| Geneva Study Bible If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, {d} as the truth is in Jesus: (d) As they have learned who acknowledge Christ indeed, and in good earnest. People's New Testament 4:21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him. This does not express a doubt that they had heard and been taught by Christ. The idea is: If ye have heard, etc. as I know you have, you have been taught the truth in Jesus. Wesley's Notes 4:21 Seeing ye have heard him - Teaching you inwardly by his Spirit. As the truth is in Jesus - According to his own gospel. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 21. If so be that-not implying doubt; assuming what I have no reason to doubt, that heard him-The "Him" is emphatic: "heard Himself," not merely heard about Him. taught by him-Greek, "taught IN Him," that is, being in vital union with Him (Ro 16:7). as the truth is in Jesus-Translate in connection with "taught"; "And in Him have been taught, according as is truth in Jesus." There is no article in the Greek. "Truth" is therefore used in the most comprehensive sense, truth in its essence, and highest perfection, in Jesus; "if according as it is thus in Him, ye have been so taught in Him"; in contrast to "the vanity of mind of the Gentiles" (Eph 4:17; compare Joh 1:14, 17; 18:37). Contrast Joh 8:44. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 4:17-24 The apostle charged the Ephesians in the name and by the authority of the Lord Jesus, that having professed the gospel, they should not be as the unconverted Gentiles, who walked in vain fancies and carnal affections. Do not men, on every side, walk in the vanity of their minds? Must not we then urge the distinction between real and nominal Christians? They were void of all saving knowledge; they sat in darkness, and loved it rather than light. They had a dislike and hatred to a life of holiness, which is not only the way of life God requires and approves, and by which we live to him, but which has some likeness to God himself in his purity, righteousness, truth, and goodness. The truth of Christ appears in its beauty and power, when it appears as in Jesus. The corrupt nature is called a man; like the human body, it is of divers parts, supporting and strengthening one another. Sinful desires are deceitful lusts; they promise men happiness, but render them more miserable; and bring them to destruction, if not subdued and mortified. These therefore must be put off, as an old garment, a filthy garment; they must be subdued and mortified. But it is not enough to shake off corrupt principles; we must have gracious ones. By the new man, is meant the new nature, the new creature, directed by a new principle, even regenerating grace, enabling a man to lead a new life of righteousness and holiness. This is created, or brought forth by God's almighty power. | 
