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Here the apostle takes a very solemn farewell of the elders of the church at Ephesus, commending them to the guidance and protection of the grace of God, which was able to build them up in holiness here, and bring to heaven hereafter.
Where observe, 1. His courteous compellation, and therein his great condescension. Although he was an apostle of the highest eminency, yet he disdains not to call these elders, who were both in office, and also in gifts, and graces, much inferior to him, by the name of brethren: And now, brethren, says the apostle to the elders of Ephesus. But probably together with the elders of Ephesus here were some of the church and people of Ephesus, who came to take their last leave of their departing apostle; and then we may remark that there is a near relation, even that of brethren, between ministers and people, as well as between the ministers and themselves, and this founded upon the account of religion and grace.
Observe, 2. The apostle being now to take his last leave and farewell of the ministers and people at Ephesus; he commends them to God. It well becomes the faithful ministers of Christ at all times when they are with their people, but especially when they are about to leave their people, to commit and commend them unto God; that is, to recommend them to God's care and keeping, and to commit them to his conduct and guidance; and this as a testimony of our faithfulness to God, whose our people are, and for whom we must become accountable to him; and also as a testimony of our love to our people, and of our fervent desires for their salvation.
Observe, 3. As the apostle commends them to God, so likewise to the word of his grace. To God as the efficient cause, and to the word of his grace as the instrumental cause, of their building up: I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up.
Here note, 1. That the gospel is the word of God's grace; so called, because it is the effect, the fruit, and product of rich mercy and free grace; because it reveals the free grace of God in Christ to poor sinners; because it works inherent grace and holiness in the hearts of sinners; and because it carrieth on and perfecteth the work of grace unto glory.
Note, 2. That believers who are in a state of grace, have need of the word of God for their edification and building up.
Note, 3. That the word of God is able to build up believers; it is able to preserve them and keep them from decaying in grace and holiness, and it is able to further their growth in grace, and to bring it to perfection.
Well and wisely therefore doth the apostle say, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace; he doth not say, I commend you to God, and the impulse of his spirit: or, I commend you to God, and to the light within; or, I commend you to God, and to the traditions of the church; but I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up.
Observe, 4. A superadded commendation, which is here given of the word of God's grace; it is not only able to build us up, but to give us an inheritance amongst them that are sanctified; that is, the word of God, if we follow the dictates and directions of it, will infallibly bring us to the glorious inheritance which God hath provided for all his saints, or sanctified ones.
Here note, 1. That heaven is an inheritance, not like an inheritance on earth; but it is the most sure, the most satisfying, the most durable, and the most delightful inheritance, an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.
Note, 2. That heaven is the inheritance of saints, of all sanctified or holy persons, and only of such; it is purchased for them, it is promised to them, it is taken up in their names, and possession of it kept for them by their forerunner; in a word, heaven is prepared for them, and they shall be adjudged to them at the great day.
Note, 3. That this inheritance of heaven is a gift, and a free gift: It is your Father's pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luk_12:32 This inheritance is all of grace, our right and title to it is of grace, our fitting and preparing for it is of grace; all of grace, nothing of merit; all of God, nothing of ourselves; nothing in a way of meritorious causality, but only in the way of ministerial endeavour.
Note, lastly, That God gives this inheritance by his word: To the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you on inheritance. The word reveals to us the notice and knowledge of this inheritance; the word makes an offer of this inheritance to every one of us, yea, it calls us to the acceptation, and invites us to the participation of it.
Finally, God by his word begets his people to a lively hope of this inheritance, 1Pe_1:3-4. And also prepares and fits them by the word for the participation and possession of it; Giving thanks to the Father, who has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. Col_1:12
And how doth our Father make us meet for this inheritance in glory, but by the word of his grace? I commend you therefore, brethren, says the apostle, to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to give you an inheritance among them that are sanctified.