Ephesians 2:1
Verse
Context
Sermons
David Wilkerson
Paris ReidheadParis Reidhead
Leonard Ravenhill
C.H. Spurgeon
Erwin LutzerDavid WilkersonSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And you hath he quickened - This chapter should not have been separated from the preceding, with which it is most intimately connected. As Christ fills the whole body of Christian believers with his fullness, (Eph 1:23), so had he dealt with the converted Ephesians, who before were dead in trespasses, and dead in sins. Death is often used by all writers, and in all nations, to express a state of extreme misery. The Ephesians, by trespassing and sinning, had brought themselves into a state of deplorable wretchedness, as had all the heathen nations; and having thus sinned against God, they were condemned by him, and might be considered as dead in law - incapable of performing any legal act, and always liable to the punishment of death, which they had deserved, and which was ready to be inflicted upon them. Trespasses, παραπτωμασι, may signify the slightest deviation from the line and rule of moral equity, as well as any flagrant offense; for these are equally transgressions, as long as the sacred line that separates between vice and virtue is passed over. Sins, ἁμαρτιαις, may probably mean here habitual transgression; sinning knowingly and daringly.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And you hath he quickened,.... The design of the apostle in this and some following verses, is to show the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and to set forth the sad estate and condition of man by nature, and to magnify the riches of the grace of God, and represent the exceeding greatness of his power in conversion: the phrase hath he quickened, is not in the original text, but is supplied from Eph 2:5, where it will be met with and explained: here those who are quickened with Christ, and by the power and grace of God, are described in their natural and unregenerate estate, who were dead in trespasses and sins; not only dead in Adam, in whom they sinned, being their federal head and representative; and in a legal sense, the sentence of condemnation and death having passed upon them; but in a moral sense, through original sin, and their own actual transgressions: which death lies in a separation from God, Father, Son, and Spirit, such are without God, and are alienated from the life of God, and they are without Christ, who is the author and giver of life, and they are sensual, not having the Spirit, who is the spirit of life; and in a deformation of the image of God, such are dead as to their understandings, wills, and affections, with respect to spiritual things, and as to their capacity to do any thing that is spiritually good; and in a loss of original righteousness; and in a privation of the sense of sin and misery; and in a servitude to sin, Satan, and the world: hence it appears, that man must be in himself unacceptable to God, infectious and hurtful to his fellow creatures, and incapable of helping himself: so it was usual with the Jews to call a wicked and ignorant man, a dead man; they say (i), "there is no death like that of those that transgress the words of the law, who are called, "dead men", and therefore the Scripture says, "turn and live".'' And again (k), "no man is called a living man, but he who is in the way of truth in this world.----And a wicked man who does not go in the way of truth, is called, "a dead man".'' And once more (l). "whoever is without wisdom, lo, he is "as a dead man";'' See Gill on Ti1 5:6. The Alexandrian and Claromontane copies, and one of Stephens's, and the Vulgate Latin version, read, "dead in your trespasses and sins"; and the Syriac version, "dead in your sins and in your trespasses"; and the Ethiopic version only, "dead in your sins". (i) Zohar in Gen, fol. 41. 3. (k) Ib. in Num. fol. 76. 1. Vid. ib;. in Exod. fol. 44. 2. (l) Caphtor, fol. 30. 2.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The miserable condition of the Ephesians by nature is here in part described. Observed, 1. Unregenerate souls are dead in trespasses and sins. All those who are in their sins, are dead in sins; yea, in trespasses and sins, which may signify all sorts of sins, habitual and actual, sins of heart and of life. Sin is the death of the soul. Wherever that prevails there is a privation of all spiritual life. Sinners are dead in state, being destitute of the principles, and powers of spiritual life; and cut off from God, the fountain of life: and they are dead in law, as a condemned malefactor is said to be a dead man. 2. A state of sin is a state of conformity to this world, Eph 2:2. In the first verse he speaks of their internal state, in this of their outward conversation: Wherein, in which trespasses and sins, in time past you walked, you lived and behaved yourselves in such a manner as the men of the world are used to do. 3. We are by nature bond-slaves to sin and Satan. Those who walk in trespasses and sins, and according to the course of this world, walk according to the prince of the power of the air. The devil, or the prince of devils, is thus described. See Mat 12:24, Mat 12:26. The legions of apostate angels are as one power united under one chief; and therefore what is called the powers of darkness elsewhere is here spoken of in the singular number. The air is represented as the seat of his kingdom: and it was the opinion of both Jews and heathens that the air is full of spirits, and that there they exercise and exert themselves. The devil seems to have some power (by God's permission) in the lower region of the air; there he is at hand to tempt men, and to do as much mischief to the world as he can: but it is the comfort and joy of God's people that he who is head over all things to the church has conquered the devil and has him in his chain. But wicked men are slaves to Satan, for they walk according to him; they conform their lives and actions to the will and pleasure of this great usurper. The course and tenour of their lives are according to his suggestions, and in compliance with his temptations; they are subject to him, and are led captive by him at his will, whereupon he is called the god of this world, and the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. The children of disobedience are such as choose to disobey God, and to serve the devil; in these he works very powerfully and effectually. As the good Spirit works that which is good in obedient souls, so this evil spirit works that which is evil in wicked men; and he now works, not only heretofore, but even since the world has been blessed with the light of the glorious gospel. The apostle adds, Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past, which words refer to the Jews, whom he signifies here to have been in the like sad and miserable condition by nature, and to have been as vile and wicked as the unregenerate Gentiles themselves, and whose natural state he further describes in the next words. 4. We are by nature drudges to the flesh, and to our corrupt affections, Eph 2:3. By fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, men contract that filthiness of flesh and spirit from which the apostle exhorts Christians to cleanse themselves, Co2 7:1. The fulfilling of the desires of the flesh and of the mind includes all the sin and wickedness that are acted in and by both the inferior and the higher or nobler powers of the soul. We lived in the actual commission of all those sins to which corrupt nature inclined us. The carnal mind makes a man a perfect slave to his vicious appetite. - The fulfilling of the wills of the flesh, so the words may be rendered, denoting the efficacy of these lusts, and what power they have over those who yield themselves up unto them. 5. We are by nature the children of wrath, even as others. The Jews were so, as well as the Gentiles; and one man is as much so as another by nature, not only by custom and imitation, but from the time when we began to exist, and by reason of our natural inclinations and appetites. All men, being naturally children of disobedience, are also by nature children of wrath: God is angry with the wicked every day. Our state and course are such as deserve wrath, and would end in eternal wrath, if divine grace did not interpose. What reason have sinners then to be looking out for that grace that will make them, of children of wrath, children of God and heirs of glory! Thus far the apostle has described the misery of a natural state in these verses, which we shall find him pursuing again in some following ones.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:1-10 Paul reflects on the terrible situation of the believers before they believed in Christ and the grace of God that has spared them. 2:1-3 Paul’s readers were once like dead people before God (see 2:5; Col 2:13). Because of their disobedience and sins, driven by the power of the devil, they were condemned along with the rest of the world to suffer God’s judgment.
Ephesians 2:1
Alive with Christ
1And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,2in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Grafted in Christ
By David Wilkerson4.8K58:19ChristJHN 15:2JHN 15:6ROM 11:20ROM 11:23EPH 2:1JAS 1:6In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a vine and its branches to explain the relationship between believers and Jesus. He emphasizes that just as a vineyard owner prunes the branches to bear more fruit, God will remove any cause for unbelief in the hearts of believers. The preacher encourages the congregation to see themselves as luscious grapes, bringing life to others through their relationship with Christ. He also warns against pride and urges believers to continue in God's goodness, lest they be cut off like the natural branches. The sermon concludes with the reminder that even those who have fallen into unbelief can be grafted back into God's love and grace.
Magnitude of Grace
By Paris Reidhead4.6K59:47GraceEPH 2:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the innate hunger and desire for knowledge that God has placed within us. He explains that we learn sequentially, one thing at a time, unlike God who knows everything simultaneously. The speaker emphasizes the importance of caring for others and praying for workers to be sent into the harvest field. He shares a personal experience of studying the Bible and being led to the verse in Matthew 9, where Jesus instructs his disciples to pray for laborers in the harvest field. The speaker highlights the need for genuine, heartfelt prayers and actions, rather than robotic or insincere gestures.
Witness of the Spirit - Part 1
By Paris Reidhead4.3K28:28Witness Of The SpiritAssurance of SalvationJOB 32:8JHN 3:16JHN 3:24ROM 8:162CO 5:17GAL 4:4EPH 2:11PE 1:231JN 4:131JN 5:10Paris Reidhead emphasizes the significance of the witness of the Spirit in confirming one's relationship with God, drawing from John 3, 4, and 5 to illustrate how the Spirit assures believers of their eternal life. He stresses that true assurance comes from the Holy Spirit's testimony within us, rather than from external affirmations or mere profession of faith. Reidhead recounts personal experiences and historical insights, particularly from John Wesley, to highlight the importance of understanding the inner workings of the Spirit in awakening, convicting, and regenerating the human spirit. He encourages believers to guide those uncertain of their faith to seek the Spirit's confirmation through God's Word. Ultimately, the sermon underscores that only the Holy Spirit has the authority to affirm one's status as a child of God.
"The Devil Accuses Martin Luther"
By Leonard Ravenhill4.0K01:06EPH 2:1
This sermon reflects on the transformative experience of Martin Luther, who heard God's call and shook Europe by rediscovering the truth of justification by faith. Luther's encounter with God in a cemetery symbolizes the awakening to spiritual life amidst the deadness of religious rituals and traditions. Through the powerful image of Satan accusing him of sins, Luther proclaims the liberating truth that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin, setting believers free from the bondage of legalism and pointing to the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.
Distinguishing Grace
By C.H. Spurgeon3.8K37:11ROM 12:3EPH 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the grace of God in our lives. He urges the congregation to reflect on their past and acknowledge the drastic change that has occurred through the power of God's saving grace. The preacher encourages gratitude for the transformation from a life of sin and darkness to a life of redemption and love for Christ. He also highlights the need to give all glory to God for the preservation and keeping of believers, reminding them to remain confident in God but distrustful of themselves.
Will America Be Given Another Chance
By Erwin Lutzer3.0K43:39AmericaEPH 2:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the state of America and the sins that have plagued the nation. He emphasizes the belief that anyone can come to God without a mediator or appropriate sacrifice, which he believes is the root of all troubles. The preacher mentions various societal issues such as violent crime, divorce, abortion, child abuse, and pornography, and expresses the need for a solution. He concludes by stating that America needs a spiritual awakening, as a change in administrations or leadership alone will not be enough to turn the nation around.
Raised From the Dead
By David Wilkerson2.7K35:41EPH 2:1This sermon emphasizes the powerful message of being raised from the dead spiritually, drawing from Ephesians 2 to highlight how God's mercy and love can transform lives. It shares stories of individuals who experienced resurrection from despair and sin, illustrating the life-changing power of encountering Jesus. The speaker calls for a response to invite Christ into one's heart, offering a new life and hope through faith and the Holy Spirit.
Conditions of the World Today
By Charles E. Fuller2.1K50:56WorldEPH 1:1EPH 2:1EPH 2:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses the desires of the flesh and the mind, highlighting that even desires of the mind can be unregenerated and selfish. He emphasizes that those who seek pleasure and love worldly beauty and knowledge often leave out the most important aspect, which is a relationship with God. The speaker also addresses the condition of sinful man and whether there is a way back to God. The sermon concludes with a call to reflect on these teachings and seek a way back to God.
Breaking Away From Father
By David Wilkerson2.0K52:47JER 2:19HOS 14:1LUK 15:20JHN 4:23EPH 2:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of returning to God after breaking away from Him, highlighting the grief caused to the Father by our departure and the joy that comes when we repent and return to Him. It delves into the deep love God has for us, the need for genuine repentance, and the transformation that occurs when we come back to Him from a place of spiritual death.
Man's Ruin and God's Remedy
By C.H. Spurgeon1.9K44:23NUM 21:8MAT 6:33JHN 3:14ROM 5:82CO 5:21EPH 2:11TI 1:15In this sermon, the preacher addresses sinners and emphasizes their desperate state. He describes four alarming truths that sinners must face: their guilt for past sins, their inability to save themselves, their inherent depravity, and their inclination to continue sinning. The preacher warns that without belief in Christ, sinners are in a ruined state, much like the Israelites bitten by fiery serpents in the wilderness. However, he offers hope by proclaiming that Christ, who came down to sinners, is willing to save them if they trust in him.
Spiritual Resurrection
By C.H. Spurgeon1.8K41:31PRO 4:23LUK 15:20JHN 21:15EPH 2:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses three different individuals who were brought back to life by Jesus: Jairus' daughter, a young man, and Lazarus. The preacher emphasizes that all three were dead, representing the spiritual deadness of all people by nature. The means of grace used to raise them were different, but ultimately the same agency, Jesus Christ, was employed. The after-experience of these individuals differed as well, with specific commands given by Jesus to each of them. The preacher also addresses the condition of young people who are converted before acquiring evil habits, emphasizing the need for instruction and building up in the faith.
(Through the Bible) Ephesians 2a
By Chuck Smith1.8K43:11EPH 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the bondage and darkness of the world. He highlights the destructive forces orchestrated by Satan, such as immorality, pornography, abortion, and homosexuality. The preacher describes how humanity, including himself, was once trapped in this aimless and sinful lifestyle. However, he then shifts to the message of hope and salvation through Jesus Christ, emphasizing God's great love and mercy. The preacher concludes by urging listeners to recognize their fallen nature and turn to Christ for deliverance from the bondage of sin.
What Happens When We Become Christians
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K54:51New BelieverMAT 6:33JHN 3:3JHN 10:10JHN 14:6ROM 6:42CO 5:17EPH 2:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the Christian life and its place in the eternal plans of God. The Christian life is characterized by a sense of hope and purpose, as believers have a deep-rooted consciousness that there is something wonderful ahead. Becoming a Christian brings about a new awareness of meaning and destiny, as well as a sense of vocation and calling. The speaker emphasizes that man's relationship with God is dislocated by nature, and that the Bible teaches that things were once right but have gone wrong.
Eph 1 - Surpassing Power
By Gareth Evans1.5K41:00Power Of GodEPH 1:16EPH 2:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the Israelites being led out of Egypt by Moses. The Israelites find themselves trapped between the sea and the mountains, with the Egyptian army pursuing them. They become fearful and question Moses, wondering if he brought them out to die in the desert. Moses reassures them, telling them to stand still and witness the salvation of the Lord. The preacher emphasizes the power of God, describing it as latent power, like a bulldozer waiting to be activated. He also explains the Greek word "dunamis," which means power, and compares it to dynamite. The preacher encourages the audience to understand and experience the exceeding greatness of God's power in their lives.
Dr. Law and Dr. Grace - Part 4
By Lester Roloff1.5K08:49JHN 3:3JHN 14:6ACT 4:12ROM 3:23EPH 2:1EPH 2:8TIT 3:5
This sermon delves into the spiritual condition of humanity, emphasizing the inherent sinfulness and spiritual deadness of individuals from birth, highlighting the need for a spiritual rebirth through Jesus Christ. It illustrates the futile attempts of individuals to find healing and salvation through worldly means, such as self-righteousness, good works, and religious practices, ultimately leading to disappointment and failure. The narrative follows the journey of seeking help from various 'doctors' representing different human efforts to address spiritual needs, culminating in the realization of the necessity to 'join' with Jesus for true transformation and salvation.
Quote - Only Two Types of People
By Leonard Ravenhill1.4K00:11Ravenhill QuoteSinSpiritual LifeJHN 8:36ROM 6:11ROM 8:12CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:1COL 3:3TIT 2:141PE 2:241JN 1:9Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes that there are fundamentally two types of people: those who are dead in sin and those who are dead to sin. He challenges listeners to examine their spiritual state and encourages them to strive for a life that is dead to sin, living in the freedom and victory that comes from Christ. The sermon calls for a deep reflection on one's relationship with sin and the transformative power of the Gospel.
Intoxicated With Babylon-Chapter Four
By Steve Gallagher1.4K09:02Babylon2CO 6:14EPH 2:1In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the negative influence of the world on Christians and emphasizes the importance of separating oneself from worldly values. The speaker highlights the prevalence of immoral content in media and warns against Christians immersing themselves in such influences. The sermon emphasizes the need for an eternal perspective and the long-term goal of God in preparing believers to come out from the world. The ultimate purpose of separating from the world is to be devoted to God and to be part of the bride of Christ, free from any other lovers.
Ephesians Chapter 2 - Part 1
By William MacDonald1.4K43:23ExpositionalEPH 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the simplicity of the gospel message, stating that it is accessible to everyone. He highlights the concept of substitution as the central theme of the gospel, explaining that God devised a plan where a substitute would pay the penalty for the sins of the people He wanted to save. The preacher also mentions the idea of salvation being offered to all and being sufficient for all, without any restrictions or exclusions. He concludes by emphasizing that salvation cannot be forced upon anyone and that it eliminates human boasting. The sermon is based on Ephesians chapter 2.
Your Full Potential in Christ
By Paris Reidhead1.3K59:47Full PotentialEPH 2:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for the power of Almighty God to solve the enormous and hopeless tragedies that exist in every home and life. The speaker encourages the audience to not just treat the sermon as another lecture or Bible study, but to truly open their hearts and ask God to make the truth real in their lives. The speaker shares a personal experience of leading a week-long missionary conference where fasting and prayer were encouraged to seek God's will. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the hunger for knowledge that God has placed within us and the importance of continually seeking to learn and grow in our understanding of God's truth.
Songs That David Couldn't Sing
By Sandeep Poonen1.3K45:38LUK 19:40ROM 8:10EPH 2:1
This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a deep, intimate relationship with God, focusing on being engaged to Jesus as the bridegroom. It explores the concept of singing songs that reflect the unique connection between the bride and the bridegroom, highlighting the hunger for Jesus and the need to keep our hearts full of the Holy Spirit. The speaker encourages a life of simplicity and purity in devotion to Jesus, seeking a bridal relationship where we share secrets and burdens with our bridegroom.
The Simplicity of "Believe Also in Me"
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.3K24:44BelievingEPH 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living in hope and pleasing Jesus. He shares a story about a child in a school who was joyful because they knew they would go home in seven years, illustrating the simplicity of rejoicing in hope. The preacher highlights the power of loving Jesus and being filled with the love of Christ through the Holy Spirit. He encourages the congregation to seek God fervently and tap into the fountain of life that Jesus offers, emphasizing the need for greater faith and trust in Him.
Studies in Ephesians - Part 1
By William MacDonald1.2K44:49StudiesGAL 4:4EPH 1:3EPH 1:10EPH 2:1EPH 2:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of being children of God and how it relates to the Old Testament. He emphasizes that in the past, believers were in bondage under the elements of the rudiments of the age. However, when the fullness of time came, God sent his son to redeem those under the law and adopt them as sons. The preacher also highlights the dispensation of the fullness of time when God will gather all things in Christ. He encourages believers to seek understanding in the Word of God, as even the humblest believer can grasp these truths while the world remains blind to them.
Questions on Inability
By John Murray1.2K51:26InabilityMAT 6:33MRK 10:14ROM 5:8ROM 8:9EPH 2:1EPH 3:81TI 2:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fear that comes with proclaiming the word of God. He emphasizes that the free offer of the gospel is centered around Christ and his finished work. The preacher also mentions the role of the Holy Spirit in opening the hearts of individuals to receive and embrace the love of Christ. He highlights the importance of preaching about the heinousness, guiltiness, misery, and consequences of sin. Additionally, there is a question raised about the compatibility of certain doctrines with the free offering of grace in the gospel, to which the preacher explains that they are based on the fact of man's total inability.
Model for Praying - Part 1
By J. Glyn Owen96848:32PrayingEPH 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of God as our Father and the importance of understanding the Fatherhood of God. He refers to a prayer where someone in the congregation suggests that we should call God our Father and ask Him to take action. The preacher explains that the idea of God as our Father brings Him close to us and highlights His love and care for us. He also emphasizes the concept of grace, explaining that God's love for us is unmerited and undeserved. The preacher concludes by discussing the vital link between the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of the Saints, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring this connection in our prayers.
The Depravity of Sinful Man
By Rolfe Barnard82841:16MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 1:18ROM 14:92CO 5:19EPH 2:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of knowing Jesus Christ not only as a Savior but also as a Lord and King who guides and leads believers in their lives. The purpose of Jesus' death and resurrection is examined, emphasizing the need for people to turn to God and avoid the consequences of their sinful actions. The preacher highlights the depravity of sinful men and the urgency to proclaim the actual salvation accomplished by God through Christ. The sermon calls for a revival in the nation, urging individuals to return to a life of righteousness and worship of a holy God.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And you hath he quickened - This chapter should not have been separated from the preceding, with which it is most intimately connected. As Christ fills the whole body of Christian believers with his fullness, (Eph 1:23), so had he dealt with the converted Ephesians, who before were dead in trespasses, and dead in sins. Death is often used by all writers, and in all nations, to express a state of extreme misery. The Ephesians, by trespassing and sinning, had brought themselves into a state of deplorable wretchedness, as had all the heathen nations; and having thus sinned against God, they were condemned by him, and might be considered as dead in law - incapable of performing any legal act, and always liable to the punishment of death, which they had deserved, and which was ready to be inflicted upon them. Trespasses, παραπτωμασι, may signify the slightest deviation from the line and rule of moral equity, as well as any flagrant offense; for these are equally transgressions, as long as the sacred line that separates between vice and virtue is passed over. Sins, ἁμαρτιαις, may probably mean here habitual transgression; sinning knowingly and daringly.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And you hath he quickened,.... The design of the apostle in this and some following verses, is to show the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and to set forth the sad estate and condition of man by nature, and to magnify the riches of the grace of God, and represent the exceeding greatness of his power in conversion: the phrase hath he quickened, is not in the original text, but is supplied from Eph 2:5, where it will be met with and explained: here those who are quickened with Christ, and by the power and grace of God, are described in their natural and unregenerate estate, who were dead in trespasses and sins; not only dead in Adam, in whom they sinned, being their federal head and representative; and in a legal sense, the sentence of condemnation and death having passed upon them; but in a moral sense, through original sin, and their own actual transgressions: which death lies in a separation from God, Father, Son, and Spirit, such are without God, and are alienated from the life of God, and they are without Christ, who is the author and giver of life, and they are sensual, not having the Spirit, who is the spirit of life; and in a deformation of the image of God, such are dead as to their understandings, wills, and affections, with respect to spiritual things, and as to their capacity to do any thing that is spiritually good; and in a loss of original righteousness; and in a privation of the sense of sin and misery; and in a servitude to sin, Satan, and the world: hence it appears, that man must be in himself unacceptable to God, infectious and hurtful to his fellow creatures, and incapable of helping himself: so it was usual with the Jews to call a wicked and ignorant man, a dead man; they say (i), "there is no death like that of those that transgress the words of the law, who are called, "dead men", and therefore the Scripture says, "turn and live".'' And again (k), "no man is called a living man, but he who is in the way of truth in this world.----And a wicked man who does not go in the way of truth, is called, "a dead man".'' And once more (l). "whoever is without wisdom, lo, he is "as a dead man";'' See Gill on Ti1 5:6. The Alexandrian and Claromontane copies, and one of Stephens's, and the Vulgate Latin version, read, "dead in your trespasses and sins"; and the Syriac version, "dead in your sins and in your trespasses"; and the Ethiopic version only, "dead in your sins". (i) Zohar in Gen, fol. 41. 3. (k) Ib. in Num. fol. 76. 1. Vid. ib;. in Exod. fol. 44. 2. (l) Caphtor, fol. 30. 2.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The miserable condition of the Ephesians by nature is here in part described. Observed, 1. Unregenerate souls are dead in trespasses and sins. All those who are in their sins, are dead in sins; yea, in trespasses and sins, which may signify all sorts of sins, habitual and actual, sins of heart and of life. Sin is the death of the soul. Wherever that prevails there is a privation of all spiritual life. Sinners are dead in state, being destitute of the principles, and powers of spiritual life; and cut off from God, the fountain of life: and they are dead in law, as a condemned malefactor is said to be a dead man. 2. A state of sin is a state of conformity to this world, Eph 2:2. In the first verse he speaks of their internal state, in this of their outward conversation: Wherein, in which trespasses and sins, in time past you walked, you lived and behaved yourselves in such a manner as the men of the world are used to do. 3. We are by nature bond-slaves to sin and Satan. Those who walk in trespasses and sins, and according to the course of this world, walk according to the prince of the power of the air. The devil, or the prince of devils, is thus described. See Mat 12:24, Mat 12:26. The legions of apostate angels are as one power united under one chief; and therefore what is called the powers of darkness elsewhere is here spoken of in the singular number. The air is represented as the seat of his kingdom: and it was the opinion of both Jews and heathens that the air is full of spirits, and that there they exercise and exert themselves. The devil seems to have some power (by God's permission) in the lower region of the air; there he is at hand to tempt men, and to do as much mischief to the world as he can: but it is the comfort and joy of God's people that he who is head over all things to the church has conquered the devil and has him in his chain. But wicked men are slaves to Satan, for they walk according to him; they conform their lives and actions to the will and pleasure of this great usurper. The course and tenour of their lives are according to his suggestions, and in compliance with his temptations; they are subject to him, and are led captive by him at his will, whereupon he is called the god of this world, and the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. The children of disobedience are such as choose to disobey God, and to serve the devil; in these he works very powerfully and effectually. As the good Spirit works that which is good in obedient souls, so this evil spirit works that which is evil in wicked men; and he now works, not only heretofore, but even since the world has been blessed with the light of the glorious gospel. The apostle adds, Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past, which words refer to the Jews, whom he signifies here to have been in the like sad and miserable condition by nature, and to have been as vile and wicked as the unregenerate Gentiles themselves, and whose natural state he further describes in the next words. 4. We are by nature drudges to the flesh, and to our corrupt affections, Eph 2:3. By fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, men contract that filthiness of flesh and spirit from which the apostle exhorts Christians to cleanse themselves, Co2 7:1. The fulfilling of the desires of the flesh and of the mind includes all the sin and wickedness that are acted in and by both the inferior and the higher or nobler powers of the soul. We lived in the actual commission of all those sins to which corrupt nature inclined us. The carnal mind makes a man a perfect slave to his vicious appetite. - The fulfilling of the wills of the flesh, so the words may be rendered, denoting the efficacy of these lusts, and what power they have over those who yield themselves up unto them. 5. We are by nature the children of wrath, even as others. The Jews were so, as well as the Gentiles; and one man is as much so as another by nature, not only by custom and imitation, but from the time when we began to exist, and by reason of our natural inclinations and appetites. All men, being naturally children of disobedience, are also by nature children of wrath: God is angry with the wicked every day. Our state and course are such as deserve wrath, and would end in eternal wrath, if divine grace did not interpose. What reason have sinners then to be looking out for that grace that will make them, of children of wrath, children of God and heirs of glory! Thus far the apostle has described the misery of a natural state in these verses, which we shall find him pursuing again in some following ones.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:1-10 Paul reflects on the terrible situation of the believers before they believed in Christ and the grace of God that has spared them. 2:1-3 Paul’s readers were once like dead people before God (see 2:5; Col 2:13). Because of their disobedience and sins, driven by the power of the devil, they were condemned along with the rest of the world to suffer God’s judgment.