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Ephesians 4:20

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Ephesians 4:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But ye did not so learn Christ;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But ye did not so learn Christ;
Ephesians 4:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Ephesians 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye no longer walk as the Gentiles also walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their heart;
19who being past feeling gave themselves up to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20But ye did not so learn Christ;
21if so be that ye heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus:
22that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit;
23and that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
← Ephesians 4:19Ephesians 4:21 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But ye have not so learned Christ, &c.] Some distinguish these words, and make two propositions of them, “but ye not so”, or “ye are not so, ye have learned Christ”; the first of these propositions has respect to what goes before, and suggests that regenerate persons are not as other men: they do not walk in the vanity of their minds as others, their minds are not empty and vain; but are filled with God, with a saving knowledge of God in Christ, with the fear and love of God, and with Christ, with a spiritual knowledge of him, with faith in him and love to him, and with the Spirit, with his graces and fruits of righteousness; and though there is a great deal of vanity, instability,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“learned Christ-- (Phi 3:10). To know Christ Himself, is the great lesson of the Christian life: this the Ephesians began to learn at their conversion. "Christ," in reference to His office, is here specified as the object of learning. "Jesus," in Eph 4:21, as the person.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But ye have not so learned Christ - You have been taught a different thing by Christ; you have been taught that his religion requires you to abandon such a course of life. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“But ye have not so learned Christ - That is, ye cannot act thus, now ye know him, since you know the Christian dispensation allows of no sin. Ephesians 4:21”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“4:20-24 What you learned about Christ is the truth that comes from him. He gives true understanding (cp. John 14:6) and calls his people to an entirely new way of life (cp. Rom 6:3-14; 13:12-14; Col 3:8-10).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Luk 24:47; Joh 6:45; Rom 6:1, Rom 6:2; Co2 5:14, Co2 5:15; Tit 2:11-14; Jo1 2:27 Ephesians 4:21”
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Related study paths

Read Ephesians 4 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification