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Eph. 2:2.
A
In which (en hais).
B
Ye.
C
Walked.
D
World.
E
Sons of disobedience.
Eph. 2:3.
A
Among whom (en hois).
B
We also.
C
Had conversation.
D
Flesh.
E
Children of wrath.
The apostle reverts to this 'former conversation' in Ephesians 4:22, this
time linking it with 'the old man' and contrasting it with the new man and
his deeds, the blessed consequence of the renewing of the mind and the result
of nothing less than a new creation (22 -25). When we contemplate the
emptiness, the hollowness, the vanity, the corrupting influence of the former
conversation, whether of Galatians 1:13, Ephesians 2:2; 4:22 or of 1 Peter
1:18, how lovely and enriching it is to read of 'the end' or the 'issue' of
the faith and conversation of those commended in Hebrews 13:7,8. It is
rarely that the apostle urges his reader to follow the faith of others, but
here is a glorious exception. We have no grounds for fear in following the
faith of anyone, if we perceive that the end and issue of his conversation or
manner of life is:
'Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever (unto the
ages)' (Heb. 13:8).
The First Covenant (Heb. 8:13), Priesthood, Sacrifice and Tabernacle were but
types and shadows, all of which must be ultimately set aside; but while it
can be said 'Thou remainest', 'Jesus Christ the same', all is more than well,
it is a glory that excelleth.
What should be the effect upon those who have learned from the
Scriptures the terrific ending of the present system (Heb. 1:11,12), the
passing away of heaven and the burning of the earth and its works? Let Peter
tell us:
'Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of
persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness ...
Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent
that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless' (2
Pet. 3:11 -14).
Turning now to the other words translated conversation, namely
politeuo, and politeuma, we first of all note that these and other similar
words all derive from the Greek word polis meaning 'a city'.
'A citizen (polites) of no mean city (polis)' (Acts 21:39).
'With a great sum obtained I this freedom (politeia)' (Acts 22:28).
This same word politeia is translated 'commonwealth' in Ephesians 2:12. We
as far off uncovenanted Gentiles were aliens from the citizenship of Israel,
but Philippians 3:20 tells us that we have lost nothing, but gained the more,
for 'our politeuma, citizenship, enfranchisement, exists in heaven' (Phil.
3:20). They who teach from Ephesians 2:12 onwards that all that the apostle
intended these Ephesians to learn was, that though once they had no place in