Lessons.—1. A hearty Christianity is a happy Christianity. 2. Is not easily daunted by difficulties. 3. Is aggressive.
Vers. 23–25. Piety in the Household.
I. We are serving the Lord.—This will dignify the most insignificant duty.
II. We should seek to be actuated by the highest possible motive.—Out of the heart, or influenced by the affections. The highest motive will cover the lowest.
III. The Lord Himself will give us the highest reward.—With Him is no respect of persons.—Homiletic Monthly.
CHAPTER IV.
CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES.
Ver. 2. Watch in the same.—“Being wakeful.” Here again the apostle changes his language from that used in enjoining the same precepts in Ephesians. Remaining sleepless (Eph. vi. 18) is the same thing as being wakeful.
Ver. 3. A door of utterance.—R.V. “a door for the word.” The Word of God cannot be bound, though its messenger may; but St. Paul can scarcely think its being glorified comes so quickly as it would if he had liberty to preach it. “An open door” with “many adversaries” is more to St. Paul’s mind than the custodia libera. See Eph. vi. 19, 20.
Ver. 5. Walk in wisdom.—Eph. v. 15. Walk circumspectly. R.V. “carefully.” It would appear from this as if the adverb in Eph. v. 15 should go with “walk” rather than with “look,” as in R.V. Towards them that are without.—Who do not participate in the benefits of the new kingdom. Redeeming the time.—As in Eph. v. 16. Seizing for yourselves, like bargains in the market, each opportunity (see R.V. margin).