Ephesians 5:2
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And walk in love - Let every act of life be dictated by love to God and man. As Christ - hath loved us - Laying down your lives for your brethren if necessary; counting nothing too difficult to be done in order to promote their eternal salvation. Hath given himself for us - Christ hath died in our stead, and become thereby a sacrifice for our sins. An offering - Προσφορα· An oblation, an eucharistic offering; the same as מנחה minchah, Lev 2:1, etc., which is explained to be an offering made unto the Lord, of fine flour, with oil and frankincense. It means, any offering by which gratitude was expressed for temporal blessings received from the bounty of God. A sacrifice - Θυσια· A sin-offering, a victim for sin; the same as זבח zebach, which almost universally means that sacrificial act in which the blood of an animal was poured out as an atonement for sin. These terms may be justly considered as including every kind of sacrifice, offering, and oblation made to God on any account; and both these terms are with propriety used here, because the apostle's design was to represent the sufficiency of the offering made by Christ for the sin of the world. And the passage strongly intimates, that as man is bound to be grateful to God for the good things of this life, so he should testify that gratitude by suitable offerings; but having sinned against God, he has forfeited all earthly blessings as well as those that come from heaven; and that Jesus Christ gave himself ὑπερ ἡμων, in our stead and on our account, as the gratitude-offering, προσφορα, which we owed to our Maker, and, without which a continuance of temporal blessings could not be expected; and also as a sacrifice for sin, θυσια, without which we could never approach God, and without which we must be punished with an everlasting destruction from the presence of God and the glory of his power. Thus we find that even our temporal blessings come from and by Jesus Christ, as well as all our spiritual and eternal mercies. For a sweet-smelling savor - Εις οσμην ευωδιας· The same as is expressed in Gen 8:21; Lev 1:9; Lev 3:16 : ריח ניהוח ליהוה reiach nichoach laihovah, "a sweet savor unto the Lord;" i.e. an offering of his own prescription, and one with which he was well pleased; and by accepting of which he showed that he accepted the person who offered it. The sweet-smelling savor refers to the burnt-offerings, the fumes of which ascended from the fire in the act of burning; and as such odors are grateful to man, God represents himself as pleased with them, when offered by an upright worshipper according to his own appointment.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And--in proof that you are so. walk in love--resuming Eph 4:1, "walk worthy of the vocation." as Christ . . . loved us--From the love of the Father he passes to the love of the Son, in whom God most endearingly manifests His love to us. given himself for us--Greek, "given Himself up (namely, to death, Gal 2:20) for us," that is, in our behalf: not here vicarious substitution, though that is indirectly implied, "in our stead." The offerer, and the offering that He offered, were one and the same (Joh 15:13; Rom 5:8). offering and a sacrifice--"Offering" expresses generally His presenting Himself to the Father, as the Representative undertaking the cause of the whole of our lost race (Psa 40:6-8), including His life of obedience; though not excluding His offering of His body for us (Heb 10:10). It is usually an unbloody offering, in the more limited sense. "Sacrifice" refers to His death for us exclusively. Christ is here, in reference to Psa 40:6 (quoted again in Heb 10:5), represented as the antitype of all the offerings of the law, whether the unbloody or bloody, eucharistical or propitiatory. for a sweet-smelling savour--Greek, "for an odor of a sweet smell," that is, God is well pleased with the offering on the ground of its sweetness,and so is reconciled to us (Eph 1:6; Mat 3:17; Co2 5:18-19; Heb 10:6-17). The ointment compounded of principal spices, poured upon Aaron's head, answers to the variety of the graces by which He was enabled to "offer Himself a sacrifice for a sweet-smelling savor." Another type, or prophecy by figure, was "the sweet savor" ("savor of rest," Margin) which God smelled in Noah's sacrifice (Gen 8:21). Again, as what Christ is, believers also are (Jo1 4:17), and ministers are: Paul says (Co2 2:17) "we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And walk in love,.... To God; to which the saints are obliged, not only by the law of God, which requires it, but by the goodness of God, and the discoveries of his love to them; and which shows itself in fearing to offend him, in a conformity to his will, in making his glory the chief end of all actions, and in loving all that belong to him: and also the saints should walk in love to Christ; who is to be loved fervently, constantly, in sincerity, with all the heart, and above all creatures and things; because of the loveliness of his person, the love he bears to them, and the things he has done for them, and the relations he stands in to them; and which is manifested in keeping his commands, in delighting in his presence, and in a concern at his absence: and also they should walk in love to one another, which is chiefly designed; which is Christ's new commandment, and is an evidence of regeneration; and without which a profession of religion is in vain: and to "walk" in love, is not merely to talk of it, but to exercise it; and to do all that is done for God, and Christ, and the saints, from a principle of love; and to advance, increase, and abound in it, and to go on and continue therein: the example to be copied after, and which carries in it an argument engaging to it is, as Christ also hath loved us; with a love exceeding great and strong, which is wonderful, inconceivable, and unparalleled; and even as the Father has loved him; with a love that is free and sovereign, unchangeable and everlasting, of which he has given many instances; and a principal one is hereafter mentioned: the "as" here is a note of similitude, not of equality; for it cannot be thought that the saints should love God, or Christ, or one another, with a love equal to Christ's love to them, but only that theirs should bear some likeness to his: the Alexandrian copy and Ethiopic version, instead of "us", read "you": and hath given himself for us; not the world, and the things of it, which are his; not men, nor angels, nor animals, but himself; he gave away his time, service, and strength; his name, fame, and reputation; all the comforts of life, and life itself; his whole human nature, soul and body, and that as in union with his divine person; and that not only for the good of his people, but in their room and stead; not for angels, nor for all men, but for his chosen ones, the church, his sheep, his people, and when they, were sinners; in the following manner, and for the said purpose: an offering and a sacrifice to God, for a sweet smelling savour; Christ was both priest and sacrifice; he offered up himself a propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of his people, to expiate them, and make reconciliation and satisfaction for them; and this he offered up to God, against whom they had sinned, and whose justice must be satisfied, who called him to this work, and engaged him in it; and which was well pleasing to him, he smelled a sweet savour of rest in it, it being an unblemished sacrifice, and voluntarily offered up; and was complete, full, and adequate to the demands of his justice; by it sin was put away, finished, and made an end of, and his people perfected for ever; see Gen 8:20.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:2 Christ’s love is shown especially in his offering himself as a sacrifice for us (cp. 5:25; John 15:13; Rom 5:8). Christian love is motivated by and modeled after Christ’s sacrificial love (see Phil 2:5-8). • Paul draws on Old Testament imagery, where the smell of a burning sacrifice was a pleasing aroma to God (see Lev 1:9; 2:2; cp. Rom 12:1).
Ephesians 5:2
Imitators of God
1Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, 2and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Exodus) Exodus 27:1-8
By J. Vernon McGee3.2K06:51EXO 27:1MAT 6:33JHN 1:29ACT 2:23EPH 5:2HEB 10:19REV 13:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of the way of the cross as the only path to God. The brazen altar is highlighted as the place where access to God is made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The altar is described as a symbol of strength and judgment, with its brass overlay representing the judgment of sin. The preacher also emphasizes the equality of all people before God, as demonstrated by the altar's four square shape. The sermon concludes with the reminder that through the cross, God's justice and mercy are perfectly balanced, allowing sinners to come to Him.
(Basics) 37. Jesus Valued All People
By Zac Poonen2.5K13:06MAT 6:33MAT 23:27MAT 23:33JHN 1:141CO 13:1EPH 4:15EPH 5:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of balancing grace and truth in our lives, using the example of Jesus as the perfect model. He compares the need for bones in our physical bodies to the need for balance in our spiritual lives. The speaker highlights the significance of loving and valuing all people, regardless of their social status or appearance, as they are made in the image of God. He emphasizes Jesus' love for humanity, which led him to willingly sacrifice his life to free people from sin. This love gave Jesus the authority to speak against sin with conviction.
A Sacrifice Like a Perfume
By Zac Poonen1.7K59:13GEN 8:21MRK 12:41ROM 12:1EPH 5:2PHP 4:18This sermon emphasizes the importance of sacrificial giving and worshiping God with a fragrant aroma, focusing on the story of the widow's offering in Mark 12. It challenges believers to offer their lives as living sacrifices, denying themselves for the sake of God's kingdom. The speaker highlights the need for genuine love and sacrifice in all aspects of life, including financial giving, to please God and be filled with the Spirit of Christ.
Ye Are the Light of the World - Part 2
By Roy Daniel1.2K09:05MAT 5:44JHN 13:341CO 13:1GAL 5:22EPH 5:2COL 3:141PE 4:81JN 2:61JN 4:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of embodying the love of Christ in our actions, rather than just speaking about Jesus. It shares powerful stories of individuals like Will McFarlane, John Wesley, and John Hyde, who demonstrated Christ-like love through their lives, even in the face of persecution and rejection. The message challenges believers to reflect the love of Christ in a tangible way, going beyond mere words or religious activities.
Love Is the Greatest
By Zac Poonen80759:26MAT 5:44LUK 7:47LUK 18:13ROM 5:82CO 5:14EPH 5:2COL 3:141PE 3:71JN 4:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining a deep love for Jesus by understanding the depth of His sacrifice on the cross and the significance of forgiveness. It highlights the need to prioritize fellowship with God above all else and to love others as Christ loved us, focusing on genuine, sacrificial love that reflects God's mercy and grace.
The Lord's Heart for Spiritual Service - Part 3
By Stephen Kaung6741:41:31JHN 1:9JHN 4:24ACT 2:1ACT 2:42EPH 5:2REV 1:10REV 2:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of serving according to God's vision. He acknowledges that as humans, our service often falls short of God's expectations. He encourages listeners to examine their own service and the state of the churches they are a part of. The speaker also discusses the need for humility and the recognition that we have failed in our service. He concludes by highlighting the way to recovery, which involves focusing on the work that God desires and being ready for His return.
Walking With God - Enoch
By Doc Greenway67229:48EnochGEN 5:24GEN 17:1MAT 6:33EPH 4:1EPH 5:2In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a little boy who prays loudly for a bike, unaware that his grandfather is sleeping nearby. The preacher then emphasizes the importance of walking worthily in the Christian life, referencing Ephesians 4:1. He explains that walking worthily involves aligning our lives with God's will and priorities. The preacher also discusses the different positions in walking with God, including walking behind God as a faithful servant and walking before God as a trusting child. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of walking lovingly, as Christ loved us and sacrificed Himself for us.
Christ Is Above All
By Tim Conway52906:19EPH 5:2COL 3:1HEB 1:2This sermon emphasizes the impending judgment day where Jesus will call all nations before Him, urging listeners to live a life passionately in love with Jesus Christ, prioritizing Him above all else. The message highlights the transformative power of truth and a deep understanding of Christ, leading to sacrificial love and joy in serving Him. It challenges believers to meditate on Christ's glory, love, and sacrifice, inspiring a life of devotion and service.
Session 12: John 17
By Joseph Carroll2741:41Christian LifeSacrificeDiscipleshipMAT 6:13JHN 12:24JHN 14:13JHN 15:16JHN 17:15JHN 17:17ROM 12:12CO 4:10EPH 5:21JN 3:16Joseph Carroll emphasizes the significance of accepting Jesus' teachings and the responsibility that comes with spiritual enlightenment. He highlights the importance of daily prayer for protection from the evil one and the necessity of sanctification through truth. Carroll explains that true discipleship involves self-sacrifice and the manifestation of Christ's love in our lives, which leads to genuine evangelism. He stresses that only through dying to ourselves can we bear fruit for others, and that our service should be directed solely towards Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a life of intercession and love, reflecting the character of Christ to draw others to Him.
The Unselfish Love of God
By Phil Beach Jr.1448:52Unselfish LoveLove Of GodSacrificeMAT 22:37LUK 6:31JHN 15:13ROM 5:81CO 13:42CO 5:14GAL 5:13EPH 5:2PHP 2:31JN 4:9Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the unselfish love of God, illustrating how God's love is purely for the benefit of others, as demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He contrasts this divine love with human love, which is often selfish and conditional, urging believers to seek a deeper understanding of God's unselfishness. Beach challenges the congregation to move beyond mere praise of God's love to embody it in their lives, becoming active participants in addressing the needs around them. He shares stories of individuals who, compelled by God's love, engage in selfless acts of service, highlighting the transformative power of unselfish love in the Christian life. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to live out this love, which can break the chains of selfishness and bring about true change in the world.
Understanding the Cross
By Selwyn Hughes0JHN 3:16ROM 5:81CO 1:18GAL 2:20EPH 5:2PHP 2:5Selwyn Hughes delves into the mystery of the universe, suggesting that God is the answer, and the mystery of God is revealed in Christ. He emphasizes that the sacrificial spirit of Christ, epitomized by His death on the cross for sinners, holds the key to understanding His true nature. Hughes acknowledges the limitations of human comprehension in fully grasping the significance of the cross, but encourages a heart and mind that respond to its profound meaning. He highlights the importance of having a sacrificial spirit within to truly comprehend the depth of the cross, as living only for oneself can lead to missing its real significance.
The More Vile Christ Made Himself for Us
By Thomas Brooks0Christ's SacrificeThe Depth of SufferingISA 53:5MAT 27:29JHN 19:30ROM 5:81CO 1:18GAL 2:20EPH 5:2PHP 2:8HEB 12:21PE 2:24Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound suffering and humiliation that Christ endured for humanity, urging believers to keep the image of a crucified Christ at the forefront of their minds. He reflects on the deep wounds, heavy burdens, and bitter cup that Jesus faced, illustrating the extent of His agony and the shame He bore. Brooks encourages the faithful to find sweetness and consolation in the remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, recognizing that the more vile Christ made Himself for us, the more precious He should be to us.
Greater Love Hath No Man Than This, That a Man Lay Down His Life
By John Calvin0JHN 15:13ROM 5:8EPH 5:21JN 4:9John Calvin preaches on the profound love of Christ, emphasizing that there is no greater love than laying down one's life for friends. He highlights how Christ's sacrifice serves as both a confirmation of our salvation and an example for us to love one another. Calvin points out that God's decision to offer His Son as a sacrifice demonstrates the depth of His care for our salvation, urging believers to be moved by the incomparable sweetness of Divine love.
A Thought for the New Year
By Robert Hawker0PSA 84:11PSA 90:17JHN 14:16ROM 8:162CO 13:14EPH 1:4EPH 5:2REV 4:8Robert Hawker preaches on the importance of seeking daily blessings from the Holy Trinity - the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit. He encourages believers to end and begin each year under the precious tokens of God in Christ, maintaining a lively communion with each person of the Godhead for true happiness. Hawker emphasizes the love of God the Father in giving Jesus to the church, the sacrificial love of Jesus for the church, and the continuous work of the Holy Spirit in applying the redemption accomplished by Christ. He urges souls to seek the love-tokens of each person of the Trinity daily for earthly and eternal blessings.
1 John 3:16
By John Gill0Brotherly LoveSacrificial LoveMAT 5:44JHN 15:13ROM 16:3GAL 6:2EPH 5:2PHP 2:3HEB 13:161PE 3:161JN 3:161JN 4:9John Gill emphasizes the profound love of God as demonstrated through Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for humanity, showcasing His grace and mercy. This act of love is not based on human merit but is a reflection of God's rich compassion. Gill encourages believers to imitate this love by being willing to lay down their lives for one another, as exemplified by figures like Priscilla and Aquila. He highlights that true brotherly love involves risking oneself for the sake of others and the Gospel. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding and practice of sacrificial love among Christians.
Love
By J.C. Ryle0Christian DiscipleshipThe Nature of LoveMAT 25:41JHN 13:34ROM 13:81CO 13:13GAL 5:22EPH 5:2COL 3:141TI 1:51PE 4:82PE 1:4J.C. Ryle emphasizes the paramount importance of love in the Christian faith, asserting that it is the greatest of all graces, surpassing faith and hope. He outlines the biblical perspective on love, clarifying misconceptions and highlighting its true nature as selfless, patient, and enduring. Ryle argues that genuine love stems from a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit and is essential for true Christian living. He calls for a deeper understanding and practice of love, urging believers to reflect Christ's love in their actions and relationships. Ultimately, Ryle challenges his audience to cultivate love in their lives, as it is the hallmark of true discipleship.
Love: On God's Side
By F.B. Meyer0God's LoveSacrifice of ChristPSA 136:1JHN 3:16ROM 5:8EPH 1:6EPH 2:5EPH 3:19EPH 5:2EPH 5:25EPH 6:231JN 4:9F.B. Meyer emphasizes that God's love is not contingent upon our actions or the sacrifice of Jesus, but rather, it is the very foundation of Christ's sacrifice. He explains that God's love flows through Jesus, who reveals the true nature of the Father, and that this love remains steadfast despite our sins and shortcomings. Meyer illustrates the vastness of God's love, describing its breadth, length, height, and depth, and how it is expressed through supreme sacrifice. He concludes by highlighting the intimate relationship between God and humanity, where love and faith are intertwined, allowing God's love to flow into our hearts and through us to the world.
This Is How We Know What Love Is- Jesus Christ Laid Down His Life for Us!
By Phil Beach Jr.0JHN 15:131CO 13:1GAL 2:20EPH 5:21JN 3:16Phil Beach Jr. preaches about the true essence of love, emphasizing that love is defined by Jesus laying His life down for us, and that to claim to love without sacrificing for others is to possess a false love. He highlights the importance of laying our lives down for others, denying our own desires, and showing God's love through actions, not just words. The sermon delves into the selfless love of God, demonstrated through Jesus' sacrifice for our sins, and challenges listeners to repent from pride and self-love to truly experience and share God's limitless love.
The Invisible Sacrifice
By G.W. North0Spiritual SacrificeThe Nature of God's LoveLEV 17:11PSA 51:16ISA 53:5JHN 15:13ROM 12:1EPH 5:2HEB 9:22HEB 10:41PE 2:5G.W. North emphasizes that the foundation of the world was laid in a spiritual sacrifice by God, which transcends the traditional understanding of sacrifice associated with sin and atonement. He argues that this divine sacrifice is eternal and rooted in the essence of life itself, rather than being a mere ritual for forgiveness. North explains that while physical sacrifices were instituted for Israel, they were intended to reflect deeper spiritual realities and the nature of God's love. The true significance of sacrifice lies in its representation of God's being and love, rather than the act itself. Ultimately, the visible sacrifices were mere shadows of the greater spiritual truths they were meant to convey.
Our Daily Homily - 2 John
By F.B. Meyer0Love and ObedienceTruth in RelationshipsMAT 22:37JHN 14:15JHN 15:10ROM 13:10GAL 5:13EPH 5:21PE 1:221JN 4:191JN 5:32JN 1:6F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound connection between love and obedience in his sermon on 2 John, illustrating that true love manifests through walking in God's commandments. He suggests that our feelings of distance towards others often stem from a lack of sincerity and transparency in our relationships. Meyer highlights that perfect love is rooted in truth, and that by removing insincerity, we can deepen our love for God. He encourages believers to recognize that genuine love is not merely an emotion but is demonstrated through obedience to God's will. The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder that those who truly love are those who obey.
Recover Us Again
By H.J. Vine0PSA 22:29PSA 85:6ISA 57:15JER 2:2AMO 5:5ZEP 3:20JHN 4:23EPH 5:2COL 1:18REV 22:16H.J. Vine preaches on the theme of recovery and revival, drawing from Psalms 85:6 and Isaiah 57:15 to emphasize God as the great Recoverer who restores the contrite and humble. The sermon highlights the importance of turning to God for recovery, the promise of something higher after restoration, and the need for personal and collective revival. Through the story of Hezekiah's recovery, the preacher illustrates the process of overcoming difficulties, seeking God's grace, and experiencing joy in the Lord. The sermon concludes with a focus on the assembly's recovery to the Lord, the shining path of the just, and the anticipation of Christ's return for His bride.
The Spirit of Love
By A.B. Simpson0Walking In The SpiritThe Nature of LoveMAT 22:39JHN 13:34ROM 13:101CO 13:1GAL 5:22EPH 5:2COL 3:141PE 4:81JN 4:161JN 4:19A.B. Simpson emphasizes the paramount importance of love in the Christian life, drawing from the teachings of the Apostle John and the Apostle Paul. He illustrates that love is not merely a natural quality but a divine gift from the Holy Spirit, essential for fulfilling God's commandments and embodying the essence of Christian character. Simpson explains that true love requires faith, surrender to Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, which enables believers to love even those who are difficult to love. He encourages Christians to view others through the lens of God's grace and to recognize that love is both a duty and a source of life, leading to spiritual growth and deeper relationships. Ultimately, he calls for a complete openness to the Holy Spirit's work in our hearts to truly 'walk in love.'
1 John 2:6
By John Gill0Abiding in ChristImitating ChristJHN 6:56ROM 8:38EPH 5:21JN 2:6John Gill emphasizes that those who claim to abide in Christ must also walk as He walked, reflecting a life of faith and obedience. He explains that being in Christ means being secure and united with Him, enjoying a relationship that provides peace and comfort. The call to imitate Christ is not about replicating His miraculous works but rather embodying His grace and love, particularly in our relationships with others. Gill highlights the importance of walking in love, as Christ did, and suggests that this love should be constant and sacrificial when necessary. Ultimately, believers are encouraged to make Christ's example the standard for their own lives.
Body of Christ Gives Life
By St. Cyril of Alexandria0JHN 6:51JHN 10:17EPH 5:21TI 2:5HEB 2:14St. Cyril of Alexandria preaches about the sacrificial death of Christ, emphasizing how Jesus, by becoming human, conquered death and redeemed all of humanity. Through Christ's offering of Himself as a spotless sacrifice, He destroyed the power of the devil and death, giving life to all who believe in Him. By consecrating Himself to God on the cross, Christ's body became the channel through which life flows to us, expelling death and corruption from those who receive Him.
Christ All in All!
By James Smith0PSA 23:1ISA 9:6JHN 10:11JHN 14:6JHN 16:14EPH 5:2COL 1:19HEB 4:151PE 2:6James Smith preaches about the Holy Spirit's work in our hearts as the glorifier of Jesus, leading us to see the Savior in His divine sweetness and glory. As we exalt and glorify Jesus, we long for others to love and adore Him as we do, recognizing His nature of love, grace, and mercy displayed in every aspect of His being. By looking at His person, names, offices, relationships, and comparisons made by the Holy Spirit, we see Christ's unparalleled excellence, loveliness, and suitability, drawing us closer to Him and igniting a desire to serve and glorify Him in all aspects of our lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And walk in love - Let every act of life be dictated by love to God and man. As Christ - hath loved us - Laying down your lives for your brethren if necessary; counting nothing too difficult to be done in order to promote their eternal salvation. Hath given himself for us - Christ hath died in our stead, and become thereby a sacrifice for our sins. An offering - Προσφορα· An oblation, an eucharistic offering; the same as מנחה minchah, Lev 2:1, etc., which is explained to be an offering made unto the Lord, of fine flour, with oil and frankincense. It means, any offering by which gratitude was expressed for temporal blessings received from the bounty of God. A sacrifice - Θυσια· A sin-offering, a victim for sin; the same as זבח zebach, which almost universally means that sacrificial act in which the blood of an animal was poured out as an atonement for sin. These terms may be justly considered as including every kind of sacrifice, offering, and oblation made to God on any account; and both these terms are with propriety used here, because the apostle's design was to represent the sufficiency of the offering made by Christ for the sin of the world. And the passage strongly intimates, that as man is bound to be grateful to God for the good things of this life, so he should testify that gratitude by suitable offerings; but having sinned against God, he has forfeited all earthly blessings as well as those that come from heaven; and that Jesus Christ gave himself ὑπερ ἡμων, in our stead and on our account, as the gratitude-offering, προσφορα, which we owed to our Maker, and, without which a continuance of temporal blessings could not be expected; and also as a sacrifice for sin, θυσια, without which we could never approach God, and without which we must be punished with an everlasting destruction from the presence of God and the glory of his power. Thus we find that even our temporal blessings come from and by Jesus Christ, as well as all our spiritual and eternal mercies. For a sweet-smelling savor - Εις οσμην ευωδιας· The same as is expressed in Gen 8:21; Lev 1:9; Lev 3:16 : ריח ניהוח ליהוה reiach nichoach laihovah, "a sweet savor unto the Lord;" i.e. an offering of his own prescription, and one with which he was well pleased; and by accepting of which he showed that he accepted the person who offered it. The sweet-smelling savor refers to the burnt-offerings, the fumes of which ascended from the fire in the act of burning; and as such odors are grateful to man, God represents himself as pleased with them, when offered by an upright worshipper according to his own appointment.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And--in proof that you are so. walk in love--resuming Eph 4:1, "walk worthy of the vocation." as Christ . . . loved us--From the love of the Father he passes to the love of the Son, in whom God most endearingly manifests His love to us. given himself for us--Greek, "given Himself up (namely, to death, Gal 2:20) for us," that is, in our behalf: not here vicarious substitution, though that is indirectly implied, "in our stead." The offerer, and the offering that He offered, were one and the same (Joh 15:13; Rom 5:8). offering and a sacrifice--"Offering" expresses generally His presenting Himself to the Father, as the Representative undertaking the cause of the whole of our lost race (Psa 40:6-8), including His life of obedience; though not excluding His offering of His body for us (Heb 10:10). It is usually an unbloody offering, in the more limited sense. "Sacrifice" refers to His death for us exclusively. Christ is here, in reference to Psa 40:6 (quoted again in Heb 10:5), represented as the antitype of all the offerings of the law, whether the unbloody or bloody, eucharistical or propitiatory. for a sweet-smelling savour--Greek, "for an odor of a sweet smell," that is, God is well pleased with the offering on the ground of its sweetness,and so is reconciled to us (Eph 1:6; Mat 3:17; Co2 5:18-19; Heb 10:6-17). The ointment compounded of principal spices, poured upon Aaron's head, answers to the variety of the graces by which He was enabled to "offer Himself a sacrifice for a sweet-smelling savor." Another type, or prophecy by figure, was "the sweet savor" ("savor of rest," Margin) which God smelled in Noah's sacrifice (Gen 8:21). Again, as what Christ is, believers also are (Jo1 4:17), and ministers are: Paul says (Co2 2:17) "we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And walk in love,.... To God; to which the saints are obliged, not only by the law of God, which requires it, but by the goodness of God, and the discoveries of his love to them; and which shows itself in fearing to offend him, in a conformity to his will, in making his glory the chief end of all actions, and in loving all that belong to him: and also the saints should walk in love to Christ; who is to be loved fervently, constantly, in sincerity, with all the heart, and above all creatures and things; because of the loveliness of his person, the love he bears to them, and the things he has done for them, and the relations he stands in to them; and which is manifested in keeping his commands, in delighting in his presence, and in a concern at his absence: and also they should walk in love to one another, which is chiefly designed; which is Christ's new commandment, and is an evidence of regeneration; and without which a profession of religion is in vain: and to "walk" in love, is not merely to talk of it, but to exercise it; and to do all that is done for God, and Christ, and the saints, from a principle of love; and to advance, increase, and abound in it, and to go on and continue therein: the example to be copied after, and which carries in it an argument engaging to it is, as Christ also hath loved us; with a love exceeding great and strong, which is wonderful, inconceivable, and unparalleled; and even as the Father has loved him; with a love that is free and sovereign, unchangeable and everlasting, of which he has given many instances; and a principal one is hereafter mentioned: the "as" here is a note of similitude, not of equality; for it cannot be thought that the saints should love God, or Christ, or one another, with a love equal to Christ's love to them, but only that theirs should bear some likeness to his: the Alexandrian copy and Ethiopic version, instead of "us", read "you": and hath given himself for us; not the world, and the things of it, which are his; not men, nor angels, nor animals, but himself; he gave away his time, service, and strength; his name, fame, and reputation; all the comforts of life, and life itself; his whole human nature, soul and body, and that as in union with his divine person; and that not only for the good of his people, but in their room and stead; not for angels, nor for all men, but for his chosen ones, the church, his sheep, his people, and when they, were sinners; in the following manner, and for the said purpose: an offering and a sacrifice to God, for a sweet smelling savour; Christ was both priest and sacrifice; he offered up himself a propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of his people, to expiate them, and make reconciliation and satisfaction for them; and this he offered up to God, against whom they had sinned, and whose justice must be satisfied, who called him to this work, and engaged him in it; and which was well pleasing to him, he smelled a sweet savour of rest in it, it being an unblemished sacrifice, and voluntarily offered up; and was complete, full, and adequate to the demands of his justice; by it sin was put away, finished, and made an end of, and his people perfected for ever; see Gen 8:20.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:2 Christ’s love is shown especially in his offering himself as a sacrifice for us (cp. 5:25; John 15:13; Rom 5:8). Christian love is motivated by and modeled after Christ’s sacrificial love (see Phil 2:5-8). • Paul draws on Old Testament imagery, where the smell of a burning sacrifice was a pleasing aroma to God (see Lev 1:9; 2:2; cp. Rom 12:1).