Paul's Letter to the Ephesians

Chapter 1

After the salutation, 1, 2, and thanksgiving for the Ephesians, 3, Paul discusses our election, 4, 5, and adoption by grace, 6-10; which is the true and proper fountain of man's salvation, 11, 12. And because the height of this mystery cannot easily be attained to, 13-15, he prays that they may come to the full knowledge and possession thereof in Christ, 16-23.

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ, 4 According as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love, 5 Having predestined us to the adoption of children to himself by Jesus Christ according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace in which he has made us accepted in the beloved, 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace, 8 In which he has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 Having made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure which he has purposed in himself, 10 So that in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might collect in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth, even in him; 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will, 12 So that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ; 13 In whom you also trusted after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also after you believed, you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of his glory.

15 Therefore, I also, having heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and love to all the saints, 16 Do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers, 17 So that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 Having the eyes of your understanding being enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, power, might, dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Commentary

Matthew Henry Commentary - Ephesians, Chapter 1[➚]

Notes

[v.4] - "before the foundation of the world" - Reference, Matthew 25:34.

[v.14] - "earnest" - This can also be read as "guarantee."

[v.20] - Reference, Psalm 110:1; Mark 16:19.

[v.22] - Reference, Psalm 8:6.

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