BSBKJVWEBYLTASVBBEWMBT4TDBY|HymnsMusicDonate
Menu
Home › Commentaries  › New Testament Commentary (Baker)  › Ephesians 1

Ephesians 1

Hendriksen
‹ Chapter 0 Ephesians — All Chapters Chapter 2 ›

-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 � StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size Standard SizeDouble FontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldUnicode SizeStandard SizeDouble(FontNameTimes New RomanStyleExrvfsAllCapsUnicode SizeStandard SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanUnicode SizeStandard SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicUnicode SizeStandard SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldfsItalicUnicode SizeStandard SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanUnicode SizeStandard SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanColorclNavyUnicode SizeStandard SizeDouble FontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldColorclNavyUnicode SizeStandard SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanColorclNavyUnicode SizeStandard SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanUnicode SizeStandard SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanCharSpacingUnicode SizeStandard SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldColorclNavyUnicode SizeStandard SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldUnicode SizeStandard SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicUnicode SizeStandard SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanColorclGreenUnicode SizeStandard SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldCharSpacingUnicode SizeStandard SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanCharSpacingUnicode SizeStandard SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanSubSuperScriptTypervsssSuperScriptUnicode SizeStandard SizeDoubleFontName Charis SILStylefsItalicUnicode SizeStandard SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump SizeStandard SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump SizeStandard SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump Size-9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 BiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardTabsStandardSpaceBefore Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardSpaceBefore SpaceAfter Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardSpaceBefore Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandard LeftIndentSpaceBeforeTabsStandardFirstIndent� LeftIndentTabsStandardFirstIndent� LeftIndent SpaceAfterTabsStandard LeftIndentRightIndentSpaceBefore0 SpaceAfterBorder.WidthBorder.InternalWidthBorder.Style rvbSingleBorder.VisibleBorders.LeftBorder.VisibleBorders.RightBorder.VisibleBorders.BottomBorder.BorderOffsets.TopBackground.BorderOffsets.TopTabsStandard SpaceAfter Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardSpaceBeforeTabsStandardFirstIndentTabsStandard LeftIndent0RightIndent0 SpaceAfterBorder.InternalWidthBorder.Style rvbSingleBorder.VisibleBorders.LeftBorder.VisibleBorders.RightBorder.VisibleBorders.TopBorder.BorderOffsets.BottomBackground.BorderOffsets.BottomTabsStandardSpaceBefore Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardFirstIndent SpaceAfterTabsStandardFirstIndent� LeftIndent0TabsStandard LeftIndentRightIndent SpaceAfter AlignmentrvaRightTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 6 1 3 8 0 0 Commentary) 6 2 3 12 0 0 on) The Epistle to the Ephesians) 7 1 4 8 0 0 CHAPTER I) 8 1 1 8 0 0 Chapter 1) 8 2 5 8 0 0 Verses 1 14) Theme: ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Church Glorious) 8 1 5 8 0 0 I. Adoration) 8 1 5 12 0 0 for its) 10 1 6 8 0 0 E) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ternal Foundation in Christ ) 11 1 7 8 0 0 After the opening salutation 12 1 -1 9 0 0

  1. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  2. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) Paul blesses God for the fact that this is a foundation:) 11 1 8 8 0 0
  1. resulting in every spiritual blessing for believers, unto the praise of the glory of God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit 12 1 -1 9 0 0 3 14) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 )) 11 1 9 8 0 0 ) 11 1 1 8 0 0 1:1, 2) 11 1 10 8 0 0 Opening Salutation) 13 1 11 8 0 0
  1. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 14 1 -1 9 0 0
  2. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints and believers who are in Ephesus in Christ Jesus; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 0
  3. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 grace to ) 16 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 15 1 -1 9 0 0 u and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.) 14 1 12 8 0 0
  4. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 Blessed (be) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, ) 14 1 -1 9 0 0
  5. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 just as he elected us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and faultless before him, ) 14 1 -1 9 0 0
  6. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 having in love foreordained us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, ) 14 1 -1 9 0 0
  7. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 to the praise of the glory of his grace, which he graciously bestowed on us in the Beloved, ) 14 1 -1 9 0 0
  8. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, ) 14 1 -1 9 0 0
  9. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 which he caused to overflow toward us in the form of all wisdom and insight, ) 14 1 -1 9 0 0
  10. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 in that he made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, the purpose which he cherished for himself in him, ) 14 1 -1 9 0 0
  11. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 to be put into effect in the fulness of the times, to bring all things together under one head in Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth; in him ) 14 1 -1 9 0 0
  12. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 in whom we also have been made heirs, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will, ) 14 1 -1 9 0 0
  13. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 to the end that we should be to the praise of his glory, we who beforehand had centered our hope in Christ; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 0
  14. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 in whom ) 16 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 15 1 -1 9 0 0 u also (are included), having listened to the message of the truth, the gospel of ) 16 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 15 1 -1 9 0 0 r salvation; and having also believed in him, ) 16 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 15 1 -1 9 0 0 u were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, ) 14 1 -1 9 0 0
  15. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 who is the first instalment of our inheritance, for the redemption of (God s) own possession, to the praise of his glory.) 11 1 13 8 0 0 ) 17 1 11 8 0 0
  16. 18 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 As is not unusual with Paul, the letter opens with a salutation and closes with a benediction. At the beginning God, as it were, walks into the church assembled for worship and breathes his blessing upon it. He remains throughout and at the close of the worship-service walks out again, not out ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 of) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 the church but out ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 with) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 the church. Yet, it is ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 himself who is speaking in this letter. And he is not playing back electrically recorded dictation. Ephesians is not a belt from a transcriber or a reel from a recorder. On the contrary, here is Paul in person, pouring out his heart in praise and thanksgiving. What he writes is in very fact the product of his own meditation and reflection. It is both a spontaneous utterance of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 his) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 heart and a careful composition of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 his) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 mind. The gold that pours forth from his heart has been molded into definite and (one may even say) artistic shape by his mind. But this heart and this mind are so thoroughly Spirit-controlled that the ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 ideas) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 expressed and the very ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 words) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.21|AUTODETECT|” by means of which they are conveyed are also (in a sense, were first of all) the ideas and the words of the Holy Spirit. Hence, the word of Paul is the Word of God. Ephesians, as well as the rest of Scripture, is God-breathed. Cf. ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.21|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 1:21) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.3.16|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 3:16) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; and on the latter passage see ) 20 1 -1 9 0 0 N.T.C.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 on I and II Timothy and Titus, pp. 301 304.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 The author of this epistle was a man whose Hebrew name was Saul, and whose Latin name was Paul) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 us) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 (here, in the original, grecized to Paul) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 os) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). He is not just any private individual who happens to have something on his mind to which he wants to give expression. No, he is, and wants the Ephesians to know that he is, ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 an apostle of Christ Jesus,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and this not in the broader sense merely but in the fullest meaning that can properly be given to the word ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 apostle) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . Has he not received his call to office directly from Christ? Were not the marks of plenary apostleship abundantly evident in his life and work? He belongs to Christ, and represents him, so that ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul s) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 message is ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Christ s) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 own message. When Paul salutes the Ephesians, God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ are bestowing ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 their) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 blessing upon them.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 Paul continues, ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 through the will of God.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 The apostle has attained his high office neither through ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 aspiration) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 nor through ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 usurpation) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 nor yet through ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 nomination) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 by other men but by divine ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 preparation,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 having been set apart and qualified by the activity of God s sovereign will.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 Having thus in some detail set forth the name of the addressor, Paul now turns to the addressees. He is writing ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 to the saints and believers who are in Ephesus in Christ Jesus.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 The saints are those who by the Lord have been ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 set apart) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 to glorify him, ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 the consecrated ones,) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.9|AUTODETECT|” whose task it is to proclaim God s excellencies 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.9|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:9) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The phrase the saints and believers forms a unit. The same people who are called ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 saints) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 are also called ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 believers,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 for saints who are true to their calling do, indeed, repose their trust in the one true God who has revealed himself in Christ.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 The phrase in Ephesus has been fully discussed in the ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Introduction,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 IV A. Destination. Paul writes to God s people in Ephesus and surroundings. Those addressed are in Christ Jesus, that is, they are what they are by virtue of union with him. This phrase may without exaggeration be called the most important one in all the Pauline epistles. In Ephesians it or its equivalent or near-equivalent occurs in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  17. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  18. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  19. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  20. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 9 13) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  21. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  22. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 2:5 7) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  23. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  24. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  25. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  26. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 3:6) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  27. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  28. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  29. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 4:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  30. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  31. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 5:8) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 6:10) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  32. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . It also occurs with greater or lesser frequency in Paul s other epistles (exception Titus). It was ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 by virtue of union with Christ) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 that the addressees were saints and believers, for in connection with him they receive every spiritual blessing 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:3) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ); here particularly and basically ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 election) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 before the foundation of the world 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:4 6) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 redemption) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 through blood 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:7 12) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), and ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 certification) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 as sons and therefore heirs 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:13) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  33. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.21|AUTODETECT|” ). It will be clear that this interpretation of the phrase fits the present context. Had it not been for their connection with Christ, a connection infinitely close, these people would not now be saints and believers. Moreover, their present life of faith has its center in him. For them to live is Christ 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.21|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:21) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). They now love him because he has first loved them.) 17 1 12 8 0 0
  34. 18 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 The salutation proper is as follows: ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 grace to ) 21 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 u and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 Thus, there is pronounced upon the Ephesian saints and believers ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 grace) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . This word may at times indicate ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 kindness, as a quality or attribute of God or of the Lord Jesus Christ) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . It may also describe ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 the state of salvation,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and thirdly, the ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 believer s gratitude) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 for the salvation received or for any gift of God. But in the present instance it refers undoubtedly to ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 God s spontaneous, unmerited favor in action, his freely bestowed lovingkindness in operation, bestowing salvation upon guilt-laden sinners. Grace) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 is the fountain. ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Peace) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.27|AUTODETECT|” belongs to the stream of spiritual blessings which issues from this fountain. This peace is the smile of God as it reflects itself in the hearts of the redeemed, the assurance of reconciliation through the blood of the cross, true spiritual wholeness and prosperity. It is the great blessing which Christ by his atoning sacrifice bestowed upon the church 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.27|AUTODETECT|” John 14:27) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.7|AUTODETECT|” ), and it surpasses all understanding 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.7|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:7) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 11 1 12 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.17|AUTODETECT|” Now this grace and this peace have their origin in God the Father 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.17|AUTODETECT|” James 1:17) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.7.25|AUTODETECT|” ), and have been merited for the believer by him who is the great Master-Owner-Conqueror , Savior , and Office-Bearer and who, because of his threefold anointing namely, as Prophet, Priest, and King is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near to God through him 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 7:25) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 11 1 12 8 0 0 For further details about certain aspects of Paul s opening salutations see ) 20 1 -1 9 0 0 N.T.C.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 on I and II Thessalonians, pp. 37 45; on Philippians, pp. 43 49; and on I and II Timothy and Titus, pp. 49 56; 339 344.) 19 1 14 8 0 0 1:3 14) 11 1 11 8 0 0 Proceeding now to the body of the letter, Paul blesses God for the church s ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Eternal Foundation) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 in Christ, a foundation:) 11 1 12 8 0 0
  1. ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 resulting in every spiritual blessing for believers, to the praise of the glory of God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.) 17 1 12 8 0 0
  1. 18 1 -1 9 0 0 . Blessed (be) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 Goodness, truth, and beauty are combined in this initial doxology, in which the apostle, in words that are ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 beautiful) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 both in the thoughts they convey and in their artistic arrangement, pours out his soul in ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 true) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 adoration for God s ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 goodness) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 in action. He ascribes to God the honor due him for spiritual blessings ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 past) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 (election), ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 present) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 (redemption), and ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 future) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 (certification as sons with a view to complete possession of the inheritance reserved for them). The apostle realizes that divine blessings bestowed upon God s people should be humbly, gratefully, and enthusiastically acknowledged in thought, word, and deed. That response is the only proper way in which these spiritual bounties can be returned to the Giver. The circle must be completed: what comes from God must go back to him! That is the meaning of saying, Blessed (be).& ) 11 1 12 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.6|AUTODETECT|” The sentence begun by Blessed (be) rolls on like a snowball tumbling down a hill, picking up volume as it descends. Its 202 words, and the many modifiers which they form, arranged like shingles on a roof or like steps on a stairway, are like prancing steeds pouring forward with impetuous speed. Says John Calvin, The lofty terms in which he [Paul] extols the grace of God toward the Ephesians, are intended to rouse their hearts to gratitude, to set them all on flame, to fill them even to overflowing with this disposition. Paul s heart aflame is bent on setting other hearts aflame also, with sincere, humble, overflowing praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Cf. ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:6) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.3|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 1:3) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.31|AUTODETECT|” 11:31) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.46|AUTODETECT|” . Since Jesus was and is not only God but also man, and since he himself addressed the first Person of the Trinity as my God 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.46|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:46) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), it is evident that the full title the ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 God) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is justified. As to the term Father, it is evident that if the title ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 God) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 of our Lord Jesus Christ places emphasis on Christ s ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 human) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 nature, that of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Father) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 of our Lord Jesus Christ calls attention to the Son s ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 divine) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 nature, for not ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 nativistic) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 but ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 trinitarian) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 sonship is referred to in this thoroughly trinitarian epistle, in which the Beloved, by whatever name he is called, is constantly placed on a par with, and mentioned in one breath with, the Father and the Spirit 12 1 -1 9 0 0 2:18) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 3:14 17) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 4:4 6) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 5:18 20) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Christ is the Son of God by eternal generation. See also ) 20 1 -1 9 0 0 N.T.C.) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.3|AUTODETECT|” on the Gospel according to John, Vol. I, pp. 86 88. Now, calling the first person of the Holy Trinity the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has a very practical purpose, as the apostle shows plainly in ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.3|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 1:3) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.13|AUTODETECT|” . In his capacity as Father of our Lord Jesus Christ he is the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. Via Christ every spiritual blessing flows down to us from the Father. And if Christ is the Son of God s love 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.13|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:13) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), then God must be the Father of love, the loving Father. Note also that beautiful word of appropriating faith, namely, ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 our:) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 the Father of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 our) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 Lord Jesus Christ. How close this draws Christ to the believers hearts, and not only Christ but the Father also. Truly, Christ and the Father are ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 one!) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 On the title Lord Jesus Christ see verse ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  2. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 above.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 Paul continues, ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.28|AUTODETECT|” The Father blesses his children when he lavishes gifts upon them in his favor so that these bounties or these experiences, of whatever nature, work together for their good 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.28|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:28) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.63.1|AUTODETECT|” ). Together with the gift he imparts himself 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.63.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 63:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:32) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). While it is ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 not) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.1|AUTODETECT|” true that the Old Testament regards material goods as being of higher value than spiritual, for the contrary is clearly taught in such passages as ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.1|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.7|AUTODETECT|” 17:7) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.37.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.37.16|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 37:16) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.25|AUTODETECT|” 73:25) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.3.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.3.13|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 3:13) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.3.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.3.14|AUTODETECT|”
  3. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.8.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.8.11|AUTODETECT|” 8:11) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.8.17-20.8.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.8.17-20.8.19|AUTODETECT|” 17 19) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.17.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.17.1|AUTODETECT|” 17:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.19.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.19.1|AUTODETECT|” 19:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.19.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.19.22|AUTODETECT|”
  4. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.28.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.28.6|AUTODETECT|” 28:6) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.30.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.30.15|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 30:15) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.9|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.9|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:9) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.10|AUTODETECT|”
  5. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.12|AUTODETECT|” , it is true, nevertheless, that between the two Testaments there is a difference of degree in the fulness of detail with which earthly or physical blessings are described 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.12|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:12) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.28.1-5.28.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.28.1-5.28.8|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 28:1 8) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.9.21-16.9.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.9.21-16.9.25|AUTODETECT|” Neh. 9:21 25) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.46|AUTODETECT|” ). God is ever the wise Pedagogue who takes his children by the hand and knows that in the old dispensation, when Israel is a child it needs this circumstantial description of earthly values in order that by means of these as symbols (e.g., earthly Canaan is the symbol of the heavenly), it may rise to the appreciation of the spiritual 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.46|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:46) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.11|AUTODETECT|” ). The New Testament, while by no means deprecating earthly blessings 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.11|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:11) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.4.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.4.3|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 4:3) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.4.4|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.4.4|AUTODETECT|”
  6. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.18|AUTODETECT|” ), places all the emphasis on the spiritual 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.18|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 4:18) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), and it may well have been that in order to emphasize this difference between the old and the new dispensation it is here stated that the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ blessed us with every ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 spiritual) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 blessing. It is best to allow the context to indicate the nature and content of these blessings. Though, to be sure, the very word ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 every) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 clearly proves that it would be wrong to subtract even a single invisible bounty from the list of those vast benefits divine which we in Christ possess, yet the context indicates that the apostle is thinking particularly of or subsuming all these benefits under those that are mentioned in the present paragraph, namely, ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 election) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 (and its accompaniment, foreordination to adoption), ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 redemption) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 (implying forgiveness and grace overflowing in the form of all wisdom and insight), and ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 certification) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 as sons and heirs.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 The phrase in the heavenly places or simply in the heavenlies 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:20) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 2:6) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 3:10) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , and probably also locally in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 6:12) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) indicates that these spiritual blessings are heavenly in their origin, and that from heaven they descend to the saints and believers on earth 12 1 -1 9 0 0 4:8) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; and see ) 20 1 -1 9 0 0 N.T.C.) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.20|AUTODETECT|” on ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.20|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:20) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.1|AUTODETECT|” and on ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 11 1 12 8 0 0 For the meaning of in Christ see on verse ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  7. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 above. It or its equivalent occurs more than ten times in this short paragraph 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:3 14) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), clear evidence of the fact that the apostle regarded ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Christ) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 as ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 the very foundation of the church,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 that is, of all its benefits, of its complete salvation. It is in connection with Christ that the saints and believers at Ephesus (and everywhere else) have been blessed with every spiritual blessing: election, redemption, certification as children and heirs, and all the other benefits subsumed under these headings. Apart from him they not only ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 can do nothing) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 but ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 are nothing,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 that is, amount to nothing spiritually.) 17 1 12 8 0 0
  8. 18 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul continues, ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 just as he elected us in him before the foundation of the world.) 11 2 5 8 0 0 Election) (1) Its Author) 11 1 11 8 0 0 The Author is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, as has been indicated 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  9. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). This, of course, by no means cancels the fact that all the activities which affect extra-trinitarian relationships can be ascribed to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, it is the Father who, as here shown, takes the lead in the divine work of election.) 11 1 5 8 0 0 (2) Its Nature) 19 1 11 8 0 0 To elect) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 means ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 to pick) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 choose out of) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 (for oneself). Although the passage itself does not indicate ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 in so many words) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 the mass of objects or individuals out of which the Father chose some, this larger group is, nevertheless, clearly indicated by the purpose clause, in order that we should be holy and faultless before him. Accordingly, the larger mass of individuals out of which the Father chose some are here viewed as ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 unholy and vile) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . This interpretation suits the context. It supplies one of the reasons (see Synthesis at end of chapter for more reasons) why the soul of the apostle is filled with such rapture that he says, Blessed (be) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who & elected ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 us. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 He means: us, thoroughly unworthy in his sight! He does not try to explain how it was possible for God to do this. He fully realizes that when men are confronted with this manifestation of amazing grace their only proper response is ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 adoration,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 not ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 explanation) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 5 8 0 0 (3) Its Object) 11 1 11 8 0 0 The object is us, not everybody. This pronoun us must be explained in the light of its context. Paul is writing to saints and believers 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  10. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). He says that the Father has blessed us, that is, all saints and believers (here with special reference to those at Ephesus) including Paul 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  11. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Therefore, when the apostle now continues, just as he elected ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 us, ) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 this us cannot suddenly have reference to ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 all men whatever,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 but must necessarily refer to all those who are (or who at one time or another in the history of the world are destined to become) saints and believers ; that is, to all those who, having been set apart by the Lord for the purpose of glorifying him, embrace him by means of a living faith.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 It is for this contextual reason (and for others also) that I cannot agree with the contention of Karl Barth that in connection with Christ ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 all men whatever) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 are elect, and that the basic distinction is not between elect and non-elect but rather between those who are aware of their election and those who are not.) 11 1 5 8 0 0 (4) Its Foundation) 11 1 11 8 0 0 The foundation of the church, of its entire salvation from start to finish, hence surely also of its election, is Christ. Paul says, He elected us ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 in him. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 The connection between verses ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  12. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  13. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 hinges on this phrase. One could bring this out in the translation as follows, God the Father blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 in Christ, just as in him) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 he elected us.& In other words, ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 in time) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 the Father ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 blessed) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 us in Christ, just as ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 from all eternity) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 he ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 elected) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 us in him. Though some maintain that this just as denotes no more than ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 correspondence,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 in the sense that there is perfect agreement between the blessings and the election, for both are in Christ, it may well be asked whether this interpretation exhausts the meaning of the word used in the original. Aside from a point of grammar (for which see the footnote), it is the teaching of Paul that election from eternity and the further steps in the order of salvation are not to be considered as so many separate items but rather as links in a golden chain, as) 27 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.29|AUTODETECT|” ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.29|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:29) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.30|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.30|AUTODETECT|”
  14. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.2|AUTODETECT|” makes abundantly clear. Election, then, is the root of all subsequent blessings. It is as Jesus said in his highpriestly prayer, & that to all whom thou hast given him he might give everlasting life 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.2|AUTODETECT|” John 17:2) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.37|AUTODETECT|” ). See also ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.37|AUTODETECT|” John 6:37) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.39|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.39|AUTODETECT|”
  15. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.44|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.44|AUTODETECT|”
  16. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.29|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.29|AUTODETECT|” 10:29) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . Hence, since election is from eternity, and since it is the foundation of all further blessings, and since it is in him, Christ is not only the ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Foundation) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 of the church but its ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Eternal Foundation) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 15 8 0 0 The question must now be answered, How is it to be understood that it was ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 in Christ) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 that saints and believers were chosen? The answer that is often given is this, that it was determined in the counsel of God that ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 in time) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.40.7|AUTODETECT|” these people would come to believe in Christ. Though, to be sure, that, too, is implied, it is not a sufficient answer and fails to do justice to all that is taught by Paul and other inspired writers with respect to this important point. The basic answer must be that from before the foundation of the world Christ was the Representative and Surety of all those who in time would be gathered into the fold. This was necessary, for election is not an abrogation of divine attributes. It has already been established that in the background of God s decree is the dismal fact that those chosen are viewed as being, at the very outset, totally unworthy, having involved themselves in ruin and perdition. Now sin must be punished.

The demands of God s holy law must be satisfied. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ does not, by means of election, cancel his righteousness or abolish the demands of his law. How then is it ever possible for God to bestow such a great, glorious, and basic blessing as election upon children of wrath, and to do so without detriment to his very essence and the inviolability of his holy law? The answer is that this is possible because of the promise of the Son (in full co-operation with the Father and the Spirit), Lo, I come; in the roll of the book it is written of me; I delight to do thy will, O my God; thy law is within my heart 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.40.7|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 40:7) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.40.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.40.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.5-58.10.7|AUTODETECT|” . Cf. ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.5-58.10.7|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 10:5 7) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.4|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 4:4) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.6-50.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.6-50.2.8|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:6 8) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In Christ, then, saints and believers, though initially and by nature thoroughly unworthy, are righteous in the very sight of God, for Christ had promised that ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 in their stead) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.13|AUTODETECT|” he would satisfy all the requirements of the law, a promise which was also completely fulfilled 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.13|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:13) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). This forensic righteousness is basic to all the other spiritual blessings. Therefore,) 11 8 16 8 0 0 To thee, O Lord, alone is due) All glory and renown;) Aught to ourselves we dare not take,) Or rob thee of thy crown.) Thou wast thyself our Surety) In God s redemption plan;) In thee his grace was given us,) Long ere the world began. ) 11 1 17 8 0 0 (Augustus M. Toplady,) 11 1 17 12 0 0 1774; revised by Dewey Westra, 1931)) 11 1 5 8 0 0 (5) Its Time) 11 1 11 8 0 0 This election is said to have occurred before the foundation of the world, that is, from eternity. Moreover, since it occurred in him, this is altogether reasonable, for he is the One who and whose precious blood as of a lamb without blemish and without spot were ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 foreknown even before the foundation of the world) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.19|AUTODETECT|” 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.19|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:19) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The fixity of God s eternal plan with respect to his chosen ones was not a Pauline invention. It was the teaching of Jesus himself. It was he who referred to those whom he loved as ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 the given ones) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.39|AUTODETECT|” 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.39|AUTODETECT|” John 6:39) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.2|AUTODETECT|” 17:2) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.44|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.44|AUTODETECT|” 6:44) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.24|AUTODETECT|” ). The fact that from all eternity he had promised to make atonement for them may well have been an element that entered into the Father s love for him; cf. the words of the highpriestly prayer, Father, I desire that they also, whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, in order that they may gaze on my glory, which thou hast given me, for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.24|AUTODETECT|” John 17:24) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.35|AUTODETECT|” ). In such and similar passages 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.35|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 13:35) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.3|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 4:3) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) the universe is viewed as a building, and its creation as the laying of the foundation of this building.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 The point that should be emphasized in this connection is the fact that if already before the foundation of the world those destined for everlasting life were elected, then all the glory for their salvation belongs to God, and to him alone. Hence, Blessed (be) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 2:5) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 8 10) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 5 8 0 0 (6) Its Purpose) 11 1 11 8 0 0 The purpose of election is found in the words, ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 that we should be holy and faultless before him.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 It is worthy of special note that Paul does not say, The Father elected us ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 because) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 he foresaw that we were going to be holy, etc. He says, ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 that) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 [or: ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 in order that) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ] we should be holy, etc. Election is not conditioned on man s foreseen merits or even on his foreseen faith. It is salvation s root, not its fruit! Nevertheless, it remains true that man s responsibility and self-activity are not diminished even in the least. When the divine decree unto salvation is historically realized in the life of any individual it does not operate by means of external compulsion. It motivates, enables, actuates. It ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 im) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 pels but does not ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 com) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 pel. The best description is probably that which is found in ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Canons of Dort) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 III and IV. 11, 12:) 11 1 12 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Moreover, when God accomplishes this, his good pleasure, in the elect, or works in them true conversion, he not only provides that the gospel should be outwardly preached to them, and powerfully illuminates their minds by the Holy Spirit, that they may rightly understand and discern what are the things of the Spirit of God, but he also, by the efficacy of the same regenerating Spirit, pervades the innermost recess of man, opens the closed, softens the hardened, and circumcises the uncircumcised heart, infuses new qualities into the will, and makes that will which had been dead alive, which was evil good, which had been unwilling willing, which had been refractory pliable, and actuates and strengthens it, that, as a good tree, it may be able to bring forth the fruit of good works.& Whereupon the will, being now renewed, is not only actuated and moved by God, but being actuated by God, itself also becomes active. Wherefore man himself, by virtue of that grace received, is rightly said to believe and repent. See ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:12) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.13|AUTODETECT|” and ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.13|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 2:13) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 12 8 0 0 From the stated purpose it is evident that election does not carry man half-way only; it carries him all the way. It does not merely bring him to conversion; it brings him to perfection. It purposes to make him ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 holy) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.15|AUTODETECT|” that is, cleansed from all sin and separated entirely to God and to his service and faultless that is, without any blemish whatever 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.15|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:15) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.2|AUTODETECT|” ), like a perfect sacrifice. Nothing less than this becomes the conscious goal of those in whose hearts God has begun to work out his plan of eternal election. It is their goal in this present life 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.2|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 19:2) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.10|AUTODETECT|” ), and it attains ultimate realization in the hereafter 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.10|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:10) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.27|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 21:27) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 11 1 12 8 0 0 The absolute and undiminished perfection of the ethical goal is given added emphasis by the phrase before him, that is, before God in Christ. Not what we are in the estimation of men but what we are in the sight of God is what counts most.) 11 1 5 8 0 0 (7) Its Further Description) 17 1 11 8 0 0 5) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 A further definition of election, showing the form it takes, is found in the words, ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 having in love foreordained us to adoption as sons.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 This foreordination is not to be regarded as a divine activity prior to election. It is the latter s synonym, a further elucidation of its purpose. The Father is described as having ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 pre-horizoned) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 pre-encircled) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 his chosen ones. In his boundless ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 love,) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.125.2|AUTODETECT|” motivated by nothing outside of himself, he set them apart to be his own sons. As the hills are round about Jerusalem, so Jehovah is round about his people 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.125.2|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 125:2) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). He destined them to be members of his own family (cf.) 27 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.15|AUTODETECT|” ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.15|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:15) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.5|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 4:5) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.29|AUTODETECT|” ). It is rather useless to look for human analogies, for the adoption of which Paul speaks surpasses anything that takes place on earth. It bestows upon its recipients not only a new name, a new legal standing, and a new family-relationship, but also a new image, the image of Christ 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.29|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:29) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Earthly parents may love an adopted child ever so much. Nevertheless, they are, to a large extent, unable to impart their spirit to the child. They have no control over hereditary factors. When God adopts, he imparts his Spirit! This adoption is ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 through Jesus Christ for himself.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 It is through the work of Christ that this adoption becomes a reality. By his atonement the new standing and also the transformation into the spirit of sonship were merited for the chosen ones. Thus, they become God s children who glorify him.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 The modifier ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 according to the good pleasure of his will) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 not only fits the immediate context , but also harmonizes excellently with the words having ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 in love) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 foreordained us. When the Father chose a people for himself, deciding to adopt them as his own children, he was motivated by love alone. Hence, what he did was a result not of sheer determination but of supreme delight. A person may be fully determined to submit to a very serious operation. Again, he may be just as fully determined to plant a beautiful rose garden. Both are matters of the ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 will) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . However, the latter alone is a matter of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 delight,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 that is, of his will s ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 good pleasure) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=25.3.33|AUTODETECT|” . Thus, God, who does not afflict from the heart 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=25.3.33|AUTODETECT|” Lam. 3:33) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.4|AUTODETECT|” ), delights in the salvation of sinners 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.4|AUTODETECT|” Is. 5:4) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.18.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.18.23|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 18:23) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.33.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.33.11|AUTODETECT|” 33:11) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.11.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.11.8|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 11:8) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.37|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:37) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.14|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.14|AUTODETECT|” Luke 2:14) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.1|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 10:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 17 1 12 8 0 0 6) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 This election, which was further described as a foreordination to adoption as sons, is ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 to the praise of the glory of his [the Father s] grace.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 That is its ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 ultimate) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 purpose. The ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 immediate) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 (or intermediate) design has already been designated, namely, that we should be holy and faultless before him, and along the same line, that we should receive adoption as sons. The final goal, to which everything else is contributory, is the adoring recognition of the manifested excellence of the favor to the undeserving of him who was called the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 19 1 -1 9 0 0 glory) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 has been treated rather fully in ) 20 1 -1 9 0 0 N.T.C.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 on Philippians, p. 62 footnote 43. For the meaning of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 grace) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 see also on ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:2) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 2:5) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 8) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 .)) 11 1 12 8 0 0 It is clear that it is especially that marvelous ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 grace) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 to which the emphasis now shifts. It was the rapturous contemplation of that freely bestowed love to those viewed as lost in sin and ruin which moved the soul of the apostle to cry out, Blessed (be) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. That exclamation, moreover, was genuine. Heathen also at times ascribe praise and honor to their gods, but in their case the motivation is entirely different. They do it to appease them or to extract some favor from them. Actually, therefore, such praise ends in man, not in the god to whom honor is ascribed. It resembles Cain s offering, which the Lord could not accept. Here in Ephesians, however, at the close of each paragraph 12 1 -1 9 0 0 6) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 12) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 14) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) there is genuine adoration, such adoration as was not only God s intention in saving man, but also the thanksgiving offering presented to God by his servant Paul, whose heart is in harmony with the purpose of his Maker-Redeemer.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 It is but natural that the grace of the God and Father of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 our Lord Jesus Christ ) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 should center in the Beloved. Hence, Paul continues, ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 which he graciously bestowed on us in the Beloved.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 One might translate as follows: with which he has generously blessed us. But the rendering, as given in bold type above, to some extent preserves the wordplay of the original. When the Father imparts a favor he does so with gladness of heart, without stint. Moreover, his gift reaches the very heart of the recipient and transforms it. It is, of course, as explained earlier, in connection with the Son that the Father so generously bestows his grace on us 12 1 -1 9 0 0 3) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 4) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.13|AUTODETECT|” above). That Son is here called the Beloved. Cf. ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.13|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:13) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , the Son of his love. Since Christ by means of his death earned every spiritual blessing for us, and therefore wants us to have these goods, and since the Father loves the Son, it stands to reason that, for the sake of this Beloved One, the Father would gladly grant us whatever we need. To this must be added the fact that the Father himself gave his Son for this very purpose. Hence, He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not also together with him ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 graciously give) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” us all things? 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:32) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 11 1 12 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.29|AUTODETECT|” It is said at times that Christ is the Father s Beloved because he always obeyed the Father. This is true and scriptural 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.29|AUTODETECT|” John 8:29) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). However, it is necessary in this connection to point out that it was especially the ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 quality) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 of this obedience that evoked the Father s love. The Son, knowing what is pleasing to the Father and in harmony with his will, does not wait until the Father orders him to do this or that, but willingly ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 offers himself) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . He ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 volunteers) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 to do the Father s will. He is not passive even in his death, but ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 lays down) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.17|AUTODETECT|” his life. For this reason the Father loves me because I lay down my life in order that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from me; on the contrary, I lay it down of my own accord 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.17|AUTODETECT|” John 10:17) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.10|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.10|AUTODETECT|” Is. 53:10) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It is this marvelous ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 delight,) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.8|AUTODETECT|” on the part of the Son, in doing the Father s will and thereby saving his people even at the cost of his own death, yes, death by means of a cross 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.8|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:8) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.24|AUTODETECT|” ), that causes the Father, again and again, to exclaim, This is my beloved Son. In substance the Father already made this exclamation before the world began. Even then he bestowed his infinite love upon his Son 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.24|AUTODETECT|” John 17:24) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.40.7|AUTODETECT|” ), moved, no doubt, among other things, by the latter s glorious resolution, Lo, I come 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.40.7|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 40:7) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.7|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.7|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 10:7) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.3.17|AUTODETECT|” ). To be sure, this is a very human way of speaking about these realities, but how else can we speak about them? The Father s exclamation was repeated in connection with the Son s baptism 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.3.17|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 3:17) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.29|AUTODETECT|” ), when in a visible manner the Son took upon himself the sin of the world 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.29|AUTODETECT|” John 1:29) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.33|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.33|AUTODETECT|” 33) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.17.5|AUTODETECT|” ); and once more in connection with the transfiguration 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.17.5|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 17:5) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.17|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 1:17) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), when again, and most strikingly, the Son voluntarily chose the way of the cross.) 17 1 12 8 0 0 7) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 In the second paragraph the attention is shifted from heaven to earth, from the past to the present, and, in a sense, from the Father to the Son. I say in a sense, for the change is by no means abrupt. The infinitely close connection between the Father and the Son in the work of redemption is fully maintained. It is ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 the Father) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 who caused ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 his) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 grace to overflow toward us 12 1 -1 9 0 0 8) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), made known to us the mystery of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 his) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 will according to ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 his) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 good pleasure 12 1 -1 9 0 0 9) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), etc. Nevertheless, the emphasis has changed from the work of the Father to that of the Son. It is ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 the Beloved,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 that is, ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 the Son,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 in whom we have our redemption. It is ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 he) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 who shed ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 his) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 blood for us 12 1 -1 9 0 0 7) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It is ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 he) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 also in whom the Father s purpose of grace was concentrated 12 1 -1 9 0 0 9) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), under whose headship all things are brought together 12 1 -1 9 0 0 10) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), in connection with whom we have been made heirs 12 1 -1 9 0 0 11) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), and in whom we centered our hope 12 1 -1 9 0 0 12) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Accordingly, Paul continues: (the Beloved) ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 in whom we have our redemption.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Redemption) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.14|AUTODETECT|” here, as in ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.14|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:14) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.21.30|AUTODETECT|” 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.21.30|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 21:30) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.28|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 20:28) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” Mark 10:45) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.24|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 3:24) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.12|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 9:12) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.15|AUTODETECT|” 15) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), indicates ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 deliverance as a result of the payment of a ransom) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . There was no other way for sinners to be saved. God s justice must be satisfied. Anyone who doubts the necessary, objective, voluntary, expiatory, substitutionary, and efficacious character of the act of the Father s Beloved whereby he offered himself for his people should make a diligent study of the passages mentioned in ) 20 1 -1 9 0 0 N.T.C.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 on I and II Timothy and Titus, p. 376.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 This redemption implies: ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 a. emancipation) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.34|AUTODETECT|” from the curse, that is, from the guilt, punishment, and power of sin 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.34|AUTODETECT|” John 8:34) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.14|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:14) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.23|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 7:23) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.13|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:13) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), and ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 b. restoration) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.36|AUTODETECT|” to true liberty 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.36|AUTODETECT|” John 8:36) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.1|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It was, moreover, a redemption ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 through his blood,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 a redemption, therefore, which implied ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 substitution) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 of the life of One for the life of others. Thus, thus ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 only,) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.17.11|AUTODETECT|” atonement could be made 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.17.11|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 17:11) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.22|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 9:22) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Moreover, the blood through which alone redemption could be accomplished was ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 his) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.40.6-19.40.8|AUTODETECT|” blood, that of the perfect Redeemer. The blood of animals was merely symbolical and typical 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.40.6-19.40.8|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 40:6 8) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.11-58.9.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.11-58.9.14|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 9:11 14) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.1-58.10.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.1-58.10.14|AUTODETECT|” 10:1 14) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Yet, when mention is made of redemption through his ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 blood,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 this blood must never be dissociated from the voluntary sacrifice of the entire ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 life,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 the ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 self) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.17.11|AUTODETECT|” 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.17.11|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 17:11) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.10-23.53.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.10-23.53.12|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53:10 12) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.28|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:28) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.28|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.28|AUTODETECT|” 20:28) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.6|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 2:6) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.10|AUTODETECT|” ). Expressions such as, He gave his blood, He gave his soul, and He gave himself, are synonymous. They all indicate that the Redeemer was made (and made himself) an offering for sin 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.10|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53:10) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.21|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 5:21) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.3|AUTODETECT|” ); that he suffered the eternal punishment due to sin; that he did this vicariously, and that he did all this for those who by nature were children of wrath 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.3|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:3) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.12|AUTODETECT|” ). What enhances the glory of this sacrifice even more is the fact that although the Beloved came into the world to do many things, for example, to still the boisterous waves, cast out demons, cleanse lepers, open the eyes of the blind, unstop the ears of the deaf, feed the hungry, heal the sick, and even raise the dead, yet the over-arching purpose of his coming was to seek and to save the lost, to give himself a ransom for many 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.12|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53:12) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.28|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 20:28) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” Mark 10:45) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.10|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:10) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.15|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:15) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Truly, Jesus from his throne on high came into this world ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 to die. ) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 No wonder that Paul cries out, Blessed (be), that Peter urges upon those committed to his charge the thankful response of a holy life, adding knowing that ) 22 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.15-60.1.19|AUTODETECT|” u were redeemed not with corruptible things, with silver or gold & but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, (even the blood) of Christ 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.15-60.1.19|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:15 19) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.10-60.1.12|AUTODETECT|” ), that angels desire to look into the sufferings of Christ and the glories that were to follow them 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.10-60.1.12|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:10 12) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.9|AUTODETECT|” ), that, with their minds and hearts fixed on the infinite greatness of this sacrifice, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders in their new song are forever exclaiming, Worthy art thou & for thou wast slain, and didst purchase with thy blood men of every tribe and tongue and people and nation 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.9|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 5:9) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.12|AUTODETECT|” ), and that the ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of angels join in with this grand jubilation by lifting up their voices in exuberant adoration, shouting, Worthy is the Lamb who has been slain! 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.12|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 5:12) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 11 1 12 8 0 0 Now the purpose of this redemption was that we might from sin be free. It was with that objective in mind and heart that he bled and died upon the tree. Hence, Paul says, the Beloved, in whom we have our redemption through his blood, ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 the forgiveness of our trespasses.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 These two ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 redemption by blood and ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 forgiveness of trespasses go together. Redemption would not be complete without procuring pardon. Even Israel in the old dispensation understood this. On the day of atonement the ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 blood) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 of one goat ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 was sprinkled) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 on the mercy-seat. The other goat, over whose head the people s ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 sins) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 had been confessed, ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 was sent away,) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.7|AUTODETECT|” never to return. Now here in ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:7) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 this idea of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 complete removal of sin) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 constitutes the very meaning of the word, used in the original, rendered ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 forgiveness) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 19 1 -1 9 0 0 remission) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.103.12|AUTODETECT|” ). Other passages that shed light on the meaning are ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.103.12|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 103:12) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.44.22|AUTODETECT|” ( As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us ), ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.44.22|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 44:22) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.31.34|AUTODETECT|” ( I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and as a cloud your sins: return to me, for I have redeemed you ), ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.31.34|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 31:34) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.7.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.7.19|AUTODETECT|” Mic. 7:19) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.9|AUTODETECT|” , and ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.9|AUTODETECT|” I John 1:9) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ( If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness ).) 11 1 12 8 0 0 As to its derivation, the word rendered ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 trespass) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 means ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 a falling to the side of) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . A trespass, then, is ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 a deviation from the path of truth and righteousness) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . Such deviations may be either of a gross or of a less serious nature. That in Ephesians no deviation is excluded, and that the totality of these deviations is regarded as a serious matter, one that is rooted in the very nature of man as corrupted by the fall, is clear from ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 2:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , And ) 22 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 u (he made alive) when ) 22 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 u were ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 dead) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 through ) 22 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 r trespasses and sins 12 1 -1 9 0 0 2:3) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 5) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). With reference to ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 forgiveness) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 see also ) 20 1 -1 9 0 0 N.T.C.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 on Colossians, pp. 118 120.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 Now forgiveness takes place ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 according to the riches of his [the Father s] grace.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 Forgiveness and grace are in complete harmony. The standard established by God s grace determines the measure of his forgiveness. For the meaning of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 grace) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 see on ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:2) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 above; cf. also ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:6) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 2:5) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 7) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 8) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . Note that the Father forgives not merely ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 of,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 but ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 according to,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 his riches, riches of grace. Illustration: Here are two very rich persons. When asked to contribute toward a good cause, both give ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 of) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 their riches. The first one, however, donates a very paltry sum, far less than had been expected of him. He merely gives ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 of) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 his riches, not ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 according to) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . The second is lavish in his support of every noble cause. He gives ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 according to) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 the amount of his wealth. God ever gives and forgives ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 according to) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 his riches. And ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 he) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 is rich, indeed! His favor toward the undeserving is infinite in character. ) 17 1 -1 9 0 0 8) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 The apostle continues, ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 which he caused to overflow toward us in the form of all wisdom and insight.) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.14|AUTODETECT|” In a similar passage 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.14|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:14) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) the apostle states, And it ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 super-abounded,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 namely, the grace of our Lord, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Just as in that passage grace is said to have kindled ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 faith) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 love,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 so here grace floods the souls of believers with ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 wisdom) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 insight. Wisdom) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 is ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 knowledge plus) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . It is the ability to apply knowledge to the best advantage, enabling a person to use the most effective means for the attainment of the highest goal. ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Insight) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.9|AUTODETECT|” 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=51.1.9|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:9) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 understanding) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) is the result of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 setting one s mind on) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 God s redemptive revelation in Christ, the mystery of his will, for Paul continues: ) 17 1 -1 9 0 0 9) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 .& in that he made known to us the mystery of his will.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 God had made it known to Paul 12 1 -1 9 0 0 3:3) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), who, in turn, rejoices in being able to proclaim it to others. In addition, grace sanctifies this knowledge to the hearts of those destined to be saved. Paul says, He made it known to ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 us ) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 12 1 -1 9 0 0 8) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), that is, to myself and to those whom I am addressing 12 1 -1 9 0 0

  1. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 11 1 12 8 0 0 He caused his grace to overflow & in that ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 he made known) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.7.3-12.7.15|AUTODETECT|” to us the mystery of his will! He did not keep it to himself. The Father did not desire that the saints and believers in Ephesus (and everywhere else) should be like the people in the city of Samaria, described in ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.7.3-12.7.15|AUTODETECT|” II Kings 7:3 15) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , who were unaware of their riches. The greatest story ever told, that of God s grace in Christ, ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 must be made known) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . In that respect, too, the true gospel of salvation differs from other gospels invented by men. In the days of Paul certain cults imposed on their devotees tremendous oaths ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 not) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 to reveal their secrets to the uninitiated. Even today there are societies which demand that their members make similar solemn promises on pain of dire punishment if they fail to keep them. It was the Father s will that the most sublime secret be broadcast far and wide, and that it penetrate deeply into the hearts of those who were his own. God s plan of salvation, moreover, must be made known in order that it may be accepted by faith, for it is by faith that men are saved.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 Exactly what did Paul mean when he mentioned the mystery ? Here in Ephesians the answer is not given until we reach verse ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  2. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , and even then it is merely ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 introduced) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . Even so, however, we are told that the mystery of which the apostle is thinking is that of God s ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 will,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 that is, of the Father s ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 desire) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . The mystery and the Father s ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 desire, good pleasure, cherished purpose,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 go together. They cannot be separated, for the mystery is that ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 of) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 his eternal purpose. Its disclosure, too, was ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 according to his good pleasure.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 Cf. verse ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  3. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 above, where ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 foreordination) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 is also ascribed to the Father s good pleasure. We learn from this that the Father, far from being less loving than the Son, ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 takes special delight) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 in planning whatever must be planned in order to bring about the salvation, full and free, of men who had plunged themselves into misery and ruin, and takes equal pleasure in telling them about this marvelous plan! Is it any wonder that Paul s heart was filled with adoration so that he exclaimed, Blessed (be) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ?) 11 1 12 8 0 0 The apostle further defines this ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 good pleasure) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 by adding: ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 the purpose which he cherished for himself in him.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 This in him must mean in the Beloved, as the preceding context indicates. The Father has blessed us with every spiritual blessing & ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 in Christ ) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:3) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), elected us ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 in him ) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  4. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), and graciously bestowed his grace upon us ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 in the Beloved ) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  5. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It is natural, therefore, that we should now be referred to the purpose which he cherished for himself in him. In what sense this purpose of the Father was cherished ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 in) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 the Beloved has been explained above 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  6. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 17 1 12 8 0 0
  7. 18 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 The Father s good pleasure, his cherished purpose, the plan in which his soul delighted, a plan drawn up ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 in eternity,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 was to be realized ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 in time) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . Hence, Paul continues: ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 to be put into effect in the fulness of the times.) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.4|AUTODETECT|” Literally, for administration [or: for effectuation], etc. The expression fulness of the times (or: seasons) and the similar (though not exactly identical) one in ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.4|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 4:4) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 indicate ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 the moment) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.4|AUTODETECT|” 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.4|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 4:4) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) or ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 the period) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.10|AUTODETECT|” 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.10|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:10) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ) when, as it were, the lower compartment of the hourglass of God s eternal decree had become filled, that is, when all the preceding times and seasons which the Father had set within his own authority had been completed 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:7) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.26|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.26|AUTODETECT|” 17:26) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It is, in other words, the appropriate time. As is evident from ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:20 23) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.24|AUTODETECT|” , in the present case the reference is to the entire New Testament era, particularly to the period which began with Christ s resurrection and coronation. It will not end until the Lord, upon his glorious return, will have pronounced and executed judgment 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.24|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:24) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.25|AUTODETECT|”
  8. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It is well, in this connection, to stress what was said before, namely, that ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 mystery) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 purpose) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 go together: ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 the effectuation of the purpose is the revelation of the mystery,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 for it was exactly the Father s purpose of love to reveal that which to men was a mystery. This effectuation and revelation was destined to take place, therefore, in the present Messianic age.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 The purpose actualized in the fulness of the times, the mystery ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 then) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 revealed, is expressed in these words: ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 to bring all things together under one head in Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 What Paul is saying here receives amplification in verses ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 20 22) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.20|AUTODETECT|” . Therefore it is not necessary to enlarge upon it here. It is the identical doctrine expounded also in other letters that belong to this same imprisonment; see especially ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.20|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:20) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.9-50.2.11|AUTODETECT|” and ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.9-50.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:9 11) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , and the ) 20 1 -1 9 0 0 N.T.C.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 on these passages. As to the ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 mystery) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 which the apostle here introduces, but on which he later on expatiates in far greater detail 12 1 -1 9 0 0 2:11 22) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , though in that paragraph the word ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 mystery) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 is not used; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 3:1 13) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , note especially verse ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  9. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 6:19) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), suffice it at this point to say that this mystery centers in Christ, and that one element in it is that which is expressed here, namely, that literally ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 everything,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 things in heaven, things on earth, everything above us, around us, within us, below us, everything spiritual and everything material, has even now been brought under Christ s rule. This is, indeed, ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 a mystery,) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.8|AUTODETECT|” for no one would ever have guessed it, had it not been revealed. Now we do flat yet see all things subjected to him 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.8|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 2:8) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It takes nothing less than ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 faith) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.9|AUTODETECT|” and not a very weak faith either to see Jesus crowned with glory and honor 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 2:9) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), actually ruling the entire universe from his heavenly abode. It is as Dr. Herman Bavinck has so aptly expressed it, Round about us we observe so many facts which seem to be unreasonable, so much undeserved suffering, so many unaccountable calamities, such an uneven and inexplicable distribution of destiny, and such an enormous contrast between the extremes of joy and sorrow, that anyone reflecting on these things is forced to choose between viewing this universe as if it were governed by the blind will of an unbenign deity, as is done by pessimism, or, upon the basis of Scripture and by faith, to rest in the absolute and sovereign, yet however incomprehensible wise and holy will of him who will one day cause the full light of heaven to dawn upon these mysteries of life 19 1 -1 9 0 0 The Doctrine of God) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , my translation from the Dutch; Grand Rapids, Mich., second printing, 1955).) 11 1 12 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.4|AUTODETECT|” This bringing together of all things under one head in Christ, so that things are not allowed to drift by themselves but our Lord is fully in charge, is taught by many passages in Scripture. In heaven the exalted Mediator lives and reigns 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.4|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 20:4) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.0|AUTODETECT|” ), receiving the adoration of all the redeemed and of all the angelic hosts 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.0|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 5) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But the thoughts of this great Uniter are turned earthward also, so much so, in fact, that he not only ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 intercedes) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.34|AUTODETECT|” for his people who are still engaged in struggle and turmoil 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.34|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:34) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), but even ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 lives to make intercession) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.7.25|AUTODETECT|” for them 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 7:25) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.2|AUTODETECT|” ), and is already preparing places for them 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.2|AUTODETECT|” John 14:2) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.8|AUTODETECT|” ). He imparts gifts to men 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.8|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:8) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.6|AUTODETECT|” ), performs acts of healing 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Acts 3:6) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.16|AUTODETECT|”
  10. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.13|AUTODETECT|” ), and through his Spirit dwells in the midst of the seven light-bearers 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.13|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 1:13) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.17-49.3.19|AUTODETECT|” ). This indwelling is very active and produces fruits of sanctification in the lives of believers 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.17-49.3.19|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 3:17 19) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.14|AUTODETECT|” ). At the same time Christ wages war victoriously against the dragon (Satan) and his allies 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.14|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 17:14) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.22|AUTODETECT|” ), and, in general, governs the entire universe in the interest of his church 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.22|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:22) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 11 1 12 8 0 0 That Christ s interest in this church is deep, indeed, is shown also in the statement which follows, namely, ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 in him ) 17 1 -1 9 0 0
  11. 18 1 -1 9 0 0 . in whom we I,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul, and ) 22 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 u, the addressed ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 also have been made heirs.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 Note the word also, meaning: ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 not only) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 did we, in vital union with Christ, receive such blessings as redemption, forgiveness of sin, and spiritual illumination (wisdom, insight), favors which have already been mentioned 12 1 -1 9 0 0 7 10) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 above) but, in addition to these initial favors, which, though they have ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 abiding) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 significance, focus the attention upon ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 the past) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 19 1 -1 9 0 0 were) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 bound, pardon of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 past) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 sins, banishment of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 former) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 darkness), the right to ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 future) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 glory was bestowed upon us. We were made heirs, says Paul. Heirs are those who, apart from any merit of theirs, were given the right to all the blessings of salvation in Jesus Christ, nevermore to lose them. The inheritance is given to them in two stages: certain blessings are bestowed upon them in the here and now, others in the hereafter 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  12. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  13. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 below).) 11 1 12 8 0 0 The objection might occur, But will all the blessings of salvation ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 future) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 as well as present really be ours? Does God s plan for our lives also ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 secure) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 the future? The apostle answers this by continuing: ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 Neither fate nor human merit determines our destiny. The benevolent purpose that we should be holy and faultless 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  14. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), Sons of God 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  15. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), destined to glorify him forever 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  16. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , cf. verses ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  17. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  18. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) is fixed, being part of a larger, universe-embracing plan. Not only did God ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 make) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 this plan that includes absolutely all things that ever take place in heaven, on earth, and in hell; past, present, ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 and even the future,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 pertaining to both believers and unbelievers, to angels and devils, to physical as well as spiritual energies and units of existence both large and small; he also ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 wholly carries it out) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . His providence in time is as comprehensive as is his decree from eternity. Literally Paul states that God ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 works) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 19 1 -1 9 0 0 operates with his divine energy in) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) all things. The same word occurs also in verses ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  19. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  20. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , which refer to the ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 working) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 19 1 -1 9 0 0 energetic operation) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) of the infinite might of the Father of glory, which he ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 wrought) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 19 1 -1 9 0 0 energetically exerted) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) in Christ when he raised him from the dead. Hence, nothing can upset the elect s future glory.) 11 1 12 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.22|AUTODETECT|” Moreover, although everything is included in God s universe-embracing plan and in its effectuation in the course of history, there is nothing in this thought that should scare any of the children of God. Quite the contrary, for the words clearly imply that the only true God, who in Christ loves his own with a love that passes all understanding, acts with divine deliberation and wisdom. All his designs are holy, and he delights to reward those who trust in him. Human responsibility and the self-activity of faith are never violated in any way. There is plenty of room for them in the decree and in its effectuation. Scripture is very clear on this 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.22|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:22) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.23|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:23) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:12) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|”
  21. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.13|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 2:13) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 11 1 12 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.6|AUTODETECT|” Besides, God is not like the heathen deities who are moved by changing circumstances, by whim and caprice, so that one never knows how long their favor is going to last. He who in his love has foreordained his people to adoption as sons will never forsake them, but will finish that which he began in them 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.6|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:6) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). He will carry out his plan to the very finish. Nothing will ever be able to frustrate his design. Nor sin, nor death, nor hell can move his firm predestinating love. ) 17 1 12 8 0 0
  22. 18 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 If, then, God s decree from eternity is thus all-embracing, and if it is fully carried out in history, and if the destiny of his children was included in this plan, then Paul and the readers have no reason whatever for boasting in themselves. Whatever they ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 are) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 have) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 do) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 is from God. Hence, in language similar to that employed in verse ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  23. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 above, Paul concludes this section by saying: ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 to the end that we should be to the praise of his glory, we who beforehand had centered our hope in Christ.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Before) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 the inheritance has been ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 fully) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 received for only the first instalment has been received here and now 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  24. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  25. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) Paul and those addressed 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  26. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) have already centered their hope in Christ. That hope will not be crushed. And the ransomed of Jehovah will return, and come with singing to Zion; and everlasting joy will be on their heads: they will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  27. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 22 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 u in verse ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  28. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , see on verse ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  29. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 .)) 17 1 12 8 0 0
  30. 18 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 As the center of interest shifts once more, this time from the Son 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  31. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) to the Holy Spirit, here again instead of an abrupt change there is a gradual transition 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  32. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , with its stair-step transition from the Father to the Son). Paul writes, ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 in whom ) 21 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 u also (are included), having listened to the message of the truth, the gospel of ) 21 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 r salvation.) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.10|AUTODETECT|” The Ephesians must not doubt their inclusion in Christ and all his benefits. They have heard, have listened attentively to, the message of the truth. Did not Luke report, All those who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks ? 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.10|AUTODETECT|” Acts 19:10) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Such ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 hearing) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.14|AUTODETECT|” was necessary in order that by faith they might be saved. The answer to be given to those who say that men who can properly be considered objects (or potential objects) of missionary activity are able to be saved without hearing the gospel is, And how will they believe in him whom they did not hear? 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.14|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 10:14) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.21|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.21|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 1:21) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.6|AUTODETECT|” John 14:6) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.12|AUTODETECT|” Acts 4:12) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Of course, it makes a difference ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 how) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.33.32|AUTODETECT|” men hear. Some hear and become gospel-hardened. As men may become deaf because of a constant pounding noise, so also hearers of the gospel may become completely immune to the preaching of the truth. Moreover, to some the proclamation of the gospel is like a love-song sung beautifully and played well 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.33.32|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 33:32) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.4.24|AUTODETECT|” ).They hear but do not take to heart 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.4.24|AUTODETECT|” Mark 4:24) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.18|AUTODETECT|” Luke 8:18) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Christ told his audiences to take care ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 how) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.24-40.7.27|AUTODETECT|” they heard. By means of unforgettable parables he emphasized this lesson 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.24-40.7.27|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 7:24 27) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.1-40.13.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.1-40.13.9|AUTODETECT|” 13:1 9) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.18-40.13.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.18-40.13.23|AUTODETECT|” 18 23) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 11 1 12 8 0 0 Christ, however, also stressed that men should give heed ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 what) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.23|AUTODETECT|” they heard. The Ephesians had listened attentively to the message of the truth. There were many errors abroad in those days, many false gospels 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.23|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:23) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.4|AUTODETECT|” 2:4) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.8|AUTODETECT|”
  33. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.6-48.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.6-48.1.9|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:6 9) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The Ephesians, by and large, had ignored or rejected them. They wanted to hear only the very best. It is called the message of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 the truth) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 because it reveals man s true condition, proclaims and advocates the only true way of escape, and admonishes saved sinners to show true gratitude in their whole lives. It is, accordingly, the gospel of ) 22 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.16|AUTODETECT|” r salvation, not in the sense that in and by itself it saves anyone, but thus that, when accepted by true faith in Christ, its good tidings of great joy become the power of God for salvation 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:16) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). This true faith the Ephesians had shown, for Paul continues: ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 and having also believed in him.& ) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 They had surrendered their lives to their Lord, had reposed their trust in him. The better they knew him, the more they had trusted him. The more they had trusted him, the better they had learned to know him. Hence, Paul says: ) 21 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 u were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 A seal not stamped on but attached to an object in ancient times was used ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 a. to guarantee) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 the ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 genuine character) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=17.3.12|AUTODETECT|” of a document, etc. 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=17.3.12|AUTODETECT|” Esther 3:12) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.2|AUTODETECT|” ), or, figuratively, of a person 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.2|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 9:2) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ); ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 b. to mark ownership) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=22.8.6|AUTODETECT|” Song of ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=22.8.6|AUTODETECT|” Sol. 8:6) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) ; and/or ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 c. to protect against tampering or harm) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.66|AUTODETECT|” 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.66|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:66) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.1|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 5:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The context 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  34. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.16|AUTODETECT|” ) would seem to indicate that the first of these three ideas, that of authentication or certification, is basic in the present passage. The Spirit had testified within their hearts that they were children of God 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.16|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:16) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.24|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:24) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.17|AUTODETECT|” ), and if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:17) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.28|AUTODETECT|” ), people whom nothing can harm, and to whom all things work together for good 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.28|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:28) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It is immediately apparent that in such matters the three aforementioned purposes for which a seal is used combine: ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 authentication) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 implies ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 ownership) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 protection) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . In this connection see also ) 20 1 -1 9 0 0 N.T.C.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 on I and II Timothy and Titus, pp. 266 270.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 When the very practical question is asked, How did the Ephesians or how does anyone get that seal, that inner assurance? the answer is: not merely or mainly as the result of agonizing self-searching to see whether all the marks of having been elected are present, but rather by a ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 living) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.6|AUTODETECT|” faith in the triune God, as revealed in Christ, a faith working through love 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.6|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:6) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.15|AUTODETECT|” ). That those addressed had indeed received it in no other way is a fact to which the apostle immediately calls attention 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.15|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:15) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 11 1 12 8 0 0 The Spirit who had given them this seal is here called by his full name, the Holy Spirit, to indicate not only that he is holy in himself but also that he is the source of holiness for believers, a holiness which in the case of the addressed was expressed not only by their inner disposition but also by their loving words and deeds. Moreover, this third person of the Trinity is here called the Holy Spirit ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 of promise, ) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 that is, ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 the promised Holy Spirit,) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.16|AUTODETECT|” the One given in fulfilment of divine promises 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.16|AUTODETECT|” John 14:16) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.17|AUTODETECT|”
  35. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.26|AUTODETECT|” 15:26) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.13|AUTODETECT|” 16:13) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.4|AUTODETECT|” : ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:4) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Does not the very fact that in his coming and work divine promises were gloriously fulfilled indicate that promises of future blessings for believers will also attain fruition? In that vein the apostle continues by writing, ) 17 1 -1 9 0 0
  36. 18 1 -1 9 0 0 . who is the first instalment of our inheritance.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 For first instalment Paul uses the word ) 24 1 -1 9 0 0 arrabMn) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 24 1 -1 9 0 0 arabMn) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.38.17-1.38.20|AUTODETECT|” ). In the papyri it often refers to earnest money in the purchase of an animal or even of a wife. In the LXX rendering of ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.38.17-1.38.20|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 38:17 20) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 the word occurs three times. It is of Semitic, probably Phoenician, origin. The Phoenicians were sea-faring traders who had not copyrighted their business-terminology. In the New Testament the word occurs also in) 27 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.22|AUTODETECT|” ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.22|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 1:22) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.5|AUTODETECT|” 5:5) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , passages from which we learn that when God deposited the Spirit in the hearts of his children he obligated himself to bestow upon them subsequently the full remainder of all the blessings of salvation merited for them by the atoning sacrifice of Christ. The ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 first instalment) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 is, accordingly, a ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 pledge) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 guarantee) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.22|AUTODETECT|” of glory to come, a glory arriving not only when soul and body part but also and especially in the great consummation of all things at Christ s return. The fruits which this indwelling and sanctifying Spirit bestows 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.22|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:22) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.23|AUTODETECT|”
  37. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.5-61.1.11|AUTODETECT|” ) such as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control, and their marvelous product: assurance of salvation 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.5-61.1.11|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 1:5 11) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.23|AUTODETECT|” ) are first-fruits 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.23|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:23) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). They are a foretaste of future, ineffable bliss. The full ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 inheritance) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 salvation viewed as God s gracious and abiding gift, not bought with money, nor earned by the sweat of human toil, nor won by conquest will one day be the believers portion, for them to possess and to enjoy, ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 to God s glory) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 12 8 0 0 Now the end or purpose of all things lies never in man but always in God: ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 for the redemption of (God s) own possession.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 At the moment when believers receive ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 their) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 full inheritance, which includes a glorious resurrection body 12 1 -1 9 0 0 4:30) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), the redemption of God s own possession takes place, that is, the full release to him of that which is his by virtue of the fact that he both made it and bought it. Fully released from all the effects of sin, his people will then be made manifest as being in very deed his peculiar treasure. When the apostle also at the close of this third paragraph, which centers in the work of the Holy Spirit, adds ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 to the praise of his glory,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 he is echoing what he had said in an earlier epistle: ) 22 1 -1 9 0 0 Yo) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 u are not ) 22 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 r own, for ) 22 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 u were bought with a price; glorify God therefore in ) 22 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.19|AUTODETECT|” r body 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.19|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:19) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|”
  38. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The fact that believers do not belong to themselves but to God (or: to Christ) is familiar Pauline doctrine: ) 22 1 -1 9 0 0 Yo) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.23|AUTODETECT|” u belong to Christ 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.23|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:23) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.8|AUTODETECT|” ); Whether we live, we live to the Lord, and whether we die, we die to the Lord; therefore, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord s 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.8|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 14:8) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). This, too, is the believers only comfort both in life and in death. It is exactly as the Heidelberg Catechism expresses it:) 19 1 12 8 0 0 Question 1:) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 What is your only comfort in life and death?) 19 1 12 8 0 0 Answer:) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 That I, with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who with his precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, wherefore by his Holy Spirit he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready, to live unto him. ) 11 1 15 8 0 0 Moreover, the combination which we have here in) 27 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.14|AUTODETECT|” ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.14|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:14) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.43.20|AUTODETECT|” , namely, (God s) own possession & to the praise of his glory reminds one immediately of ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.43.20|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 43:20) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.43.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.43.21|AUTODETECT|”
  39. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , my people, my chosen, the people which I formed for myself, in order that they might proclaim my praise. Is it any wonder that when the apostle ponders the fact that he himself and also those addressed had been emancipated from the most dreadful evil and had been restored to the most unimaginable good, and this by the very God against whom they had rebelled, and at such a cost, and that God had even given to them the Holy Spirit as a pledge and foretaste of future climactic bliss when they would receive their full inheritance and would stand forth in dazzling splendor as God s very own, in view of all this is it any wonder that he begins his magnificent doxology by saying, Blessed (be) and that he ends it with to the praise of his glory ?) 8 1 1 8 0 0 Chapter 1) 8 2 5 8 0 0 Verses 15 23) Theme: ) 9 1 -1 9 0 0 The Church Glorious) 8 1 5 8 0 0 I. Adoration) 8 1 5 12 0 0 for its) 10 1 6 8 0 0 E) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ternal Foundation in Christ ) 11 1 8 8 0 0
  1. leading to thanksgiving and prayer, that the eyes of those addressed may be illumined in order to see God s saving power, exhibited in the resurrection and coronation of Christ 12 1 -1 9 0 0 15 23) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 )) 11 1 9 8 0 0 ) 11 1 1 8 0 0 1:15 23) 11 1 10 8 0 0
  2. Thanksgiving and Prayer) 14 1 11 8 0 0
  1. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 For this reason, because I have heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus that (exists) among ) 16 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 15 1 -1 9 0 0 u and of ) 16 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 15 1 -1 9 0 0 r love for all the saints, ) 14 1 -1 9 0 0
  2. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 I do not cease to give thanks for ) 16 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 15 1 -1 9 0 0 u, while making mention of ) 16 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 15 1 -1 9 0 0 u in my prayers, ) 14 1 -1 9 0 0
  3. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 (asking) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give ) 16 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 15 1 -1 9 0 0 u the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the clear knowledge of him, ) 14 1 -1 9 0 0
  4. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 (having) the eyes of ) 16 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 15 1 -1 9 0 0 r hearts illumined, so that ) 16 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 15 1 -1 9 0 0 u may know what is the hope for which he called ) 16 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 15 1 -1 9 0 0 u, what the riches of the glory of his inheritance among the saints, ) 14 1 -1 9 0 0
  5. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 and what the surpassing greatness of his power (displayed) with respect to us who believe, as seen in that manifestation of his infinite might ) 14 1 -1 9 0 0
  6. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places ) 14 1 -1 9 0 0
  7. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 far above every principality and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the coming one; ) 14 1 -1 9 0 0
  8. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 and he ranged everything in subjection under his feet, and him he gave as head over everything to the church, ) 14 1 -1 9 0 0
  9. 15 1 -1 9 0 0 since it is his body, the fulness of him who fills all in all.) 11 1 13 8 0 0 ) 19 1 11 8 0 0 Christ as the eternal foundation of the church) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.11|AUTODETECT|” 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.11|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:11) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), of its complete salvation, so that it was in Christ that believers received every spiritual blessing, is the theme not only of verses ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 3 14) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , as has been shown, but also of the rest of the chapter. This is evident from the fact that the apostle ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 begins) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 this single sentence of 169 words (in the original) by expressing gratitude because he has heard of the faith of those addressed in the Lord Jesus. He ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 ends) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 it by describing the Christ as the One who ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 in the interest of the church) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 fills all in all. ) 17 1 12 8 0 0
  10. 18 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul s gratitude of heart was called forth by the blessings enumerated and described in verses ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 3 14) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 as well as by the report that had reached him, as he now relates: ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 For this reason, because I have heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus that (exists) among ) 21 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 u.& ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.10|AUTODETECT|” Traffic by sea was brisk in those days; visitors were allowed to see the famous prisoner in Rome; the bond of Christian fellowship was very strong. For all these reasons it is not surprising that although about four years had now elapsed since the apostle carried on his labors in Ephesus labors from which the people of the surrounding territories also benefited 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.10|AUTODETECT|” Acts 19:10) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.26|AUTODETECT|”
  11. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) he had been kept well informed. Now not all of the information that had reached Paul was favorable. He knew that there were grave faults against which the Ephesians had to be warned, and he is going to do just that, but not immediately. Very tactfully he keeps these admonitions in reserve until the close of the letter is in sight 12 1 -1 9 0 0 4:17 6:9) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Paul was the kind of man who took pleasure in bestowing sincere praise upon those whom he loved, and in doing so at once. At the particular place in the letter where, had the apostle been a heathen, he would have thanked this or that deity for having kept the writer and/or the readers in good health, Paul expresses his humble gratitude to the only true God for having imparted to the addressed the quietness and confidence that is the portion of all those who lean on the everlasting arms of their Savior, ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Jesus,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and revere him as their ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Lord) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 who bought them and to whom they render joyful obedience. The rosebud of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 faith,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 moreover, had burst forth into the flower of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 love,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 for of this, too, Paul had received cheerful tidings: ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 and of ) 21 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 r love for all the saints.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Faith,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 if it be genuine, and ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 love) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.6|AUTODETECT|” go together, for the Magnet that draws sinners to himself draws them together also. Or, to change the figure, as the spokes of a wheel approach the hub they at the same time approach each other 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.6|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:6) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.21|AUTODETECT|” I John 4:21) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). And because of this feeling of warm personal attachment to, and concern for, one another, present among the addressed, a disposition from which ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 all) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 of the saints benefited, Paul continues: ) 17 1 -1 9 0 0
  12. 18 1 -1 9 0 0 . I do not cease to give thanks for ) 21 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 u, while making mention of ) 21 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 u in my prayers.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 Honor to whom honor is due! It was God to whom gratitude was due for the marvelous changes which, by his grace, had been wrought in Ephesus and the region round about. Paul is shown here as a man who believed with all his heart in the necessity of thanksgiving, the latter being an essential element in every prayer that proceeded from his heart. As to prayer for others see also) 27 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.9|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:9) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:4) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.9|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:9) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.2|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 1:2) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.1.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.1.11|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 1:11) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=57.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=57.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Philem. 4) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=32.2.1|AUTODETECT|” . All the more striking and beautiful is this expression of thanksgiving and prayer when it is seen in the light of the fact that it was uttered a. with great regularity and b. by a prisoner. The latter reminds one of Jonah s prayer out of the fish s belly, a prayer which similarly included the note of thanksgiving 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=32.2.1|AUTODETECT|” Jonah 2:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=32.2.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=32.2.9|AUTODETECT|”
  13. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The content of the prayer is found in the words: ) 17 1 -1 9 0 0
  14. 18 1 -1 9 0 0 . (asking) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give ) 21 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 u the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the clear knowledge of him.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 See verse ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  15. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 above for a similar manner in which the Object of prayer is indicated, and the explanation there given. Here in verse ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  16. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , however, we read the Father of glory. Paul has just shown how magnificently the attributes of God shone forth in die works of election, foreordination, redemption, spiritual illumination, certification. It is understandable, therefore, that he speaks of the Father ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 of glory, ) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 that is, the glorious Father. See also) 27 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.2|AUTODETECT|” ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.2|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:2) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.2.8|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 2:8) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.1|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.1|AUTODETECT|” James 2:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . The apostle asks that the Spirit of wisdom and revelation be given to the Ephesians. Most of the translations have spirit instead of Spirit (= the Holy Spirit). In favor of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Spirit,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 however, are the following arguments:) 11 1 12 8 0 0 (1) Paul writes & of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 revelation) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . We do not generally associate revelation with the purely human spirit or state of mind.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 (2) As to & of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 wisdom, ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.2|AUTODETECT|” in ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.2|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 11:2) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 this is mentioned as the first of several gifts imparted by the Spirit of Jehovah.) 11 1 12 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.26|AUTODETECT|” (3) Such expressions as Spirit of truth 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.26|AUTODETECT|” John 15:26) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.15|AUTODETECT|” ) and Spirit of adoption 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.15|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:15) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) also refer to the Holy Spirit.) 11 2 12 8 0 0 (4) Ephesians abounds with references to the third Person of the Holy Trinity. Since the Comforter figured so prominently in this epistle, we may well believe that also in the present instance Paul has him in mind.) (5) It is rather characteristic of Paul that, having made mention of God the Father and of Christ the Son and both have already been mentioned here in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:16) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.15-45.8.17|AUTODETECT|” he then also refers to the Spirit. Cf. ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.15-45.8.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:15 17) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.14|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 13:14) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.3-49.1.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.3-49.1.14|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:3 14) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.14-49.3.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.14-49.3.17|AUTODETECT|” 3:14 17) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.4-49.4.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.4-49.4.6|AUTODETECT|” 4:4 6) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.18-49.5.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.18-49.5.21|AUTODETECT|” 5:18 21) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 12 8 0 0 (6) When the Father gives ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 enlightened eyes,) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.3|AUTODETECT|” does he not do so through the Holy Spirit? See ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.3|AUTODETECT|” John 3:3) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.5|AUTODETECT|”
  17. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . Men cannot ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 see) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 the Kingdom of God, ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 to enter) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.8|AUTODETECT|” it, except through the Spirit. Cf. ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.8|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 5:8) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.7|AUTODETECT|” I John 1:7) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 12 8 0 0 A question may occur, however, in this connection. It may be asked, But how is it possible that Paul prayed that the Spirit of wisdom and revelation ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 be given) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 to those who already possessed that Spirit; in fact, according to verse ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  18. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , had been sealed by him? One cannot escape this difficulty by reading spirit (state of mind) instead of Spirit (Holy Spirit). For even then the question would occur: How can the apostle ask that a spirit of wisdom ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 in the clear knowledge of him) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 [that is, of God] ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 be given) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 to those who already knew him so well that they had reposed their trust in him? 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  19. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ). However, this difficulty confronts us not only here in Ephesians, but throughout Paul s epistles. To give but two examples: contrast ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:4) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 with ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 3:12) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.3|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 1:3) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.13|AUTODETECT|” 2:13) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 with ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 5:15) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . If Paul could say the one how could he say the other also?) 11 1 12 8 0 0 The answer is provided by Paul himself. It amounts to this: what is already present ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 must be strengthened) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . The Holy Spirit is present, to be sure, but the apostle prays that the Ephesians may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner man 12 1 -1 9 0 0 3:16) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.6|AUTODETECT|” ). The work begun in the heart must be carried on toward completion 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.6|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:6) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ). Love and all the other graces must abound more and more 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.9|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:9) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.3.12|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.3.12|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 3:12) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.10|AUTODETECT|” 4:10) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.15-49.1.23|AUTODETECT|” ). It is clear, therefore, that Paul s prayer here in ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.15-49.1.23|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:15 23) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , including therefore also verse ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  20. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , is entirely consistent with what he had solemnly declared in verses ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 3 14) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . In fact, the connection between verses ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  21. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  22. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , on the one hand, and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  23. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ff., on the other, shows that it was exactly because so many spiritual gifts had been received that the apostle takes courage to ask for even more.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 Paul, then, asks that the addressed may receive a continually growing supply of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 wisdom) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 clear knowledge) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . Combine the two, and note that he is asking that the Ephesians be given deeper penetration into the meaning of the gospel and a clearer insight into the will of God for their lives, enabling them at all times to use the best means for the attainment of the highest goal, namely, the glory of God Triune.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 Now it was the Spirit who imparted wisdom, the Spirit also who revealed the truth. For these early Christians, who so recently had emerged from pagan fear, superstition, and immorality, who were able to communicate with Paul only by letter or through a messenger, and who were living in the midst of a heathen environment, wisdom and revelation were doubly needed, and this not only in order to gain a clearer insight into the way of salvation but also to know just what was the right course to follow in any given situation. What they needed above all was ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 clear knowledge) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 of God, including joyful ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 recognition) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 of God s way for their lives and a willingness to follow his direction. Now this was not merely a matter of the intellect. Far more than this was at stake. Hence the apostle continues his prayer as follows: ) 17 1 -1 9 0 0
  24. 18 1 -1 9 0 0 . (having) the eyes of ) 21 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 r hearts illumined.) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.10|AUTODETECT|” In Scripture the heart is the fulcrum of feeling and faith as well as the mainspring of words and actions 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.10|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 10:10) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.34|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.34|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:34) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.19|AUTODETECT|” 15:19) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.37|AUTODETECT|” 22:37) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.1|AUTODETECT|” John 14:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.4.23|AUTODETECT|” ). It is the core and center of man s being, man s inmost self. Out of it are the issues of life 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.4.23|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 4:23) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.16.7|AUTODETECT|” ). Man looks on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looks on the heart 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.16.7|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 16:7) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.9.2|AUTODETECT|” ). Now apart from the work of the Holy Spirit the eye of the heart is blind 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.9.2|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 9:2) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.9.39-43.9.41|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.9.39-43.9.41|AUTODETECT|” John 9:39 41) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.2.14-46.2.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.2.14-46.2.16|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 2:14 16) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Men thus blinded need two things: the gospel and spiritual apperception. The latter is what is meant by ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 eyes illumined) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 enlightened) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . See also on ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 5:8) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 for the meaning of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 light) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 versus ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 darkness) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.8|AUTODETECT|” . In order to bring about this illumination the Spirit causes men to be reborn. He removes their mists of ignorance, clouds of lust, selfish and jealous dispositions, etc., and imparts to them sorrow for sin and faith working through love. The spiritual eye is enlightened when the heart is purified. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.8|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:8) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Paul continues: ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 so that ) 21 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 u may know what is the hope for which he called ) 21 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 u.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul knows that the best way to drive away old sinful tendencies is no longer to concentrate on ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 them) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 but rather on the blessings of salvation. The Ephesians had received ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 the effectual call) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . The urgent invitation of the gospel 19 1 -1 9 0 0 external) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 call) had been applied to their hearts by the Holy Spirit, producing the ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 internal) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 call. In the latter sense ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 calling) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 is referred to everywhere in the New Testament; cf.) 27 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.29|AUTODETECT|” ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.29|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:29) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.26|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:26) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.20|AUTODETECT|” 7:20) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.1|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.4|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.4|AUTODETECT|”
  25. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:18) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.14|AUTODETECT|” ); ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.14|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:14) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.1.9|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 1:9) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 3:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.9|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:9) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.10|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 1:10) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . Let those addressed then ponder how rich they are because of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 the hope) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.18-58.6.20|AUTODETECT|” for which God had called them . This hope is firmly grounded in God s infallible promises. It is the soul s anchor, moored to the very throne of God; hence, to the very heart of Christ 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.18-58.6.20|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 6:18 20) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It is therefore a fervent yearning, confident expectation, and patient waiting for the fulfilment of God s promises, a full ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Christ-centered) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.27|AUTODETECT|” 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.27|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:27) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ) assurance that these promises will indeed be realized. It is a living and sanctifying force 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.3|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:3) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.3|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:3) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Paul continues: 22 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 u may know) ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 what (is) the riches of the glory of his inheritance among the saints.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 His inheritance means the one given by him, just like his calling was the call issued and made effective by him. Paul is speaking about the glorious riches, the marvelous magnitude, of all the blessings of salvation, particularly those still to be bestowed in the great consummation of all things. See ) 20 1 -1 9 0 0 N.T.C.) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.12|AUTODETECT|” on ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.12|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:12) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . These blessings are called an ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 inheritance) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.4|AUTODETECT|” because they are the gift of God s grace, and once received will never be taken away again 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.4|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 21:4) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). See also above, on verse ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  26. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.32|AUTODETECT|” . The phrase among the saints 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.32|AUTODETECT|” Acts 20:32) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.18|AUTODETECT|” 26:18) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) deserves special attention. When a believer s hope is what it should be, he never looks forward to an inheritance ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 just for himself) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . What will make the inheritance so glorious is exactly the fact that he will enjoy it ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 together with) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.8|AUTODETECT|” all who love his appearing 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.8|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 4:8) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 17 1 12 8 0 0
  27. 18 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul continues by adding one more item to ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 the hope) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 the inheritance) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . He says, I pray that the eyes of ) 22 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 r hearts may be illumined, so that ) 22 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 u may know what is the hope & what the riches of the glory of his inheritance among the saints, ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 and what the surpassing greatness of his power (displayed) with respect to us who believe, as seen in that manifestation of his infinite might.& ) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 This surpassing greatness of his [God the Father s] power is needed as a link between the two other items which were mentioned in the preceding verse, namely, the ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 hope) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and the ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 inheritance) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . The ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 power) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 24 1 -1 9 0 0 d�namis) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , cf. dynamite ) of God is necessary in order that the ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 hope) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 may be realized, the ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 inheritance) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 obtained. The words with respect to us who believe show that this power is exerted in the interest of believers, of no one else. They alone receive the inheritance. Paul is asking God to give the addressed enlightened eyes in order that they may know what is the surpassing greatness of God s power & according to that working of the strength of his might, etc., thus literally. The three words which he employs to show how this ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 power) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 is used are: ) 24 1 -1 9 0 0 en�rgeia) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , that is, ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 activity, working, manifestation;) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 24 1 -1 9 0 0 kr�tos) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 : ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 exercised strength;) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 24 1 -1 9 0 0 isch�s) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 : ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 might, great inherent strength) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . Nevertheless, when such synonyms are piled up, as happens in this part of the sentence, it is a question whether we should distinguish them so sharply. F. W. Grosheide is probably correct when he says, It is difficult to indicate an accurate distinction between the various words used for power. It is permissible to conclude that the apostle uses more than one term to indicate the fulness and the certainty of this power 19 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 30). In harmony with this view I suggest the translation power & as seen in that manifestation of his infinite might, (continued) ) 17 1 -1 9 0 0
  28. 18 1 -1 9 0 0 . which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 The main thought expressed by these words when they are viewed in the light of what immediately precedes is this: the apostle prays that the Ephesians be given enlightened eyes so that they may see and discern that, in order to translate their steadfast hope into glorious realization so that they will receive their full inheritance, God has at his disposal ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 as great a power) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 as he exhibited when he raised his Son from the dead and set him at his own right hand. It is as if the apostle were saying, Do not despair. ) 22 1 -1 9 0 0 Yo) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 u can rely on God s infinite power. One day the inheritance held in store for ) 22 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 u will be fully ) 22 1 -1 9 0 0 your) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 s. ) 11 1 12 8 0 0 But is it necessary to limit the meaning of Paul s words to ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 a comparison) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 between ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 the power displayed in Christ s resurrection and coronation, and ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.8-45.6.11|AUTODETECT|” the power exercised in bringing believers to their ultimate victory? In the light of ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.8-45.6.11|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 6:8 11) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.20|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:20) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , may he not also have had in mind the fact that Christ s resurrection and session at the Father s right hand are ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 typical) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 of what happens to believers? They, too, will conquer death when they arise gloriously from their graves to live and reign with Christ forevermore. And even now Christ s resurrection is a type of their spiritual resurrection, their gradual victory over sin. There is, in fact, even a ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 causal) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 connection. Christ s resurrection, being proof-positive of the believers justification, is a ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 pledge) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 of their eternal glory. His sitting at the Father s right hand, whence he has poured out his Spirit into their hearts, ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 guarantees) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 brings about) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 their ultimate bliss.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 The tremendously important place which Christ s resurrection occupied in the thinking of the apostolic age is apparent not only from the present passage but also from the following:) 27 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.0|AUTODETECT|” ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.0|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 28) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.0|AUTODETECT|” Mark 16) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.0|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.21|AUTODETECT|” John 20) 27 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.21|AUTODETECT|”
  29. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.22|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:22) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.32|AUTODETECT|” 2:32) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.26|AUTODETECT|” 3:26) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.40|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.40|AUTODETECT|” 10:40) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.34|AUTODETECT|” 13:34) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.31|AUTODETECT|” 17:31) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.6|AUTODETECT|” 23:6) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.8|AUTODETECT|” 26:8) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.23|AUTODETECT|”
  30. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 4:25) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.34|AUTODETECT|” 8:34) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.0|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.3|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:3) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; etc. Similarly, the significance attached to Christ s coronation, so that as a reward for his mediatorial work he rules the entire universe in the interest of his church, is clear in the present epistle from ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:20 23) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 4:8ff) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.33|AUTODETECT|” ., and elsewhere from ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.33|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:33) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.36|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.36|AUTODETECT|”
  31. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.31|AUTODETECT|” 5:31) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.56|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.56|AUTODETECT|” 7:56) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.34|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:34) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:9) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.8|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 2:8) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.9|AUTODETECT|”
  32. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.1|AUTODETECT|” ; etc. See also ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 110:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . Two chapters of the Book of Revelation are devoted mainly to this theme 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  33. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , see verse ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  34. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; chapter ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  35. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , see verses ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  36. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  37. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The living and ruling Christ was a living reality to the consciousness of the early church. For the phrase in the heavenly places see above, on verse ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  38. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 17 1 12 8 0 0
  39. 18 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 The fact that the apostle was not thinking first of all of a particular point in space when he spoke of Christ s exaltation to the Father s right hand but rather of the extent or degree of this high position is clear from the words: ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 far above every principality and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 The enumeration of the mighty ones far above whom Christ was assigned his place of pre-eminence is almost the same as that in) 27 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.16|AUTODETECT|” ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:16) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.10|AUTODETECT|” . From that passage, in the light of ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.10|AUTODETECT|” Col. 2:10) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , as well as from the present Ephesian passage when compared with ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 3:10) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , it is clear that the reference is, or is primarily, to angels. Teachers of error, who at this very time were disturbing the churches of provincial Asia, particularly those of the Lycus Valley, grossly overestimated the position of the angels in relation to Christ and the work of salvation. The names of angels, the various categories into which they were to be classified, and the worship due to them, seem to have been some of the topics on which the heretics concentrated their attention. What Paul is saying, then, is this: the angels (whether good or bad) have no power apart from Christ. Call them by whatever name ) 22 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 u wish, far above them all reigns Christ. 12 1 -1 9 0 0 4:10) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 .) Moreover, his position of majesty will last forever, for he has been exalted above all these eminent ones and above every title that can be conferred ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 not only in this age,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 the present dispensation, ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 but also in the coming one,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 the one that will be ushered in at the consummation of all things 12 1 -1 9 0 0 2:7) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 17 1 12 8 0 0
  40. 18 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 17 1 -1 9 0 0
  41. 18 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 Accordingly, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory manifested his infinite might when he raised Christ from the dead and made him to sit at his right hand ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 and he ranged everything in subjection under his feet.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 In him, ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 as the Ideal Man) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.8.0|AUTODETECT|” ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.8.0|AUTODETECT|” Psalms 8) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  42. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.8.7|AUTODETECT|” is here quoted; cf. LXX ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.8.7|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 8:7) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.27|AUTODETECT|” ) attains its absolute fulfilment. See also ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.27|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:27) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.8|AUTODETECT|” and ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.8|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 2:8) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.8.7|AUTODETECT|” . The expression everything or all things must not be narrowed down to all things in the church. Nor does it merely include such things as sheep and oxen, the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, the fish of the sea, whatever passes through the paths of the seas 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.8.7|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 8:7) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.8.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.8.8|AUTODETECT|”
  43. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Though, in a very limited manner, mankind, even after the fall, exercises a degree of dominion over these lower creatures, the sway that he thus wields is nothing compared to Christ s universal sovereignty, a dominion from which absolutely nothing that exists is excluded. Therefore ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 nothing) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 can prevent the realization of the believers hope. ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Nothing) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 will be allowed to stand in the way of their acquisition and enjoyment, to the full, of that glorious inheritance of which they have a foretaste even here and now. Moreover, God s power does not lie dormant. In a manner that was clearly exhibited in Christ s exaltation it is being used for the government of the universe in the interest of the church. Hence, Paul continues: ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 and him he gave as head over everything to the church, since it is his body & ;) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 that is, since he is so intimately and indissolubly united with it and loves it with such profound, boundless, and steadfast love. It is the closeness of the bond, the unfathomable character of the love between Christ and his church that is stressed by this head-body symbolism, as is clearly indicated in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 5:25 33) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . In this connection an important fact must not be ignored, namely, that throughout the letter Paul emphasizes God s (or Christ s) great love for his people, and the love they owe him and one another in return 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:5) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 2:4) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 3:19) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 4:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  44. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 5:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 2ff) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 .; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 6:23) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  45. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). There is not a single chapter in which this theme is not stressed. One who has not grasped this point does not understand Ephesians!) 11 1 12 8 0 0 In the twin epistles, Colossians and Ephesians, the figure head-body appears for the fist time in Paul s epistles, to indicate the relation between Christ and his church. It is true, of course, that here in) 27 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.22|AUTODETECT|” ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.22|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:22) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.23|AUTODETECT|”
  46. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 Christ is not actually said to be the head of the church but rather head over everything to the church & his body. But this manner of expressing it merely enhances the beauty of the symbolism. The meaning, then, is this: since the church is Christ s body, with which he is organically united, he loves it so much that ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 in its interest) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 he exercises his infinite power in causing the entire universe with all that is in it to co-operate, whether willingly or unwillingly. Accordingly, the idea ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Christ the Ruling Head over everything) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.10|AUTODETECT|” 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.10|AUTODETECT|” Col. 2:10) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) does not cancel but rather strengthens and adorns the clearly implied doctrine ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Christ the Ruling) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 19 1 -1 9 0 0 and Organic) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Head of the Church) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.15|AUTODETECT|” 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.15|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:15) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.23|AUTODETECT|” 5:23) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.18|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:18) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.19|AUTODETECT|” 2:19) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). When, therefore, many commentators, dogmaticians, as well as the Heidelberg Catechism (Lord s Day XIX, edition with textual references, Q. and A. 50) appeal to) 27 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.20-49.1.23|AUTODETECT|” ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.20-49.1.23|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:20 23) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , among other passages, in support of the position that Christ is head of the church, they are not committing an error. For further remarks on Christ s headship see above, on verse ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  47. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; also ) 20 1 -1 9 0 0 N.T.C.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 on Colossians, pp. 76 78, the latter particularly for the distinction between ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 ruling) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 organic) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 headship.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 As a further description of the church as body of Christ, Paul adds: ) 18 1 -1 9 0 0 the fulness of him who fills all in all.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 The argument with respect to the exact meaning of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 fulness) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 in this particular case covers many pages in scores of commentaries. With due respect for the reasoning of those who defend other theories, and whose pleas in corroboration of their views have been examined in detail, I have, after lengthy study reached the conclusion that the following is the correct interpretation: ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 the church is Christ s complement) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 . In other words:) 11 1 12 8 0 0 This is the highest honor of the church, that, until he is united to us, the Son of God reckons himself in some measure imperfect. What consolation it is for us to learn that, not until we are in his presence, does he possess all his parts, or does he wish to be regarded as complete. (John Calvin in his comments on this passage. See Bibliography for title of work.) With variations as to detail, this view, namely, that the church is, indeed, represented here as ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 filling) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 completing) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 him who fills all in all, is also defended by Abbott, Barry, Bruce, Grosheide, Hodge, Lenski, Simpson, and many others.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 This interpretation to which I, along with all of those just mentioned, cling does not in any degree or manner detract from the absolute majesty or self-sufficiency of Christ. As to his divine essence Christ is in no sense whatever dependent on or capable of being completed by the church. But as ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 bridegroom) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 he is incomplete without the ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 bride;) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 as ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 vine) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 he cannot be thought of without ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 the branches;) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 as ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 shepherd) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 he is not seen without ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 his sheep;) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and so also as ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 head) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 he finds his full expression in ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 his body,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 the church.) 11 1 12 8 0 0 There are also the following additional reasons that have induced me to regard this interpretation as being the correct one:) 11 1 12 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.56|AUTODETECT|” (1) The fact that the One who fills all in all does, nevertheless, have that which fills or completes him, is clearly taught by Christ himself and also by his disciple John 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.56|AUTODETECT|” John 6:56) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.4|AUTODETECT|” 15:4) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.5|AUTODETECT|”
  48. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 17 21) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.24|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:24) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Abide in me, and I in ) 22 1 -1 9 0 0 yo) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 u shows that not only are the branches incomplete apart from the vine which is the point that is stressed in) 27 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.0|AUTODETECT|” ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.0|AUTODETECT|” John 15) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 but, in a sense, the vine also finds fulfilment in the branches.) 11 1 12 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.24|AUTODETECT|” (2) In ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.24|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:24) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul speaks about himself as supplying what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ. There is a sense in which the church, as it were, completes Christ s suffering. See ) 20 1 -1 9 0 0 N.T.C.) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.24|AUTODETECT|” on ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.24|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:24) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.24|AUTODETECT|” . Those, therefore, who reject the idea that the church is the complement of the Christ, will experience great difficulty in interpreting ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.24|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:24) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.4|AUTODETECT|” . Similarly, the church recapitulates Christ s death and resurrection 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 6:4) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.5|AUTODETECT|”
  49. 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.20|AUTODETECT|” Col. 2:20) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.1|AUTODETECT|” 3:1) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.11|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 2:11) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.12|AUTODETECT|”
  50. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 11 3 12 8 0 0 (3) The head-body metaphor, when interpreted as meaning that the body fills or completes the head, resulting in an organic unity, so that the body carries out the will and purpose of the head, makes good sense. Christ uses the church in the realization of his plan in the government of the world and for the salvation of sinners.) (4) The idea stressed by Calvin, namely, that Christ refuses to regard himself as complete until he possesses all his parts, also harmonizes beautifully with the love-motif which, as I have shown, dominates this entire epistle.) (5) The description of the church as the fulness of him who fills all in all is, indeed, a tremendous paradox 19 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.6|AUTODETECT|” p. 403). This, too, is exactly what we expect to find in Paul. Oxymora or seeming contradictions abound in his writings: They are not all Israel that are of Israel 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.6|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:6) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.4-47.6.10|AUTODETECT|” ). In everything we commend ourselves & as deceivers, yet true: as unknown, yet well-known; as (dying but behold we live; & as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.4-47.6.10|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 6:4 10) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.10|AUTODETECT|” ). When I am weak, then I am strong 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.10|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 12:10) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.11|AUTODETECT|” ). It is Paul who wants the Thessalonians to be ambitious about living calmly 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.11|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 4:11) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). And in this very epistle of Ephesians he speaks about ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 knowing) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 the love of God ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 that passes knowledge) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 12 1 -1 9 0 0 3:19) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.23|AUTODETECT|” )! The paradox of ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.23|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:23) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 fits nicely into this style category.) 11 2 12 8 0 0 Commenting on the words of him who fills all in all Calvin continues as follows, This is added to guard against the supposition that any real defect would exist in Christ if he were separated from us. His desire to be filled and, in some respects, to be made perfect in us, arises from no want or necessity; for all that is good in ourselves, or in any of the creatures, is the gift of his hand. ) The words who fills all in all mean that Christ fills ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 all) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 the universe ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 in all) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.24|AUTODETECT|” respects; that is, the entire universe is not only dependent on him for the fulfilment of its every need but is also governed by him in the interest of the church, which, in turn, must serve the universe, and is replenished by his bounteous gifts. Thus he is constantly pervading all things with his love and power 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.24|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 23:24) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.8.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.8.27|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 8:27) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.7|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 139:7) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). I agree with the statement of Roels, Paul most probably refers to the fact that the Christ, exalted over all, is now involved in the historical realization of the already accomplished reconciliation of the universe by directing all things to their determined, divinely appointed, end 19 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 248).) 11 1 12 8 0 0 With such a Christ as ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 the Eternal Foundation) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 of its salvation the church has nothing to fear. Its ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 hope) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 will be realized, its ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 inheritance) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 fully enjoyed.) 19 1 14 8 0 0 Summary of Chapter 1) 11 1 11 8 0 0 The chapter consists of two main parts 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1 3) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In the first of these 12 1 -1 9 0 0 4 14) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ) Paul praises God Triune for the blessings of election by the Father, redemption through the Son, and certification in the Spirit. In the second 12 1 -1 9 0 0 15 23) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ), having given utterance to his deep and humble thanksgiving, the apostle prays that the Ephesians may be enlightened so that they may behold: ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 what is the ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 hope) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 for which they have been called; ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 what the ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 inheritance) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 that awaits them; and ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 c.) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 what is the ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 power) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 of God to cause this hope to be realized and the inheritance to become their everlasting possession. Was not the proof of the operation of this power given when the Father of glory raised his Son from the dead and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places?) 11 1 12 8 0 0 In this chapter, more than in any other, the apostle underscores the fact that it is in Christ that every spiritual blessing descends upon God s people from the heavenly places. Apart from him they are desperately poor. In intimate fellowship with him they are inexpressibly rich. Christ is, accordingly, in a very real sense the church s ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 Eternal Foundation) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.11|AUTODETECT|” . Cf. ) 26 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.11|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:11) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 11 1 12 8 0 0 The question may be asked, How is it that in this chapter and also in chapters ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  51. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  52. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 the apostle, a ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 prisoner,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 gives expression to his profound gratitude in words of unrestrained adoration, beginning with Blessed (be) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! ? The answer is that he had meditated on the following facts:) 11 1 12 8 0 0 (1) The Father s ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 special delight) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 in planning the salvation of people who in themselves were entirely unworthy 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:5b) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 2:3) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 11 1 12 8 0 0 (2) The Father s ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 marvelous decision) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 to adopt these people as his very own, and to call them the Father s Family 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:5) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 : ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 3:15) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 11 1 12 8 0 0 (3) The Son s ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 solemn pledge,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 made before the foundation of the world, whereby he became his people s Surety 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:4) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 11 1 12 8 0 0 (4) The fact that not until we are in his presence does he [the Son] wish to be regarded as complete (Calvin s interpretation of the expression that the church is the fulness of him who fills all in all ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:23) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 11 1 12 8 0 0 (5) The Spirit s willingness to dwell in the hearts of God s people, by his very presence assuring them of greater glory to come 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:13) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  53. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 11 1 12 8 0 0 (6) The Spirit s activity of enlightening the eyes, so that believers, thus illumined, may have a clear and definite knowledge of their ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 hope,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 their ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 inheritance,) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 and of ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 the power of God) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 which transforms the hope into the actual possession of the inheritance 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:17 23) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 11 1 12 8 0 0 (7) The revelation to Paul of the mystery, namely, the establishment of the church gathered out of Jews and Gentiles and welded into ) 19 1 -1 9 0 0 one) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 spiritual community with equality of membership for all regardless of race or nationality 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:15) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 2:16) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0 3:6) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 11 1 12 8 0 0 (8) The fact that this united church is being established before Paul s very eyes, the congregations of Ephesus and surroundings furnishing the proof 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:15) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 11 1 12 8 0 0 (9) The fact that even he, Paul, once a bitter persecutor, had, in God s marvelous grace, been chosen to reveal the mystery to men and to see it go into effect 12 1 -1 9 0 0 3:3 5) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 11 1 12 8 0 0 (10) The reign of the resurrected and ascended Christ over the entire universe in the interest of the church, his body 12 1 -1 9 0 0 1:22) 11 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 0
  54. 11 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) -203 9 12 0 2 0 0 23 0 0 no-protect 0 1

spacing=0 -8 1 3 2 -205 6 2 0 0 0 0 23 0 0 no-protect

spacing=0 23 1 -1 9 0 0 William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, vol. 7, New Testament Commentary : Exposition of Ephesians (Accompanying biblical text is author’s translation.;, New Testament CommentaryGrand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953-2001), 90.)

‹ Chapter 0 Ephesians — All Chapters Chapter 2 ›

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate