Eph 2:2, 5:6, Tit 3:3 | JFB | STEP | 2. the course of this world —the career (literally, "the age," compare ), or present system of this world ( , as opposed to "the world to come"): alien from God, and lying in the wicked one ( ). "The age" (which is something more external and ethical) regulates "the world" (which is something more external). the prince of the power of the air —the unseen God who lies underneath guiding "the course of this world" ( ); ranging through the air around us: compare , "fowls of the air" ( Greek, "heaven") that is, ( ), "Satan" and his demons. Compare . Christ's ascension seems to have cast Satan out of heaven ( ), where he had been heretofore the accuser of the brethren ( ). No longer able to accuse in heaven those justified by Christ, the ascended Saviour ( ), he assails them on earth with all trials and temptations; and "we live in an atmosphere poisonous and impregnated with deadly elements. But a mighty purification of the air will be effected by Christ's coming" [AUBERLEN ], for Satan shall be bound ( ). "The power" is here used collectively for the "powers of the air"; in apposition with which "powers" stand the "spirits," comprehended in the singular, "the spirit," taken also collectively: the aggregate of the "seducing spirits" ( ) which "work now ( still; not merely, as in your case, 'in time past ') in the sons of disobedience" (a Hebraism: men who are not merely by accident disobedient, but who are essentially sons of disobedience itself: compare ), and of which Satan is here declared to be "the prince." The Greek does not allow "the spirit" to refer to Satan, "the prince" himself, but to " the powers of the air " of which he is prince. The powers of the air are the embodiment of that evil "spirit" which is the ruling principle of unbelievers, especially the heathen ( ), as opposed to the spirit of the children of God ( ). The potency of that "spirit" is shown in the "disobedience" of the former. Compare , "children in whom is no faith" ( ). They disobey the Gospel both in faith and practice ( ).

Ephesians 2:2

2. the course of this world—the career (literally, "the age," compare Ga 1:4), or present system of this world (1Co 2:6, 12; 3:18, 19, as opposed to "the world to come"): alien from God, and lying in the wicked one (1Jo 5:19). "The age" (which is something more external and ethical) regulates "the world" (which is something more external).

the prince of the power of the air—the unseen God who lies underneath guiding "the course of this world" (2Co 4:4); ranging through the air around us: compare Mr 4:4, "fowls of the air" (Greek, "heaven") that is, (Eph 2:15), "Satan" and his demons. Compare Eph 6:12; Joh 12:31. Christ's ascension seems to have cast Satan out of heaven (Re 12:5, 9, 10, 12, 13), where he had been heretofore the accuser of the brethren (Job 1:6-11). No longer able to accuse in heaven those justified by Christ, the ascended Saviour (Ro 8:33, 34), he assails them on earth with all trials and temptations; and "we live in an atmosphere poisonous and impregnated with deadly elements. But a mighty purification of the air will be effected by Christ's coming" [AUBERLEN], for Satan shall be bound (Re 12:12, 13, 15, 17; 20:2, 3). "The power" is here used collectively for the "powers of the air"; in apposition with which "powers" stand the "spirits," comprehended in the singular, "the spirit," taken also collectively: the aggregate of the "seducing spirits" (1Ti 4:1) which "work now (still; not merely, as in your case, 'in time past') in the sons of disobedience" (a Hebraism: men who are not merely by accident disobedient, but who are essentially sons of disobedience itself: compare Mt 3:7), and of which Satan is here declared to be "the prince." The Greek does not allow "the spirit" to refer to Satan, "the prince" himself, but to "the powers of the air" of which he is prince. The powers of the air are the embodiment of that evil "spirit" which is the ruling principle of unbelievers, especially the heathen (Ac 26:18), as opposed to the spirit of the children of God (Lu 4:33). The potency of that "spirit" is shown in the "disobedience" of the former. Compare De 32:20, "children in whom is no faith" (Isa 30:9; 57:4). They disobey the Gospel both in faith and practice (2Th 1:8; 2Co 2:12).

Ephesians 5:6

6. vain—empty, unreal words, namely, palliations of "uncleanness," Eph 5:3, 4; Isa 5:20 (that it is natural to indulge in love), "covetousness" (that it is useful to society that men should pursue gain), and "jesting" (that it is witty and clever, and that God will not so severely punish for such things).

because of these things—uncleanness, covetousness, &c. (Eph 5:3-5).

cometh—present, not merely "shall come." Is as sure as if already come.

children—rather, "sons of disobedience" (Eph 2:2, 3). The children of unbelief in doctrine (De 32:20) are "children of disobedience" in practice, and these again are "children of wrath."

Titus 3:3

3. For—Our own past sins should lead us to be lenient towards those of others. "Despise none, for such wast thou also." As the penitent thief said to his fellow thief, "Dost thou not fear God . . . seeing that thou art in the same condemnation."

we—Christians.

were—Contrast Tit 3:4, "But when," that is, now: a favorite contrast in Paul's writing, that between our past state by nature, and our present state of deliverance from it by grace. As God treated us, we ought to treat our neighbor.

sometimes—once.

foolish—wanting right reason in our course of living. Irrational. The exact picture of human life without grace. Grace is the sole remedy for foolishness.

disobedient—to God.

deceived—led astray. The same Greek, "out of the way" (Heb 5:2).

serving—Greek, "in bondage to," serving as slaves."

divers—The cloyed appetite craves constant variety.

pleasures—of the flesh.

malice—malignity.

hateful . . . hating—correlatives. Provoking the hatred of others by their detestable character and conduct, and in turn hating them.