Bible Commentaries

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, rendered in our version "high places"; and this meaning may be retained here, as denoting the place where these spiritual blessings are prepared for us, where we shall finally enjoy them in full measure, and whence we now receive, through the Holy Ghost, the earnest of them. Compare verse Ephesians 1:14.

In Christ; as much as to say, All these spiritual blessings come to us by virtue of our union with Christ. And so verse Ephesians 1:4, "He hath chosen us in him."

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 being in a state of love, which is the sum of all the Christian graces. Others join these words with the following verse: "In love having predestinated us," etc. Holiness of heart and life is sure evidence of having been predestinated to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.

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.

Accepted in the Beloved; namely, in Christ.

Through his blood; making atonement for our sins.

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.

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.

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.

We; Jewish believers.

An inheritance; heirship with Christ to the blessedness of heaven.

We-who first trusted; the gospel was first preached to the Jews, and from them were its first fruits gathered.

Ye, also; ye Gentiles also.

Sealed; as belonging to Christ by receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.

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 give them in perfection the blessedness of heaven.

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.

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.

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 life, should fill them with adoring gratitude, and bind them for ever in cheerful and hearty obedience to his will.

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.

Head over all things; all things in the creation.

To the church; for its good.

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 powers and privileges they possess.