Brief Exposition of Galatians and Ephesians, Exposition 2 · Chapter 3
CHAP. III.
IN the first part of this Chapter (which beginneth ver. 2.) the Apostle setteth forth the dignity of his Apostolick Office towards the Gentiles, with his calling to it, and qualifications for it. And, first, he propoundeth the matter briefly, that this office was committed to him, vers. 2. Next, he doth more largely illustrate it. First, by shewing his qualification and furniture for this Office, to wit, his knowledge and insight in the mysterie of the Gospel, which He was to preach: for proof whereof, he appealeth to what he had written in the two former Chapters, ver. 3, 4. and having called the Gospel a Mysterie, he sheweth the reason why he did so, to wit, because it was not so known of old, as now under the Gospel, ver. 5. and giveth a brief sum of this mysterie, as to that part of it which was most controverted, to wit, the calling of the Gentiles to the free enjoyment of Gospel-priviledges, ver. 6. Next, by shewing his call from God, and authority to dispense this furniture: where he taketh occasion to extol and magnifie his Office, and the grace of God, which called him to it, from eight distinct considerations. First, from the gifts wherewith he was furnished to discharge it. Secondly, from the powerfull assistance of Gods Spirit, which wrought in him and by him in the discharging of it, ver. 7. Thirdly, from his own unworthinesse, who was intrusted with it. Fourthly, from the excellency of the subject matter, which he was to set forth, even the unsearchable riches of Christ, ver. 8. Fifthly, from the great benefit, which by his conscientious discharging thereof was to accresce unto men, even their more clear understanding of that mysterie, ver. 9. Sixthly, from the same benefit, which did thereby redound to the glorified Angels, ver. 10. Seventhly, from the eternity of Gods purpose to intrust him in that office, for bringing about the forementioned ends, ver. 11. And lastly, from three excellent priviledges, boldnesse, accesse, confidence whereof Believers did partake by the means of his Ministery; as being thereby brought to Christ, in whom they enjoyed all those, ver. 12. From all which grounds he dehorteth them from fainting, notwithstanding of his present sad sufferings in discharging so honourable an employment, ver. 13.
In the second part of the Chapter, he doth indirectly incite them to persevere, and make progresse in the experimentall knowledge of, and in communion with Christ, by giving a sum of his fervent prayers unto God for them to that purpose. The occasion of which prayer, is, ver. 1. his gesture in prayer, and to whom he did pray, to wit, God, described from his relation to Christ and the Church, are, ver. 14. 15. The particulars prayed for, are, 1. Their strengthening in the inward man by the Spirit, ver. 16. 2. Christs inhabiting their heart by faith, ver. 17-. 3. Their experimentall knowledge and comprehension of Christs boundlesse love, flowing from their firm adhering to the love of God in Christ by faith, ver. -17, 18, 19- 4. Their full replenishing with the perfection of all graces in glory, ver. -19. The conclusion of his prayer containeth a description of God, taken from His almighty power to do above our petitions and conceptions, ver. 20. and a thanksgiving unto God so described, and upon that ground, ver. 21.