Ephesians 1:23
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Which is his body - As he is head over all things, he is head to the Church; and this Church is considered as the body of which he is especially the head; and from him, as the head, the Church receives light, life, and intelligence. And is the fullness of him - That in which he especially manifests his power, goodness, and truth; for though he fills all the world with his presence, yet he fills all the members of his mystical body with wisdom, goodness, truth, and holiness, in an especial manner. Some understand the fullness or πληρωμα, here, as signifying the thing to be filled; so the Christian Church is to be filled by him, whose fullness fills all his members, with all spiritual gifts and graces. And this corresponds with what St. John says, Joh 1:16 : And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. And with what is said, Col 2:9, Col 2:10 : Ye are complete in him; και εστε εν αυτῳ πεπληρωμενοι· And ye are in him filled full; i.e. with gifts and grace. How, in any other sense, the Church can be said to be the fullness of him who fills all in all, is difficult to say. However, as Jesus Christ is represented to be the head, and the Church, the body under that head, the individuals being so many members in that body; and as it requires a body and members to make a head complete; so it requires a Church, or general assembly of believers, to make up the body of Christ. When, therefore, the Jews and Gentiles are brought into this Church, the body may be said to be complete; and thus Christ has his visible fullness upon earth, and the Church may be said to be the fullness of him, etc. See Eph 1:10.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
his body--His mystical and spiritual, not literal, body. Not, however, merely figurative, or metaphorical. He is really, though spiritually, the Church's Head. His life is her life. She shares His crucifixion and His consequent glory. He possesses everything, His fellowship with the Father, His fulness of the Spirit, and His glorified manhood, not merely for Himself, but for her, who has a membership of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones (Eph 5:30). fulness--"the filled-up receptacle" [EADIE]. The Church is dwelt in and filled by Christ. She is the receptacle, not of His inherent, but of His communicated, plenitude of gifts and graces. As His is the "fulness" (Joh 1:16; Col 1:19; Col 2:9) inherently, so she is His "fulness" by His impartation of it to her, in virtue of her union to Him (Eph 5:18; Col 2:10). "The full manifestation of His being, because penetrated by His life" [CONYBEARE and HOWSON]. She is the continued revelation of His divine life in human form; the fullest representative of His plenitude. Not the angelic hierarchy, as false teachers taught (Col 2:9-10, Col 2:18), but Christ Himself is the "fulness of the Godhead," and she represents Him. KOPPE translates less probably, "the whole universal multitude." filleth all in all--Christ as the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of the world, constituted by God (Col 1:16-19), fills all the universe of things with all things. "Fills all creation with whatever it possesses" [ALFORD]. The Greek is, "filleth for Himself." Next: Ephesians Chapter 2
John Gill Bible Commentary
Which is his body,.... That is, which church is the body of Christ; as an human body is but one, consisting of various members, united to each other, and set in an exact proportion and symmetry, and in a proper subservience to one another, and which must be neither more nor fewer than they are; so the church of Christ is but one general assembly, which consists of many persons, of different gifts and usefulness, and are all united together under one head, Christ, whose name they bear, and are made to drink of the same Spirit; and these are placed in such order, as throw a glory and comeliness on each other, and to be useful to one another, so that it cannot be said of the meanest member, that there is no need of it; and the number of them can neither be increased nor diminished; and this is Christ's body, his mystical body, which becomes his by the Father's gift to him, and by his own purchase; to which he is united, and of which he is the only head; and which he loves as his own body, and supplies, directs, and defends: the fulness of him that filleth all in all; besides the personal fulness which Christ has as God, and his fulness of ability and fitness for his work as Mediator, and his dispensatory fulness, which dwells in him for the use of his people, the church is his relative fulness, which fills him, and makes up Christ mystical; and which is filled by him, and is complete in him: and then will the church appear to be Christ's fulness, when all the elect, both Jews and Gentiles, shall be gathered in; and when these are all filled with the grace designed for them; and when they are all grown up to their full proportion, or are arrived to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; which will be a glorious sight to see, and very desirable: and this shows the certainty of the saints' perseverance and salvation: for if anyone member, even the meanest, could be lost, the church would not be the fulness of Christ: and this may be further concluded, from its being his fulness, who filleth all in all; which may be understood either more extensively; for he fills both worlds with inhabitants; he fills all places with his omnipresence, and all creatures with proper food and sustenance: or with a limitation to the church and people of God; he fills all his churches and ordinances with his gracious presence; and he fills the various societies of his saints with members and with officers; and these with the gifts and graces of his Spirit, suitable to their place and station; he fills all and every of the saints, all the vessels of mercy, whether greater or lesser, all sorts of them, of larger or meaner capacities; he fills all the powers and faculties of their souls, their hearts with joy, their minds with knowledge, their consciences with peace, their wills with spiritual desires, submission and resignation, and their affections with love to himself and people: in short, he fills them with all grace and goodness, and the fruits of righteousness; and so makes them meet for usefulness here, and for happiness hereafter; the fulness of the earth in Psa_24:1 is by the Jews interpreted of the souls of the righteous, and of the congregation of Israel (h). (h) Zohar in Gen. fol. 50. 2. & in Exod. fol. 21. 2. Next: Ephesians Chapter 2
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:23 it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself (or it is the full expression of the one who fills everything everywhere): This difficult phrase probably means that the church, as his body, is the full expression of Christ in this world. His presence, which fills the entire universe (4:10), is reflected in and works through his body.
Ephesians 1:23
Spiritual Wisdom
22And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church,23which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 6
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K1:04:02Divine PurposeISA 55:11ACT 16:9EPH 1:23EPH 4:8EPH 4:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Jesus as a prophet and a supreme example of God's sovereignty. The purpose of Jesus' life was to rebuke and show what God required of his people, ultimately laying down his life for them. The speaker also highlights the need for continuity and a focused mind when studying the word of God. The ultimate goal for believers is to attain the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ and for the church to be the fullness of Him.
Two Natures
By Norman Grubb1.3K39:15Sinful NatureGEN 32:10MAT 22:37ROM 12:51CO 15:282CO 5:17EPH 1:23COL 1:27In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the development of spiritual life within their fellowship. They observe that in the past, relationships were based on fleshly values and only lasted as long as they were beneficial. However, in this fellowship, they see a shift towards a more honest and genuine way of living, guided by the spirit of God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing confrontations and challenges, as they are designed by the spirit for personal and collective growth. They also mention the concept of universal truth and the role of Jesus Christ in connecting humanity to the universe.
The Mystery of Incarnation (5 of 9)
By Art Katz1.3K1:04:14IncarnationISA 54:5MAT 6:33JHN 11:35EPH 1:23COL 2:91TH 4:142TI 2:15In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of arriving late to a meeting and feeling out of place. He expresses his observation that the people in the meeting lack a tragic sense of life. The speaker then reflects on the value of life and the importance of not dismissing or forgetting significant experiences. He emphasizes the need for Christians to have a depth of character and a variety of experiences, rather than being one-dimensional and reliant on entertainment.
What Is Spiritual Fullness
By Stephen Kaung8171:21:44MAT 11:27JHN 1:18ROM 11:33EPH 1:23EPH 3:19EPH 4:13COL 1:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the fullness of God's grace and truth through Jesus Christ. He highlights how Jesus demonstrated mercy, love, grace, and truth during his time on earth, forgiving sinners and performing miracles. The preacher also warns about the increasing sinfulness and rebellion in the world, suggesting that judgment may be imminent. He references biblical stories such as the flood and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as examples of God's judgment on sinful cities. The sermon concludes with a reminder to be prepared for the coming redemption and to trust in God's love and mercy.
The Transcendent Thought of Sonship
By T. Austin-Sparks0SonshipSpiritual GrowthJHN 4:21ACT 13:33ROM 8:19EPH 1:23HEB 1:2HEB 2:5HEB 2:10HEB 3:6HEB 6:1HEB 12:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of sonship as presented in the Letter to the Hebrews, illustrating that true sonship is not merely an initial relationship with God but a mature and responsible state of being that reflects spiritual growth. He highlights the importance of moving beyond spiritual infancy to embrace the fullness of life in Christ, warning against the dangers of stagnation and the temptation to revert to earthly traditions. The sermon connects the concept of sonship with the divine purpose of bringing many sons to glory, underscoring the spiritual nature of this relationship and its implications for believers. Sparks also draws parallels between the teachings in Hebrews and the Gospel of John, emphasizing the inner, spiritual relationship between the Father and the Son. Ultimately, he calls for a recovery of life and fullness in Christ, urging believers to transcend mere tradition and embrace the living reality of their faith.
The Fullness of the Mediator.
By John Gill0Christ as MediatorThe Fullness of ChristJER 2:13JHN 1:14JHN 14:62CO 1:20EPH 1:23COL 1:19COL 2:91TI 2:5HEB 13:81JN 5:11John Gill preaches on the fullness of Christ as the Mediator, emphasizing that all fullness dwells in Him as the embodiment of divine attributes and grace. He explains that this fullness includes the personal fullness of deity, the relative fullness of the church, and the fullness of grace and glory that Christ distributes to believers. Gill highlights that this fullness is a result of the Father's good pleasure, ensuring that Christ is the source of all spiritual blessings and the means through which believers receive grace. Ultimately, he encourages the congregation to seek their needs in Christ, who is the head of all things and the mediator of the new covenant.
The Fulness of God Dwelling in Christ.
By Edward Payson0JHN 7:38JHN 14:9EPH 1:23EPH 3:19COL 2:9Edward Payson preaches about the profound truth that all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of understanding this concept to form just conceptions of God and our Redeemer. The sermon delves into the significance of this truth, explaining that Jesus Christ is the permanent residence of the entire Deity with all its attributes, and how faith in Christ forms a channel for believers to partake in this fullness. It highlights the necessity of seeking God in Christ alone, the inability to obtain a portion of God's fullness without applying to Christ, and the transformative power of faith in Christ to draw spiritual blessings from His fullness.
Judgment in the House of God
By Phil Beach Jr.0MAT 1:23JHN 2:19ROM 6:41CO 3:111CO 6:19EPH 1:23EPH 4:221PE 4:17REV 3:21Phil Beach Jr. preaches on the importance of judgment beginning in the house of God, emphasizing the need to put off the old self corrupted by deceitful desires and put on the new self created in righteousness. He explains that the true house of God is Jesus Christ Himself, the embodiment of God's fullness, and that judgment in God's house refers to the church where Christ dwells. The sermon delves into the significance of Christ as the standard and foundation for God's house, highlighting the new humanity believers partake in through Him.
Three Great Gifts
By Raymond Golsworthy0PSA 118:23JHN 3:3JHN 15:5JHN 17:2ACT 5:141CO 6:17EPH 1:23EPH 5:32PHP 2:8COL 1:18Raymond Golsworthy delves into the profound truths encapsulated in John 17:2, highlighting the essence of true Christianity and the entire history of the present church age within a single verse. The verse emphasizes the three significant gifts: God's gift of authority to Jesus Christ, Christ's gift of eternal life to His redeemed people, and God's gift of the church to His Son, outlining the core of the Christian gospel and God's work throughout the church age.
The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0DAN 2:37DAN 9:24MAT 13:18LUK 21:24ROM 11:25ROM 12:2GAL 1:4EPH 1:232TH 2:82TI 4:10Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the prophetic visions given to Daniel, outlining the course of the Gentile period from the last captivity to the second coming of Christ. Daniel's dreams and interpretations reveal the succession of Gentile world powers - Babylonia, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. The seventy weeks of years mentioned by Daniel are divided into two distinct periods, one before the rejection of Christ and the other after. The church age, a mystery age, is not accounted for in the prophetic visions, and the final period of seven years, the great tribulation, is yet to come before the establishment of Messiah's kingdom.
On the Omnipresence of God
By John Wesley0Living in Awareness of GodOmnipresence of GodPSA 46:1PSA 139:1PRO 15:3ISA 66:1JER 23:24MAT 10:29ACT 17:28EPH 1:23HEB 4:13John Wesley emphasizes the omnipresence of God, illustrating how God's presence fills heaven and earth, and how this profound truth should impact our lives. He reflects on the need for a deeper understanding of God's constant presence, urging believers to live with reverence and awareness of His watchful eye. Wesley encourages the congregation to acknowledge God's omnipresence in their daily actions and thoughts, fostering a sense of accountability and devotion. He concludes by highlighting the comfort and strength that comes from recognizing that God is always with us, guiding and supporting us in our journey of faith.
The All-Inclusive Goal
By T. Austin-Sparks0Church Unity and GrowthThe Fulness of ChristROM 12:41CO 12:12EPH 1:23EPH 4:10EPH 4:13COL 4:171TI 4:142TI 1:62TI 4:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the ultimate goal of the Church is to attain 'the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ,' as stated in Ephesians 4:13. He explains that the Church, as the Body of Christ, is essential for His completeness, and that various ministries within the Church must work together in harmony to achieve this goal. Each member's unique gifts and functions should be recognized and utilized for the collective growth of the body, avoiding imbalance that can lead to weakness. Sparks highlights the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit in discovering one's ministry, rather than relying on human appointment. Ultimately, the Church's progress towards the fulness of Christ requires mutual cooperation and a focus on spiritual maturity.
Early Testimony
By Norman Grubb0JHN 14:6JHN 15:5ACT 17:281CO 1:24GAL 2:20EPH 1:23COL 2:10COL 3:111JN 4:81JN 5:11Norman Grubb shares his journey of feeling inadequate in his missionary work in Africa, realizing his need for love, faith, and power. He initially sought self-improvement but learned that it was both a sin and impossibility. Through studying the Bible, he discovered that God is love, Christ is the power of God, and Jesus Christ is eternal life. Grubb's ultimate realization was that believers in Christ find their completeness in Him, as 'Christ is all and in all.'
Filled
By F.B. Meyer0Appropriating God's GraceFulfillment in ChristPSA 107:9JHN 10:102CO 9:8EPH 1:23EPH 3:19EPH 4:10EPH 4:13EPH 5:18PHP 4:19COL 2:9F.B. Meyer emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from being filled with Christ, who is the source of all fullness for both the Church and individual believers. He illustrates how earthly pursuits and human love often leave us wanting, while only in Christ can we find complete satisfaction and grace. Meyer encourages believers to actively receive this fullness through faith, worship, gratitude, and mutual submission, highlighting that Christ's infinite nature ensures we can never exhaust His love and power. He reminds us that this fullness was made available through Christ's death and resurrection, and that our growth in faith should reflect the stature of Christ. Ultimately, Meyer calls for a conscious effort to appropriate the blessings of Christ in our lives.
God Hath Spoken - Part 3
By T. Austin-Sparks0SonshipSpiritual MaturityJHN 4:21ACT 13:33ROM 8:19EPH 1:23HEB 1:2HEB 2:9HEB 3:6HEB 6:1HEB 12:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound meaning of sonship in his sermon 'God Hath Spoken - Part 3', illustrating that sonship is not merely an initial relationship with God but a call to spiritual maturity and responsibility. He highlights that the fullness of Christ and the divine purpose of sonship are central themes in the Letter to the Hebrews, urging believers to progress beyond spiritual infancy. Sparks warns that many may fail to realize the full intention of their birth as children of God, and he connects the concept of sonship to the resurrection and eternal life. He stresses the importance of moving away from earthly traditions to embrace a living relationship with Christ, which leads to spiritual fullness. Ultimately, the sermon calls for believers to pursue a deeper understanding of their identity as sons and daughters of God, which carries the promise of dominion and glory in the world to come.
Called Out and Called Into
By H.J. Vine0JHN 4:23JHN 8:32JHN 17:16ACT 7:21CO 1:9EPH 1:23H.J. Vine preaches on 'The God of Glory' showcasing how God called Abraham, Moses, Israel, and the Church into divine purposes and blessings through separation and obedience. Abraham was called into a rich inheritance and became the friend of God, while Lot faced consequences for straying from the path of separation. Israel, though backslidden, awaits a future blessing upon receiving Jesus as their true Messiah. The Church, called out from the world, is invited into a deep fellowship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, experiencing divine liberty and worship.
The Measure of Christ (Colossians 1:27)
By T. Austin-Sparks0Indwelling ChristSpiritual GrowthROM 8:292CO 3:182CO 13:5GAL 4:19EPH 1:23EPH 4:7PHP 3:20COL 1:27COL 3:101JN 5:12T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound truth of 'Christ in you, the hope of glory' from Colossians 1:27, urging believers to recognize the significance of Christ's indwelling presence. He explains that true salvation, sanctification, and service are not mere concepts but are intrinsically linked to the person of Jesus Christ, who embodies these realities. The preacher highlights that spiritual growth is not achieved through effort but through a relationship with Christ, who transforms believers from within. Sparks calls for a focus on Christ as the central figure in all aspects of life, asserting that the measure of everything is determined by the manifestation of Christ. Ultimately, he encourages believers to yield to the work of the Holy Spirit, allowing Christ to be fully formed within them.
The Tide Lifts Ships
By Russell DeLong0PSA 16:11MRK 9:23JHN 15:8EPH 1:23EPH 3:19EPH 4:13COL 1:19COL 2:9Russell DeLong shares a powerful sermon inspired by the phrase 'The Tide Lifts Ships,' emphasizing the impact of evangelism as the tide of God's Spirit coming into people's hearts, lifting various aspects of their faith. He illustrates this with a story of a sunken ship being lifted by the tide, relating it to how evangelism can lift the ships of Worship, Fellowship, Stewardship, and Discipleship in the church. DeLong warns that when the tide of evangelism recedes, the church's vitality in these areas diminishes, leading to spiritual decline and worldly distractions.
The Purpose of Companions
By T. Austin-Sparks0Companionship with ChristDivine PurposeEXO 33:11ISA 41:8MAT 21:43LUK 22:28JHN 15:14ACT 13:22EPH 1:23HEB 2:3HEB 3:1HEB 3:14T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of being 'companions' of Christ, as highlighted in Hebrews 3:1 and 3:14. He explores the biblical concept of companionship, illustrating how figures like Abraham, Moses, and David exemplified deep relationships with God, ultimately culminating in the companionship offered through Jesus Christ. Sparks stresses that this companionship is not merely an official title but a heartfelt relationship that calls for responsibility and commitment to God's purpose centered in His Son. He warns of the consequences of neglecting this calling, underscoring the importance of remaining steadfast in faith to truly experience the greatness of being a companion of Christ. The sermon invites believers to recognize their heavenly calling and the intimate relationship they are invited to share with Jesus.
The Object of Theology
By James Arminius0JHN 14:6ROM 1:16EPH 1:23EPH 2:12HEB 5:9James Arminius preaches about the importance of Theology, emphasizing the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation and the union between God and Christ as the foundation of Christian Theology. He highlights the significance of studying God and Christ, urging believers to prioritize this pursuit above all other worldly concerns. Arminius stresses the essential role of Christ as the mediator between God and humanity, emphasizing the need for faith in Christ for salvation and the enjoyment of God's goodness. He encourages diligent study and reflection on God and Christ, drawing inspiration from biblical figures like David and Solomon who prioritized the study of Divine things even amidst their worldly responsibilities.
Emptying Unto Fulness
By T. Austin-Sparks0Christ's FullnessEmptyingGEN 22:17GEN 32:24PSA 4:1ACT 17:31GAL 2:20EPH 1:23EPH 4:10PHP 1:21PHP 2:7HEB 12:6T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound truth that Christ, who descended and ascended, is destined to fill all things with His presence and character. He explores the necessity of emptying ourselves of self-fulness to make room for Christ's fullness, illustrating this through biblical figures like Abraham, Jacob, and Moses, who underwent significant emptying processes to fulfill God's purpose. Sparks highlights that this emptying is not merely negative but a divine law leading to greater spiritual capacity and fruitfulness. The sermon calls believers to recognize the importance of a crisis moment in their lives where they surrender self-life for Christ-life, ultimately leading to a glorious climax in God's eternal plan. The message encourages a deeper understanding of suffering and trials as part of God's work to enlarge our capacity for His fullness.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Which is his body - As he is head over all things, he is head to the Church; and this Church is considered as the body of which he is especially the head; and from him, as the head, the Church receives light, life, and intelligence. And is the fullness of him - That in which he especially manifests his power, goodness, and truth; for though he fills all the world with his presence, yet he fills all the members of his mystical body with wisdom, goodness, truth, and holiness, in an especial manner. Some understand the fullness or πληρωμα, here, as signifying the thing to be filled; so the Christian Church is to be filled by him, whose fullness fills all his members, with all spiritual gifts and graces. And this corresponds with what St. John says, Joh 1:16 : And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. And with what is said, Col 2:9, Col 2:10 : Ye are complete in him; και εστε εν αυτῳ πεπληρωμενοι· And ye are in him filled full; i.e. with gifts and grace. How, in any other sense, the Church can be said to be the fullness of him who fills all in all, is difficult to say. However, as Jesus Christ is represented to be the head, and the Church, the body under that head, the individuals being so many members in that body; and as it requires a body and members to make a head complete; so it requires a Church, or general assembly of believers, to make up the body of Christ. When, therefore, the Jews and Gentiles are brought into this Church, the body may be said to be complete; and thus Christ has his visible fullness upon earth, and the Church may be said to be the fullness of him, etc. See Eph 1:10.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
his body--His mystical and spiritual, not literal, body. Not, however, merely figurative, or metaphorical. He is really, though spiritually, the Church's Head. His life is her life. She shares His crucifixion and His consequent glory. He possesses everything, His fellowship with the Father, His fulness of the Spirit, and His glorified manhood, not merely for Himself, but for her, who has a membership of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones (Eph 5:30). fulness--"the filled-up receptacle" [EADIE]. The Church is dwelt in and filled by Christ. She is the receptacle, not of His inherent, but of His communicated, plenitude of gifts and graces. As His is the "fulness" (Joh 1:16; Col 1:19; Col 2:9) inherently, so she is His "fulness" by His impartation of it to her, in virtue of her union to Him (Eph 5:18; Col 2:10). "The full manifestation of His being, because penetrated by His life" [CONYBEARE and HOWSON]. She is the continued revelation of His divine life in human form; the fullest representative of His plenitude. Not the angelic hierarchy, as false teachers taught (Col 2:9-10, Col 2:18), but Christ Himself is the "fulness of the Godhead," and she represents Him. KOPPE translates less probably, "the whole universal multitude." filleth all in all--Christ as the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of the world, constituted by God (Col 1:16-19), fills all the universe of things with all things. "Fills all creation with whatever it possesses" [ALFORD]. The Greek is, "filleth for Himself." Next: Ephesians Chapter 2
John Gill Bible Commentary
Which is his body,.... That is, which church is the body of Christ; as an human body is but one, consisting of various members, united to each other, and set in an exact proportion and symmetry, and in a proper subservience to one another, and which must be neither more nor fewer than they are; so the church of Christ is but one general assembly, which consists of many persons, of different gifts and usefulness, and are all united together under one head, Christ, whose name they bear, and are made to drink of the same Spirit; and these are placed in such order, as throw a glory and comeliness on each other, and to be useful to one another, so that it cannot be said of the meanest member, that there is no need of it; and the number of them can neither be increased nor diminished; and this is Christ's body, his mystical body, which becomes his by the Father's gift to him, and by his own purchase; to which he is united, and of which he is the only head; and which he loves as his own body, and supplies, directs, and defends: the fulness of him that filleth all in all; besides the personal fulness which Christ has as God, and his fulness of ability and fitness for his work as Mediator, and his dispensatory fulness, which dwells in him for the use of his people, the church is his relative fulness, which fills him, and makes up Christ mystical; and which is filled by him, and is complete in him: and then will the church appear to be Christ's fulness, when all the elect, both Jews and Gentiles, shall be gathered in; and when these are all filled with the grace designed for them; and when they are all grown up to their full proportion, or are arrived to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; which will be a glorious sight to see, and very desirable: and this shows the certainty of the saints' perseverance and salvation: for if anyone member, even the meanest, could be lost, the church would not be the fulness of Christ: and this may be further concluded, from its being his fulness, who filleth all in all; which may be understood either more extensively; for he fills both worlds with inhabitants; he fills all places with his omnipresence, and all creatures with proper food and sustenance: or with a limitation to the church and people of God; he fills all his churches and ordinances with his gracious presence; and he fills the various societies of his saints with members and with officers; and these with the gifts and graces of his Spirit, suitable to their place and station; he fills all and every of the saints, all the vessels of mercy, whether greater or lesser, all sorts of them, of larger or meaner capacities; he fills all the powers and faculties of their souls, their hearts with joy, their minds with knowledge, their consciences with peace, their wills with spiritual desires, submission and resignation, and their affections with love to himself and people: in short, he fills them with all grace and goodness, and the fruits of righteousness; and so makes them meet for usefulness here, and for happiness hereafter; the fulness of the earth in Psa_24:1 is by the Jews interpreted of the souls of the righteous, and of the congregation of Israel (h). (h) Zohar in Gen. fol. 50. 2. & in Exod. fol. 21. 2. Next: Ephesians Chapter 2
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:23 it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself (or it is the full expression of the one who fills everything everywhere): This difficult phrase probably means that the church, as his body, is the full expression of Christ in this world. His presence, which fills the entire universe (4:10), is reflected in and works through his body.