8 which He [1]lavished on [2]us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He [3] made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His [4]kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration [5]suitable to the fullness of the times , that is, the summing up of all things in Christ , things [6]in the heavens and things on the earth . In Him 11 [7]also we [8] have obtained an inheritance , having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in [9]Christ would be to the praise of His glory . 13 In [10]Him, you also , after listening to the message of truth , the gospel of your salvation -having also [11]believed , you were sealed in [10]Him with the Holy Spirit of promise , 14 who is [13] given as a pledge of our inheritance , with a view to the redemption of God's own possession , to the praise of His glory .
15 For this reason I too , having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and [14]your love for all the [15]saints , 16 do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers ; 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ , the Father of glory , may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the [16]knowledge of Him. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart [17]may be enlightened , so that you will know what is the hope of His calling , what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the [18]saints , 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe . These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ephesians 1:8-19
Commentary on Ephesians 1:3-8
(Read Ephesians 1:3-8)
Spiritual and heavenly blessings are the best blessings; with which we cannot be miserable, and without which we cannot but be so. This was from the choice of them in Christ, before the foundation of the world, that they should be made holy by separation from sin, being set apart to God, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, in consequence of their election in Christ. All who are chosen to happiness as the end, are chosen to holiness as the means. In love they were predestinated, or fore-ordained, to be adopted as children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, and to be openly admitted to the privileges of that high relation to himself. The reconciled and adopted believer, the pardoned sinner, gives all the praise of his salvation to his gracious Father. His love appointed this method of redemption, spared not his own Son, and brought believers to hear and embrace this salvation. It was rich grace to provide such a surety as his own Son, and freely to deliver him up. This method of grace gives no encouragement to evil, but shows sin in all its hatefulness, and how it deserves vengeance. The believer's actions, as well as his words, declare the praises of Divine mercy.
Commentary on Ephesians 1:9-14
(Read Ephesians 1:9-14)
Blessings were made known to believers, by the Lord's showing to them the mystery of his sovereign will, and the method of redemption and salvation. But these must have been for ever hidden from us, if God had not made them known by his written word, preached gospel, and Spirit of truth. Christ united the two differing parties, God and man, in his own person, and satisfied for that wrong which caused the separation. He wrought, by his Spirit, those graces of faith and love, whereby we are made one with God, and among ourselves. He dispenses all his blessings, according to his good pleasure. His Divine teaching led whom he pleased to see the glory of those truths, which others were left to blaspheme. What a gracious promise that is, which secures the gift of the Holy Ghost to those who ask him! The sanctifying and comforting influences of the Holy Spirit seal believers as the children of God, and heirs of heaven. These are the first-fruits of holy happiness. For this we were made, and for this we were redeemed; this is the great design of God in all that he has done for us; let all be ascribed unto the praise of his glory.
Commentary on Ephesians 1:15-23
(Read Ephesians 1:15-23)
God has laid up spiritual blessings for us in his Son the Lord Jesus; but requires us to draw them out and fetch them in by prayer. Even the best Christians need to be prayed for: and while we hear of the welfare of Christian friends, we should pray for them. Even true believers greatly want heavenly wisdom. Are not the best of us unwilling to come under God's yoke, though there is no other way to find rest for the soul? Do we not for a little pleasure often part with our peace? And if we dispute less, and prayed more with and for each other, we should daily see more and more what is the hope of our calling, and the riches of the Divine glory in this inheritance. It is desirable to feel the mighty power of Divine grace, beginning and carrying on the work of faith in our souls. But it is difficult to bring a soul to believe fully in Christ, and to venture its all, and the hope of eternal life, upon his righteousness. Nothing less than Almighty power will work this in us. Here is signified that it is Christ the Saviour, who supplies all the necessities of those who trust in him, and gives them all blessings in the richest abundance. And by being partakers of Christ himself, we come to be filled with the fulness of grace and glory in him. How then do those forget themselves who seek for righteousness out of him! This teaches us to come to Christ. And did we know what we are called to, and what we might find in him, surely we should come and be suitors to him. When feeling our weakness and the power of our enemies, we most perceive the greatness of that mighty power which effects the conversion of the believer, and is engaged to perfect his salvation. Surely this will constrain us by love to live to our Redeemer's glory.