The Salutation
Vss. 1-2—Paul opens the epistle with his ordinary greetings, identifying himself as "an apostle of Christ Jesus." It is not addressed to an assembly but to “the saints and faithful” who were "at Ephesus," therefore, other servants are not associated with him in the greeting. (As a rule, when he addressed assemblies, others were included in the greeting according to 2 Corinthians 13:11This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. (2 Corinthians 13:1).) Apparently this was a circular letter that was to be passed among the saints in that general region (F. G. Patterson).
After the salutation in verses 1-2, chapter 1 divides in two parts. In the first part, the Apostle is seen blessing God (vss. 3-14). In the second, He is praying to God (vss. 15-23). We see from this that the epistle was written in a priestly tone, and that the first chapter is really an ascription of praise and prayer. It is fitting that such lofty truths, which are about to be disclosed in this epistle, should be communicated in a priestly, worshipful manner. It was written in that spirit and it should be read in that spirit.
The Apostle Blesses God
Vss. 3-14—The Apostle blesses the triune God for His incredibly wise plan to display the glory of His Son in heaven and earth in the world to come (the Millennium) through the Church, which is Christ's body. As he exults in the blessedness of God’s great purpose, we are privileged to listen in and thus learn how richly we are blessed in Christ, the Man who is the focus of God’s purpose and counsel.
Vs. 3—Paul addresses God in the double relationship that the Lord Jesus has with Him, as “God” and “Father.” (The two prayers recorded in the epistle in chapters 1 and 3, coincide with these two relationships.) Paul exults in the fact that we have been blessed with “all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” These blessings are heavenly, spiritual, and eternal, in contrast to Israel’s blessings, which were earthly, material, and temporal. They are “in the heavenlies” (J. N. Darby Trans.) which is not a place as the KJV suggests, but the realm of spiritual activity. Every one of these Christian blessings is a present possession of the believer. We are not waiting to get them; they are ours now. This is indicated by the repeated use of the words “hath,” “have,” and “having” in the chapter.
Furthermore, Paul says that our Christian blessings are all “in Christ”—an expression used many times in the first three chapters. It refers to the Christian’s position of acceptance before God in Christ, the risen Man. To be “in Christ” means to be in Christ’s place before God. Hence, the measure of His acceptance before God is ours! The favour that rests on Him in the presence of God is also ours on account of us being in His place.
Our Christian Blessings
(Each one is inseparably connected with our acceptance “in Christ” – see J. N. Darby Translation.)
Sonship in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:14-1514For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (Romans 8:14‑15); Gal. 3:26; 4:5-726For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26)
5To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4:5‑7)).
These distinctive blessings “in Christ” belong only to the Church, Christ’s body and bride. Old Testament saints are blessed of God, but they do not possess these Christian blessings.
The "Good Pleasure" of God
Let us note that the passage before us focuses on the eternal purpose of God to glorify His Son. Our blessings are mentioned, but the emphasis is on God's side of things—what He has done for His own pleasure and for the satisfaction of the His heart. There are two things in particular that are said to be according to God's good pleasure:
It is His "good pleasure" to have a company sons before Him in the very place of His Son, and blessed with special blessings that no other blessed persons have (vs. 5).
It is His "good pleasure" to give this company of sons special insight into His great purpose to glorify His Son, which He has been kept secret in His heart from before the foundation of the world
Paul’s blessing of God in connection with His all-wise plan to glorify Christ is mentioned under three heads and is in relation to the three Persons of the Godhead (the Trinity) who have had this eternal purpose and have counseled to bring it to pass. Each section ends with a fitting note of “praise” (vss. 6, 12, 14).
Sonship With the Father
1) The Apostle exults over the place we have as sons in relation to “the Father” (vss. 4-7).
Vss. 4-6—God has chosen us for a place of sons in His family. The phrase, “the adoption of children” (KJV), should be translated “sonship” (vs. 5). The word in the Greek means, “son-place,” and refers to God’s act of setting us before Himself in the very place of His own Son. Sonship is the highest conferred blessing that we have in relation to the Father. We have this place now as a present blessing through the indwelling Spirit (Gal. 4:66And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (Galatians 4:6); Rom. 8:1515For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (Romans 8:15)).
God could have put us in the privileged place of the elect angels, or even lifted us to the lofty position of an archangel, but He chose to give us a place far higher and more blessed than that—He put us in His own Son’s place! Sonship is a position in the family of God that has been reserved for those who are saved during this present time by the gospel call, and thus compose the Church. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the Old Testament saints are part of the family of God as His children, but they do not have this favoured place of sons (Gal. 4:1-71Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; 2But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. 3Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: 4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4:1‑7)). As part of God’s family, Christians are children of God (Rom. 8:1616The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (Romans 8:16)) and they are also sons of God (Rom. 8:1414For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (Romans 8:14)).
We learn from Paul's exulting in regard to our blessings in Christ that sonship is something that God chose us for “before the foundation of the world.” Thus, we have been “chosen” and “predestinated” to the nearest possible place of relationship to God that a creature could have! Chosen (which is election) is to be selected (vs. 4), and predestinated refers to what we have been selected for (vs. 5). The first has to do with persons; the second has to do with the place God has for those persons. If God is to have a people before Him, they must be in a condition in which they are like Him. He is “holy” in His character and “blameless” in His ways. Therefore, He has purposed to have believers in that same condition in that place of blessing.
God has planned this great blessing for Christians “according to the good pleasure of His will.” It will bring satisfaction to His heart to have a company of sons before Him in glory with His own Son. The great blessing of “sonship” is to share:
This place in which we stand before God is a place of “favour in the Beloved” (vs. 6). We have it because of our connection with Christ, the Son of His love (Col. 1:1313Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: (Colossians 1:13)). This goes beyond being “accepted” (as the KJV translates verse 6) and denotes having the affection of the Father in a special way.
Vs. 7—Moreover, this great blessing is based on the work of Christ in “redemption.” The fact that redemption is mentioned in the eternal purpose of God shows that the entrance of sin and the fall of man (Gen. 3) were not a surprise to Him. Redemption, therefore, is not an afterthought with God.
The “riches of His grace” (vs. 7) emphasizes how far down He reached to save us. The “glory of His grace” (vs. 6) emphasizes how high He reached to set us in Christ’s place. It is of little wonder that the Apostle says, “To the praise of the glory of His grace!” These two things are illustrated in Luke 15 in the father’s reception of his son. Covering the prodigal with kisses illustrates “the riches of His grace,” clothing him with the best robe, with shoes on his feet, and a ring on his hand, and giving him a son’s place in his house illustrates “the glory of His grace.”
Hence, we have three great things in relation to the Father: He has “chosen” us (vs. 4), He has “predestinated” us (vs. 5), and He has “brought us into favour” in the very place of His own beloved Son (vss. 5-6).
Heirship With Christ
2) The Apostle turns to exult over the place we have as co-heirs of the inheritance with “Christ” in the administration of the world to come (vss. 8-12).
Vss. 8-9—It is God’s intention that this favoured company of sons (the Church) would be intelligent as to His eternal purpose, and what He is doing in this world now, and what He will do in the world to come—the Millennium. Wherefore, “He has caused to abound towards us in all wisdom and intelligence,” and has “made known to us the mystery of His will.” He has given to the Church special insight as to His plan to publicly display the glory of His Son in the coming millennial day. Thus, the Church has become the depository of God’s counsel regarding His purpose for that coming day. This, too, is something that is said to be “according to His good pleasure.”
It has pleased God to make known to us this secret (“the mystery”) concerning His Son. It is something that Old Testament saints knew nothing of because, until now (the Day of Grace), it had been “kept secret since the world began” (Eph. 3:55Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; (Ephesians 3:5); Col. 1:2626Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: (Colossians 1:26); Rom. 16:2525Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, (Romans 16:25)). There are two sides to the Mystery. When it is called the “the mystery of His will” (Eph. 1:99Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: (Ephesians 1:9)), it refers to God’s purpose to put all things under Christ’s headship in the coming millennial day. When it is called “the mystery of the Christ” (Eph. 3:4; 5:324Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) (Ephesians 3:4)
32This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:32); Col. 4:33Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: (Colossians 4:3)) it is referring to the Church being associated with Christ in that day of display.
The Old Testament speaks of a Jewish Messiah who will reign over Israel in a coming day with the Gentile nations rejoicing with them (Psa. 8, etc.). The revelation of “the mystery” in the New Testament goes far beyond that and unfolds God’s plan to have the entire universe (heaven and earth) under Christ’s reign. And also, in that coming millennial day, Christ would have a complement (His bride) at His side to enhance the display of His glory (John 17:22-2322And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (John 17:22‑23); 2 Thess. 1:1010When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. (2 Thessalonians 1:10); Rev. 21:9-22:59And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. 10And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; 12And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. 14And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. 16And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. 17And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. 18And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. 19And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 20The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. 21And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. 22And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 24And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it. 25And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. 27And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. 1And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 21:9‑22:5)). This can be seen here in the phrase “the Christ.” It is a technical expression used in Paul’s epistles that refers to the mystical union of Christ and the members of His body (1 Cor. 12:12-1312For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:12‑13)). Furthermore, this tenth verse indicates that it is not God’s intention to have the heavens completely severed from the earth, as they are now. His will is to “head up” the administration of all things in heaven and earth under the Christ and the Church ("the Christ"), so that there would be a united system of heavenly and earthly glory under Him and His bride.
Vs. 11—The “inheritance,” over which we will reign with Christ, is the whole creation—every created thing. It is not numbered among our spiritual blessings, being that it is material things. Our blessing in connection with the inheritance is in heirship—the right and privilege to reign over all created things with Christ in His kingdom glory. Many Christians mistakenly think that we are the inheritance which has been given to Christ as a possession. It is true that we are the Father’s gift to the Son (John 17:2, 6, 9, 11, 12, 242As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. (John 17:2)
6I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. (John 17:6)
9I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. (John 17:9)
11And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. 12While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. (John 17:11‑12)
24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. (John 17:24)), but we are not the inheritance. This verse states clearly that the inheritance is given to us. If it is given to us, then we are the heirs, not the inheritance. A wife—which we are destined to be (Rev. 19:7; 21:97Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. (Revelation 19:7)
9And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. (Revelation 21:9))—is not numbered among a man’s possessions as chattel.
There are two aspects of the inheritance in the New Testament. Firstly, in 1 Peter 1:4 it is referring to our spiritual blessings, which are “reserved in heaven” for us. Mr. Darby spoke of this aspect of the inheritance as being over our heads (in the heavenlies), because 1 Peter is a wilderness epistle and the saints are seen as pilgrims on earth. This aspect of the inheritance has been translated elsewhere as our “portion” in Christ (Col. 1:1212Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: (Colossians 1:12); Acts 26:1818To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. (Acts 26:18) – J. N. Darby Trans.). In Ephesians, however, the inheritance is the material creation. Mr. Darby spoke of this aspect as stretching out under our feet. In this epistle the saints are seen seated in heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 2:66And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 2:6)), and everything in the universe is under them—even the angelic beings (Eph. 1:20-2120Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: (Ephesians 1:20‑21)).
This great plan to publicly glorify Christ in the world to come with and through His eternal complement (the Church) is “according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His own will.” We have two things here: “purpose” and “counsel.” Purpose is the intention of God’s will and counsel is the wisdom the Godhead takes in carrying it out. Purpose is the objective that God has before Him, and divine Persons have taken counsel as to how it would be secured, and the “ways” of God (Rom. 11:3333O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33)) are bringing it all into effect. Bible teachers and hymn writers will often use these terms in the plural (i.e. the "purposes" and the "counsels" of God), but Scripture never does—they are always mentioned in the singular. God has one singular "purpose" to glorify His Son, and His "counsel" is always one in bringing it to pass.
Vs. 12—The revelation of God’s great purpose to all in the coming millennial day will redound “to the praise of His glory.” When men look on what the grace of God has wrought in Christ, they will praise God for His all-wise plan (John 17:2323I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (John 17:23)). Believers from among the Jews (“we” – vs. 12), who have "pre-trusted" before a remnant of Israel receive the Lord as their Messiah in a coming day, and believers from among the Gentiles (“ye” – vs. 13) are made to share in the common blessing of being part of this new heavenly vessel of testimony—the Church.
Hence, we have three great things in relation to the Son: we have “redemption” in Him (vs. 7), we have been given the revelation of “the mystery” in Him (vss. 8-10), and in Him we have obtained “an inheritance” (vs. 11).
Sealed With the Spirit
The Quickened, Sealed and Given the Earnest of the Holy Spirit
3) The Apostle then exults in the work of the Holy Spirit who has enabled us to know and enjoy these things before God’s great plan to publicly glorify His Son comes to pass (vss. 13-14).
Vs. 13—The exalted Man at God’s right hand will not only bring the universe into suitability with God in a coming day, He is presently bringing believers into suitability with the Godhead through the operations of the Holy Spirit. Paul says, “After that ye have heard the Word of truth.” This is the beginning of the work of God in a person. Hearing, in this sense, refers to the Word of God penetrating the soul and creating a spiritual capacity in a person by the quickening power of the Spirit, whereby he is attuned to the voice of the Son of God and able to receive divine communications (John 5:25; 8:4725Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. (John 5:25)
47He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. (John 8:47); Prov. 20:1212The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them. (Proverbs 20:12); Rom. 10:1717So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)). Paul goes on and says, “In whom also, having believed.” Further to hearing, there is a necessity on the part of the individual of believing the message—“the gospel of your salvation.” This refers to the person understanding and resting in faith on the finished work of Christ, whereupon he is “sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise” by that divine Person coming to dwell in him (John 14:1717Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (John 14:17); 1 Thess. 4:88He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 4:8); James 4:55Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? (James 4:5); 1 John 3:24; 4:1324And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. (1 John 3:24)
13Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. (1 John 4:13)). The seal of the Spirit gives the believer the assurance in his soul that he is truly saved.
Note: a person is indwelt with the Spirit, not by being quickened, but by believing the gospel of his salvation. As mentioned, quickening is the beginning of the work of God in a soul; sealing is the completing of that work whereby the person is placed in the full Christian position before God (Rom. 8:99But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8:9)). There is an interval of time between the two, varying from seconds to years in believers—depending on the circumstances of their personal history.
Vs. 14—A wonderful prospect lies before us in the coming day of display (the Millennium). But God would not have us to wait until then to know and enjoy these things. Hence, the Holy Spirit who has taken up His abode in us works to this end as “the earnest.” The sealing of the Spirit gives us to know that we belong to Him; the earnest of the Spirit gives us to know that we have things that belong to us. The seal is for the assurance of our salvation; the earnest is for the enjoyment of our portion in Christ before we are there with Him in the glorified state.
The inheritance (the material creation) has been “purchased” at the cross and is presently awaiting “redemption.” Redemption goes beyond purchase and includes being “set free.” The creation is now under the bondage of corruption (Rom. 8:20-2320For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. (Romans 8:20‑23)) and is in the hands of Satan and evil men (1 John 5:1919And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. (1 John 5:19)). When the Lord comes to redeem the creation at His Appearing, He will put down every adverse power and set it free for the purpose for which it was intended (Rev. 11:1515And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 11:15)). This too, is “to the praise of His glory.” But note: the phrase, “of His grace” (as in verse 6) is not found here because the subject is the release of the groaning creation. It has not sinned as we have, and therefore, it is not in need of His grace acting toward it in the way we need it. The groaning creation needs His power in redemption, not His grace in redemption.
Hence, we have three great things in and through the Holy Spirit: He has quickened us (“heard”), He has “sealed” us (vs. 13), and He is the “earnest” of our inheritance (vs. 14).
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In reviewing these things, we learn that those who compose this new vessel of God’s workmanship (the Church) have:
The place of sons before “the Father” which Old Testament and millennial saints do not have (vss. 4-7).
Union in the body of “Christ” and the prospect of reigning with Him over the inheritance, which those from other ages do not have (vss. 8-12).
The indwelling presence of the “Holy Spirit” which all other saints do not have (vss. 13-14).
Hence, it is a tremendous privilege to be part of this special company of believers.
The Apostle Prays to God
Vss. 15-23—The Apostle’s praise passes to petition. When he heard of their “faith in the Lord Jesus” and “love unto all the saints,” He gave thanks to God, for it was a true manifestation of divine life. These things proved that they were real and were growing in grace.
His prayer is addressed to the “God of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This coincides with the first part of the Lord’s double relationship mentioned in verse 3. It is to “God” because it has to do with the saints’ apprehension and God’s power to bring to pass His great plan to glorify His Son in the world to come.
Note: Paul does not pray that the saints would be more blessed, because more blessed they cannot be! (vs. 3 – "every spiritual blessing") Our Christian blessings are a mountain peek to which God Himself cannot add. Therefore, instead of praying for more blessings, Paul prays that the saints would be in a right spiritual state to apprehend God’s great plan to glorify His Son, and to appreciate the blessings that are theirs in Him. He longs for the saints to grasp the magnitude of the great purpose of God and to understand how richly they have been blessed in Christ in whom everything centers. He prays that “the eyes” of our “heart” (not “understanding”—as in KJV) would be “enlightened” because he wants us to not only know these things, but to enjoy them in our souls.
There are three things in particular for which Paul prays that the saints would “know” in their hearts. This is indicated in the three-fold use of the word “what” in verses 18-19. These three things correlate with the three things in the Apostle’s blessing in verses 3-14. They are:
“What is the hope of His calling”
The Apostle has spoken of this in verses 4-6. He would have us to know and appreciate the position to which we have been called. Our calling is “high” (Phil. 3:1414I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)), “holy” (2 Tim. 1:99Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, (2 Timothy 1:9)), and “heavenly” (Heb. 3:11Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; (Hebrews 3:1)). We could not have been called to a higher place, for it is indeed the nearest possible place of relationship that His love could provide! The “hope” of it is yet to be realized. This is not the hope of the Lord’s coming to take us home to heaven (the Rapture) for in Ephesians we are seen as being there already (chap. 2:6). It is, rather, the deferred certainty of being manifested with Christ in glory in our high calling in the day of display (the Millennium). The glorification of the sons of God is at the Rapture (Rom. 8:1717And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17)), but the manifestation of the sons of God is at the Appearing of Christ (Rom. 8:1919For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. (Romans 8:19)).
“What is the riches of the glory of His inheritance”
The Apostle has spoken of this in verses 8-12. He would have us to understand and appreciate the place we have as heirs in connection with the inheritance. The calling is above in relation to our place with divine Persons, but the “inheritance” is below involving created things. The “glory” of the inheritance will be seen when the vast creation will have at its head, its crowning jewel set in its place—Christ and the Church reigning over it. The saints are not the inheritance (as commonly thought); they are “heirs” of it (Rom. 8:1717And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17); Gal. 3:29; 4:729And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:29)
7Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4:7)).
The inheritance will be taken “in the saints.” This means that the Lord will not take possession of the inheritance until He has us with Himself, so that we can take it together at His Appearing (1 Thess. 3:13; 4:1413To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. (1 Thessalonians 3:13)
14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (1 Thessalonians 4:14); 2 Thess. 1:77And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, (2 Thessalonians 1:7)). An Old Testament type of this is when Jehovah took the land of Canaan in and through the children of Israel. The Lord led them into their promised inheritance as the Captain of the host, and they took possession of the land with Him (Josh. 5:13-1513And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? 14And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? 15And the captain of the Lord's host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so. (Joshua 5:13‑15)).
“What is the exceeding greatness of His power”
The Apostle has spoken of this in verses 13-14. He would have us to know that there is no lack of power to redeem (set free) the inheritance. The Man of God’s counsels (Christ) has gone into death to secure it all for God. The resurrection of Christ demonstrates God’s great power and ability to bring to pass His great purpose. Paul says, “According to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead.” All the forces of evil (Satan’s kingdom) were gathered at the tomb to prevent His rising from the dead (Psa. 18:7-197Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. 8There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. 9He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet. 10And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind. 11He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. 12At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire. 13The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire. 14Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them. 15Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils. 16He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. 17He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. 18They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay. 19He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me. (Psalm 18:7‑19); Col. 2:1515And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:15); Heb. 2:1414Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; (Hebrews 2:14)), but the power of God broke through it all triumphantly, and “raised Him from the dead” and “set Him at His own right hand.”
The politicians of our day make promises to change and improve the conditions in society in an effort to make this world a better place, but things remain in the same corrupted state. This world has not improved morally because—well-meaning as the politicians are—they don’t have the power to implement their plans. In contrast to this, God has not only promised to set this world right—by bringing to pass His great purpose to glorify His Son in heaven and earth—He has the power to do it! He will arrange ("head up") everything under the universal headship of "the Christ" in the world to come (vs. 10). He has given proof of "the exceeding greatness of His power" that will bring it to pass, by raising Christ from the dead and setting Him at His own right hand. Christ is presently seated there "far above" all angelic beings and "every name that is named." This is true, "not only in this world [age], but also in that which is to come."
This “power” is said to be “to us-ward who believe” (vs. 19). This means that while we wait for God to bring to pass His great purpose at Christ's Appearing, He is using that same power to strengthen us now and enable us to walk worthy of our calling in a practical way (chaps. 3:16; 4:1). God has put “all things under His feet” (Christ's universal Lordship) and given Him to be “head over all things (Christ's universal Headship) to the Church.” Hence, Christ is not only "the head of the Church" (chap. 5:23), He is also "the head over all things to the Church" (chap. 1:22). Being Head over "all things" means that He is in control of everything that comes into the lives of the members of His body while they are on earth. Hence, there is nothing that happens to us that is by chance; The Lord has allowed, or ordered it, for some good reason (Rom. 8:2828And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)). Christ is never said to be Head over the Church, but “He is the Head of the body” (Col. 1:1818And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:18)), but He is Head "over" all things that touch our lives.
Verse 23 indicates that the Church is the Eve of the last Adam (1 Cor. 15:4545And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. (1 Corinthians 15:45))—“the fulness of Him that filleth all in all.” We are His heavenly complement and will reign with Him at His side in the coming day of display. The Church is “the fullness of Him.” This is an incredible statement. In Ephesians, Christ is seen as incomplete without us (as far as the purpose of God is concerned). In Colossians, we are seen as being incomplete without Him (Col. 2:1010And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (Colossians 2:10)).
"Ages" and "Dispensations"
Paul has used the words "dispensation" and "age" in this first chapter of Ephesians (vss. 10, 21). These are not the same thing, and can be distinguished as follows:
An age is an epoch or period of time that has run, or is running, or will run, its course on earth. Such periods are called "the ages of time" (Titus 1:22In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; (Titus 1:2)). The Lord spoke of two ages in His ministry: "this age" and of "the age to come" (Matt. 12:3232And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. (Matthew 12:32)). "This age" is the Mosaic age, which began at Sinai and was in progress at the time of the Lord's first coming. When He was rejected and cast out of this world, this age became "the present evil age," in that the "princes of this age" committed the greatest sin of crucifying the Lord of glory (Gal. 1:44Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (Galatians 1:4); 1 Cor. 2:6, 86Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: (1 Corinthians 2:6)
8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (1 Corinthians 2:8)).
This Mosaic age is still in progress today. The coming of the Holy Spirit and the introduction of Christianity did not bring the Mosaic age to an end, nor did it begin a new age. Presently, God is calling believers out of the Jews and the Gentiles to be part of the Church (Acts 15:14; 26:1714Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. (Acts 15:14)
17Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, (Acts 26:17)). Those who believe the gospel of His grace today are delivered "out of the present evil age," and are no longer part of it, as far as their position is concerned (Gal. 1:44Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (Galatians 1:4)). The Church has no connection with the earth and its periods of time, and therefore, to speak of this present time as "the Church age" (as some Christians do) is not doctrinally accurate.
The Church is on earth at this present time as a sojourner on its way to its heavenly home; its calling, character, and destiny are all heavenly. Since the Church is still on earth and passing through "this age" which is marked by evil, the exhortations of the Apostle are to keep ourselves separate from its character and ways. We are to "live soberly, righteously, and godly, is this present age" (Titus 2:1212Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (Titus 2:12)). Believers are to reject the wisdom of this age, because "God has made foolish the wisdom of this world" (1 Cor. 1:2020Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? (1 Corinthians 1:20)). Also, Christians who are "rich in the present age" materially are warned to not allow themselves to be characterized by the age, and "trust in uncertain riches" (1 Tim. 6:1717Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; (1 Timothy 6:17)). They are to distribute their possessions and whereby the lay "up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come" (1 Tim. 6:18-1918That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (1 Timothy 6:18‑19)). Sad to report, some Christians today are turning from their steadfastness, and are loving "this present age" and they are settling down in the world as a result. Demas is an example of this (2 Tim. 4:1010For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. (2 Timothy 4:10)).
Some have thought that the present calling of God by the gospel has put the Mosaic age in abeyance, and it will not begin again until some future day. However, it is still running its course on earth, and the Law still has its "application" to men in the flesh in this age, in the sense of magnifying their sins and showing them their need of a Saviour (1 Tim. 1:8-108But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; (1 Timothy 1:8‑10); Rom. 3:1919Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. (Romans 3:19)). The Law, of course, has no application to Christians who are viewed as having died with Christ. The Law is not dead; it is the Christian who is dead to it. The Law, therefore, has nothing to say to them (Rom. 7:4, 64Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. (Romans 7:4)
6But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. (Romans 7:6)).
We know from the prophetic Scriptures that this present age has at least 7 more years remaining to it, after the Church is called to heaven. These years will be fulfilled in the seventieth week of Daniel (Dan. 9:2727And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. (Daniel 9:27)). This age is presently under the control of Satan who is its god and prince (2 Cor. 4:44In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:4); Eph. 2:22Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: (Ephesians 2:2)), and it is going on to judgment. It will close at the Appearing of Christ in what is called, "the completion of the age" (Matt. 13:39-40, 49; 24:3; 28:2039The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. 40As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. (Matthew 13:39‑40)
49So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, (Matthew 13:49)
3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? (Matthew 24:3)
20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:20)). At that time, the Lord will bring in "the age to come," which is the Millennium (Matt. 12:3232And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. (Matthew 12:32); Mark 10:3030But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. (Mark 10:30); Eph. 1:2121Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: (Ephesians 1:21); Heb. 2:5; 6:55For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. (Hebrews 2:5)
5And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, (Hebrews 6:5)). When the Millennium has run its course of 1000 years, the Eternal State will be ushered in. Scripture calls this, "the ages of ages" (Gal. 1:55To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Galatians 1:5); Eph. 3:2121Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:21); 1 Tim.1:17; 1 Peter 5:1111To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:11); Rev. 5:13; 22:513And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. (Revelation 5:13)
5And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 22:5)).
The word "dispensation" means "the administration of a house," or "an economy," or "a house-law." In the sense that it is used in Scripture, it is a publicly ordered dealing of God with men in the administration of His ways during various ages. There appears to be three main dispensations (See Concise Bible Dictionary — pp. 216-217).
The first of these is the Dispensation of the Law. This was an ordered dealing of God with men (the nation of Israel) whereby the legal requirements of the Law were to be fulfilled by the people in order for them to walk in fellowship with God. It has passed through three phases:
About 500 years of kingship (from Saul to the Babylonian captivity).
The second great dispensation is the present "dispensation of the grace of God" (Eph. 3:22If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: (Ephesians 3:2)). It can also be called, "the Dispensation of the Mystery" (Eph. 3:99And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: (Ephesians 3:9) – W. Kelly Translation footnote). The manifestation of grace actually commenced with the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:1717For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)), but when His earthly people rejected him, God opened the present dispensation of grace in the heavenly call of the Church, which began with the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4; 11:151And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1‑4)
15And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. (Acts 11:15)). This is an altogether different ordering of God for a heavenly people who are now being called out of the Jews and Gentiles to be part of a new heavenly thing—the Church of God (Acts 15:14; 26:1714Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. (Acts 15:14)
17Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, (Acts 26:17)). The burden of true Christian ministry today is to "further God's dispensation" by helping the saints to understand their heavenly blessings in Christ and the great privileges that are theirs in Him (1 Tim. 1:44Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. (1 Timothy 1:4)).
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Paul uses the word "age" in this epistle to denote three different things:
"This age" (chap. 1:21)—the present day.
The age "which is to come" (chap. 1:21)—the Millennium.
"The age of ages" (chap. 3:21)—the Eternal State when there will be no time.
He also speaks of two dispensations in this epistle:
"The dispensation of the fulness of times" (chap. 1:10)—a special ordering of God during the millennial kingdom reign of Christ.
"The dispensation of the grace of God" (chap. 3:2)—a special heavenly ordering of God for those who believe the gospel of His grace and are thus part of the Church of God.
In summary, an "age" is a period of time, and a "dispensation" is a moral and spiritual economy of God in relation to men during a certain period of time.