IN HEAVENLY PLACES; the word "places" is supplied by the translators. Some propose to render, in heavenly things, things pertaining to our preparation for heaven. But everywhere else in this epistle the word means heavenly places, Ephesians 1:20; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 3:10; Ephesians 6:12, render... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT WE SHOULD BE HOLY; he has not chosen us on the ground that we, of ourselves, make ourselves holy, but purposed that we should be made holy by the power of his Spirit. IN LOVE; referring, according to the punctuation of our version, to those whom God has chosen to be holy and without blame, as... [ Continue Reading ]
TO HIMSELF; to be connected immediately with "the adoption of children," and meaning children which he has adopted to himself-taken by adoption into his own family.... [ Continue Reading ]
ACCEPTED IN THE BELOVED; namely, in Christ.... [ Continue Reading ]
THROUGH HIS BLOOD; making atonement for our sins.... [ Continue Reading ]
IN ALL WISDOM AND PRUDENCE; in the bestowal upon us of all wisdom and understanding in spiritual things, as he goes on to show in the next verse. Others refer these words to God's wisdom and prudence as exercised in bestowing upon us his grace.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE MYSTERY; that which is explained in verse Ephesians 1:10. Men have no correct views of salvation through faith in Christ, except as God reveals it to them; and no disposition to believe on him except as God gives it.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE DISPENSATION OF THE FULNESS OF TIMES; the Christian dispensation appointed by him, to be introduced when the full time should come. GATHER TOGETHER IN ONE; unite into one holy kingdom. ALL THINGS; in the widest sense, by subjecting every thing in heaven and earth to the dominion of Christ.... [ Continue Reading ]
WE; Jewish believers. AN INHERITANCE; heirship with Christ to the blessedness of heaven.... [ Continue Reading ]
WE-WHO FIRST TRUSTED; the gospel was first preached to the Jews, and from them were its first fruits gathered.... [ Continue Reading ]
YE, ALSO; ye Gentiles also. SEALED; as belonging to Christ by receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.... [ Continue Reading ]
EARNEST; pledge or first-fruit of heavenly felicity. REDEMPTION OF THE PURCHASED POSSESSION; complete salvation of his ransomed people. The reception of the Holy Spirit, and the blessedness which he bestows on those who follow his guidance, are sure pledges and earnests that, in due time, he will g... [ Continue Reading ]
THE HOPE OF HIS CALLING; the hope which he has called you to enjoy. OF HIS INHERITANCE; the inheritance which he gives. IN THE SAINTS; or, among the saints. These words are added to define the persons upon whom this glorious inheritance is bestowed.... [ Continue Reading ]
TO US - WARD WHO BELIEVE; manifested towards us who believe, not merely in this life, but also in that to come. The exercise of this power extends over the whole work of the believer's redemption, from his calling and the quickening of his soul in regeneration to his final glorification in heaven.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHICH HE WROUGHT IN CHRIST; as our head. God manifests in the redemption of Christ's members the same divine power which he exercised in Christ their head. The greatness of power and grace of God manifested when he leads men to believe on Christ, and raises them from spiritual death to spiritual lif... [ Continue Reading ]
PRINCIPALITY, AND POWER-EVERY NAME THAT IS NAMED; these terms describe every order of intelligent beings in heaven and on earth; every creature that bears a name.... [ Continue Reading ]
HEAD OVER ALL THINGS; all things in the creation. TO THE CHURCH; for its good.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHICH IS HIS BODY; compare John 15:1-7. THE FULNESS; Christ's body the church is called his fulness, as being throughout filled with his gifts and graces. THAT FILLETH ALL IN ALL; or who filleth all things with all things. For Christ is the creator of all things, and he fills them with whatever po... [ Continue Reading ]