but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ;
Our apostle had set forth the excellent end of the ministry, in the foregoing verse, for furthering their stability and steadfastness in grace; here he declares the admirable fitness of it, for helping forward their proficiency and growth in grace.
Verse 15. But speaking the truth in love. Marg., being sincere. The translation in the text is correct--literally, truthing in love --αληθευοντες. Two things are here to be noted: (1.) The truth is to be spoken--the simple, unvarnished truth. This is the way to avoid error, and this is the way to preserve others from error.
speaking the truth--Translate, "holding the truth"; "following the truth"; opposed to "error" or "deceit" (Eph 4:14). in love--"Truth" is never to be sacrificed to so-called "charity"; yet it is to be maintained in charity. Truth in word and act, love in manner and spirit, are the Christian's rule (compare Eph 4:21, Eph 4:24).