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Eph_5:20. A third modal definition to the πληροῦσθε ἐν πνεύματι , likewise co-ordinate with the two preceding ones, bringing into prominence—after the general singing of praise, etc., of Eph_5:19, which is to take place as well audibly as in the heart—further, and in particular, the thanksgiving, which the readers have always for all things to render to God.
πάντοτε ] This always is not to be pressed; see on 1Co_1:4; in accordance with Col_3:17, at all action in word and work. Observe, however, that πάντοτε is only introduced at this point; for not the ᾄδειν and ψάλλειν , but certainly, amidst the constant consciousness of the divine manifestations of grace, thanksgiving also, like prayer in general, may and ought to belong to the constant activity of the Christian life. Comp. Eph_4:18; Rom_12:12; Col_4:2; 1Th_5:17. For the emphatic juxtaposition πάντοτε ὑπὲρ πάντων , comp. 2Co_9:8, and see Lobeck, Paralip. I. p. 56. This πάντων is not masculine (Theodoret), but neuter, and relates, in accordance with the context, to all Christian blessings. To understand it of all that happens to us, even including sufferings, as is done by Chrysostom,[269] Jerome, Erasmus, and many, including Meier, Olshausen, Baumgarten-Crusius, and de Wette, is foreign to the connection, yet doubtless the Christian παράκλησις and joy in suffering belong thereto.
ἘΝ ὈΝΌΜ . ΤΟῦ ΚΥΡΊΟΥ Κ . Τ . Λ .] not ad honorem Christi (Flatt), but: so that what is embraced in the name Jesus Christ (“per quem omnia nobis obtingunt,” Bengel) is the element, in which your grateful consciousness moves in the act of thanksgiving. Comp. Col_3:17; Joh_14:13. As regards subject matter, ἐν Χριστῷ (Eph_3:21) would be different, and ΔΙᾺ ΧΡΙΣΤΟῦ (Rom_7:25) similar.
Τῷ ΘΕῷ ΚΑῚ ΠΑΤΡΊ ] See on Eph_1:3; 2Co_1:3; 1Co_15:24. The referring of ΠΑΤΡΊ to Christ, the Son (Erasmus, Estius, Harless, Baumgarten-Crusius, and others), is more in keeping with the connection ( ἐν ὀνόματι κ . τ . λ .) than the rendering: our Father (Zanchius, Rückert, Matthies, and others).
[269] Chrysostom, in fact, includes even hell therein, the contemplation of which is for us a check of fear and thus very salutary.