Ephesians 4:15

Children. Gr. nepioi, “infants.” The word is often rendered “babes” (Matt. 11:25; Rom. 2:20; etc.). Metaphorically, it means childishness rather than childlikeness (cf. 1 Cor. 3:1; 13:11; Gal. 4:1, 3; Heb. 5:13). We are enjoined to become like “little children,” paidia (Matt. 18:2-4), in humility and trustfulness, but not in impulsiveness and immaturity. The object of the bestowal of the gifts is that God’s children might grow up into spiritual manhood. There is no more pitiful sight than that of arrested mental and physical development in a person of mature years.

Tossed to and fro. Literally, “being tossed by waves.” The lack of steadiness so often associated with youth is not to be the mark of the believer; patience, endurance, stability, are his characteristics (cf. James 1:6; Heb. 13:9). Those who are forever seeking after some new thing, and are attracted by some sensational idea, form a feeble foundation for the life of the church. Equally, theological and philosophical speculation beyond legitimate limits makes for instability of belief and character.

Wind of doctrine. Or, “wind of the teaching.” Paul is not here slighting doctrine or theology as expressing a systematized body of knowledge concerning God, but rather warning against the indecision, uncertainty, and vagueness that accompany so much theology. He is doubtless also referring to idle speculation that often marks religious discussion. Both of these extremes are disturbing elements in the life of the church.

Sleight. Literally, “dice playing.” The “winds of doctrine” are calculated to deceive, as when some unsuspecting player falls victim to a cunning cardsharper. It is not merely a question of chance, for the dice have been loaded; what appears to be the teaching of Christ is not actually so. In his final address to the Ephesian elders at Miletus, Paul had warned them that “grievous wolves” would enter in among them (Acts 20:29), and apparently that time had arrived. Integrity in teaching the truth is as essential as honesty in its practice.

Cunning craftiness. Gr. panourgia, “cunning,” “knavery,” “craftiness” (see Luke 20:23; 1 Cor. 3:19).

Whereby they lie in wait to deceive. Literally, “toward [or, “with a view to”] the craftiness of deceit.” Their end objective is deceit.