Ephesians 1:13 In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed… I. THE GOSPEL WHICH THE EPHESIANS HEARD IS DESIGNATED — 1. The word of truth, because in itself emphatically and entirely true. History, not romance. Christ's miracles were real events, manifesting the divinity of His person and mission; His doctrines, precepts, promises, threatenings, are the truthful declarations of the God of truth. (1) Evidential proof, from the testimony of the Church, etc. (2) Moral proof, from the witness of heart and conscience. The gospel, in some mysterious manner, is its own sufficient witness, and convinces the conscience of every man who prayerfully peruses it, that it is not a fable, but the word of truth. A most merciful provision of Almighty God! A man goes as a missionary among far off barbarians; how is he to convince these that the gospel he is gone to preach is not false, but true? How can the man do it? He has not the power to heal the sick, as the first evangelists and preachers of Christ's gospel had; he has not power to hush the elements, to expel devils, or to raise the dead, and, by such means, win the confidence and faith of his barbarous congregations. Nor would it be of any use for him to point out to such barbarians the evidences of Christianity arising from miracles and from history; such things are above their comprehension. Yet, despite all this, the man succeeds, and everywhere multitudes voluntarily renounce their idols and embrace Christianity — the gospel carrying kith it its own credentials, and commending itself to every man's conscience in the sight of God. (3) Divine truth, taught by God Himself, and which none but God could teach, and the very truth which meets man's needs, is found in the gospel. The gospel is a sun of God's own kindling, and the more you look at it the more you are dazzled by its unearthly splendour and Divine magnificence. Its truths are too big to be the inventions of the human intellect. It is a sun which knows no eclipse and no change. 2. The gospel of salvation. (1) Salvation is its great theme. (2) Salvation is the end at which it aims. II. THE FAITH AND THE TRUST WHICH THE EPHESIANS EXERCISED ON HEARING THE GOSPEL. 1. Historical belief in the Messiah-ship of Jesus of Nazareth. 2. Heartfelt trust and hope in His sacrificial sufferings and death, for present and personal salvation. Having believed Him to be what He said He was, they were emboldened to trust that He would do what He had promised. (Luke Tyerman.) Parallel Verses KJV: In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, |
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