Bibliography

Anderson, Neil, Who I Am in Christ, Regal Publications, Ventura, California, 1973.

Baugh, S. M., Ephesians, Evangelical Exegetical Commentary, Bellingham, WA, 2016.

Ben-Maeir, Moshe, How a Jew Explains Ephesians. Netivyah, Jerusalem, Isra’el, 1978.

Berkowitz, Ariel and D’vorah, First Fruits of Zion, Littleton, Colorado, 1998.

Bruce, F. F., The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians, The New International Commentary on the New Testament, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, MI, 1984.

Coleman, Lyman, Serendipity Bible for Groups, New International Version, Serendipity House, Littleton, Colorado, 1988.

Erickson, Millard, Christian Theology. Grand Rapids, Baker Book House, 1985.

First Fruits of Zion, Torah Club, Mattot, Volume Five, Marshfield, Missouri, 2016.

Fischer, John, The Epistles from a Jewish Perspective, Messianic Jewish Publishers.

Foulkes, Francis, Ephesians, TNTC, Inter-Varsity Press, Downers Grove, Illinois, 1989.

Freeman, James. Manners and Customs of the Bible, Plainfield, Logos International, 1972.

Fruchtenbaum, Arnold, act19.mp3

Gabizon, Jacques Isaac, Ephesians, BethAriel, Montreal, Canada.

Girard, Robert, and Richards, Larry. Acts: The Smart Guide to the Bible Series, Nashville, Thomas Nelson, 2007.

gotquestions.com

Hemer, Colin. The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia in the Local Setting. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1986.

honestuniverse.com

Ironside, Harry, In the Heavenlies, Practical Expository Addresses on the Epistle to the Ephesians, Loizeaux Brothers, Inc, New York, New York, 1937.

Kasdan, Barney, Ephesians, Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, Jewish Publications, Clarksville, Maryland, 2015.

Ladd, George. A Commentary on the Revelation of John. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1972.

Laney, Carl, Answers to Tough Questions, Wipf & Stock, Eugene, Oregon, 1997.

Lucado, Max, Ephesians, Life Lessons from Ephesians, Thomas Nelson, Nashville, TN, 2018.

MacArthur, John. Acts 1-12 and Acts 13-28.

MacArthur, John. Charismatic Chaos, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1992.

MacArthur, John, Ephesians, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Illinois, 1986.

MacArthur, John. First Corinthians, Chicago, The Moody Bible Institute, 1984.

MacArthur, John. Revelation 1-11. Chicago, Moody Press, Chicago, 1999.

MacArthur, John, Strange Fire, Nelson Books, Nashville, Tennessee, 2013.

Marshall, I. Howard. Acts. TNTC, 1980.

Meyer, F. B., Devotional Commentary on Ephesians, Good News Pub, Westchester, IL, 1960.

Morris, Henry, The Bible Has the Answer, Baker Books, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1971.

Morris, Henry. The Revelation Record. Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 1983.

Morris, Leon, First Corinthians, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, Downers Grove, Inter-Varsity Press, 1985.

Mounce, Robert. The Book of Revelation. Grand Rapids, Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1977.

Polhill, John. Acts. The New American Commentary Series, Holman Reference, 1992.

Ramsay, William. Seven Letters to the Seven Churches. Whitefish: Kessinger Publishing, 2009.

Ramsay, W. M. St. Paul the Traveler and the Roman Citizen. Reprint. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1975.

relevantbibleteaching.com

Shelby, Brett, Ephesians, Explore the Bible Personal Study Guide, LifeWay Christian Resources, Nashville, Tennessee, 1991.

Stern, David, The Jewish New Testament Commentary, Jewish New Testament Publications, Clarksville, Maryland, 1992.

Verbrugge, Verlyn, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Volume 11: Romans – Galatians, Grand Rapids, Zondervan, 2008.

Walvoord, John. The Revelation of Jesus Christ. Chicago: Moody Press, 1966.

Walvoord, John and Zuck, Roy, The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the Old Testament. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1985.

Warren, Rick, The Purpose Driven Life, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2002.

Wiersbe, Warren. Ephesians: Be Rich, Colorado Springs, David C. Cook, 2009.

Wuest, Kenneth, Ephesians and Colossians in the Greek New Testament, Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1953.

End Notes

1. The Complete Jewish Study Bible, Barry Rubin, General Editor, Hendrickson Publishers Marketing, Peabody, MA, 2016, page 1678.
2. The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the Old Testament, by John Walvoord, Victor Books, Wheaton, Illinois, 1985, page 613.
3. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Illinois, 1986, page xii.
4. The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the Old Testament, by John Walvoord, Victor Books, Wheaton, Illinois, 1985, page 614.
5. Wuest’s Word Studies on Ephesians and Colossians in the Greek New Testament, by Kenneth Wuest, Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1953, page 14.
6. Acts, by John Polhill, The New American Commentary, Volume 26, Broadman Press, Nashville, Tennessee, 1992, pages 395-396.
7. The Book of Acts, The Smart Guide to the Bible, by Robert Girard, Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee, 2007, page 235.
8. The Letters to the Churches, by William Ramsey, Sheffield Press, Sheffield England, 1986, page 211.
9. Acts, by John Polhill, The New American Commentary, Volume 26, Broadman Press, Nashville, Tennessee, 1992, pages 394-395.
10. The Book of Revelation, by Robert Mounce, Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1977, page 86.
11. Revelation 1-11, by John MacArthur, Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois, 1999, page 58.
12. A Commentary on the Revelation of John, by George Ladd, Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1972, page 37.
13. Revelation 1-11, by John MacArthur, Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois, 1999, page 58.
14. Acts, by John Polhill, The New American Commentary, Volume 26, Broadman Press, Nashville, Tennessee, 1992, page 398.
15. Charismatic Chaos, by John MacArthur, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1992, page 226.
16. The Jewish New Testament Commentary, by David Stern, Jewish New Testament Publications, Clarksville, Maryland, 1992, page 292.
17. Answers to Tough Questions, by J. Carl Laney, WIPF & Stock, Eugene, OR, 1997, page 249.
18. Acts 13-28, by John MacArthur, Moody Publishers, Chicago, Illinois, 1996, page 174.
19. The Jewish New Testament Commentary, by David Stern, Jewish New Testament Publications, Clarksville, Maryland, 1992, page 293.
20. Charismatic Chaos, by John MacArthur, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1992, pages 202-203.
21. Acts 13-28, by John MacArthur, Moody Publishers, Chicago, Illinois, 1996, page 174-175.
22. Acts, by I. Howard Marshall, TNTC, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1996, pages 310-311.
23. act19.mp3, Arnold Fruchtenbaum.
24. Acts, by I. Howard Marshall, TNTC, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1996, pages 312.
25. The Jewish New Testament Commentary, by David Stern, Jewish New Testament Publications, Clarksville, Maryland, 1992, page 296.
26. Acts 13-28, by John MacArthur, Moody Publishers, Chicago, Illinois, 1996, pages 181-182.
27. Ibid, pages 180-181.
28. Acts, by John Polhill, The New American Commentary, Volume 26, Broadman Press, Nashville, Tennessee, 1992, page 409.
29. The Book of Acts, The Smart Guide to the Bible, by Robert Girard, Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee, 2007, page 244.
30. Verse by Verse Commentary on Acts, by David Guzik, Enduring Word Commentary Series, Simi Valley, California, 2000, page 217.
31. The Book of Acts, The Smart Guide to the Bible, by Robert Girard, Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee, 2007, page 244.
32. act18.mp3, Arnold Fruchtenbaum.
33. Acts 13-28, by John MacArthur, Moody Publishers, Chicago, Illinois, 1996, page 188.
34. Ibid, pages 189-190.
35. Be Dynamic, NT Commentary on Acts 13-28, by Warren Wiersbe, David Cook, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 1988, page 91.
36. Revelation 1-11, by John MacArthur, Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois, 1999, pages 54-55.
37. The Letters to the Churches, by William Ramsey, Sheffield Press, Sheffield England, 1986, page 211.
38. The Book of Revelation, by Robert Mounce, Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1977, page 86.
39. Revelation 1-11, by John MacArthur, Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois, 1999, page 58.
40. A Commentary on the Revelation of John, by George Ladd, Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1972, page 37.
41. Revelation 1-11, by John MacArthur, Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois, 1999, page 58.
42. The Revelation Record, by Henry Morris, Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois, 1983, pages 52-53.
43. Ibid, page 51.
44. The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia in Their Local Setting, by Colin Hemer, Sheffield Academic Press, Sheffield, England, 1986, pages 51-52.
45. The Revelation of Jesus Christ, by John Walvoord, Moody Press, Chicago, Il, 1966, page 56.
46. Marshall Beeber, messianic-literary.com
47. Ephesians, by Francis Foulkes, TNTC, Inter-Varsity Press, Downers Grove, Il, 1989, page 51.
48. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 1-6.
49. Wuest’s Word Studies on Ephesians and Colossians in the Greek New Testament, by Kenneth Wuest, Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1953, pages 17-18.
50. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 1-6.
51. Wuest’s Word Studies on Ephesians and Colossians in the Greek New Testament, by Kenneth Wuest, Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1953, pages 20-24.
52. Jewish New Testament Commentary, by David Stern, Jewish New Testament Publications, Clarksville, Maryland, 1992, page 577.
53. Life Lessons from Ephesians, by Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson, Nashville, TN, 2018, page 6.
54. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, Maryland, 2015, page 6.
55. Ibid, pages 6-7.
56. Who I am in Christ, by Neil Anderson, Regal Books, A Division of Gospel Light, Ventura, California, 2001, page 77.
57. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, pages 9-10.
58. Ephesians: Be Rich, by Warren Wiersby, David C. Cook, Colorado Springs, CO, 1979, page 10.
59. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Illinois, 1986, page 11.
60. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, Maryland, 2015, page 8.
61. The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI, 2002, pages 23-24.
62. Christian Theology, by Millard Erickson, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1985, pg 346.
63. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 9-10.
64. Ibid, page 10.
65. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, pages 15-16.
66. How a Jew Explains Ephesians, by Moshe Ben-Maeir, Netivyah, Jerusalem, Isra’el, 1978, pages 23-25.
67. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 11.
68. Ibid, page 12.
69. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, pages 24-25.
70. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 12.
71. Ephesians, by Brett Selby, Explore the Bible, LifeWay Books, Nashville, TN, 2019, page 15.
72. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, pages 31-32.
73. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 14-15.
74. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Illinois, 1986, page 33.
75. Ibid, page 34.
76. Ephesians, by Brett Selby, Explore the Bible, LifeWay Books, Nash, TN, 2019, pgs 16-17.
77. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, pages 34-36.
78. The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians, by F. F. Bruce, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, MI, 1984, page 266.
79. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Illinois, 1986, page 36.
80. Ephesians, by Brett Selby, Explore the Bible, LifeWay Books, Nashville, TN, 2019, page 20.
81. Ibid, page 21.
82. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 17.
83. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, pages 39-40.
84. Ephesians, by Francis Foulkes, TNTC, Inter-Varsity Press, Downers Grove, Il, 1989, page 66.
85. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, pages 44-45.
86. The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the Old Testament, by John Walvoord, Victor Books, Wheaton, Illinois, 1985, page 620.
87. The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI, 2002, page 119.
88. The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the Old Testament, by John Walvoord, Victor Books, Wheaton, Illinois, 1985, pages 620-621.
89. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, page 49.
90. The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the Old Testament, by John Walvoord, Victor Books, Wheaton, Illinois, 1985, page 621.
91. Ephesians: Be Rich, by Warren Wiersby, David C. Cook, Colorado Springs, CO, 1979, page 48.
92. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, page 52.
93. Ephesians: Be Rich, by Warren Wiersby, David C. Cook, Colorado Springs, CO, 1979, page 52.
94. Ephesians, by Brett Selby, Explore the Bible, LifeWay Books, Nashville, TN, 2019, ps 30-31.
95. Jewish New Testament Commentary, by David Stern, Jewish New Testament Publications, Clarksville, Maryland, 1992, page 580.
96. Ephesians, by Brett Selby, Explore the Bible, LifeWay Books, Nashville, TN, 2019, ps 31-32.
97. Ibid, page 33.
98. Who I am in Christ, by Neil Anderson, Regal Books, A Division of Gospel Light, Ventura, California, 2001, pages 248-249.
99. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, page 61.
100. The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI, 2002, page 235.
101. Jewish New Testament Commentary, by David Stern, Jewish New Testament Publications, Clarksville, Maryland, 1992, pages 580-581.
102. Evangelism: A Biblical Approach, by Michael Cocoris, The Church on the Way, Los Angeles, California, 1992, pages 142-146.
103. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 29-30.
104. The Complete Jewish Study Bible, Rabbi Barry Rubin, General Editor, Hendrickson Publishers Marketing, Peabody, MA, 2016, page 1681.
105. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 30.
106. Ephesians: Be Rich, by Warren Wiersby, David C. Cook, Colorado Springs, CO, 1979, pg 66.
107. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 31.
108. Ephesians: Be Rich, by Warren Wiersby, David C. Cook, Col Springs, CO, 1979, pgs 66-67.
109. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publ, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 31-33.
110. Jewish New Testament Commentary, by David Stern, Jewish New Testament Publications, Clarksville, Maryland, 1992, pages 582-583.
111. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 35.
112. The Complete Jewish Study Bible, Rabbi Barry Rubin, General Editor, Hendrickson Publishers Marketing, Peabody, MA, 2016, page 1681.
113. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 38-39.
114. Ibid, pages 38-39.
115. Jewish New Testament Commentary, by David Stern, Jewish New Testament Publications, Clarksville, Maryland, 1992, page 584.
116. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 41.
117. Jewish New Testament Commentary, by David Stern, Jewish New Testament Publications, Clarksville, Maryland, 1992, page 588.
118. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, pgs 81-83.
119. Ibid, page 86.
120. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 47-48.
121. Ibid, page 49.
122. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, page 91.
123. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 50-51.
124. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, page 93.
125. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 51-52.
126. Ibid, pages 52-53.
127. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, page 96-97.
128. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 53-54.
129. Ephesians, by Brett Selby, Explore the Bible, LifeWay Books, Nashville, TN, 2019, pg 53.
130. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, pgs 99-100.
131. Ibid, page 100.
132. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 54.
133. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, page 100.
134. The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI, 2002, page 118.
135. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 55.
136. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, pages 106-107.
137. Ephesians: Be Rich, by Warren Wiersby, David C. Cook, Co Springs, CO, 1979, pgs 97-98.
138. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Ins, Chicago, Il, 1986, pages 110-112.
139. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 55-57.
140. Ephesians, by Brett Selby, Explore the Bible, LifeWay Books, Nashville, TN, 2019, pg 65.
141. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, page 116.
142. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 60.
143. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, page 119.
144. Ibid, pages 118-119.
145. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 61.
146. Wuest’s Word Studies on Ephesians and Colossians in the Greek New Testament, by Kenneth Wuest, Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1953, page 95.
147. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 61-64.
148. Ibid, page 63.
149. Ephesians: Be Rich, by Warren Wiersby, David C. Cook, Colorado Springs, CO, 1979, p 109.
150. Ephesians, by Francis Foulkes, TNTC, Inter-Varsity Press, Downers Grove, Il, 1989, p 119.
151. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 64.
152. Got Questions: Is there a second blessing subsequent to salvation?
153. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, page 131.
154. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 64.
155. Got Questions: What is the difference between a talent and a spiritual gift?
156. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 65.
157. Ephesians: Be Rich, by Warren Wiersby, David C. Cook, Colorado Springs, CO, 1979, p 111.
158. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 66.
159. First Corinthians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Illinois, 1984, pages 322-323.
160. gotquestions.org
161. relevantbibleteaching.com
162. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, pages 142-143.
163. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 67.
164. gotquestions.org
165. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 68.
166. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, pages 152-153.
167. Ibid, pages 155-156.
168. Ibid, page 157.
169. The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2002, pages 176-177.
170. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 68-69.
171. Ibid, pages 69-70.
172. Ibid, pages 70-71.
173. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, page 165.
174. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 71-72.
175. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, page 170.
176. Ephesians, by Brett Selby, Explore the Bible, LifeWay, Nashville, TN, 2019, page 85.
177. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 73-74.
178. Ibid, page 74.
179. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, pg 175.
180. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 74-75.
181. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Ins, Chicago, Il, 1986, pages 177-178.
182. Ephesians: Be Rich, by Warren Wiersby, David C. Cook, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 1979, pages 122-123.
183. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 75.
184. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, pgs 181-183.
185. The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI, 2002, pg 147.
186. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 76-77.
187. The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2002, pages 206-207.
188. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 77.
189. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, pgs 187-188.
190. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 78-79.
191. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, pg 189.
192. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 79-80.
193. Ephesians, by Brett Selby, Explore the Bible, LifeWay Books, Nashville, TN, 2019, pages 92 and 101.
194. Ibid, page 92.
195. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, p 194.
196. Ibid, pages 196-199.
197. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 83.
198. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, pages 202-203.
199. Ibid, page 205.
200. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 84-85.
201. Ephesians: Be Rich, by Warren Wiersby, David C. Cook, Colorado Springs, CO, 1979, pages 138-139.
202. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, pg 210.
203. Ephesians: Be Rich, by Warren Wiersby, David C. Cook, Colorado Springs, CO, 1979, page 139.
204. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Ins, Chicago, Il, 1986, pages 212-213.
205. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 86.
206. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Ins, Chicago, Il, 1986, pages 213-214.
207. honestuniverse.com
208. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, page 215.
209. Ibid, page 215.
210. Wuest’s Word Studies on Ephesians and Colossians in the Greek New Testament, by Kenneth Wuest, Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1953, page 126.
211. The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI, 2002, pg 128.
212. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, page 224.
213. Ephesians: Be Rich, by Warren Wiersby, David C. Cook, Colorado Springs, CO, 1979, page 142.
214. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pgs 87-88.
215. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, pgs 229-230.
216. Ibid, pages 230-235.
217. Ibid, page 237.
218. First Corinthians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Illinois, 1984, page 197.
219. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, page 245.
220. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pgs 88-89.
221. Wuest’s Word Studies on Ephesians and Colossians in the Greek New Testament, by Kenneth Wuest, Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1953, pages 128-129.
222. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pgs 89-90.
223. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pgs 90-91.
224. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, pgs 271-272.
225. Ibid, pages 273-275.
226. Ibid, pages 276-277.
227. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pgs 91-92.
228. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Ins, Chicago, Il, 1986, page 279.
229. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 93.
230. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 11: Romans-Galatians,, by Verlyn Verbrugge, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2008, page 319.
231. First Corinthians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Illinois, 1984, pages 166-167.
232. 1 Corinthians, by Leon Morris, TNTC, Intervarsity Press, Downers Grove, Illinois, 2008, page 110.
233. Answers to Tough Questions, by J. Carl Laney, Wipf & Stock, Eugene, Oregon, 1997, page 278.
234. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 94.
235. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, pgs 288-289.
236. First Fruits of Zion, Torah Club, Mattot, Volume Five, pages 1096-1097.
237. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pgs 95-96.
238. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, page 301.
239. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publ, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pgs 96-97.
240. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pgs 97-98.
241. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, pages 307-308 and 311.
242. Ibid, pages 311-312 and 15.
243. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, p 101-102.
244. Ibid, pages 103-104.
245. Ibid, pages 104-105.
246. The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI, 2002, p 262.
247. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, pg 328.
248. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Pub, Clarksville, MD, 2015, page 105.
249. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Il, 1986, pages 331-332 and 337.
250. Life Lessons from Ephesians, by Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee, 2018, page 100.
251. Ephesians, by Brett Selby, Explore the Bible, LifeWay Books, Nashville, TN, 2019, page 120.
252. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 105-106.
253. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, page 338.
254. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 105-108.
255. Ibid, pages 108-109.
256. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, pgs 349-350.
257. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 109-110.
258. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, pgs 351-354.
259. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 110-111.
260. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, pgs 354-356.
261. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 111-112.
262. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, pgs 357-359.
263. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 112-113.
264. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, pgs 360-366.
265. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 112-113.
266. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, pgs 367-373.
267. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 113-114.
268. Ephesians, by John MacArthur, The Moody Bible Inst, Chicago, Il, 1986, pgs 379-383.
269. Rabbi Paul Enlightens the Ephesians on Walking with Messiah Yeshua, by Barney Kasdan, Lederer Books, a division of Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD, 2015, pages 114-115.
270. Ibid, pages 115-119.

Personal Notes from the Rabbi
6: 19-23

Personal notes from the rabbi REFLECT: Do those around you feel encouraged and built up as you come into contact with them? What have you learned from this book that has affected you the most? What will you do differently as a result of this commentary?

The prayers of the Ephesians,
were effective in strengthening Sha’ul for his work as an ambassador for Messiah.

And pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel (6:19). The conjunction “and” connects what follows to the previous comments. All believers encounter spiritual battles in this fallen world; even Rabbi Sha’ul was not exempt. In fact, he probably realized that he even experienced more of that battle because of his extremely important ministry. The apostle was a man of prayer and humbly requested prayer on his behalf and the behalf of others. It is a beautiful gesture illustrating the close connection between this Rabbi and his readers.

Prayer in itself is a gesture of humility as we call out to ADONAI for assistance in things that are far beyond our control. The specific prayer of the apostle was for fearlessness in making known the mystery of the Good News. It was still a secret in most of the Jewish community. It would take a special fearlessness for him to speak up in the diverse communities where he was being sent. Rejection and physical danger were always present. Therefore, he asked for prayer, and so should we!

For which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should (6:20). Before Sha’ul could fulfill his calling as the apostle to the Gentiles (Galatians 2:7-8), he needed to be released from the Roman prison. The description of him in prison reminds us of the great paradox that he faced as a representative of Messiah. He was an ambassador, a person with authority to serve in another country. Normally such an ambassador would receive honor, respect and even protection from his or her host nation. Not so with Sha’ul. Even though he was an ambassador for the Kingdom of Yeshua, he was not received with open arms in most places. How ironic . . . an ambassador sitting in a prison cell! Yet the Rabbi exuded confidence that ADONAI still wanted to use him despite (or maybe because of) his terrible situation.

We know from other letters that Sha’ul was often chained directly to some of his Roman prison guards. This could have been depressing for him, but God reached his “captive audience” through this unusual situation. Evidently, many became followers of Yeshua while watching the renegade Rabbi (Phil 1:12-13 and 4:22). The prayers of the Ephesians were effective in strengthening Sha’ul for his work as an ambassador for Messiah.

Tychicus will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing (6:21). The Rabbi mentions his personal assistant in ministry since Sha’ul was sitting in a Roman prison. Tychicus was a believer from Asia Minor who accompanied Sha’ul to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4). The apostle sent him to Ephesus with his letter (Second Timothy 4:12), and the letter to Colossae (Colossians 4:7) and perhaps to Titus at Crete (Titus 3:12). Sha’ul showed his high regard for that dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord. Ephesians includes the truth that all believers have a vital role in the Body of Messiah (to see link click Bf – The Gifts of Messiah to His Church). Tychicus is a great example of one who faithfully used his personal gifts for the benefit of Messiah’s Kingdom. He may not have been a teacher, but he was a faithful assistant and thus advanced the Kingdom of God.

I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may comfort and encourage you (6:22). Just as Sha’ul was a shaliach (a legal representative) sent by Yeshua, Tychicus was a shaliach sent by Sha’ul. Not only did he faithfully perform his mission of carrying this letter to the Messianic communities of Asia Minor, he also carried personal news as well. It lifted the spirits of the believers to hear that, although their Rabbi was in prison, he was doing well. Perhaps this verse is an indication of the spiritual gift of Tychicus as he was said to be an encourager (Acts 11:23-24, 14:21-22, 15:32). The Greek word parakaleo, literally means to be called alongside. Such a person not only feels for others but walks next to them in their time of need. What most people need today is some comfort and encouragement, much like that brought by this brother Tychicus.

In typical rabbinic fashion, Sha’ul closes his letter with a blessing containing similar themes with which he started (see Ak – The Greeting). Shalom to the brothers and sisters (Greek: adelphoi, the context being believers), and love with faith from God the Father and the Yeshua Messiah (6:23a). Shalom is peace, but much more. In Greek philosophy, peace is the absence of conflict. In Judaism, shalom also implies health, blessing and true happiness. Certainly the believers of Ephesus would gladly receive this benediction from their Rabbi. The apostle also prayed that ADONAI would give them love with faith. Sha’ul had already described the love of God and how it ultimately fulfills all the Torah (see Be – Walking Together in Unity). Once again the writer uses the unique Greek word agape to describe the unselfish love of God. This is why he recognizes that these qualities can only be given as a gift from God through faith in Yeshua Messiah (2:8-9). Grace be to all who love our Lord Yeshua Messiah with undying love (6:23b). Grace is also referenced in the closing blessing. The Rabbi’s final word to them is that they would never forget the free gift of God and His undying love for His children. Reading this blessing given to the Ephesians, we cannot help but be greatly encouraged in our walk with the Messiah!

So ends the letter of Rabbi Sha’ul to his friends in the city of Ephesus. It is a great overview of the many spiritual blessings found in Messiah. The letter is also filled with practical and challenging encouragement on how to apply these truths to our everyday lives. The Ephesian congregation was a diverse group of Jews and Gentiles, united together in Messiah. They experienced many blessings in their own lives and definitely had an impact on the first century world in which they lived. But the Rabbi was not just writing to them. What is Paul saying to us? Through our studies of this letter, may we have a fresh appreciation for all that the God of Isra’el has done for all people; Jews, Messianic Jews, Christians, seekers or skeptics. May there be a renewed blessing on our families, our congregations, and our communities. May we also have a dramatic effect on the world through Yeshua, our Redeemer and King.²⁷⁰ Amen

Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You for blessing me in Messiah with every spiritual blessing. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Messiah (Ephesians 1:3). Thank You for adopting me as Your child, redeeming me by Your blood, and sealing me with Your Ruach Ha’Kodesh. After you heard the message of truth – the Good News of your salvation – and when you put your trust in Him, you were sealed with the promised Ruach Ha’Kodesh (Ephesians 1:13). How great to know that my inheritance is secured by the Ruach Ha’Kodesh. No enemy is big enough to keep me from living with You in heaven for all eternity. The Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance, until the redemption of His possession – to His glorious praise! (Ephesians 1:14). It is a comfort in this world with so many wrongs and problems that You are our great and loving Shepherd, who is Almighty and knows everything including the future. I am always totally secure in You! My sheep hear My voice. I know them, and they follow Me.  I give them eternal life! They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand (John 10:27-28). Thank You so much for giving me every spiritual blessing in Messiah and for keeping me safe in Your hand. Praise You, for in Your gracious thoughtfulness You have equipped me with the weapons I need to fight any battle and be victorious (Ephesians 6:10-18). You are a wonderful Heavenly Father! I can’t wait until I can live with You and praise You throughout all eternity! In Messiah’s holy name and power of His resurrection. Amen  

Praying at All Times
6: 18

Praying at all times DIG: What should we pray for? Which one of the pieces of armor or weapons do you need to pay more attention to? What can you learn from Paul’s prayers?

REFLECT: What degree of battle readiness would you give yourself? What can you do each day to better equip yourself with the armor that ADONAI has given you?

This is a one verse sermon on prayer.

The final weapon of our spiritual armor is prayer. The apostle points out that all kinds of prayer are essential for victory. This includes intercession for others as well as praises. Jewish prayer is largely for blessing God. Bless ADONAI, O my soul! ADONAI, my God, You are great; You are clothed with glory and majesty, wrapped in light as with a robe. You spread out the heavens like a curtain (Psalm 104:1-2). No doubt prayer, our personal lifeline to God, is a necessary tool in our spiritual battle.

The Ephesians were exhorted to pray in the Spirit. Rabbi Sha’ul, under the inspiration of the Ruach Ha’Kodesh, describes four different aspects of the believer’s prayer life.

The frequency of prayer: on all occasions means to be continually conscious of ADONAI, where everything we see and experience becomes a kind of prayer, lived in deep awareness of and surrender to our heavenly Father (6:18a). To obey this command means that, when we are tempted, we hold the temptation before God and ask for His help. When we experience something good and beautiful, we immediately thank the Lord for it. When we see evil around us, we pray that Ha’Shem will make it right and be willing to be used by Him to that end. When we meet someone who does not know Messiah, we pray for God to draw that person to Himself and to use us to be a faithful witness. When we encounter trouble, we turn to YHVH as our Deliverer. In other words, our life becomes a continually ascending prayer, a perpetual communing with our heavenly Father. To pray on all occasions sets our minds on the things above, not the things that are on the earth (Colossians 3:2).

The variety of prayer: with all kinds of prayers (Greek: proseuche, meaning general requests) and petitions (Greek: deesis, meaning requests that are specific). The use of both words points to the idea that we are to be involved in a variety of prayers (6:18b). We can pray publicly or privately; in loud cries, in soft whispers, or silently; deliberately and planned or spontaneously; while sitting, standing, kneeling, or even lying down; at home or at religious services, while working or traveling; with hands folded or raised; with eyes open or shut; with head bowed or erect. The B’rit Chadashah, like the TaNaKh, mentions many forms, circumstances, and postures for prayer, but recommends none. Yeshua prayed while standing, sitting, kneeling, and quite probably in other positions as well. We can pray wherever we are and in whatever situation we are in. Therefore, Paul said: I want the men in every place to pray (First Timothy 2:8). For the faithful believer, every place becomes a place of prayer.

The manner of prayer: Whenever he prays, the believer should be on the alert with all perseverance and petition (6:18c). Yeshua told His apostles to watch and pray (see the commentary on The Life of Christ, to see link click Lb – The Garden of Gethsemane). Sha’ul counseled the Colossians to devote themselves to prayer (Colossians 4:2). The Greek word for devote (proskartereo) means to be steadfast, constant, and persevering. It is used of Moshe’s faithful endurance when he led the children of Isra’el out of Egypt (Hebrews 11:27). To be devoted to prayer is to earnestly, courageously, and persistently bring everything in our lives to ADONAI. Unfortunately, most believers never get serious about prayer until a problem arises in their own life or the life of someone they love. Then they are inclined to pray intently, specifically, and persistently. Yet, that is the way believers should always pray! Sensitivity to the problems and needs of others, especially other believers who are facing trials or hardships, will lead us to pray for them day and night (Second Timothy 1:3).

The object of prayer: Elsewhere Sha’ul prays for unbelievers, government officials and for others, but here he focuses on all the Lord’s people (6:18d). Praying for oneself is just as important as praying for physical needs. But just as the Bible primarily tells us to pray about spiritual needs rather than physical needs, it primarily calls for us to pray for others rather than ourselves. Even when he was concerned about his own needs, Paul does not mention that he prayed for himself, but that he asked other believers to pray on his behalf (see Cj – Personal Notes from the Rabbi). The greatest thing we can do for another believer is pray, or that he can do for us, is to pray. That is the way the Body of Messiah grows spiritually as well as in love. When one member of the Body is weak, wounded, or cannot function, the other members compensate by supporting and helping strengthen it. Samuel said: Far be it from me that I should sin against ADONAI by ceasing to pray for you (First Samuel 12:23). With God’s own Spirit in indwell us and help us even when we do not know how to pray (Rom 8:26), how much more do was as believers’ sin against God when we fail to pray for God’s people?²⁶⁸

The synagogue or church service is a great time for corporate prayer, but the spiritual battle rages predominantly outside religious services! We are encouraged to develop a habit of prayer during all our waking hours. In the Jewish world, some have compared the wearing of the tefillin (phylacteries used during prayer) to the soldier’s uniform in the army of God (Donin, page 151). It is not unlike the analogy of this passage written by Rabbi Sha’ul. Prayer is a challenge and takes attentiveness, but if we give daily prayer our full attention, we will be much more likely to succeed in the spiritual life as we stay closely connected to our Father in Heaven (see The Life of Christ Dp – When You Pray, Go Into Your Room and Close the Door).

We are in a spiritual battle, beyond the physical world. If we are to be blessed and fulfilled in our spiritual journey, as with the Ephesians, we must use the resources ADONAI has provided. Do we have the belt of truth making our work easier? Are we protecting our heart with the breastplate of righteousness? Are we walking in the peace of the Good News? Do we have our heads covered with the kippah of salvation? Do we pray on all occasions? This fallen world is a battleground, but ADONAI has provided the tools for victory and blessings, as we stay close to our Lord and Savior Yeshua the Messiah.²⁶⁹

Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You for Your gracious gift of listening and answering our prayers. I stand in awe that You not only willingly gave Your Son to die in our place, knowing what a great cost he would have to pay of shame and pain (Hebrews 12:2); You also make a promise of commitment to live within those whom love You. Yeshua answered and said to him: If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him (John 14:23). What a wonderful Heavenly Father You are!

I love to praise and worship You, for that brings me confidence that my Almighty, all-powerful, all-wise Daddy is there to help me. It is encouraging how You always come to help me when I call on You. Your strength and love is always there to carry me thru any situation. You may remove the problem or You may choose to walk with me in the situation, as You did with Paul. I pleaded with the Lord three times about this, that it might leave me.  But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Messiah may dwell in me.  For Messiah’s sake, then, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong (Second Cor 12:8-10).

 Dear Father, You who are so holy, Almighty, All-wise and all-powerful, we bend the knee before You in humble worship. What a joy it is to have You eternally as my Awesome Father! I place into Your loving and Almighty hands, those of my family and several friends who have not yet trusted you as their Savior. They know about You and that You are loving, but they live to please themselves. Please given them a moment of spiritual clarity so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive release from sins as well as a place among those who are made holy through trusting in You (Acts 26:18). In Messiah’s holy name and power of His resurrection. Amen  

The Sword of the Spirit
6: 17b

The sword of the Spirit DIG: In what way is the Word of God like a sword? How is the Word of God a defensive weapon; how are the Scriptures an offensive weapon?

REFLECT: How well do you know God’s Word? What would it take for you to go into battle with this “sword?” You can have excuses or you can have results. But you can’t have both.

The sword of the Spirit is always ready to be taken up and used when the battle begins.

The sword to which Sha’ul refers here is the machaira, which varied in length from six to eighteen inches. It was the common sword carried by Roman foot soldiers and was the principal weapon in hand-to-hand combat. Carried in a sheath or scabbard attached to their belts, it was always at hand and ready for use. It was the sword carried by the soldiers who came to arrest Yeshua in the Garden (Matthew 26:47), wielded by Peter when he cut off the ear of the high priest’s slave, and used by Herod’s executioners to put James to death (Acts 12:2).

Take up the sword of the Spirit. From the context we know that it is a spiritual weapon, to be used in our struggle against spiritual enemies. As the Spirit of truth (John 14:17), the Ruach Ha’Kodesh is the believer’s resident truth Teacher, who teaches us all things and brings God’s Word to our remembrance (John 14:26). The emphasis of the present passage is on how believers are to use the sword of the Spirit. It is not a physical weapon designed by human minds or forged by human hands (see the commentary on Second Corinthians, to see link click Bt – Winning the Spiritual War), but the perfect spiritual weapon of divine origin and power, in effect, God’s twenty-four-hour emergency hotline. Like the shield of faith (see Cf – The Shield of Faith) and the helmet of salvation (see Cg – The Helmet of Salvation), it is always at hand, ready to be taken up and used when the battle begins.

Paul specifically states that the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God, offering limitless resources and blessings to the believer. First of all, it is the source of all truth. Your word is truth, Yeshua said to His Father (John 17:17). People today look everywhere for answers to life, to try to find out what is worth believing and what is not. The source of all truth about God and mankind, life and death, time and eternity, men and women, right and wrong, heaven and hell, damnation and salvation, is God’s own word.

The Bible is also a source of happiness. Speaking of God’s wisdom, the writer of Proverbs declares: Blessed [or happy] is the one who listens to me (Pro 8:34). Yeshua said: Blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it (Lk 11:28). No person can be happier than when they discover, accept, and obey God’s Word.

Scripture is also the source of spiritual growth. Like newborn babes, Peter admonished, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation (First Peter 2:2). It is the source of power: living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit (Hebrews 4:12); the source of guidance: a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105); the source of comfort (Romans 15:4); and the source of perfection (Second Timothy 3:16). And God’s Word is the source of victory over our great spiritual enemy, our most powerful weapon against Satan.

The sword of the Spirit is first of all a defensive weapon, it is the believer’s supreme weapon of defense against the onslaughts of the Adversary. Unlike the shield, however, which gives broad and general protection, the sword can deflect an attack only if it is used precisely and skillfully. It must block the enemy weapon exactly where the thrust is made. When Yeshua was tempted by the Serpent in the wilderness (see the commentary on The Life of Christ Bj – Jesus is Tempted in the Wilderness), His defense for each temptation was a passage from Deuteronomy that precisely opposed the Devil’s sword. The believer who does not know God’s Word well cannot use it well. Those who merely rely on their salvation or their feelings to defend themselves spiritually are in grave danger. They get into countless compromising situations and fall prey to innumerable false ideas and practices, simply because they are ignorant of the specific teachings of Scripture.

The sword of the Spirit is also an offensive weapon, capable of inflicting blows as well as deflecting those of the enemy. The Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:12-13). It is so powerful that it transforms people from the realm of lies to that of truth, from the realm of darkness to that of light, and from the realm of sin and death to that of righteousness and life. When the seed of God’s Word is sown on good soil, the one who hears the message and understands it will surely bear fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirty times what is sown (see The Life of Christ Et – The Parable of the Soils). It is here that the great offensive power of the sword of the Spirit is seen as it converts a soul from sin to salvation.

No believer has any excuse for not knowing and understanding God’s Word. Every believer has God’s own Spirit within him as his own divine Teacher of God’s divine Word. Our only task is to submit to His instruction by studying the Word with sincerity and commitment. We cannot plead ignorance or inability, only disinterest and neglect. It is essential for God’s Word to be known, and loved, and practiced if we are to win the battle against Satan.²⁶⁶

As stated above, of all the weapons given to a Roman soldier, the sword was the only offensive tool. Every other piece of equipment was for protection against the onslaughts of the enemy. And the Roman sword was a feared weapon; but how much more so the sword of the Lord! In the spiritual battle, a military sword is useless. But the Scriptures are called a double-edged sword that cuts right through to where soul meets spirit (Heb 4:12). According to the sages, the Torah was said to be the only true antidote to the attacks of the Adversary (Leviticus Rabba 28:3). We cannot bind him, even though we might like to. In fact, the Scriptures never encourage us to tie him up, but instead, to resist him through the power of the Word of God. Of course our Messiah modeled this for us in His own encounter with Satan in the wilderness. Yet, even Yeshua did not waste His time on curses or magical formulas, but quoted the Torah as He drove off the Evil One. If Yeshua stood His ground by quoting the Word of God, how much more should we! But how can we use the sword if we are unfamiliar with it? No wonder that studying the Scriptures is one of the highest priorities for the believer. It is a tree of life to those who apply it (Proverbs 3:18)!²⁶⁷

Dear Heavenly Father, Praise and thank You for the joy of studying Your Word. Using the sword of your Word can not only conquer those who are Your enemies, but can also conquer thoughts of discouragement and give strength and encouragement to make me stronger and wiser in battle. It is wise who keeps my sword sharp by spending time meditating on Your Word and thinking over stories that show your power, Your wisdom in everything, and Your love and holiness. Then when a battle comes, I can be well equipped to draw the sword of Your Word and conquer!

Sharpening the sword by meditating on how God loves and guides me is profitable in calming my heart and helping me prepare a plan of action. Meditating on David’s life brings encouragement for even when David was in the dry wilderness being sought after to be killed, he trusted in You, God, and sought a deeper relationship with You. O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You. My soul thirsts for You. My flesh longs for You in a dry and weary land, where there is no water. David praised You in the midst of the trial. Since Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You (Psalms 63:2-3). Praising you in hard situations is such a powerful thrust of the sword to demolish fear.

Meditating on both David’s (Psalms 51) and Sha’ul’s (First Timothy 1:15) life, encourages those who fail to turn around in humble confession to God for God longs for sinners to repent so he can forgive them.  The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some consider slowness. Rather, He is being patient toward you – not wanting anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance (Second Peter 3:9). Thank You for the great joy and encouragement that comes when I sharpen my sword by studying, and meditating on, Your Almighty power, love and holiness shown in the Word of God. In Messiah Yeshua’s holy name and power of His resurrection. Amen

The Helmet of Salvation
6: 17a

The helmet of salvation DIG: How is salvation like a helmet? What are the two edges of Satan’s double-edged sword? What is God’s unbroken and unbreakable chain?

REFLECT: What does it mean for you to stand firm in this spiritual battle that you are in? Are you sure of your security in Messiah? If not, why not? If so, who can you tell?

The helmet of salvation is the great hope of glorification that gives us confidence
that our present struggle with Satan will not last forever,
and we will be victorious in the end.

The next piece of God’s armor is represented by the Roman soldier’s helmet, without which he would never enter battle. Some of the helmets were made of thick leather covered with metal plates, others were heavy molded or beaten metal. They usually had cheek pieces to protect the face. The purpose of the helmet, of course, was to protect the head from injury, particularly from the dangerous broadsword commonly used in the warfare of that day. It was not the much smaller sword mentioned next (to see link click Ch – The Sword of the Spirit), but was a large two-handled, double-edged sword (rhomphaia) that measured three to four feet in length. It was often carried by cavalrymen, who would swing at the heads of the enemy soldiers to split their skulls or decapitate them.

The fact that the helmet is related to salvation indicates that Satan’s blows are directed at the believer’s security and assurance in Messiah. Two dangerous edges of Satan’s spiritual broadsword are discouragement and doubt. To discourage us, he points to our failures, our sins, our unresolved problems, our poor health, or to whatever else seems negative in our lives in order to make us lose confidence in the love and care of our heavenly Father. Because the Adversary will never lay down his sword against us as long as we are on the earth, God’s armor is a constant necessity until we leave this earth forever. Discouragement in praying for an unsaved husband who continues to reject the Gospel, or a child who refuses to follow the ways of the Lord he has been taught is all too common. The other, closely related, edge of Satan’s two-edged sword is the doubt that often brings discouragement. Doubts about the truths of ADONAI, including doubt about one’s salvation, are the worst discouragements for a believer. If a believer has doubts about God’s goodness or promises, he has no reason to hope in the future and therefore no protection against discouragement.

Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You that all Your promises are totally trustworthy! I have no doubts for I can trust Your offer of salvation with complete confidence.  And the testimony is this – that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. The one who has the Son has life; the one who does not have Ben-Elohim does not have life (First John 5:11-12). You have promised salvation to all who go beyond hearing You, to trusting in You. Amen, amen I tell you, whoever hears My word and trusts the One who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed over from death into life (John 5:24). I don’t need to worry if I am good enough to be saved. I am not good enough but my faith and trust is secure in your gift of redemption/salvation to all believe in You (Ephesians 1:12-13). No matter what life throws at me, it is a comfort to know that my salvation is secure in your work of sacrificing Messiah Yeshua as the Lamb of God (John 1:29, Second Corinthians 5:21).

Thank You that your power to take those who love You to heaven, is absolutely secure. No army is greater than you (Revelation 19). You have covered every detail for my salvation of when Messiah died and rose in victory (First Corinthians 15:3-6). I so thank and worship You for living within those who love You. Yeshua answered and said to him: If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him (John 14:23). In Messiah Yeshua’s holy name and power of His resurrection. Amen

Since Sha’ul is addressing believers, putting on the helmet of salvation cannot refer to receiving Messiah as Savior. The only ones who can take up any part of God’s armor, and the only ones who are involved in this supernatural struggle against the Devil and his demonic forces, are those who are already saved. We were justified at the moment of salvation (see the commentary on The Life of Christ Bw – What God Does for Us at the Moment of Faith), we are sanctified in this life as we are conformed into the image of Messiah, and one day we will be glorified when we leave our decaying bodies and live forever in God’s presence. And these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified (Romans 8:29-30).

This final act of salvation, glorification, is the real strength of the believer’s helmet. If we lose hope in the future promise of salvation, there can be no security in the present. This, no doubt, is why Paul calls this same piece of armor . . . the helmet, which is the hope of salvation (First Thessalonians 5:8). Thus, the helmet of salvation is that great hope of final salvation that gives us confidence and assurance that our present struggle with the Enemy will not last forever and we will be victorious in the end. We know the battle is only for this life, and even a long earthly life is no more than a split second compared to eternity with our Lord in heaven. We are in a race we cannot lose. We have no purgatory to face, and no uncertainty about our future (see The Life of Christ Ms – The Eternal Security of the Believer). No one is ever lost from predestination to justification to sanctification to glorification. That is God’s unbroken and unbreakable chain of salvation.

We have a certain hope, a living hope, as Peter calls it. Praised be God, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, who, in keeping with his great mercy, has caused us, through the resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah from the dead, to be born again to a living hope, to an inheritance that cannot decay, spoil or fade, kept safe for you in heaven. Meanwhile, through trusting, you are being protected by God’s power for a deliverance ready to be revealed at the Last Time (First Peter 1:3-5). When the helmet of that hope is in place, we can greatly rejoice in this, even though for a little while you may have to experience grief in various trials. Even gold is tested for genuineness by fire. The purpose of these trials is so that your trust’s genuineness, which is far more valuable than perishable gold, will be judged worthy of praise, glory and honor at the revealing of Yeshua Messiah. Without having seen Him, you love Him. Without seeing Him now, but trusting in Him, you continue to be full of joy that is glorious beyond words. And you are receiving what your trust is aiming at, namely, your salvation (First Peter 1:6-9). Our helmet is the guarantee of heaven, our ultimate salvation, which we have as the anchor of our soul (Hebrews 6:19).²⁶⁴

A first-century soldier would have a helmet as part of his arsenal. It was essential for protection of the head, the command center of the entire body. On the spiritual front, God’s children need to protect their minds. In fact, Second Corinthians 10:5 tells us to take every thought captive to make it obedient of Messiah. The High Priest was instructed to have a special head-covering that would symbolize his submission to God and the sanctification of his mind. The word for his head-covering (see the commentary on Exodus Gc – Make an Engraved Plate: Holy to the LORD) means a protection around the head, which was probably like a turban. Most branches of modern Judaism (including Messianic Judaism) encourage men and boys to wear yarmulkes or kippahs at religious services as a reminder of their priestly calling. In the spiritual battle, this head-covering reminds us to stay submitted to the Father and to let Messiah renew our minds (Romans 1:2). Again, the Rabbi references the prophet Isaiah who specifically calls the head-covering the helmet of salvation (Isaiah 59:17). The promise of ADONAI is complete victory for the one who has his or her mind set on Yeshua.²⁶⁵

The Shield of Faith
6: 16

The shield of faith DIG: What is the shield of faith? What is the basis of our salvation? What are the many flaming arrows that believers need to be protected from?

REFLECT: What evidence is there of the spiritual battle in your life? If there is no evidence, why is that a bad thing; if there is evidence, why is that a good thing?

The only way to extinguish Satan’s flaming arrows of temptation to doubt God,
is to believe in Him, and take up your shield of faith.

Roman soldiers used several kinds of shields, but two were the most common. The first was a rather small round shield, perhaps two feet in diameter, that was secured to the arm by two leather straps. It was relatively lightweight and was used to deflect the sword blows of the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. The second kind was the thureos, to which Paul refers here. This shield was about three feet long, designed to protect the entire body of the soldier – who was considerably smaller than the average man today. The shield was made of a solid piece of wood and was covered with metal or heavy oiled leather. The soldiers who carried these shields were in the front lines of battle, and normally stood side by side with their shields touching each other, forming a huge phalanx extending as long as a mile or more. The archers stood behind this protective wall of shields and shot their arrows as they advanced toward the enemy. Anyone who stood or crouched behind such shields was protected from the barrage of the enemy arrows and spears.

Paul instructs us to take up the shield of faith (6:16a). This faith to which the apostle refers is not the whole body of biblical doctrines and beliefs as seen in 4:13a, but basic faith/trust/belief in ADONAI. The basic faith in Messiah that results in salvation and continues to bring blessing and strength as it trusts Him for daily provision and help. The basis of our salvation is believing that God exists and that He rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6); putting total trust in His Son and the crucified, buried, risen, and ascended Savior; obeying Scripture as His infallible and authoritative Word; and looking forward to the Lord’s coming again. Habakkuk’s great declaration that the righteous will live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4) is quoted and reaffirmed twice by Sha’ul (Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11) and once by the writer to the Hebrews (Hebrews 10:38).

With which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the Evil One (6:16b). The spiritual flaming arrows against which believers need protection would seem primarily to be temptations. The Tempter continually bombards God’s children with temptations to immorality, hatred, envy, anger, covetousness, pride, doubt, fear, despair, distrust, and every other sin. The Father of Lies initial temptation to Adam and Eve was to entice them to doubt God and instead put their trust in his lies. That was the first flaming arrow from which all others have lighted their flames. Every temptation, directly or indirectly, is the temptation to doubt and distrust God, to drive a wedge between the Savior and the saved. He even tempted God’s own Son in the wilderness – first to distrust His Father’s provision, then to distrust His protection, and finally to distrust His plan (see the commentary on The Life of Christ, to see link click Bj – Jesus is Tempted in the Wilderness).

The only way to extinguish the Dragon’s flaming arrows of temptation to doubt God is to believe ADONAI, by taking up the shield of faith. Every word of God is flawless, the writer of Proverbs tells us: He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, or He will rebuke you and prove you a liar (Proverbs 30:5-6). David also reminds us that the word of the Lord is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him (Psalm 18:30). This is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith (First John 5:4).²⁶²

A military shield was an important part of a soldier’s weaponry. It was a great defense of incoming arrows. The High Priest did not have any such shield. However, it was known that YHVH is the shield of defense for all who walk with Him. But You, ADONAI, are a shield around me; You are my glory, the One who lifts my head high (Psalm 3:3). The six-pointed star was used in the Jewish community as early as the first century AD, but it was not a universal symbol until much later. What is commonly referred to as the “star of David” is in Hebrew called magen David, or, the shield of David. This was an appropriate choice for the flag of the modern State of Isra’el. David treasured the fact that God Himself was his shield. Rabbi Sha’ul reminded the Ephesians that they needed to carry the shield of faith into their spiritual battles. Likewise, our faith in Yeshua guarantees our protection from the flaming arrows of the Evil One.²⁶³

Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You that You are so worthy of all our trust/faith. Even when the obstacles in our way look huge and the night looks dark, You are greater than any conflict and Your Almighty power always wins. You are trustworthy, even when our lives are on the line. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego were exiles living in a foreign country, yet they never wavered in their commitment to their God. They held up their shield of faith even though ADONAI had never rescued anyone from a fiery furnace before. They knew that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was the only True and living God (Jeremiah 10:10) and He was Almighty – El Shaddai.

Their shield of Faith held even in the most trying of times for they committed deep in their hearts to obey and honor the only true God, even if it meant death. Living for all eternity in joy and peace meant more to them than a few short years of painful life on earth. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king saying: O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to answer you concerning this matter.  If it is so, our God whom we serve is able to save us from the furnace of blazing fire and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.  Yet even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image that you set up (Dani’el 3:16-18).

Even when everyone else sees the problem as so very big (Joshua 13:28-29), help me be like Joshua and Caleb who took up their shields of faith and spoke to encourage the people to fight for God is Almighty and can help us be victorious no matter hard big or strong the enemy is. God did not like to hear the people grumble for they should have used shields of faith like Joshua and Caleb. ADONAI then said to Moses and Aaron saying: How long will this wicked community be grumbling against Me? I have heard the complaints of Bnei-Yisrael grumbling against Me. . . Not one of you will enter the land about which I lifted My hand to make home for you – except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.” (Joshua 14:26, 27, and 30),

Using my shield of faith will always result in victory, even if the victory comes in heaven. Then I saw thrones, and people sat upon them – those to whom authority to judge was given. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Yeshua and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image, nor had they received his mark on their forehead or on their hand. And they came to life and reigned with the Messiah for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4).

ADONAI, I long to live praising You in heaven for all eternity and so I will take up my shield of faith. I will not be like the Israelites who came out of Egypt and did not take up the shield of faith when things got rough. Now which ones heard and rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt with Moses? And with whom was He provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness?  And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest? Was it not to those who were disobedient?  So we see that they were not able to enter in because of lack of faith (Hebrews 3:16-19). No matter what anyone else says, or even if my life is on the line – I will choose to love, follow You and always hold up my shield of faith! In Messiah Yeshua’s holy name and power of His resurrection. Amen

Feet Fitted with the Gospel of Peace
6: 15

Feet fitted with the Gospel of peace DIG: Why were we God’s enemy in the past? Why were we helpless? What does the Gospel of peace mean to the believer today?

REFLECT: As you consider your armor, what parts are in good shape? What is rusty? What do you need to do to get ready for battle? What is at stake if you don’t?

The Gospel of peace refers to the Good News that the believer is at peace with God.

Today we have shoes for every conceivable type of activity. We have dress shoes, work shoes, and leisure shoes. In athletics, there are special shoes for every sport, sometimes several different types for a given sport. A tennis player might wear one type of shoe on a concrete court, another kind on clay, and still another on grass. Likewise, football and baseball players wear different shoes to play on different surfaces.

A soldier’s shoes are even more important than an athlete’s, because his very life could depend on them. As he marches on rough, hot roads, climbs over jagged rocks, tramples over thorns, and wades through streambeds of jagged stones, his feet need much protection. A soldier whose feet are blistered, cut, or swollen cannot fight well and often is not even able to stand up – a perilous situation in battle, not able to advance rapidly, or even retreat. In addition to being made tough and durable to protect his feet, the Roman soldier’s shoes, or boots, were usually impregnated with bits of metal or nails to give him greater traction as he climbed a slippery cliff and greater stability as he fought.

And have your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace. A believer’s spiritual footwear is equally important in his warfare against the schemes of the Ruler of this World and the God of this age. If he has the belt of truth buckled around his waist and put on the breastplate of righteousness, but if his feet are not fitted with the Gospel of peace, he is destined to stumble, fall and suffer many defeats. Readiness, Greek: hetoimasia, has the general meaning of preparation. In Titus 3:1 Paul uses the term to encourage believers to be ready for every good deed. A good pair of boots would allow the Roman soldier to be ready to march, climb, fight, or do whatever was necessary to win the battle. Messiah demands the stand for readiness of His people to win the spiritual battle.

In this passage, the Gospel peace refers to the Good News that the believer is at peace with God. The unsaved person is helpless, ungodly, sinful and an enemy of God. James tells us that if you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God (James 4:4b NLT). A saved person, on the other hand, is reconciled to God through faith in His Son (see the commentary on Romans, to see link click Bj – The Restoration of Justification). We have peace with God through our Lord Yeshua Messiah (Romans 5:1). And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, Paul explained to the Colossians, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach (Colossians 1:21-22). Thus, we can stand in the confidence of God’s love, union, and commitment to fight for us.

The believer who stands in the Lord’s power need not fear any enemy, even the Old Serpent himself. When he comes to attack us, our feet are rooted firmly on the solid ground of the Gospel of peace, through which ADONAI changed from our enemy to our defender. We, who were once His enemies, are now His children, and our heavenly Father offers us His full resources to be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might (6:10). If God is for us, who is against us? The Rabbi asks. But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who has loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers, neither what exists nor what is coming, neither powers above nor powers below, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God which comes to us through the Messiah Yeshua, our Lord (Romans 8:31, 37-39).²⁶⁰

Roman soldiers were well known for wearing their tough, cleated sandals as they went to battle, essential for good footing while in combat. But here, Sha’ul says that the Ephesians’ feet should be fitted with peace. In contrast to the Roman soldier, the High Priest did not wear any sandals during his ministry. In fact, the original Greek of this verse reveals that the word “sandals, shoes, or boots” is not even in the text. But, this is another clue that the Rabbi is primarily thinking of the spiritual weapons given to Isra’el as opposed to the physical equipment of the Roman army. Again, Sha’ul shows his affinity for the scroll of Isaiah as he quotes the passage speaking of the Good News being our footwear, instead of shoes (see the commentary on Isaiah Ix – How Beautiful on the Mountains are the Feet of Those Who Bring Good News). No wonder the B’rit Chadashah is called the Good News for all people. Yeshua paid the price to bring peace between all of humanity and His Father in Heaven. In turn, we are told to go into spiritual battle, not with spiked sandals, but walking in the peace of God.²⁶¹

Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You for being such a wonderful Heavenly Father! You are the Almighty Sovereign of the world who has wisely gifted Your children with the perfect equipment to win every battle. How important it is to have our feet fitted with the right shoes. Even if we hold up our shield of Faith and have on our helmet of Salvation, we also need to be able to have our feet able to move about quickly with the knowledge of the Gospel of peace. Just as Moses prepared Joshua for the battles he would fight by telling him to meditate on Your Word, so I need to meditate on Your Word and Your awesome character. Messiah Yeshua, who is the Word of God, used Your Word to fight and conquer Satan when He was tempted (Matthew 4:1-11). When our feet are fitted with the Gospel of peace, then we will be ready for the spiritual battle ahead of us. Thank you for always being with Your children. Never leaving us, helping and guiding us in every battle In your Holy Messiah Yeshua’s name and power of His resurrection. Amen

The Breastplate of Righteousness
6: 14b

The breastplate of righteousness DIG: What is the difference between the imputed righteousness we receive at the moment of salvation and our practical righteousness?

REFLECT: How can truth, righteousness, and peace help you to stand against the enemy’s attacks? How costly can it be to neglect putting on the breastplate of righteousness?

Our righteousness is to be taken and wrapped around our whole being, as it were,
just as ancient soldiers covered themselves with breastplates of armor.

No Roman soldier would go into battle without his breastplate, a tough, sleeveless piece of armor that covered his full torso. It was often made of leather of heavy linen, onto which were sewn overlapping layers of animal hooves or horns or pieces of metal. Some were made of large pieces of metal molded or hammered to conform to the body. The purpose of that piece of armor is obvious – to protect the heart, lungs, intestines, and other vital organs.

In ancient Jewish thinking, the heart represented the mind, will and bowels, the seat of emotions and feelings. The mind and the emotions are the two areas where Satan most fiercely attacks believers. He creates a world system, a sinful environment by which he tempts us to think wrong thoughts and to feel wrong emotions. He wants to cloud our minds with false doctrine, false principles, and false information in order to mislead and confuse us. He also wants to confuse our emotions and thereby pervert our affections, morals, loyalties, goals, and commitments. He desires to snatch the Word of God from our minds and replace it with his own perverse ideas. He seeks to undermine pure living and replace it with his own perverse ideas. He seeks to undermine pure living and replace it with immorality, greed, envy, hate, and every other vice. He wants us to laugh at sin rather than mourn over it, and to rationalize it rather than confess it and bring it to the Lord for forgiveness. He seduces us to become so used to sin in and around us that it doesn’t bother our conscience.

Therefore, we are to put on the breastplate of righteousness, as protection against those attacks (6:14b). Righteousness is to be taken and wrapped around our whole being, as it were, just as ancient soldiers covered themselves with breastplates of armor. When Sha’ul talks here about righteousness, he is not talking about our imputed righteousness, the perfect righteousness that God transfers to our spiritual bank account at the moment of salvation (see the commentary on The Life of Christ, to see link click Bw – What God Does for Us at the Moment of Faith). ADONAI’s imputed righteousness protects us from hell, but it does not protect us from the Adversary in this life. The breastplate of righteousness that we put on as spiritual armor against the Evil One is the practical righteousness of a life lived in obedience to God’s Word. Therefore, YHVH Himself puts on our imputed righteousness, but we must put on our practical righteousness.

Not to be armored with the breastplate of righteousness can be very costly to the believer. John’s first epistle contains many warnings and commands to believers, and these are given, along with other truths, so that our joy may be made complete (First John 1:4). In other words, lack of obedience brings lack of joy. The joyful believer is an obedient believer. Unholy living does not rob us of salvation, but it robs us of salvation’s joy. Sadly, the Church today is often guilty of supplying believers with the paper armor of good advice, programs, activities, techniques, and methods – when what people really need is the godly armor of holy living. No program, method, or technique can bring wholeness and joy to the believer who is unwilling to confront and forsake their sin. Failure to be armed with practical righteousness will result in fruitlessness, loss of reward (see the commentary on Revelation Cc – We Must All Appear Before the Bema Seat of Christ), and reproach to God’s Name.

Beloved, Peter pleads, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul (First Peter 2:11). Fleshly lusts and every other kind of sin are part of Satan’s arsenal with which he wages war against our very souls. Our armor must include the breastplate of righteousness, the genuine holiness of the genuine believer whose every thought is held captive to the obedience of Messiah (Second Corinthians 10:5), and whose mind is set on things above, not on the things that are on the earth (Colossians 3:2). Therefore, let us put on the Lord Yeshua Messiah, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts (Romans 13:14).²⁵⁸

For a Roman soldier the breastplate was most essential to protect the vital organs while in battle. If the heart or lungs were injured it would most likely be a fatal wound. In a different way, the breastplate of the High Priest was essential for protection as well. In this case it was not so much the physical organs of the body but the spiritual essence of the soul. In Judaism, the heart is symbolic of the inner being of every person and it needs protection. Not surprisingly, the Torah required the High Priest to wear a choshen (a special breastplate) to symbolically protect his heart as he ministered. The breastplate was an important reminder of a critical ministry of the High Priest. It contained twelve different stones representing the twelve tribes of Isra’el (see the commentary on Exodus Ga – Fashion a Breastplate for Making Decisions).

The priest was to always be a mediator between God and His people, a perfect picture of the coming Messiah. The Rabbi quotes a verse from the TaNaKh that alludes to this breastplate and the fact that it represents the righteous character of God Himself. He put on righteousness as His breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; He put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak (see the commentary on Isaiah Js – According to What They Had Done, He Will Repay Wrath to His Enemies). The battle of the Spirit cannot be fought with a Roman breastplate, but requires the spiritual breastplate represented in the High Priest. As we believers enter spiritual battle, we need to protect our souls with the righteous breastplate of God.²⁵⁹

Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You for giving me the righteous breastplate of Messiah. He made the One who knew no sin to become a sin offering on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (Second Corinthians 5:21). How great a cost You had to pay in order to give to me Your righteousness. (Hebrews 12:2). When trials and problems come, please help me remember the great cost You so willingly paid for victory over sin and its penalty of death, and how short life on earth is. Someday I will live with You in great peace and joy in heaven for all eternity! For I consider the sufferings of this present time not worthy to be compared with the coming glory to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18).

It is also a comfort for me to meditate on what a wonderful Father You are. Your love is never-ending and your holy wisdom means that however You lead me, it will always be the wisest thing to do. You restore our souls (Psalms 23:3) and You are always with me. For God Himself has said: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5c).Thank You for the breastplate of righteousness and for being such a wonderful heavenly Father. In Messiah Yeshua’s holy Name and power of His resurrection. Amen

The Belt of Truth
6: 14a

The belt of truth DIG: How was the belt of the Roman soldier and the belt of the High Priest similar? Dissimilar? What happens when the mind is renewed to God’s truth?

REFLECT: How does the belt of truth help you stand against the Devil’s schemes? From being carried about every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, and by craftiness?

Buckled with the belt of truth means being renewed in the mind,
in order to prove that the will of God is good and acceptable and perfect.

The Roman soldier always wore a tunic, an outer garment that served as his primary clothing. It was usually made of a large, square piece of material with holes cut out for the head and arms. Ordinarily it draped loosely over most of the soldier’s body. Since the greatest part of ancient combat was hand-to-hand, a loose tunic was a potential hindrance and even a danger. Before a battle it was therefore carefully cinched up and tucked into the heavy leather belt that went around the soldier’s waist.

Stand firm then, have the belt of truth (Greek: aletheia) buckled around your waist (Ephesians 6:14a). The belt that went around the soldier’s waist and demonstrates the believer’s readiness for spiritual warfare is truth. The content of God’s truth is absolutely essential for the believer in his battle against the schemes of Satan. Without knowledge of biblical teaching, he is, as the apostle has already pointed out, subject to being carried away by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming (4:14). In his first letter to Timothy, Sha’ul warns that the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (First Timothy 4:1). The doctrines of demons taught by cults and false religions have their origin in the deceitful spirits that in Ephesus, Paul calls rulers . . . powers . . . world forces of his darkness . . . and spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (6:12). These false schemes of the Adversary can be successfully encountered only with the truth of the Word of God (see the commentary on The Life of Christ, to see link click Bj – Jesus is Tempted in the Wilderness).

Buckled with the belt of truth means being renewed in the mind in order to prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. When the mind is renewed in commitment to God’s truth, there is empowerment for the believer to become a living and holy sacrifice that pleases YHVH and is his or her spiritual service of worship (Romans 12:1-2). In many ways it is more difficult and more demanding to be a living sacrifice than a dying one. To be burned at the stake for one’s faith would be painful, but it would soon be over. To live a lifetime of faithful obedience can also be painful at times, and its demands go on and on. It requires staying power that only continual and total commitment to the Lord can provide. It demands that love abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that [we] may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Messiah; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Yeshua, to the glory and praise of God (Phil 1:9-11). Love, knowledge, and understanding of God all need to grow in us. And when those grow, so does our commitment to the Lord for excellence in all things – the ultimate goal of which is the glory and praise of God.²⁵⁶

Just as a belt would be essential equipment for a Roman soldier, it was just as important for the Jewish High Priest. The soldier would need a belt to make sure his clothing would not be a hindrance in battle. The bible often uses the common expression to gird your loins, which meant to tie up the loose clothing so you would have unhindered work. Such a belt would also be required for the intense work of the High Priest as well (Exodus 28:39). The belt was practical, but it also symbolized the spiritual calling of the Levite – to work for the heavenly Kingdom. As his proof text, Rabbi Sha’ul quotes a passage about the belt of truth worn by the Messiah, when He comes to rule Isra’el: Justice will be the belt around His waist, and faithfulness the sash around His hips (Isaiah 11:5). We, as the followers of Messiah, must have truth as our belt if our spiritual warfare is to go unhindered.²⁵⁷

Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You for being totally trustworthy! To choose to follow You is the wisest decision anyone can ever make, for loving and following You is the only way to get to heaven. Yeshua said to him: I am the way, the truth, and the life! No one comes to the Father except through Me (John 14:6). In a world where there are so many voices, each claiming to be the way to heaven, it is such a comfort that You are the way and the truth!

Past historical events, proves You, our Almighty God, is beyond any doubt the one and only God! No other supposed “god” has power to heal. Messiah Yeshua, being God, had power to create wellness. He healed all kinds of various illnesses. Some of Messiah Yeshua’s mighty and miraculous healings were: lepers cleansed (Matthew 8:2-3, Luke 17:12-19), paralyzed made well (Matthew 8: 5-13), deaf and dumb healed (Mark 7:31-37), blind healed (John 9, Luke 18:35-43, Mark 9:22-26). Only God has power to forgive sins and that is exactly what Messiah did when He saw the man’s faith (Mark 2:1-12). Only God can heal from a long distance away (John 4:46-54). Only God has power to cast out Satan’s demons (Matthew 8:28-34, 15:21-28).

Now by indwelling those who love and follow you as their God you prove You are God. You are ADONAI Jireh – the one true God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, has promised to place His Ruach Ha’Kodesh within believers and to dwell within them to help, guide and to protect them. Yeshua answered and said to him: If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him (John 14:23).

Future life in heaven is secured because of God’s gracious gift of Messiah Yeshua’s righteousness given to those who love Him. He made the One who knew no sin to become a sin offering on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (Second Corinthians 5:21). The gift of salvation and eternal life in heaven is a spectacular gift that God is willing to give to all who are willing to receive it (Romans 5:17) by their having faith in God (Ephesians 2:8-9) and a heart of repentance (Second Peter 3:9).

Thank you for being a God of Truth who can be totally trusted, loved and followed. What a joy and privilege that by Messiah’s blood (Ephesians 1:7) you have redeemed both (Galatians 1:28) Jews (Ephesians 1:12) and Gentiles (Ephesians 1:13). How wonderful that You have promised to make those who love You Your children (John 1:12). Even though we may be persecuted for serving You, Your children know for sure that Your Word is True and someday soon all trials and problems will be over (Romans 8:18) and an eternal life of peace and joy in heaven awaits those who love You! In Messiah Yeshua’s holy Name and power of His resurrection. Amen

The Armor of God
6: 10-13

The armor of God DIG: What is the purpose of a soldier’s armor? Why does Sha’ul advise believers to equip themselves with “the full armor of God?” What does it mean to “stand your ground?” What kind of “deceptive tactics” might the enemy use to try to knock you off course? In what ways will a life of prayer benefit you in spiritual warfare?

REFLECT: In what ways are believers like soldiers seeking to defeat an enemy? How would you define “spiritual victory?” How can truth, righteousness, and peace help you to stand against the enemy’s attacks? What are some of Satan’s tactics that Paul is referring to? Which piece of armor do you need to pay more attention to? Why?

We must make use of every piece of equipment that ADONAI has provided
if we are to be victorious in our spiritual lives.

Rabbi Sha’ul began his letter by talking about the riches, privileges, and benefits that all believers have been given in Messiah (1:3 to 3:21). He went on to explain the believer’s role in pursuing a godly life worthy of this calling (4:1 to 6:9). He now concludes by using a metaphor to remind his readers that a very real spiritual battle is being waged for their souls. By equipping the armor that ADONAI has provided them for this battle, they can be prepared for the onslaught of the enemy and be ready for the life of service that the Lord has for them in His spiritual army.²⁵⁰ Finally, grow powerful in union with the Lord, in union with his mighty strength (6:10)! The word finally (Greek: loipos) is usually interpreted in the sense of “therefore,” as a conclusion drawn from what was said previously. But the phrase used by Paul in the Greek can also mean from this point forward. The believer will always be in a battle until the day we are taken home to heaven or until the Lord returns.²⁵¹

As the apostle ends his letter, he feels compelled to address an essential topic for all believers – the spiritual battle. He has already firmly established the point that this current world is often a hostile place for those who seek to walk with God (2:1-2). The environment of this age is often chaotic and destructive since its principle ruler is Satan. There are so many things that transpire in day-to-day life that are not the perfect will of God. It was a dangerous thing for YHVH to give mankind freewill and the tragic fruit is seen in the daily news. It is within this hostile environment that the follower of Yeshua finds himself.

The result is an ongoing spiritual battle between the forces of evil and the power of God. It may seem overwhelming, but Sha’ul is not totally pessimistic about the battle. We are already more than conquerors through the work of Yeshua and the ultimate victory is guaranteed! Yet the battle rages for those who seek to walk in the light of God’s ways. For this reason the apostle reminds his readers to grow strong in their faith-walk. He has already commended the Ephesians on their remarkable spiritual growth and success as followers of Yeshua (1:13-16). But as is often the case, he also encourages them to grow stronger in the Lord. The snares of the fallen world are way beyond their own strength to overcome, but with God’s help, they will find their way to final victory in Messiah. The strength of ADONAI is offered to every believer in the midst of worldly challenges.²⁵²

The provision, the armor of God: Use all the armor and weaponry that God provides, so that you will be able to stand firm (6:11a). To stand firm (Greek: from histemi), when used in a military sense, had the idea of holding a critical position while under attack. The intent of the encouragement here is not unlike that of our Lord to the embattled church at Thyatira, whom He commended: Hold fast until I come (Rev 2:25).²⁵³ Since this battle is in the spiritual realm, by necessity it requires spiritual weapons. While Paul will use the analogy of a soldier, he clearly is referring to the spiritual armor of God. The following details can fit the description of a Roman soldier of the first century, but there are some intriguing modifications from spiritual armor. It is more likely that, as a Rabbi, he is referring to spiritual weapons that would be understood in the context of Judaism. ADONAI has provided these weapons to stand against the spiritual forces that oppose God.

The enemy: against the deceptive tactics of the Adversary (6:11b). The Evil One is Satan. This phrase is even a play on words, as the Hebrew word Satan means opposition or adversary. Although he was originally one of the angels close to the throne of God, he chose to oppose his Creator and even lead a rebellion of other angelic beings. Most commentators agree that the descriptions of a fallen pagan king can only be attributed to a greater spiritual power, the Old Serpent (Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezeki’el 28:11-19; Revelation 12:1-11). Thus, it is not an early king, but Lucifer (a later Latin translation) and his demons that were cast out of heaven to the earth where they continue to cause spiritual havoc (2:2). This is not just Christian teaching but it is also well documented in rabbinic theology as well.

It is said that the work of the Ruler of Darkness falls into three broad categories: he seduces mankind, he accuses them before God, and he inflicts the punishment of death (Tractate Bava Batra 16a). It was the Tempter who was responsible for encouraging Isra’el to make the Golden Calf in the wilderness (Tractate Shabbat 89a). As his name implies, the Adversary is constantly opposing all that God seeks to establish. What makes this spiritual war especially tricky are the deceptive tactics that are employed by him. Satan knows that most people would recognize his destructive ways if he made a direct attack. He is much too deceitful to appear in the obvious red leotards with the pitchfork legend! He is more likely to cause his confusion through guerilla warfare or surprise attacks.

Rabbi Sha’ul warns elsewhere that the Deceiver will even disguise himself as an angel of light (Second Corinthians 1:14). No doubt the Accuser will seek to attack humanity in its areas of greatest weakness, whether it is greed, illicit sex, addictions, or even religion! Tragically, he does a pretty good job of keeping unbelievers distracted and away from the Kingdom of God. Here, however, the Rabbi is addressing the believers in Messiah and warning them to be on the alert. Satan knows he cannot capture the true believers in Yeshua (John 18:28-29). But the Ruler of this world can certainly get believers off the good path of walking with Messiah. It is not a question of losing one’s salvation (see the commentary on The Life of Christ, to see link click Ms – The Eternal Security of the Believer) but losing many of God’s intended blessings. For this reason, the apostle warns the believers to stay alert and to keep armed with spiritual weapons.²⁵⁴

The battle against demons: For we are not struggling against human beings, but against the rulers, authorities and cosmic powers governing this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm (6:12). With all the craziness of the world, it is tempting to blame external sources. Yet, while all people are accountable to God for their attitudes and actions, those who have some spiritual discernment understand that it is not just an outward battle being fought. All these evils are merely manifestations of the greater spiritual battle that is taking place.

Most of the world scoffs at the idea of the existence of the Devil, but the fact remains that someone is doing a very good imitation of him! In fact it is evil spiritual rulers, authorities and cosmic powers that are stirring up most of the trouble. Even if most of the world is in denial, the Scriptures, as well as the ancient rabbis, confirm that there are spiritual forces that are manipulating the events of world history. As the apostle says, it is a spiritual struggle of epic proportions.

The victory, standing firm: So take up every piece of war equipment God provides; so that when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist; and when the battle is won, you will still be standing firm (6:13). The Rabbi has informed the believers to use the right spiritual equipment for this battle. Here is a more specific encouragement for them to take up every piece of battle gear God has already provided. But what good does it do if it stays in the storage locker? This is precisely the point where too many believers of today fail. Many feel defeated and beat up by the Adversary because they have not taken up their battle gear. It must be an active choice combined with exerted effort on our part. We are called to resist and to stand firm. This is the difference between a defeated, confused believer and a believer who is walking in strength and victory! No soldier would think of going into battle without his armor. As with the Ephesian believers, we too must make use of every piece of equipment that ADONAI has provided if we are to be victorious in our spiritual lives.

Paul was probably chained to a Roman soldier when he wrote the letter of Ephesians, and looking at the soldier’s armor, he was inspired by the Ruach Ha’Kodesh to see in it the analogy of God’s spiritual provision for our battle with Satan and his demons. As the apostle explains, the believer’s armor equips him beyond the initial facts of the Gospel. It is living the obedient, Scripture-dominated, Spirit-empowered life that enables us to stand firm. However, there was another good analogy. Sha’ul will also quote a number of references in the Torah to back up his teaching, the bulk of which deal with the garments of the High Priest. These garments have a great application to the battle in the spiritual world.²⁵⁵

Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You that You are Almighty and have the power to conquer all that come against You. Your omniscience sees the future as though it has already happened and you have already won all future battles! Your children can totally trust their future to You for You have already conquered all enemies. When Satan gathers all the armies of the world against you, you wipe him out without even a fight for the sword from your mouth strikes them all down. From His mouth comes a sharp sword – so that with it He may strike down the nations – and He shall rule them with an iron rod, and He treads the winepress of the furious wrath of Elohei-Tzva’ot.  On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “King of kings, and Lord of lords.” . . .Then the beast was captured, and along with him the false prophet who had performed the signs before him by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast, as well as those who had worshiped his image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. (Revelation 19:15-16, 20).

I can also be victorious, as I wear the armor that You have provided for me. How great that You live within me to strength me and to guide me in spiritual battles. Yeshua answered and said to him: If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him (John 14:23). Thank You that You also give me powerful armor to help me handle all temptations. No temptation has taken hold of you except what is common to mankind. But God is faithful – He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can handle. But with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so you will be able to endure it (First Corinthians 10:13).

The victory that comes after a battle is a reward and joy that I rejoice in laying at Your feet in thanks and appreciation for Your help by the power of the indwelling Ruach Ha’Kodesh and the armor which you give me. Though fighting is not a joy, when I wear Your armor, then victory is assured and there is joy in pleasing You by my obedience! In Messiah Yeshua’s holy Name and power of His resurrection. Amen

The Spiritual Battle
6: 10-18

The faithful believer’s life is a battle; it is warfare on a grand scale – because when ADONAI begins to bless, the Adversary begins to attack. The Bible tells us to take your stand against the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7). If we are walking worthy of our calling, in humility rather than pride, in unity rather than divisiveness, in the new self rather than the old, in love rather than in lust, in light rather than in darkness, in wisdom rather than foolishness, in the fullness of the Spirit rather than in the drunkenness of wine, and in mutual submission rather than self-serving independence, then we can be absolutely certain that we will have opposition and conflict.

Yeshua’s ministry began in a great battle with the Adversary that lasted forty days (Luke 4:2). As Messiah’s ministry ended, Satan attacked Him again in the Garden of Gethsemane with such force that He sweated great drops of blood (22:44). Among many other instructive truths, those two accounts teach us that the battle may not become easier as we grow in obedience to ADONAI. If anything, the Evil One will intensify his efforts against those who continue to effectively serve the Lord. As believers grow strong, so do the dragon’s attacks.

The believer who continually seeks to grow in his knowledge and obedience to the Word and to serve the Lord more faithfully will not find ministry becoming easier. As the Lord gives mastery over certain temptations and weaknesses, the Tempter will attack elsewhere. Faithful witnessing, preaching, teaching, visiting, and every other service for the Lord will not only bring victories, but will also bring their own special difficulties and opposition. A believer who no longer has to struggle against the world, the flesh, and the devil (Ephesians 2:2-3a) is a believer who has either fallen into sin or into complacency. A believer who has no conflict is a believer who has retreated from the front lines of service.

However, in the ultimate sense, the Church’s battles with the Old Serpent are already won. In His crucifixion and resurrection Yeshua destroyed the Father of Lies and his power of sin and death (Romans 5:18-21; First Corinthians 15:56-57; Hebrews 2:14). Trust in Yeshua Messiah sets that victory in motion. Not only is our salvation guaranteed (see the commentary on The Life of Christ, to see link click Ms – The Eternal Security of the Believer), but to the extent that we are strong in the Lord, our victory over the worst that the Ruler of this world has to offer is also guaranteed. Availing ourselves of that strength comes by means of grace, prayer, knowledge of and obedience to the Word, and faith in the promises of God.²⁴⁹

Bosses and Employees
6: 5-9

Bosses and employees DIG: Does the Bible condone slavery? In what ways do Rabbi Sha’ul’s instructions to slaves (to work with integrity whether the master is watching or not) apply to employees today? Paul reminds masters that they are their slaves and are both serving the same Master (God). In what ways does this truth apply to bosses or managers?

REFLECT: In what way is ADONAI honored by your diligent work in your job? How do you think God will reward those who do good work? What is the proper way to handle a problem you might have with a person in authority – whether a parent, employee, or anyone else? Do co-workers appreciate your work? More vitally, is Yeshua happy with it?

Servant leadership is the best leadership and the easiest to follow.

Sha’ul’s use of the word slave should not be confined with the oppressive version of slavery that plagued some societies (like in America). In Judaism, slavery was an acceptable form of servitude, used by a person to voluntarily pay off some debt. Instead of contemporary bankruptcy laws, a Jewish slave could choose a master that suited him as he sought to improve his life situation. Jewish slaves were even guaranteed many rights from their Jewish master (see the commentary on Deuteronomy, to see link click Cz – The Hebrew Slave). Among these rights would be just treatment and even a limited time of servitude of seven years, until he was set free at the Sabbatical Year (see the commentary on Leviticus El – The Sabbath Year).

To illustrate the positive nature of slaves within Isra’el, the Torah even states that sometimes a slave would not want to leave his benevolent master! To prove his allegiance, the slave in such cases was commanded to have his ear pierced on the door of the house (see the commentary on Exodus Dz – If You Buy a Hebrew Servant). Roman slavery of the first century was significantly different but also included some protective rights. A modern reader of Ephesians would better understand this passage, if the terms slaves and masters were replaced by employees and bosses.

The right submission of employees (6:5-8): With this context in mind, the apostle gives the following recommendations: Slaves (Employees), obey your human masters (bosses) with the same fear, trembling and single-heartedness with which you obey the Messiah (6:5). The idea is to do the work we are assigned to do, without complaining, bragging, criticizing the work of others, or being disruptive in any way. Such obedience does not imply inferiority, but is in keeping with the idea of biblical submission, that is, fitting into God’s order (see Bu – The Necessary Foundation). Bosses and workers may stand as equals before ADONAI, but it would wreak havoc in the workplace if there were no order. In fact, the writer points out that the employees are to obey with the same kind of respect they have toward Messiah. Believers should be known as some of the best workers, which may open up some good discussions about perspectives on life.²⁴⁴

Rabbi Sha’ul reminds the Ephesian believers that their work ethic has a direct impact on their future blessing in the Kingdom of God. Slaves had a responsibility to work hard. Like the Ephesians, we are to work diligently with no ulterior motive. We should be excellent employees because it is the right thing to do in the sight of our true Boss. Consequently, our good work ethic is not just on display when people are watching us. Don’t obey just to win their favor, serving only when they are watching you (or eyeservice); but serve as slaves of the Messiah, doing what God wants with all your heart (Ephesians 6:6).²⁴⁵

Paul exposed the kind of service that appears to be spiritual but is really just a put-on, a show, an act to get approval. He called it eyeservice – serving others just to impress people with how spiritual they are. This was the main sin of the Pharisees. They turned helping others, giving, and even prayer into a performance for others. Yeshua hated their attitude and warned: Be careful not to parade your acts of tzedakah in front of people in order to be seen by them! If you do, you have no reward from your Father in heaven (Mt 6:1).²⁴⁶

The true believer understands that he or she is really serving Yeshua. Like Paul told the believers in Colossae: Whatever work you do, put yourself into it, as those who are serving not merely other people, but the Lord (Colossians 3:23). And again his consistent message to the believers in Ephesus was to work willingly as slaves (employees), as people do who are serving not merely human beings but the Lord (6:7). This repeats and reinforces what Paul had just said. Thus, the labor is sincere from the heart. One definition of integrity is “being righteous when no one is watching.” But the reality is that our King Messiah is always watching so we should have the highest motivation for the best work ethic.

Remember that whoever does good work, whether he be a slave or a free man, will be rewarded by the Lord (6:8). ADONAI credits and rewards are always dependable and always appropriate. A boss may not appreciate or even be aware of the good work done, perhaps because he is indifferent or because someone else takes the credit for what is done. But God knows and God rewards. No good thing done in His Name and for His glory can pass His notice or fail to receive His blessing.²⁴⁷

The submission of employers (6:9): The overall context of the entire passage applies here as well. Masters (bosses) might be tempted to abuse their employees, as was often the case in Roman society. But such is not the case in the community of Messiah. Bosses are warned not to threaten their employees, as is so common in the world. And bosses, treat your employees the same way. Don’t threaten them (6:9a). Servant leadership is the best leadership and the easiest to follow. The book of Nehemiah is one of the great teaching and example of leadership, both in a positive sense (see the commentary on Ezra-Nehemiah Bt – The Third Return: Nehemiah – A Manual for Leaders), and a negative sense (see Ezra-Nehemiah Ch – The Completion of the Walls Despite Opposition: Ten fatal flaws that derail leaders). Bosses should keep a balanced approach as they remember that they actually work for the same boss as their employees. Remember that in heaven both you and they have the same Master, and he has no favorites (6:9b). Such a work environment will actually decrease stress and help build a positive atmosphere that will often help the business prosper especially under God’s loving conditions.²⁴⁸

The impartiality of ADONAI is the closing truth in Paul’s discussion on submitting to one another. Spirit-filled believers – whether husbands or wives, parents or children, bosses or employees – are to be mutually submissive because they are equally loved, equally cared for, and equally subservient to a common Master, their Savior and Lord, Yeshua Messiah.

Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You that You are such a wonderful Father! It is so much easier for Your children to honor their hard boss when they realize that all that they do is seen by You and You will reward them according by their heart attitude in all they do. Whatever you do, work at it from the soul, as for the Lord and not for people.  For you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as a reward. It is to the Lord Messiah you are giving service.  For the one doing wrong will be paid back for what he did wrong, and there is no favoritism (Colossians 3:23-25). Though there are always trials and problems and life may seem unfair, when Your children lift their eyes to behold your steadfast love (Psalms 63:3), then life and work seem so much easier. For I consider the sufferings of this present time not worthy to be compared with the coming glory to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18).

How wonderful that You bless Your children, those who love and worship You (John 1:12) as their Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10), with the promise of eternal rewards when they serve You with loving hearts.  For no one can lay any other foundation than what is already laid – which is Yeshua the Messiah.  Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear. For the Day will show it, because it is to be revealed by fire; and the fire itself will test each one’s work – what sort it is. If anyone’s work built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward (First Corinthians 3:11-14). 

Wow! an eternal reward is worth living for! Please help bosses and employees to view each other through Your eyes, to act kindly toward each other for Your sake and to pray for each other so that by their loving example, their boss/employees may come to love You as their Lord and Savior. Then they will be brothers in Messiah and someday both boss and employees would be able to joyfully greet each other in heaven, as part of the family of God (John 1:12). In the holy Name of Messiah and by the power of His resurrection. Amen

The Responsibilities of Children and Parents
6: 1-4

The responsibilities of children and parents DIG: God’s standard is that children are to obey their parents in keeping with their commitment to follow Messiah. How would you describe this kind of obedience? What are some of the benefits of children obeying their parents? How can dad’s keep from provoking their children? How does this relate to the fact that children often times get upset when they are corrected?

REFLECT: What did it mean to obey your parents as a child? In what ways can you honor your parents now? What does it mean to honor your parents as an adult? What makes honoring your parents difficult in your life? Is disregarding your parents the same as dishonoring them? Why or why not? How can fathers nurture and instruct their children instead? How much time and energy does it take for fathers to do this?

Children are to obey their parents,
and parents are to lovingly raise their children with godly discipline and guidance.

The experiment is often recounted of placing a frog in a pan of room-temperature water on a stove and of slowly increasing the heat. Because the rise in temperature is so gradual, it is imperceptible to the frog, and he remains in the pan even when the water begins to boil. He adjusts to the heat as it rises and eventually boils to death. That process illustrates what has happened to the American family, including many families of faith. The changed values in our society have been so gradual that most people have hardly noticed them. Each small change in standards and values seems insignificant in itself. And because adjustments are gradually made to those lowered standards, the danger is not noticed even when the family and society start to disintegrate and crumble. Moral and spiritual standards have gradually eroded until countless families have been literally destroyed.

When the divorce rate among believers is almost as high as that in the rest of society, it is clear that many believers should have jumped out of the pan long ago. It is high time we leave the evil system that is engulfing and destroying us and reestablish ourselves in God’s revealed standards of fidelity and purity. We have long lost the luxury of living in a society that gives some nominal support of the Church and biblical values.

The first step in transmitting God’s truth is to pass it on to our children. God’s Word declares: These words, which I am ordering you today, are to be on your heart, and you are to teach them carefully to your children. You are to talk about them when you sit at home, when you are traveling on the road, when you lie down and when you get up (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Parents are to continually speak about the things of the Lord, so that knowledge and love of Him would become a matter of life and breath for the family. It is God’s plan for His Word to be passed on from one generation to the next.

And His primary means in doing so is the family.

Parents who do not fully and tirelessly commit themselves to the godly teaching and training of their children are likely to wake up one day and find their sons and daughters intimately ensnared in the ungodly and immoral philosophies and practices of the world. If you have a wayward child see my commentary on The Life of Christ, to see link click Hu – The Parable of the Lost Son and His Jealous Brother. Despite what the world would say, children are to obey their parents. They are not to be liberated from their parents and enabled to choose whatever they want to do, when they want to do it, and the way they want to do it.

In God’s Word, parents have every truth and every guideline necessary for raising their children in righteousness and godliness. And what a child needs to know about how he should relate and respond to his parents is also there. The Bible was completed over two thousand years ago, but mankind has not changed since then . . . and neither has YHVH. What Scripture has to say is timeless and up-to-date. No human discovery, philosophy, or attitude is new or surprising to ADONAI or outside the scope and judgment of His revealed Word.²⁴¹

The submission of children (6:1-3): Children, obey your parents . . . (6:1a). The Greek word Tekna (children) does not refer particularly to young children, but to all offspring. Sons and daughters still under their parents’ roof are to obey and honor them. Although, Paul has just mentioned, men and women are no longer under the authority of their parents once they themselves marry (5:31), special respect and concern for their parents should continue as long as they live. The child who is brought up to obey and honor his parents will always be sensitive to their wisdom, counsel, and welfare.

Parents stand in the gap, so to speak, between children and YHVH while the children are too young to have a full and mature relationship with Him themselves. Parents are God’s stewards, His proxy authority, for their children, who are simply loaned to them in trust by their own heavenly Father. That is why children are commanded: Be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord (Colossians 3:20). The only exception to that obedience is in the matter of doing what is wrong. Every believer should refuse to do anything that is clearly against God’s will as taught in Scripture. He should say with Peter and John: Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking of what we have seen and heard (see the commentary on Acts Ar – Peter and John Stand before the Sanhedrin). Otherwise, the child of God is to obey his or her parents in all things.

. . . in the Lord, for this is right (6:1b). The basic reason for children to obey and honor their parents is simply that it is right. The rightness is not based on psychological case studies or other human evidence or theory, but on God’s standard of right. The declaration of ADONAI makes it right. Children are to honor both their father and mother, to hold them in the highest possible respect. When ADONAI first introduced His written Torah in the form of the Ten Words (see Deuteronomy Bk – The Ten Words), the first mitzvah relating to human relationships was Honor your father and your mother, so you may live long in the Land ADONAI your God is giving you (Exodus 20:12). And this is the mitzvah that Paul repeats here. It is the only mitzvah of the ten that relates to the family, because that one principle alone, when obeyed, is enough to secure the right relationship of children to their parents. Not only that, but it is the key principle behind all right human relationships in society. A person who grows up with a sense of respect for and obedience to their parents will have the necessary foundation (see Bu – The Necessary Foundation) for respecting the authority of other leaders and the rights of other people in general.

The mitzvah to honor your father and mother is twofold. So that it may go well with you relates to the quality of life, and that you may live long in the earth (Greek: ges, meaning the earth or land) relates to the quantity of life promised (6:2-3). Sha’ul’s original promise was to Isra’el and involved many tangible, physical, earthly blessings. But Paul’s reference to it here shows that it also extends to believers today. Though its blessings may not always be tangible, a family where children and parents live in mutual love and submission will have a rich, God-given harmony and satisfaction that other families can never know. As for the promise of living long on the earth, the believer who honors his parents (see Deuteronomy Bp – Honor Your Parents), can know that his or her lifetime will be the full measure that God intends, rather than cut short like the death of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-11), Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:5-10) and certain members of the Corinthian church (First Corinthians 11:30).²⁴²

The submission of parents (6:4): After the exhortation to the Ephesian children, the Rabbi addresses the responsibilities facing fathers. For discipline to take place in the home, necessary in the raising of children, fathers need to be strong leaders. This is especially true with teenage boys who can simply overwhelm their mother physically. But some fathers go overboard with this and are too aggressive. Therefore, Paul wisely condemns irritating or provoking children, saying: Fathers, don’t provoke your children and make them resentful (6:4a). Children or teenagers may not perfectly live up to God’s standards, but it is also a sobering reminder that fathers can stumble as well. They may act out or be inappropriate. But a deeper analysis looks at the environment of the home, in which fathers play a crucial role. They can even be a source of the provocation of their sons and daughters, and for that, Ha’Shem holds them accountable.

Instead of provoking his children, the believing father is to raise them with the Lord’s kind of discipline and guidance (6:4b). Sha’ul says that this includes godly discipline, which will include boundaries for acceptable behavior. This discipline is related to the word “disciple” and a father’s first disciples must be in his own home. We would like to believe that our children will naturally behave, but world history proves otherwise! Children, when left to their own devices, often make the wrong choices. It is hard to blame them too much since they lack life experience. That is why Solomon encourages the parents of his day to train up a child in the way he should go (Proverbs 22:6). Fathers must be concerned enough about their children to correct their bad behavior and give them proper boundaries to have a chance for a successful life.

Therefore, the father should be the servant leader of his family, especially in regards to taking his family to their Messianic congregation or church, teaching at home, and reading the Word. The Sh’ma reminds fathers that they are to talk of godly values all the time (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). The implication is that the fathers are not merely to speak the Torah, but more importantly, to model the Torah. In fact, a great deal of spiritual damage can be done if fathers speak the Torah without walking in the Torah.

There is another way in Jewish tradition for fathers to bless their children . . . literally! At every Shabbat dinner, after the blessings over the candles and challah, there is a blessing over the children. For the boys it is the biblical blessing found in Genesis 48:20: May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh. Over the daughters the Jews say: May God make you like Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah. Not only do the children receive the benefits of these powerful words, but every Shabbat the fathers get to show their appreciation for them. Instead of provoking the children, fathers can encourage them in the ways of Messiah. Fathers, are we living up to our sacred duties?²⁴³

Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You that loving and obeying You is the wisest way to obtain eternal joy! Parents who love You will want to teach their children to obey You for then the children will be happiest both now and for all eternity. How wonderful for parents to be able to encourage and train their children that God will always give them the very best, when they follow him for God is love (First John 4:8c).

Comforting for children is when their parents teach them that they are never alone, even when their parents are not with them, for God is with all who love Him and have become His children. Yeshua answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him (John 14:23).

Please help each parent who is reading this to know how to guide their children lovingly. It is hard to train children now, for the world wrongly teaches them that what you call wrong is right. Please give wisdom to parents to be sure to teach their children that obeying You will bring the greatest happiness that will last through all eternity. Help parents to teach about how You are holy and cannot let people into heaven who do whatever they want, for Your standard of holiness is heaven’s standard of holiness. Suffering is sure to come, but the hard times will soon be over and replaced with joy and peace for all eternity! For I consider the sufferings of this present time not worthy to be compared with the coming glory to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18).

Many parents also teach that saying I love You God as a child and then living to please yourself does Not qualify for salvation. What someone does speaks louder than a few words that were said a long time ago. A heart of love and repentance, turning from sins to God is so important. I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one repentant sinner than over the ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance (Luke 15:7). Turning to You in humble love, believing in you as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10) and continuing in the faith (Colossians 1:23, First John 2:19) brings eternal joy! To love and to follow You, You so graciously bestow the right to become Your child (John 1:12) and thereby receive redemption (Ephesians 1:7) and Messiah’s righteousness thru His blood sacrifice. He made the One who knew no sin to become a sin offering on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God (Second Corinthians 5:21). Your children love to teach their children to love and follow You so they may live eternally in heaven with You, our wonderful holy and loving heavenly Father. In the Holy Messiah’s Name and power of His resurrection. Amen

The Role and Priorities of the Husband
5: 25-33

The role and priorities of the husband DIG: How did Messiah love the Church? Was there anything he wouldn’t do for her? Did He lord over her, or serve her? Did He even suffer and die for her? How hard would it be for a wife to submit to her husband if he truly exhibited servant leadership? What would cause a husband not to have his prayers heard? How does the Jewish wedding ceremony foreshadow Messiah’s return? Why the mystery?

REFLECT: Should the husband be a dictator to his wife? Should she be a doormat? Explain your thinking? How do you serve your wife? In what ways do you sacrifice your wants and desires for your wife? Do you know her wants, needs, and desires for the future? What are you doing to make her dreams come true? Are you her number one fan? The real question men should be asking is, “How did Messiah love the Church?”

Messiah’s sacrifice on the cross is the barometer for a husband’s love for his wife.

Sacrificial love (5:25b): The Torah model is a husband who loves his wife. Rabbi Sha’ul tells us that men are to emulate Messiah in their love for their wives. He says: Husbands, love your wives, just as the Messiah loved the Church, and gave Himself up for her (5:25 NIV). This is a sacrificial love. There is no bullying, there is no forced submission. Instead the biblical husband is to nourish and cherish his wife. To be her number one fan. One cannot cherish a person and at the same time disregard their wishes and opinions. Messiah-like headship is defined as servant-hood. Lording it over another person is something that the Master attributes to the ways of pagans. His disciples are to demonstrate leadership through their humble service: Yeshua said, “You know that among the Goyim, those who are supposed to rule them become tyrants, and their superiors’ become dictators. Among you, it must not be like that. On the contrary, whoever among you wants to be a leader must become your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave! For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve – and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:25-28). And Paul charges married men to love their wives and do not be embittered against them (Colossians 3:19). Again the key word is love (First Corinthians 13:4-7).

It is particularly important that we notice that the apostle never commands husbands to “make your wives submit to you.” The mitzvah of submitting to one’s husband belongs solely to the woman. It is the wife’s mitzvah, not the husbands. A husband need not worry that his wife is not submitting to him. That is her business, not his. The Bible does not give a man license to force his wife to obey him. Rather, he is to love her and treat her as a fellow heir. She is his partner, not his servant. A man who does not show his wife the dignity of being his fellow heir will not even be heard in heaven. Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered (First Peter 3:7). An insensitive man or harsh authoritarian that does not live with his wife in an understanding way is not worthy of even having his prayers answered. After all, he does not listen to his wife’s entreaties, so why should God listen to his? Thus, we learn that the biblical principles of submission and authority within the home depend upon a godly man who conducts himself according to the highest standards of Torah. A home ruled by the iron fist of harsh authoritarian is not worthy of the name of Messiah.²³⁶

Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You for being the perfect model for how a husband should love his wife. Because You are the Creator and Almighty Sovereign of the universe, You definitely have the right to be heavy handed and make sure all obey You. Instead, You chose the role of being the loving Savior (Romans 10:9-10) and Father of all who love You, male or female (Galatians 3:28), rich or poor, young or old, Jew or Gentile Ephesians 1:5-13). But whoever did receive Him, those trusting in His name, to these He gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12).

When husbands follow the example of Messiah Yeshua’s so gracious love, their kind behavior encourages their wives to desire to be close to them and to follow and love their gracious husbands. Have this attitude in yourselves, which also was in Messiah Yeshua, Who, though existing in the form of God, did not consider being equal to God a thing to be grasped. But He emptied Himself – taking on the form of a slave (Philippians 2:5-7a).

When a husband and wife both lovingly submit to you, it brings peace and joy into the home. Thank You for giving all who love You, both men and women, Your Ruach to live within them and to guide how each is to follow the role guidelines that You have set up for their happiness. Yeshua answered and said to him: If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him (John 14:23).

Though life seems hard at times, and it may seem easier to ignore the role guidelines that You have given, the truth is this life is but a blink. It is always wisest for me to follow all You say for I will be rewarded for serving You with a loving and obedient heart (First Corinthians 3:11-15). The joy You have for those who lay aside selfish ways to follow You will be rewarded for all eternity. An eternal reward is worth living for. I cannot even imagine how long one thousand years is, let alone ten thousand times ten thousand years; but even that is only scratching the surface of how long I will enjoy living with You in your wonderful and peaceful home of heaven (John 14:1-3 and Revelation 21:1-3). It is so well worth it to love and to follow all you say about husband-and-wife roles. For I consider the sufferings of this present time not worthy to be compared with the coming glory to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18). In Messiah Yeshua’s holy Name and power of His resurrection. Amen

We have proven that YHVH is decidedly patriarchal. Wives do not have free-agency. They are to submit to their husbands as to the Lord (to see link click Bw – The Role and Priorities of the Wife). And husbands are to love their wives, just as the Messiah loved the Church. The critical question is how did Messiah love the Church? Was there anything He would not do for the Church? What was his attitude toward the Church?

Mark answers these questions like this: For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). So if the husband puts his wife first in everything, thinking of her first, making sure all her needs are met by serving her, then that is much easier to submit to. But this kind of a relationship seems a lot different from: he shall rule over you (see the commentary on Genesis Bf – Your Desire Will Be For Your Husband, and He Will Rule Over You), doesn’t it? That sounds pretty harsh, not like a servant at all. Which is it? Does he come to serve or rule? Moreover, how is he to rule over her? If you think this is confusing, just look at the state of marital roles. It is one of the most confused areas in and out of the Church today. The main problem is confusion between man’s relationship with his wife, and his responsibility with what goes on in the marriage.

Let’s look at relationships first. The Bible clearly teaches that men and women are equals socially, psychologically, and spiritually. In other words, they are equals in their relationship with each other. God created us as equals (1:27-28), and we are to be one when married (2:24). We are equally sinful (Romans 3:23), and equally saved (John 1:12-13; Second Corinthians 5:17). Husbands and wives are to submit to each other sexually (First Corinthians 7:2-5), and socially (Ephesians 5:21). Furthermore, the Bible teaches that there shall be no sexual discrimination (Galatians 3:28). Men and women are equally dependent on God (First Corinthians 11:11-12), accepted equally as believers (Acts 5:14), and co-laborers for Him (Romans 16:1, 3-6; Philippians 4:3). So in their relationship, men and women are equals. There is no doubt about that. But there is another area that we need to look at.

The second area the Bible teaches us about is responsibility. Even though men and women are equal in their relationship to one another, men are ultimately held responsible for what goes on in the marriage. The Bible tells us that when Abram lied about Sarai being his wife, Pharaoh held Abram responsible (Genesis 12:17-20). Later, after God changed their names, Abraham and Sarah did the same thing again and Abimelech held Abraham responsible (Genesis 20:9). And it seems the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree, as Abraham’s son Isaac was held responsible for the lie about Rebekah (Genesis 26:9). Much later, God held David responsible for his sin with Bathsheba and sent the prophet Nathan to rebuke him. In Genesis, Adam and Eve both ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil; in fact Eve led the way, but God held Adam responsible (Genesis 3:9). This principle is not only taught in the TaNaKh, but also in the B’rit Chadashah where Paul tells us that through one man sin entered the world (Romans 5:12, 14 and 17). Responsibility begs for accountability, and God held Adam responsible. Not only was the responsibility not the same for Adam and Eve, neither were their consequences. With the leader following and the follower leading, God declared that Adam would rule over Eve.

So with this understanding, we come back to the question: How shall the husband rule over his wife? Husbands and wives should make important decisions together as a team, but if they cannot agree, he has to make the call because he is responsible before God. How he handles the situation, how he listens to his wife and takes her feelings and opinions into consideration are important. She needs to be heard. Husbands who do not listen to their wives are fools, because Elohim made her a helper suitable for him (Genesis 2:18). If the wife does not feel like she is being heard or has any input in the marriage, it will crush her spirit and/or drive her away (physically and/or emotionally).

Purifying love (5:26-27): In order to set it apart for God . . . The Rabbi is no doubt alluding to the Jewish name of the marriage covenant – kiddushin (sanctified marriage). It is an illustration that every Jew would understand. As biblical marriage is a consecration of a woman to a man, so, too, it reminds every Jew of being set apart as a people for God. In fact, the phrasing of 5:26-27 (and the broader context of Ephesians) is reminiscent of the entire Jewish wedding ceremony . . . making it clean through immersion in the mikveh, so to speak (5:26). Here, the Rabbi makes another reference to the mikveh as he discusses family purity mitzvot, specifically in the Jewish wedding traditions. It was and still is a common practice for a Jewish groom and bride to separately take a ritual immersion in water at a mikveh just before the final step of their wedding. Rabbinic law dictates that a kosher (acceptable) mikveh must have at least 200 gallons of rainwater funneled into a pool. Each natural body of water (oceans, rivers, or lakes) is already considered acceptable. We find immersions in Scripture (Second Kings 5 and Matthew 3).

It should be noted that a person must be thoroughly clean before being totally immersed, thereby showing that the waters of the mikveh are not for physical cleansing, but for a spiritual purpose. In Jewish sources, the act of tevilah (immersion or baptism) is akin to being born again. The person who has sinned and becomes impure is transformed; he dies and is resurrected and becomes a new creation.

Rabbi Sha’ul makes an important point here by alluding to the custom of a mikveh on one’s wedding day. It is the responsibility of the new husband to make sure both he and his bride take this symbolic immersion as they start their lives together. This beautifully parallels the immersion of the Ruach that makes all believers clean as we become new creatures in Messiah (see the commentary on Second Corinthians Bd – A New Creation). Sha’ul emphasizes both aspects within the Jewish wedding customs. In a literal sense, Messianic husbands are to mentor their wives spiritually so that they are clean and without defect. Similarly, we believers are called to live as faithful brides and to participate in this mikveh in anticipation of our wedding day with Messiah. In order to present the Church to Himself as a bride to be proud of, without a spot, wrinkle or any such thing (Song of Songs 4:7), but holy and without defect (5:27). In so doing, we will be a spiritual bride this is holy, cleansed, without defect and waiting for Him.²³⁷

Caring love (5:28-30): For a husband’s love for his wife to be like Messiah’s love for His Body, the Church, it must also be affectionately caring. This is how husband’s ought to love their wives – like their own bodies; for the man who loves his wife is loving himself. When she needs strength, he gives her strength. When she needs encouragement, he gives her that. And so with every other need she has. Why, no one ever hated his own flesh! On the contrary, he feeds it well and takes care of it, just as the Messiah does the Church, because we are parts of his Body.²³⁸

Unbreakable love (5:31): Therefore a man will leave his father and mother and remain with his wife, and the two will become one flesh. Rabbi Sha’ul again refers back to the early verses of the Torah and God’s design for marriage. Yet, he takes it a step further in reminding the husbands to be godly leaders in their marriages. It is all illustrated in the Jewish understanding of marriage and the final step of the Jewish wedding ceremony. As the one-year engagement time draws to a close, the father of the groom initiates the last part of the ceremony with the sounding of the shofar. The general community, and even the bridal party, was never sure of the exact time, so they needed to be ready (see the commentary on The Life of Christ Jw – The Parable of the Ten Virgins). At the sound of the shofar, the wedding procession would begin from the groom’s home to pick up the bride to bring her to the huppah (wedding canopy). There, the ketubah (written contract) would be signed and vows exchanged. The second cup of wine would be shared along with the seven blessings over the couple. At the completion of the ceremony, the couple would then be fully married and could live together with full conjugal rights.

Today, almost all the above elements are included in one ceremony in the modern Jewish wedding. They still speak volumes about our relationship with God and His plan for the future. Messianic Jews and Gentiles have become “engaged to Yeshua.” We currently await the sound of the shofar announcing the return of the groom, Yeshua Messiah (see the commentary on Leviticus Ee – Rosh ha’Shanah – Trumpets), to start the final wedding processional, and be reunited with Him to live together for the thousand-year Messianic Kingdom centered in Jerusalem. What a time of rejoicing that will be!²³⁹

Mysterious love (5:32-33): The final step of the Jewish wedding ceremony contains symbolism about our personal relationship with God. There is a profound mystery – but I am talking about Messiah and the Church. A mystery in the bible is something once hidden, but now revealed (Colossians 1:26-27)? The sacred relationship between believing husbands and wives is indistinguishably related to the sacred relationship between Messiah and His Church. However, the text also applies to each of you individually: let each man love his wife as he does himself, and see that the wife respects her husband. Husbands, are we fulfilling our roles as servant leaders to our wives and family? Wives, are you living up to your high calling of being a suitable complement to your husband? We have all sent out our RSVPs by receiving Yeshua as our Redeemer. He desires for all people to attend this great Jewish wedding (see The Life of Christ Hp – The Parable of the Great Banquet).²⁴⁰

The Role and Priorities of the Wife
5: 22-24

The role and priorities of the wife DIG: What makes it difficult to yield to someone else’s wants and needs instead of your own? Is the term submit an absolutely negative term for you? When might it be positive? How can wives honor their husbands as the Church honors Messiah? What is the relationship between love and respect in marriage?

REFLECT: What does it mean to be submissive? Is it scary or comforting? Is it a sacrifice for you to submit to your husband or is it a joy? Why is that? If you have children, how are you submitting to your husband modeling godly behavior for them? What is one area of your relationship you need to submit to your husband this week?

A woman who properly submits to her husband also submits to the Lord.

Because so much of the Church has long disregarded the full teaching of the Scriptures, many believers find some of its truths to be unfamiliar and even hard to accept. And because the Church has been so engulfed in, identified with, and victimized by worldly standards, God’s standards seem to be out-of-date, irrelevant, and offensive to modern thinking. His way is so high and contrary to the way of the world that it is incomprehensible to many in and out of the Church. Over and over again the B’rit Chadashah calls us to another dimension of existence, a new way of thinking, acting and living. To walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called . . . and clothe yourselves with the new nature created to be godly, which expresses itself in the righteousness and holiness that flow from the truth (4:1 and 24), is to fulfill the high calling to which we were called in a completely new life and in a completely new, Spirit-filled way.²²⁸

The matter of submission: Wives should submit to their husbands (Ephesians 5:22a; Colossians 3:18; Titus 2:4-5). With an understanding of submission in mind, it must be noted that this command does not place the wife in an inferior position. All people, regardless of their position in life, are equal in standing before God through Messiah (Galatians 3:28). The world may place a greater or lesser value on persons as was true in the first century Roman Empire. In that world (and still in some places today), wives were considered as property and also greatly inferior to their husbands. The Rabbi encourages the wives to be in correct biblical submission – not subservient, but as a complement, an equal, to her husband.

Wives are always given great social status in Judaism as illustrated in the following rabbinic quote: Honor your wife, for thereby you enrich yourself. A man should be ever careful about the honor due to his wife, because no blessing is expected in his house except on her account (Tractate Bava Metzia 59a). It is therefore logical that the B’rit Chadashah affirms their distinctive role in marriage. Women have many gifts. The mothering instinct not seen in most men is something unique to women. In a connected theme, Sha’ul also encourages the Messianic wives to respect their husbands. Men often look for this in the marriage relationship and women should be motivated as they realize they are actually showing respect to Messiah in the process (5:33).²²⁹ But what are women to do if they are married to an unbeliever?

Guidelines for believers married to unbelievers who want to stay married: Yeshua, in the course of His ministry, had never addressed this issue. But Paul, with no less authority did. With two sets of perfectly balanced sentences, he says that believers are not to initiate divorce proceedings: To the rest I say – I, not the Lord: if any brother has a wife who is not a believer, and she is satisfied to go on living with him, he should not leave her. Also, if any woman has an unbelieving husband who is satisfied to go on living with her, she is not to leave him (First Corinthians 7:12-14). Indeed, Peter also instructs married women that they should submit to their husbands, so that even if some of them do not believe the Word, they will be won over by your conduct (First Peter 3:1a). While Paul does not reflect on this here, it certainly must have been difficult for a woman in Corinth to stand out alone in a marriage and to accept Yeshua Messiah as her Lord and Savior. In most cases in Greco-Roman society, the religion of the father in the family was the religion of the whole household (Acts 16:33-34). Undoubtedly, then, for a wife to go against the religion of the household and become a believer must have, in some cases at least, led to intense friction in the home.²³⁰

Believers married to unbelievers were not to worry that they, themselves, their marriage, or their children would be defiled by the unbelieving spouse. On the contrary, just the opposite is true. Divorce was to be avoided because the believing spouse was, and is, a channel of God’s grace in the marriage. For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Being unequally yoked (see the commentary on Second Corinthians, to see link click Bi – Do Not Be Unequally Yoked with Unbelievers), one flesh with an unbeliever, can be frustrating, discouraging, and even costly. But it need not be defiling because one believer can sanctify a home. Sanctified here refers to being set apart. Sanctification in this context is matrimonial and familial, not personal or spiritual.

Furthermore, God looks on the family as a unit. Even if it is divided spiritually, and most of its members are unbelieving and immoral, the entire family is sanctified by the believer among them. Therefore, if an unbelieving spouse is willing to stay, the believer is not to seek a divorce. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy (First Corinthians 7:14 NIV). Just the presence of one believer will protect the children. It is not that their salvation is assured, but that they are protected from undue spiritual harm and that they will receive spiritual blessing because they share the spiritual benefits of the believing parent. Often the testimony of the believing parent in this situation is especially effective, because the children see a clear contrast to the unbelieving parent’s life, and that leads them to salvation.²³¹

Guidelines for believers married to unbelievers who want to leave (First Corinthians 7:15-16): Paul now moves to the next step; there is an exception to the rule of no divorce. But if the unbelieving spouse leaves (Greek: chorizo, meaning separate), let him leave. In keeping with the whole argument, Paul once more qualifies the ideal with an exception. The believer may not pursue divorce, but if the pagan wants to leave, let them do so. This verse does not say, “If the pagan begins divorce proceedings.” Words mean something, and chorizo simply means to separate, or to leave. If a wife had to rely on a vindictive fleeing pagan husband to begin divorce proceedings, she would be left in a state of slavery. Her only crime was faith in Messiah. However, in circumstances like these, the brother or sister is not enslaved, and is able to divorce and remarry. God has called you to a life of peace, not slavery (First Corinthians 7:15).

Marriage was not designed for an evangelistic tool. Missionary dating is a bad idea; and missionary marriages are bad if the unbelieving spouse leaves. Far too many young brides or grooms have been led away from Messiah as a result of the influence of the unbelieving spouse. For the wife has no assurance that she will save her husband, and the husband has no assurance that he will save his wife (First Corinthians 7:16)? To cling to a marriage in which the pagan is determined to end would inevitably lead to frustration and tension. The certain strain is not justified by the uncertain result. The guiding principle must be peace.²³²

The manner of submission: The manner or attitude of submission is to be as they do to the Lord (5:22b). This does not mean that a wife is to submit to her husband in the same way she submits to the Lord, but rather that her submission to her husband is her service to the Lord. Everything we do in obedience to the Lord should also be done first of all for His glory and to please Him. A woman who properly submits to her husband also submits to the Lord. This explains why a believer should marry a believer and not become unequally yoked together with an unbeliever (see Second Corinthians Bi – Do Not be Unequally Yoked with Unbelievers). Such a home invites civil war from the beginning.

The motive of submission: For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the Church (5:23a). Sha’ul will have more to say about this with regards to the role of the husband (see Bx – The Role and Priorities of the Husband), but the overriding principle is stated here. God’s directions are clear. The wife is called upon to place herself under the authority and leadership of her husband, and the husband is to love his wife as Messiah loved the Church. This does not mean that the husband should be a dictator or that the wife should be a doormat. The husband is to lead through sacrifice and love, and the wife is to submit with sincerity and respect.²³³

The fact that the husband is to serve as the head of the family as a servant leader, exemplifies Yeshua Himself. He came as a leader by serving others, even to the point of self-sacrificing death on the Roman cross. This is clearly the greatest example husbands have and clearly defines the biblical idea of headship in marriage. Hence, the Rabbi encourages the wives to submit to their husbands even as they submit to Yeshua.²³⁴

The model of submission: He Himself being the Savior of the Body (5:23b). The supreme and ultimate model of submission is Yeshua Messiah Himself, who performed the supreme act of submission by giving His own sinless life to save a sinful world. Messiah is the Savior of the Body, His Church, for whom He died on a Roman cross. He is the perfect Provider, Protector, and Head of His Church, which is His Body. He is the divine role model for husbands, who should provide for, protect, preserve, love, and lead their wives and families in the same way that Messiah cares for His Church. Wives are no more to be co-providers, co-protectors, or co-leaders with their husbands than the Church is to have such roles with Yeshua Messiah. But just as the Church submits to Messiah, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything (5:24). To follow God’s plan for the family not only is pleasing to Him, but is the only way to godlier, happier, and more secure homes. His plan is neither for the exaltation of men and the suppression of women, nor for the exaltation of women and the suppression of men, but for the perfection and fulfillment of both men and women as He has ordained them to be. Such perfection and fulfillment can only be made possible by the filling of the Ruach Ha’Kodesh (see Bt – Be Filled with the Ruach).²³⁵

Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You for Your great love that always wants the best for me. Thank You that You love both men and women – not men more than women, nor women more than men. In Your great wisdom, You gave both men and women the physical characteristics and emotional characteristics that would help both function best in the roles you have assigned to them. More important than being male or female, is the heart of each that loves God back for His gracious mercy and kindness.  And He said to him: You shall love Adonai your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38).

You are so gracious to be willing to live in all, both men and women, who love and obey You. Yeshua answered and said to him: If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him (John 14:23). Both men and women will be in heaven. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female – for you are all one in Messiah Yeshua (Galatians 3:28, John 14:1-3). Both men and women will be rewarded according to their heart attitude. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear. For the Day will show it, because it is to be revealed by fire; and the fire itself will test each one’s work – what sort it is.  If anyone’s work built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward (First Corinthians 3:12-14). Thank You for Your great love that makes those who love You, both male and female, Your children. But whoever did receive Him, those trusting in His name, to these He gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12). It is a joy to love and to follow Your guidelines for our lives and roles. In Yeshua’s holy Name and power of His resurrection. Amen

The Messianic Marriage
5: 22-33

Rabbi Sha’ul now turns his attention to a most practical application of his teaching about the Spirit-filled believer – the covenant of marriage. Unlike the ancient pagan societies, the Ephesus believers were part of Judaism, and the Torah has always held the highest regard for this holy relationship. It is said in the earliest verses of the Torah that it is not good for man to be alone. This is magnified in importance when one remembers that Adam was in a perfect paradise created by God. Nevertheless, something essential was missing, so ADONAI said: I will make him a companion suitable for helping him (see the commentary on Genesis, to see link click Ax – Then LORD God Made a Woman from the Rib of Adam). Ezer kenegdo is the Hebrew phrase that literally means a helper against him. Certainly, it is not desirable for the wife to be in total opposition to her husband, but it seems true that God’s companion for man will be one very different from himself. Is it often true that opposites attract. We don’t need a spouse who is exactly like us (because then one of us would be unnecessary), but one who fills our shortcomings. Ultimately, the religious definition of marriage is spelled out this way: A man is to leave his father and mother and stick to his wife, and they are to be one flesh (Genesis 2:24). By the way, this is the wedding picture of your author and his wife in 1984. We do our best to have a Messianic marriage.

It must be noted that the biblical marriage relationship is more than a mere convenience of secular society, but it is actually a binding spiritual agreement with stipulations. It was in the dark days of the Prophets that many of Isra’el’s sins were listed. Among them was this: ADONAI is witness between you and the wife of your youth, that you have broken faith with her, though she is your companion, your wife of the covenant (Malachi 2:14). In Talmudic Judaism, the covenant of marriage is considered so holy that it is actually called by the name Kiddushin, or Sanctified Marriage. An entire tractate of the Talmud, Kiddushin, deals with the important mitzvot pertaining to marriage and the responsibilities of the husband and the wife.²²⁷

The Necessary Foundation
5: 21

The necessary foundation DIG: Why is submission to one another important to harmony? Why is submission so hard for many people? Rabbi Sha’ul addresses the issue of harmony among believers in general and the home specifically. What role does the Ruach Ha’Kodesh play in enabling us to live in harmony with others? Do you see it practiced?

REFLECT: Everyone is to submit to someone. Who are you in submission to? Is it hard or easy right now to be submissive to your government? To your place of worship? At work? Why is that? How can you change? What is one challenge to harmony that you face in your relationships? What is one thing you can do this week to promote harmony in your family?

Families are the building blocks of human society.

This verse is a transition to Paul’s extensive discussion of relationships that continues through 6:9. The general principle of mutual submission, submit to one another (5:21a), not only is a product of the filling of the Ruach (to see link click Bt – Be Filled with the Ruach) but it is also the foundation of the more specific principles of authority and submission – in relation to wives (see Bw – The Role and Priorities of the Wife), and husbands (see Bx – The Role and Priorities of the Husband), parents and children (see By – The Responsibilities of Children and Parents), and bosses and employees (see Bz – Bosses and Employees) – with which 5:22 to 6:9 deals.

Among the worst tragedies of our day is the progressive death of the family as it has been traditionally known. Marital infidelity, exaltation of sexual sin, homosexuality, abortion, so-called women’s liberation, delinquency, and the sexual revolution in general have all contributed to the family’s demise. Each one is a strand in the cord that is rapidly strangling marriage and the family.

Homosexuals are demanding the right to be married to each other, and many states as well as a growing number of church groups are recognizing that as a right. Lesbian couples, and even some gay couples, are bringing together the children they have had by various partners of the opposite sex and calling the resulting conglomerate a family (see the commentary on Leviticus Ae – The Bible and Homosexual Practice). Many unmarried women elect to keep and raise children to whom they have given birth. In such situations, single-parent families are becoming a matter of choice as of necessity. And if that were not enough, now the Alphabet Mafia contends, contrary to biology 101, the Bible, and common sense, that men can give birth to babies! Satan’s fingerprints are all over this.

Families are the building blocks of human society, and a society that does not protect the family undermines its very existence. And make no mistake, the family is under attack. And when the family goes, everything else of value soon goes with it. When the cohesiveness, meaningfulness, and discipline of the family are lost, anarchy will flourish. And where anarchy flourishes, law and order, justice and safety cannot. The family nourishes and binds society together, whereas the anarchy that results from its absence only depletes, disrupts, and destroys. Without the necessary foundation of authority in relationships, people grope for meaningful, harmonious, fulfilling, relationships by whatever means they can find or devise. Experimentation is their only recourse, and the disintegration of the family – and ultimately the society in general – can be seen as the only, and inevitable, result.

It is time for believers to declare and live what the Bible has always declared and what the Church has always taught until recent years. God’s standard for marriage and the family produces meaning, happiness, blessedness, reward and fulfillment – and it is the only standard that can produce those results.²²⁴

Sha’ul warned the believers in Ephesus to live in total contrast to the corrupt, vile, self-centered, and immoral standards around them. The relationship between husband and wife was to be modeled on that between Messiah and His Church. For the husband is the head of the wife as Messiah is the head of the Church, His Body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the Church submits to Messiah, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Messiah loved the Church and gave Himself up for her (5:23-25). The relationship between believing husbands and wives is to be holy and unbreakable, just as that between Messiah and His Church is holy and unbreakable.

The marriages and families of believers are to be radically different from those of the world (1 Jn 2:15-16). The relationships between husbands and wives and parents and children is to be bathed in humility, love, and mutual submission that the authority of husbands and parents, though exercised when necessary, becomes almost invisible and the submission of wives and children is no more acting in the spirit of gracious love.

But this basic principle of submitting to one another only finds its power and effectiveness in Messiah. The family can only be what God has designed it to be when the members of the family are what God has designed it to be . . . conformed to the image of Messiah (Romans 8:29). Just as an individual can only find fulfillment in a right relationship with God, so the family can only find complete fulfillment as believing parents and children follow His design for the family in the continuous control and power of the Ruach Ha’Kodesh (5:18b). People who do not know or even recognize the existence of authority of YHVH are not motivated to accept God’s standard for marriage and the family or for anything else for that matter. They do not have the new nature or inner resources to fully follow those standards even if they wanted to.²²⁵

Submit is from the Greek word hupotasso, originally a military term meaning to arrange or rank under. Spirit-filled believers rank themselves under one another (see the commentary on Romans Af – The List of “one another” Commands). The main idea is that of relinquishing one’s rights to another person. Paul counseled the Corinthian believers to submit to their faithful ministers (see the commentary on First Corinthians Ec – Signs of Love in the Fellowship: Submission). Peter commands us to submit ourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by Him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God (1 Pet 2:13-15; also see Rom 13:1-7). A nation cannot function without the authority of its rulers, soldiers, police, judges, and so on. Such people do not hold their own authority because they are inherently extremely important because without the appointment and exercise of orderly authority the nation would disintegrate in anarchy.

In the family, the smallest unit of human society, the same principle applies. Even a small household cannot function if each member fully demands and expresses his or her own will and goes their own way. The system of the authority of ADONAI has ordained for the family is the headship of husbands over wives and of parents over children. That is the necessary foundation that society must be built upon.²²⁶

Dear Heavenly Father, praise You for modeling the father’s role of loving authority in a family. You so greatly love me by the huge sacrifice of shame and pain that You gave for my salvation (Hebrews 12:2). How wonderful that Your love is so tender that I can always count on You. Your love is greater than any situation that can try to separate us. But in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Messiah Yeshua our Lord (Romans 8:37-39). Even greater than being a child of Abraham physically, is to be a spiritual child of Abraham (Romans 4:2-5), by having faith in You. For one is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision something visible in the flesh.  Rather, the Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart – in Spirit not in letter. His praise is not from men, but from God (Romans 2:28-29). I rejoice by submitting to such a wonderful Heavenly Father as You. I trust You, I can count on You to always do what is best for me because You love me so much. In Messiah Yeshua’s holy Name and power of His resurrection. Amen

Be Filled with the Ruach
5: 18b-20

Be filled with the Ruach DIG: We probably all know some signs of being “drunk on wine.” What are some signs of being filled with the Spirit? Why was the inclusion of verse 18 so important to the whole book of Ephesians? Without it? Why do you think the apostle associates gratitude and thankfulness with being filled with the Ruach Ha’Kodesh.

REFLECT: Being filled with the Spirit on a continual basis doesn’t happen automatically; that’s why Rabbi Sha’ul tells his readers to do it. What can we do to open ourselves to being filled with the Ruach? What evidence is there that you are a grateful person? How often do you call upon the Ruach Ha’Kodesh to fill you? Why not fill up your tank daily?

We can be imitators of God, as His dear children, only as we are filled with the Ruach.

Apart from the truth in verse 18b, which is the heart of Rabbi Sha’ul’s message, the book of Ephesians would appear to be legalistic. Every encouragement he gives would have to be fulfilled through the power of the flesh. Believers would need to rely on their own resources and strength to follow the great road map of the life of a believer that the apostle presents in Chapters 4 through 6 . . . and would, of course, find themselves completely deficient. Believers cannot walk in humility, unity, separation from the world, light, love, and wisdom apart from the energizing of the Ruach Ha’Kodesh. To walk without the Spirit is to walk unwisely and foolishly (5:15-17). We can be imitators of God, as His dear children (5:1), only as we are filled with the Ruach. For Yeshua said: I am the vine and you are the branches. Those who stay united with Me, and I with them, are the ones who bear much fruit; because apart from Me, you can do nothing (John 15:5).²¹⁹

Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You that You came for more than just a rescue mission of saving and delivering Your children from sin’s dreadful grips. You came to fulfill Your purpose of a living and vital relation, so Your adopted children (Ephesians 1:5, John 1:12) could live united in union with You. Making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (Ephesians 1:9-10).

Last words are important and your final prayer, shortly before You were to be crucified, stressed the importance of Your children living in a united union with You.  That they all may be one. Just as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You, so also may they be one in Us, so the world may believe that You sent Me . . . I in them and You in Me – that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me and loved them as You loved Me (John 17:21 and 23).

What a comfort the thought of being united with You, as children are united into a family. There is also the responsibility of children needing to listen to and obey their father. It is a great joy to spend time reading and meditating on Your Word daily so as to know how to live. Your steadfast love (Psalms 136, 33:18, 36:5, 42:8, 63:3) endures forever and is coupled with Your great wisdom so when we wonder what path to take, the wisest and best path to take, is to pray, read Your Word and follow it as best as humanly possible.

Thank You for not just saving me from sin and leaving, but also for staying and living within me to always be there to love and to guide. Yeshua answered and said to him: If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him (John 14:23). I love You and want to grow closer to You so that I follow You. In Messiah Yeshua’s Holy Name and power of His resurrection. Amen

The command: The Rabbi makes both a comparison and a contrast in the same verse. In contrast to being drunk (to see link click Bs – Do Not Get Drunk with Wine), Messianic believers should seek to be filled with the Spirit. Why turn to artificial stimuli like alcohol or drugs when we can tap into the very power of YHVH? There is also a comparison to the Ruach and drunkenness in that both speak of something controlling a person.

Keep on being filled (Greek: pleroo, meaning filled as the wind fills a sail) with the Spirit (5:18b). It is a perfect picture, as the word for wind and spirit is the same Hebrew word ruach. It is also an apt description, as a boat must go where its sail captures the wind. Instead of a one-time action, the filling of the Ruach must be a continuous, daily event. Those of us who trust Yeshua must always seek to walk in the power that already resides in us. As has been said, “We don’t need more of the Spirit but the Spirit needs more of us!²²⁰

In Acts 6:15 we have Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Ruach Ha’Kodesh. Faith filled Stephen in the sense that it controlled him. The Spirit filled Stephen in the sense that He controlled him. Therefore, the fulness of the Spirit has reference to His control over the believer yielded to Him. The verb is in the present imperative, “Be constantly, moment by moment, filled with the Spirit.”²²¹

The consequences: Sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to each other (5:19a). When the believer allows the Ruach to take control of his or her life, several other things will become obvious. Most notably the person will have a new love and appreciation for worship. Rabbi Sha’ul underscores this fact as he connects the filling of the Spirit with one who loves the various forms of worship. The Psalms are in essence the first Jewish prayer book. Many were joyfully expressed through instrumental music and even dance (Psalm 150). The Greek translation of psalms even means striking fingers on a string. The term hymns means a song of praise about God. The term spiritual songs has a slightly different emphasis as it forces on the believers experience and personal testimony. Since the apostle is writing before the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD, he knew firsthand the beauty of the Jewish worship service. It wasn’t until 70 AD that music and dancing ceased, as a sign of mourning the Temple’s destruction. Many modern Jewish synagogue services are slowly reinstating some of these ancient forms. How appropriate that the Messianic Jewish synagogue movement should be leading the way in joyous music and dance. Since the Messiah has come, we cannot help but be joyful in our worship service! This is truly the fruit of the Ruach in our heart.

Sing to the Lord and make music in your heart to Him (5:19b). This new appreciation of worship starts in the heart of the Spirit-filled believer, but must overflow beyond that. From the earliest times, the Jewish expression of faith has taken place within the larger community. It is that larger group that makes it possible for us to fulfill many of the mitzvot of the Torah. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to live Jewish biblical faith in isolation. Sha’ul alludes to this here as he exhorts the Messianic believers to express their worship to each other. It is true, of course, that ADONAI is always with His children, even in isolation (Hebrews 13:5-6). But it is the same God who says it greatly pleases Him to see His children come together for this holy purpose.²²²

Always give thanks for everything (5:20a). Another natural fruit of the Ruach is thankfulness. As the Ruach reveals more and more of what God has done, we are filled with thanks. Talmudic rabbis encouraged every person to say a minimum of 100 blessings each day (Tractate Menachot 43b). This would have a positive impact on our thinking and perspective. The apostle takes it to an even higher level, as we are to give thanks for everything. By keeping our eyes on Yeshua, the Ephesians (and us today) should be the most positive people on God’s earth.

Once again the Rabbi states his theology in a very Jewish way. God is addressed as our Father in heaven numerous times within Jewish liturgy (Avinu Malkeynu, Av Ha’Rachamim, etc). Sha’ul does not change this format but adds a vital element, the name of Yeshua, the divine Mediator (2:18). To God the Father in the name of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah (5:20b). In the Semitic world, a name was more than a mere ID tag. It is often descriptive and even prophetic of a person. Therefore, to pray in the name of Yeshua is to call on the Father through the work of His Son. The Messiah can be the source of our prayers at times, but He Himself emphasized that He came to bridge the gap between us and our Father in Heaven (John 14:6). Yeshua is, of course, the expression and divine essence of YHVH, but His role is primarily to bridge the gap that normally divides us from ADONAI.²²³

Do Not Get Drunk with Wine
5: 18a

Do not get drunk with wine DIG: How does being controlled by the Ruach Ha’Kodesh compare to, and contradict, being controlled by alcohol? What was the alcohol content during biblical times? What is the alcohol content of beer, wine, or hard liquor today? What does that mean to you? Where does your freedom in Messiah end? Why?

REFLECT: Do you drink alcoholic beverages? Why? Did your parents drink? Are you pressured to drink socially? Are you expected to drink as part of your work environment? Do you find yourself drinking to relieve stress? Do you drink alone? Do you hide your drinking from others? Do you have children? Do you drink in front of your children? Why?

The Bible does not prohibit drinking wine, it prohibits getting drunk.

This verse is one of the most crucial texts relating to the life of a believer, to walking in a manner worthy of the calling with which we have been called (4:1). Being controlled by the Ruach Ha’Kodesh is absolutely essential for living a godly life by God’s standards. ADONAI’s ways cannot be properly understood or faithfully followed apart from the working of the Spirit in the life of a believer.

But before the Rabbi commanded us to be filled with the Spirit and gave the characteristics of the Spirit-filled life (to see link click Bt – Be Filled with the Ruach), he first gave a contrasting and negative command: Do not get drunk with wine (Greek: oinos), because it makes you lose control (5:18a). Getting drunk with wine not only is a hindrance to, but a counterfeit of, being filled with the Ruach. In light of the apostle’s preceding contrasts between light and darkness (see Bq – Living in Light), and between wisdom and foolishness (see Br – Walking in Wisdom), his point here is that getting drunk is a mark of darkness and foolishness and that being filled with the Spirit is the source of a believer’s ability to walk in light and wisdom.

There have been few periods of church history in which the drinking of alcoholic beverages has not been an issue of disagreement and debate. Messianic congregations and churches in our own day have widely differing views on the subject. Denominations and missions’ organizations sometimes have differing views even within their constituencies from country to country. We must be clear that drinking or not drinking is not in itself a mark, and certainly not a measure, of spirituality. Spirituality is determined by what we are inside, of which what we do on the outside is merely a reflection.²¹⁵

Scripture always condemns drunkenness: Both the TaNaKh and the B’rit Chadashah unequivocally condemn drunkenness. Scripture shows it in its full ugliness and tragedy, as always being associated with immorality, termination, unrestrained behavior, wild, reckless behavior, and every other form of corrupt living (Genesis 9:20-27, 19:23-29; First Kings 20:16-34, Dan’el 5; and First Corinthians 5:11, 6:9-10, 11:27-30; First Thessalonians 5:6-8; Romans 13:13; First Peter 4:3). The book of Proverbs has many warnings about drinking (20:1, 23:19-21, 32-33 and 35). It is one of the sinful deeds of the flesh that are in opposition to the righteous fruit of the Ruach HaKodesh (Galatians 5:19-23). Drunkenness is first of all a sin. It develops attendant disease as it ravages the mind and body, but it is basically a sin, a manifestation of depravity. So, it must be confessed and dealt with as a sin.

The Roman pantheon in Ephesus caused the believers living there no small amount of trouble regarding getting drunk. The god known as either Zeus to the Greeks or Jupiter to the Romans was the center of a mystical religious system. His son, Dionysius, had a religion consisting of wild music, frenzied dancing, sexual perversion, bodily mutilation, eating raw flesh of sacrificial animals, and drunkenness. Dionysius became known as the god of wine, the intoxicating drink that was integral to the immoral religion that centered around him. This was exactly the type of pagan “worship” with which the Ephesians were well acquainted and in which many believers had once been involved. Here, in Ephesians 5:18a, Rabbi Sha’ul was therefore not simply making a moral, but also a theological, contrast. He was not only speaking of the moral and social evils of drunkenness, but of the spiritually perverted use of drunkenness as a means of worship.

Scripture sometimes commends drinking: The Bible does not prohibit drinking wine; it prohibits getting drunk. Wine is a symbol of joy in the Jewish community. Drink offerings of wine accompanied many of the Levitical sacrifices (Exodus 29:40-41, 30:9; Leviticus 23:13, 18 and 37; Numbers 15:26, 6:15-20, 15:5-10 and 24, and 28:7-10, 14-15, 24, 31, and 29:6). There was a royal winery in Herod’s Temple for that purpose. The psalmist spoke of wine which makes man’s heart glad (Psalm 104:15) and, the writer of Proverbs advised giving strong drink to him who is perishing and wine to him whose life is bitter (Proverb 31:6). Paul advised Timothy, “Stop drinking water; instead, use a little wine for the sake of your digestion and because of your frequent illnesses” (First Timothy 5:23). Yeshua’s first miracle was turning water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana (see the commentary on The Life of Christ Bq – Jesus Changes Water into Wine). He also spoke favorably of wine in the parable of the good Samaritan, who poured oil and wine on the wounds of the man he found beaten by the roadside (see The Life of Christ Gw – The Parable of the Good Samaritan).²¹⁶

Is today’s wine the same as that in Bible times? Naturally fermented wine has an alcoholic content of nine to eleven percent. Since the strongest wine normally drunk was mixed with three parts water to one part of wine, its alcohol content would range no higher than 2.25 to 2.75 percent. Today, regular beer has 5 percent alcohol content, five ounces of wine, typically has about 12 percent alcohol content, and an ounce-and-a-half of hard liquor has about 40 percent alcohol content. It is clear, then, that in order to get drunk with wine during Bible times, a person would have to drink a large quantity – as is suggested in other passages in the B’rit Chadashah. Therefore, the wine of the first century was not the same as the wine of our day. Even the more civilized pagans of Bible times would have considered the drinking of modern wines to be barbaric and irresponsible.

Will it stumble other believers? But like many other things, wine has the potential for either doing good or doing evil. The Ephesian believers had the freedom in Messiah to drink, just like the Corinthian believers had the freedom in Messiah to eat meat sacrificed to idols. But the believers in both cities had a choice to make when eating or drinking socially or in public. And the apostle’s admonition to be careful that the exercise of your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble is still important for us to remember today (see the commentary on First Corinthians Bm – The Weaker Brother or Sister). Our freedom in Messiah stops where it begins to harm others, especially fellow believers. Paul said: Do not, by your eating (or drinking) habits, destroy (Greek: apollumi, meaning to cause pain or grief) someone for whom the Messiah died (Romans 14:15)! We are to do those things which make for peace and the building up of one another (Romans 4:19).²¹⁷

In deciding about whether or not to participate in any behavior that is doubtful, the following principles make a good checklist to follow:

Excess: Is the activity or habit necessary, or is it merely an extra that is not really important? Is it perhaps only an encumbrance that you should willingly give up. So then, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us, too, put aside every impediment – that is, the sin which easily hampers our forward movement – and keep running with endurance in the contest set before us (Hebrews 12:1).

Expediency: Is what I want to do helpful or useful, or only desirable? You say, “For me, everything is permitted.” Maybe, but not everything is helpful (First Corinthians 6:12).

Emulation: If we are doing what Messiah would do, our action is not only permissible, but good and right. Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Yeshua did (First John 2:6).

Example: Are we setting the right example for others, especially for weaker brothers and sisters? If we emulate Messiah, others will be able to emulate us, to follow our example. Set the believers an example in your speech, behavior, love, trust and purity (First Timothy 4:12).

Evangelism: Is my testimony going to be helped or hindered? Will unbelievers be drawn to Messiah or turned away from Him by what I am doing? Will it help me conduct myself with wisdom towards outsiders, making the most of the opportunity (Colossians 4:5 NASB).

Edification: Will I be built up and matured in Messiah; will I become spiritually stronger? You say, “Everything is permitted.” Maybe, but not everything is edifying (First Corinthians 10:23).

Exaltation: Will the Lord be lifted up and glorified in what I do? God’s glory and exaltation should be the supreme purpose behind everything we do. Whatever you do, whether it’s eating or drinking or anything else, do it all so as to bring glory to God (First Corinthians 10:31).²¹⁸

Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You for the joy of knowing You as our Awesome Father! When I think of all Your magnificent attributes my heart is full of great joy. Meditating on You brings a deep and long-lasting joy, unlike the quick and temporary euphoria brought on by an alcoholic drink. There is such peace in our souls as we think about and meditate on Your great and steadfast love. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you (Psalms 63:3).  What a comfort and peace that You are always with me.  For God Himself has said: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Your grace and mercy caused Messiah to lovingly and willingly pay the penalty for our sins, so you can fill those who have faith in You (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 4:5) with Messiah’s righteousness (Second Corinthians 5:21). You not only removed sin’s eternal and terrible punishment from me, but how fantastic that Messiah is preparing a wonderful eternal home (John 14:1-3) full of peace and joy for all who love and worship You as their Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10).

I choose to live my life filled with joy in Messiah (Ephesians 1:10, John 17:21, 23). Even when life is hard and lonely, I can rejoice for I know with absolute certainty that You have already won the last battle for control of earth (Revelation 19:11-21, 20:9-10). You will reign as King of Kings forever with Your children living with You in Your perfect heaven.  I also heard a loud voice from the throne, saying: Behold, the dwelling of God is among men, and He shall tabernacle among them. They shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them and be their God. He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more. Nor shall there be mourning or crying or pain any longer, for the former things have passed away (Revelation 21:3-4). Heaven will be a place of true and lasting eternal joy! In Messiah Yeshua’s holy Name and power of His resurrection. Amen