Ephesians 4:20-21 (NASB) - “But you did not learn Christ in this way if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus.”

“Paul makes the rather unusual statement that they ‘learned Christ.’ One normally learns a content (e.g., the law, statues, and ordinances, etc.) or a certain pattern of behavior (e.g., to obey God or to do good), but not a person.

“This unique expression most likely heightens the element of personal relationship with Christ that is central to the Christian faith and emphasized in Ephesians. Jesus has risen from the dead and has been exalted to the right hand of the Father. He is the living head of the church.

“Paul expresses a similar idea to ‘learning him’ when he says to the Philippians, ‘I want to know Christ’ (Phil 3:10). The expression should also be understood in light of Col 2:6-7: ‘just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught’ (Clinton Arnold. Ephesians, ZEC).

Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you that our salvation brings discipleship, righteousness and holiness.  We are new, in you!  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

-JK