of truth, who cannot lie; and because of the concern which Christ has in it, who is truth itself, and was the author, subject, and preacher of it, and who confirmed it by his miracles, and his death; and on account of the Spirit of God, the dictator of it, and who leads into all truths, and owns and blesses them for conversion and comfort; and because it contains nothing but truth, and particularly that eminent one, salvation alone by Christ, for the chief of sinners; and in contradistinction from the law, which was typical and shadowy; , "the word of truth", is a phrase used by the Jews (e), for sublime and heavenly doctrine: now, by the hearing of this, faith came; and this the Ephesians heard, not only externally, but internally; so as to understand, approve, and believe it, and to put it in practice: and which is also called the Gospel of your salvation: because it is a declaration and publication of salvation by Christ; and gives an account of the author of salvation, of his ability and willingness to save, and of the nature of this salvation, and describes the persons who shall be saved; and because it is the means of salvation, when attended with the Spirit and power of God; and the instrument, in God's hand, of showing to souls their special and particular interest in salvation: in whom also after that ye believed; which may refer either to the Gospel of salvation, in which they believed upon hearing it; or rather to Christ, the Saviour revealed, in whom they believed to the saving of their souls: and this shows, that the sealing work of the Spirit after mentioned, and with which this stands in connection, is a distinct thing from faith, or indeed any other work of the Spirit; as illumination, regeneration, sanctification, &c. it is what follows believing, and is a work that passes upon the soul after it; and so is something over and above, and more than faith, at least than first believing: and from hence it also appears, that there may be true faith, where this is not as yet; and that none but believers in Christ enjoy the following privilege: ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. This cannot have respect to the Father's sealing his people in election, with the seal of his foreknowledge, Ti2 2:19 for that is before faith, and is within himself, and not on them, and is distinct from the Spirit's work; and for the same reasons it cannot design the Son's affection to them, setting them as a seal on his arm and heart, Sol 8:6, or his asserting his property in them, and the security and protection of them, Sol 4:12, nor the Spirit's finishing and completing his own work of grace upon the soul, in which sense the word is used, Rom 15:28 for this as yet was not done upon these believing Ephesians; nor the confirming the Gospel, and the saints in it, by the extraordinary effusion of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, or by his extraordinary works which attended the ministry of the word, to the establishing of it, and the faith of men in it; since these were not common to believers, nor did they continue; whereas the believing Ephesians, in common, were sealed; and the Spirit of God continues still as a sealer of his people, and as an earnest and pledge of their inheritance until the day of redemption; but it is to be understood of the confirming, certifying, and assuring the saints, as to their interest in the favour of God, and in the blessings of grace, of every kind, and their right and title to the heavenly glory; See Gill on Co2 1:22, and the seal of these things is not circumcision, nor baptism, nor the Lord's supper, nor even the graces of the Spirit; but the Spirit himself, who witnesses to the spirits of believers the truth of these things, and that as a "spirit of promise": so called, both because he is the Spirit promised, as the Syriac and Ethiopic versions render it, whom the Father and Christ had promised, and who was sent by them; and because he usually seals, or certifies believers of the truth of the above things, by opening and applying a word of promise to them: and which he does also, as the "Holy" Spirit; for this sealing work of his leaves a greater impress of holiness upon the soul, and engages more to acts of holiness; wherefore the doctrine of assurance is no licentious doctrine; no persons are so holy as those who are truly possessed of that grace; and as for such who pretend unto it, and live in sin, it is a certain thing that they in reality know nothing of it. (e) Zohar in Numb. fol. 76. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:13 he identified you as his own (or he put his seal on you): Just as a seal signifies authentic ownership, the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life signifies God’s ownership (4:30; 2 Cor 1:22).