Ephesians 5:27
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That he might present it to himself - It was usual to bring the royal bride to the king in the most sumptuous apparel; and is there not here an allusion to Psa 45:13, Psa 45:14 : The king's daughter (Pharaoh's) is all glorious within, her clothing is of wrought gold; she shall be brought unto the king (Solomon) in raiment of needlework? This presentation here spoken of by the apostle will take place on the last day. See the note on Co2 11:2. A glorious Church - Every way splendid and honorable, because pure and holy. Not having spot - Σπιλος· No blemish on the face; no spots upon the garment; the heart and life both holy. Wrinkle - Ῥυτιδα· No mark of superannuation or decay. The word is commonly applied to wrinkles on the face, indicative of sickness or decrepitude. Holy and without blemish - In every sense holy, pure, and perfect. Now it was for this purpose that Christ gave himself for the Church; and for this purpose he continues the different ordinances which he has appointed; and, particularly, the preaching of the word - the doctrine of reconciliation through faith in his blood. And it is in this life that all this purification is to take place; for none shall be presented at the day of judgment to him who has not here been sanctified, cleansed, washed, made glorious, having neither spot, wrinkle, blemish, nor any such thing. How vain is the pretension of multitudes to be members of the true Church while full of spots, wrinkles, blemishes, and Many such things; fondly supposing that their holiness is in their surety, because not in themselves! Reader, lay thy hand on thy conscience and say, Dost thou believe that this is St. Paul's meaning? See the notes on Eph 3:14, etc.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
he--The oldest manuscripts and authorities read, "That He might Himself present unto Himself the Church glorious," namely, as a bride (Co2 11:2). Holiness and glory are inseparable. "Cleansing" is the necessary preliminary to both. Holiness is glory internal; glory is holiness shining forth outwardly. The laver of baptism is the vehicle, but the word is the nobler and true instrument of the cleansing [BENGEL]. It is Christ that prepares the Church with the necessary ornaments of grace, for presentation to Himself, as the Bridegroom at His coming again (Mat 25:1, &c.; Rev 19:7; Rev 21:2). not having spot-- (Sol 4:7). The visible Church now contains clean and unclean together, like Noah's ark; like the wedding room which contained some that had, and others that had not, the wedding garment (Mat 22:10-14; compare Ti2 2:20); or as the good and bad fish are taken in the same net because it cannot discern the bad from the good, the fishermen being unable to know what kind of fish the nets have taken under the waves. Still the Church is termed "holy" in the creed, in reference to her ideal and ultimate destination. When the Bridegroom comes, the bride shall be presented to Him wholly without spot, the evil being cut off from the body for ever (Mat 13:47-50). Not that there are two churches, one with bad and good intermingled, another in which there are good alone; but one and the same Church in relation to different times, now with good and evil together, hereafter with good alone [PEARSON].
John Gill Bible Commentary
For no man ever yet hated his own flesh,.... This is unnatural, contrary to the first principles of nature; see Isa 58:7; which the (u) Jews understand of one that is near akin, and there is none nearer than a wife: but nourisheth and cherisheth it; feeds and clothes it: even as the Lord the church; who never hated her, but nourishes and cherishes her: Christ never hated his church and people; for his love is not only a love of benevolence, but of complacency and delight: there is a difference between anger and hatred, Christ may be angry with them, but not hate them; and there is a difference between persons and actions, Christ may hate their actions, but not their persons; and there is a difference between desert and fact, they may be deserving of his wrath and hatred, but are not the objects of it in fact; and there is a difference between what is real, and what is imaginary, they may imagine themselves to be hated by him, when they are not; and there is a difference between hatred, and a non-discovery of love, Christ may not manifest his love, and yet not hate; as he never does his own people, for his love is everlasting and unchangeable: and he "nourishes" them, as a father his child, as a shepherd his flock, and as an husband his wife; he feeds them with that which is nourishing, and with himself the bread of life, with his covenant and promises, with the Gospel and the doctrines of it, and with his love and grace; and by his Spirit, ministers, word, and ordinances: and he "cherishes" them, he grants them near and intimate communion with himself, than which nothing is more desirable by them, or joyful to them; nor is there anything that more revives and encourages faith, hope, and love; he clothes them suitable to their dignity and character, as his spouse and bride; and with which they are well contented, and in which they look exceeding comely in his sight: these phrases are expressive of the whole care Christ takes of his church, in furnishing her with everything pertaining to life and godliness; for her comfort and happiness in this world, and that to come: instead of the Lord, the Alexandrian copy, and some others, the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions read, Christ; and the Arabic version reads, "as the Lord loves the church". (u) Jarchi in loc. & R. Sol. Urbin. in Ohel Moed, fol. 85. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:27 a glorious church without a . . . blemish: The church’s sins have been forgiven through Christ’s sacrifice, and her life is purified by the Holy Spirit. As a result, the church stands holy and without fault before God. Cp. 1:4; 2 Cor 11:2; Col 1:22; Rev 19:7-8; 21:2.
Ephesians 5:27
Wives and Husbands
26to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,27and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Be Ye Holy
By David Wilkerson19K57:19HolinessMAT 5:48ROM 3:10EPH 5:27In this sermon, the speaker discusses the demand for perfect holiness from God. He explains that there are three ways people respond to this call to be holy. The first response is to give up and quit trying because it seems impossible to achieve. The second response is to try to be holy through personal efforts, but this often leads to feelings of failure and inadequacy. The third response, which the speaker encourages, is to rely on God's grace and power to transform and make us holy. The speaker references the story of Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai as an example of God's call for holiness.
Christless Pentecost - Part 1
By David Wilkerson11K29:00PentecostLUK 6:46LUK 9:58JHN 4:23EPH 5:27COL 3:2REV 3:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer in the lives of believers. He challenges the audience to prioritize seeking Christ in prayer, suggesting that even dedicating one day a month or one hour a day to prayer can have a transformative impact. The preacher highlights the example of Jesus, who despite having the responsibility of caring for the entire universe, still made time to pray for his followers. He urges the audience to break free from the distractions and busyness of the world and commit to a deep and intimate prayer life, recognizing that it is through prayer that God can use them to make a powerful impact in the world.
Babylon Is Falling
By David Wilkerson7.4K56:16BabylonPSA 102:13JER 2:8JER 5:22AMO 9:11MAT 24:33EPH 5:27REV 3:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the emergence of a new wave of Holy Ghost music in the church. He emphasizes the importance of worship and praise, particularly through the revival of the great hymns of the church. The preacher expresses concern about the worldliness infiltrating the church, with ministers borrowing music styles and choreography from the secular world. He also highlights the lack of discernment among believers and the need for Christians to be diligent students of the Word of God. The sermon concludes with a personal anecdote about a backslidden businessman who experienced a powerful transformation and expressed a desire to make amends for past wrongs.
Without Spot or Wrinkle
By B.H. Clendennen5.0K49:54HolinessGEN 28:16MAT 7:22ACT 3:6EPH 5:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a holy and genuine church filled with the Holy Spirit. He compares weariness and fear to the experiences of young soldiers in war, highlighting the importance of being refreshed and empowered by the Holy Ghost. The preacher also discusses the Great Commission, emphasizing that the main focus should be on discipleship rather than simply going out into the world. He encourages believers to be vessels through which Jesus Christ is expressed, operating in the same power that Jesus had through the measure of faith given to them.
Deep Dealing - My Testimony
By Andrew Strom4.7K51:22TestimonyPRO 4:23MAT 6:331CO 14:26EPH 5:27EPH 6:172TI 2:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and establishing a position in Him. They mention the teachings of Wigglesworth and Reese Howells, who also discuss this concept. The speaker believes that God is searching for reliable individuals who are not consumed by worldly desires, such as money, sex, and power. They highlight the need for salvation and express a desire to preach the truth to the youth, using music as a means to reach them.
(Reformation Within Protestantism): The Goal of the Church
By A.W. Tozer4.2K45:07ReformationGEN 28:17MAT 6:33EPH 5:271TH 1:82TI 2:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of worship, witness, and work in the lives of believers. He expresses his concern that many people claim to be followers of Christ but do not live out their faith in their actions. The speaker highlights the need for believers to engage in good works and benevolence, following the example of Jesus who went about doing good and healing the oppressed. He challenges the audience to be a model church, presenting a new model for others to follow, and to align their lives with the teachings of the New Testament and the power of the Holy Spirit.
(Forging the Vessel of Recovery) 5- a Vessel of Glory
By B.H. Clendennen3.6K57:33RecoveryLEV 19:19ZEC 4:1MAT 6:33EPH 5:27REV 3:15In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the scripture from Zechariah chapter 4 verses 1-6. The angel in the scripture tells Zechariah that what he sees cannot be accomplished by human power or might, but only by the spirit of God. The preacher emphasizes that the church is the body of Christ, joined together by one spirit. He explains that the church should not be a religious machine, but a glorious church that operates by the power of the Holy Spirit. The preacher also mentions the importance of discerning between religious fantasy and the true vision of God.
(Heavenly Vision) 3 - Vision and Calling
By Stephen Kaung3.5K1:06:15MAT 6:33ACT 26:19EPH 5:27COL 1:26In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of responding to the heavenly vision that God gives us. He uses the example of Abraham, who obeyed God's call to leave his idolatrous city and follow Him. The preacher also highlights that the heavenly vision transforms our lives and should be the testimony of our lives. He mentions that the heavenly vision consists of two parts: seeing the just one (Jesus) and hearing His voice. The Apostle Paul, in his declaration before King Agrippa, testifies that he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, which completely changed his life.
Holiness of God
By Leonard Ravenhill2.7K58:39Holiness1CH 16:29EPH 5:271TH 1:21TH 3:101TH 3:131TH 5:23REV 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a revelation of God's holiness and majesty. He challenges the congregation to examine their priorities and idols, urging them to turn from worldly pursuits and serve the living God. The preacher highlights the need for sanctification and a missionary heart, as well as the expectation of the return of Jesus Christ. He also emphasizes the significance of worshiping God in the beauty of holiness, drawing inspiration from the example of the disciples and the elders in the book of Revelation.
Being Filled With the Spirit
By Hans R. Waldvogel2.7K30:01Filled With The SpiritACT 19:1EPH 4:30EPH 5:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on God's strength in our weakness. He encourages the congregation to look to God for strength and to trust that His power is made perfect in our weakness. The preacher also shares a personal anecdote about twins and reminds the congregation of the joy and innocence of their early days. He then discusses the need for a transformation of the mind through the Holy Spirit and the importance of quieting our minds in the presence of God. The sermon concludes with a warning about the powers of hell and the need to rely on Jesus Christ for protection.
Finishing the Course - 04 Three Secret Sacrifices (A) Secret Giving
By Zac Poonen2.6K40:21Finishing WellMAT 6:1LUK 16:11EPH 5:27In this sermon, Brother Zach addresses the complaint of boring sermons in churches. He emphasizes the importance of being faithful with money and possessions, as Jesus taught in Luke 16:11. Brother Zach shares the parable of the rich man who wanted to become even richer, highlighting the danger of placing our trust in wealth and neglecting our relationship with God. He encourages listeners to prioritize their spiritual lives and not wait until retirement to give their lives fully to God. Additionally, he warns against seeking recognition and honor for acts of charity, emphasizing the importance of doing good deeds in secret.
Levitical Ministry - Part 3of4
By T. Austin-Sparks2.1K40:12MinistryMAL 3:1MAT 6:33EPH 5:27TIT 2:141PE 2:9REV 1:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the nature and purpose of the ministry of preaching the word of God. They emphasize the importance of understanding and redefining the ministry in order to fulfill the Lord's desires. The speaker refers to passages from the book of Malachi and the letter to Titus to highlight the coming of the Lord and the need for purification and redemption. They also mention the various ministries that have taken place in different parts of the world throughout the year.
Woe Is Me, I Am Undone - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill2.1K1:07:59SinfulnessISA 6:5MAT 6:33EPH 5:271PE 1:15REV 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking the best in the Christian life rather than settling for what is merely good. He highlights the need for God's intervention in the current critical hour of America's history and the necessity of experiencing a visitation of the Holy Ghost. The preacher describes a three-fold vision of height, where one sees the Lord high and lifted up, which has the power to transform a person's life. He also discusses the role of suffering in the life of a prophet and contrasts the achievements of men in science with the intimate walk that believers can have with God.
The Wounds of Jesus
By C.H. Spurgeon1.9K40:50MAT 11:28LUK 24:40JHN 3:16ROM 10:9EPH 5:27HEB 12:21PE 2:24In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the necessity of suffering in the life of a Christian. He explains that Christ, as the head, suffered and showed his wounds to his followers to indicate that they too will experience suffering. The preacher shares a story of two monks, one who found faith in Christ and another who struggled to believe. The dying monk seeks comfort from the other, who reminds him of Christ's suffering and encourages him to find solace in his own suffering. The preacher concludes by highlighting that even the wicked experience suffering, but as believers, we should expect to face trials and find strength in Christ's example.
The Pursuit of Holiness
By John Murray1.9K38:47HolinessMAT 6:33GAL 5:22EPH 4:24EPH 5:27PHP 2:12PHP 4:8HEB 13:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. He mentions the virtues that are expected of believers, such as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. The preacher highlights the ultimate goal of believers, which is to be presented before God without any blemish, fully transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that believers should work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, understanding that it is God who is working within them to accomplish His will. The preacher warns against turning the grace of God into laziness and emphasizes the responsibility of believers to actively participate in their own spiritual growth.
The Arm of the Lord - Part 4
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K51:36God's WorkISA 53:1ISA 53:10MAT 6:33ROM 1:18ROM 6:23ROM 8:1EPH 5:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not compromising the holiness of God. He shares a testimony of witnessing the power of God in the Far East, where a small group of believers grew into a large and thriving church. The speaker then discusses the new prospect found in Romans 8, where there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. He explains that God's purpose is to build His glorious church, and despite the deplorable state of the world, God is able to accomplish His plans. The speaker also mentions the life principle of Watchman Nee, who believed in keeping things small and allowing God to bring about enlargement. The sermon concludes with the question of how to respond to deterring factors and the seriousness of the situation, suggesting that we should persevere and trust in God's power.
The Riches of Christ in the Cross of Christ and in the Church of Christ
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K1:23:44Riches Of ChristEPH 3:17EPH 5:27In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of feeling spiritually attacked while innocently visiting a website. He emphasizes the existence of a spiritual conflict that originated from the beginning of time and has affected all realms. The speaker highlights the importance of embracing the sacrifice of Christ and not excluding Him from our lives. He also discusses the significance of the church and the value it holds in the eyes of God. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the immense sacrifice of Jesus and the altar that can contain all men.
(The Church in the Last Days) 03 - Double Minded Adulteress
By Milton Green1.6K1:02:10EPH 5:27EPH 6:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of conforming our hearts to the image of Jesus rather than the likeness of Satan. He highlights how Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers, preventing them from seeing the truth of the gospel. The preacher also discusses the fulfillment of God's law in those who walk according to the Spirit rather than rebellion. He emphasizes the need for our understanding and interpretation of the Bible to align with the Word of God rather than human traditions.
(Compilation) Facts on Revival
By Leonard Ravenhill1.6K13:01PSA 51:10ISA 6:3ROM 8:262CO 7:10EPH 5:27PHP 3:31TH 5:23HEB 12:14JAS 4:8REV 4:8This sermon emphasizes the need for believers to pay the price for revival, to sanctify their whole lives, and to seek a deep, speechless form of worship. It recounts the impact of past revivals where individuals fully surrendered to God, leading to transformation and the spread of revival. The importance of being a prophet, seeing what others don't, and suffering for the sake of others is highlighted. The sermon challenges listeners to seek purity, holiness, and a God-filled personality, emphasizing the necessity of the Holy Spirit in true evangelism and revival.
Collection of a.w. Tozer's Prayers - Volume 3
By A.W. Tozer1.5K22:19PrayerPSA 27:8ISA 55:1ACT 1:8EPH 5:271TH 5:191PE 5:7REV 3:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the presence and power of God in our lives. He acknowledges that while we may feel distant from God, He is always within reach. The preacher encourages the congregation to have faith and not give in to the temptations of sin. He prays for God's guidance and blessings, asking for the strength to obey the Spirit and live according to the Scriptures. The sermon concludes with a plea for God to revive the hearts of those who may be growing cold in their faith and to work miracles in the lives of the people and churches in the city.
Cranbrook Fellowship 2000 Tape 3 (Middle Portion)
By George Warnock1.4K37:02SeminarPSA 95:10ISA 62:1MAL 4:6JHN 14:6ACT 7:55EPH 5:27HEB 3:15In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a recent visitation from God and emphasizes the importance of not hardening our hearts to His voice. The speaker also highlights the need for gratitude for past blessings and hope for future ones. They believe that a great work of cleansing and reconciliation is taking place among believers, which is a precursor to revival. The speaker emphasizes the importance of preparing the church and allowing the light of Jesus to radiate from it, so that all nations may see the salvation of God.
The Preparation of the Bride
By Aaron Hurst1.3K33:24Second ComingMAT 6:33MAT 24:42MAT 25:1ROM 12:14EPH 5:27REV 3:15REV 19:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing ourselves for the coming of the bridegroom, which represents the return of Jesus Christ. He uses the parable of the ten virgins from Matthew 25 to illustrate this point. The five wise virgins were prepared with oil in their lamps, while the five foolish virgins neglected to bring oil. The preacher urges the listeners to take advantage of the current time of reduced distractions and use it to trim their lamps, which symbolizes repentance and seeking God earnestly. He warns of the challenges and tribulations that will come in the last days, including famines, pestilences, and persecution, and encourages believers to endure and remain faithful until the end. The sermon concludes with a reference to Revelation 19, highlighting the joy and celebration of the marriage of the Lamb and the importance of being ready for this glorious event.
The Assemblies 1 cor.3;17
By J.M. Davies1.2K36:39AssemblyMAT 6:331CO 3:17EPH 5:271TI 3:15HEB 10:25JAS 3:161PE 2:9In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experiences of being part of the people of God for 50 years in various countries. He emphasizes the importance of simplicity and purity in devotion to God. The sermon focuses on three well-known scriptures: 1 Corinthians 3:17, which warns against defiling the temple of God; James, which highlights the destructive nature of envy and strife; and 1 Corinthians 12:21, which speaks about the interdependence of different members in the body of Christ. The speaker urges believers to guard against division and strive for unity in the assembly.
Baptized Into the Spirit
By Rolfe Barnard1.1K49:46Holy Spirit BaptismROM 6:4ROM 8:22ROM 11:262CO 2:11EPH 5:271PE 4:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's plan is not to make believers perfect, but to make them desire perfection and fight against sin. He explains that the battle against sin begins as soon as a person is saved and that the fight is primarily against one's own sinful nature. The preacher also highlights the importance of understanding the specific purpose of Christ and how it relates to the universal salvation of humanity. He concludes by urging believers to show compassion and support to fellow believers who may struggle with temptation, emphasizing the ongoing conflict that Christians face in their daily lives.
Precious Faith
By Erlo Stegen1.1K39:58FaithGEN 19:24MAT 7:13MAT 24:44MRK 7:25LUK 18:8EPH 5:27HEB 11:6In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge. He emphasizes the importance of having a faith that perseveres and does not lose heart. The preacher warns that without this kind of faith, one is destined for damnation. He urges the congregation to deeply consider whether they possess this kind of faith and to pray for God to grant them such faith.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That he might present it to himself - It was usual to bring the royal bride to the king in the most sumptuous apparel; and is there not here an allusion to Psa 45:13, Psa 45:14 : The king's daughter (Pharaoh's) is all glorious within, her clothing is of wrought gold; she shall be brought unto the king (Solomon) in raiment of needlework? This presentation here spoken of by the apostle will take place on the last day. See the note on Co2 11:2. A glorious Church - Every way splendid and honorable, because pure and holy. Not having spot - Σπιλος· No blemish on the face; no spots upon the garment; the heart and life both holy. Wrinkle - Ῥυτιδα· No mark of superannuation or decay. The word is commonly applied to wrinkles on the face, indicative of sickness or decrepitude. Holy and without blemish - In every sense holy, pure, and perfect. Now it was for this purpose that Christ gave himself for the Church; and for this purpose he continues the different ordinances which he has appointed; and, particularly, the preaching of the word - the doctrine of reconciliation through faith in his blood. And it is in this life that all this purification is to take place; for none shall be presented at the day of judgment to him who has not here been sanctified, cleansed, washed, made glorious, having neither spot, wrinkle, blemish, nor any such thing. How vain is the pretension of multitudes to be members of the true Church while full of spots, wrinkles, blemishes, and Many such things; fondly supposing that their holiness is in their surety, because not in themselves! Reader, lay thy hand on thy conscience and say, Dost thou believe that this is St. Paul's meaning? See the notes on Eph 3:14, etc.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
he--The oldest manuscripts and authorities read, "That He might Himself present unto Himself the Church glorious," namely, as a bride (Co2 11:2). Holiness and glory are inseparable. "Cleansing" is the necessary preliminary to both. Holiness is glory internal; glory is holiness shining forth outwardly. The laver of baptism is the vehicle, but the word is the nobler and true instrument of the cleansing [BENGEL]. It is Christ that prepares the Church with the necessary ornaments of grace, for presentation to Himself, as the Bridegroom at His coming again (Mat 25:1, &c.; Rev 19:7; Rev 21:2). not having spot-- (Sol 4:7). The visible Church now contains clean and unclean together, like Noah's ark; like the wedding room which contained some that had, and others that had not, the wedding garment (Mat 22:10-14; compare Ti2 2:20); or as the good and bad fish are taken in the same net because it cannot discern the bad from the good, the fishermen being unable to know what kind of fish the nets have taken under the waves. Still the Church is termed "holy" in the creed, in reference to her ideal and ultimate destination. When the Bridegroom comes, the bride shall be presented to Him wholly without spot, the evil being cut off from the body for ever (Mat 13:47-50). Not that there are two churches, one with bad and good intermingled, another in which there are good alone; but one and the same Church in relation to different times, now with good and evil together, hereafter with good alone [PEARSON].
John Gill Bible Commentary
For no man ever yet hated his own flesh,.... This is unnatural, contrary to the first principles of nature; see Isa 58:7; which the (u) Jews understand of one that is near akin, and there is none nearer than a wife: but nourisheth and cherisheth it; feeds and clothes it: even as the Lord the church; who never hated her, but nourishes and cherishes her: Christ never hated his church and people; for his love is not only a love of benevolence, but of complacency and delight: there is a difference between anger and hatred, Christ may be angry with them, but not hate them; and there is a difference between persons and actions, Christ may hate their actions, but not their persons; and there is a difference between desert and fact, they may be deserving of his wrath and hatred, but are not the objects of it in fact; and there is a difference between what is real, and what is imaginary, they may imagine themselves to be hated by him, when they are not; and there is a difference between hatred, and a non-discovery of love, Christ may not manifest his love, and yet not hate; as he never does his own people, for his love is everlasting and unchangeable: and he "nourishes" them, as a father his child, as a shepherd his flock, and as an husband his wife; he feeds them with that which is nourishing, and with himself the bread of life, with his covenant and promises, with the Gospel and the doctrines of it, and with his love and grace; and by his Spirit, ministers, word, and ordinances: and he "cherishes" them, he grants them near and intimate communion with himself, than which nothing is more desirable by them, or joyful to them; nor is there anything that more revives and encourages faith, hope, and love; he clothes them suitable to their dignity and character, as his spouse and bride; and with which they are well contented, and in which they look exceeding comely in his sight: these phrases are expressive of the whole care Christ takes of his church, in furnishing her with everything pertaining to life and godliness; for her comfort and happiness in this world, and that to come: instead of the Lord, the Alexandrian copy, and some others, the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions read, Christ; and the Arabic version reads, "as the Lord loves the church". (u) Jarchi in loc. & R. Sol. Urbin. in Ohel Moed, fol. 85. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:27 a glorious church without a . . . blemish: The church’s sins have been forgiven through Christ’s sacrifice, and her life is purified by the Holy Spirit. As a result, the church stands holy and without fault before God. Cp. 1:4; 2 Cor 11:2; Col 1:22; Rev 19:7-8; 21:2.