Ephesians 1:4,Ephesians 1:5,Ephesians 1:9-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:4

The origin of our blessings: the election of grace. The difficulties that attach to this doctrine do not arise from any ambiguity in the Scripture proofs which support it, but from the nature of the doctrine itself, and its apparent inconsistency with other doctrines of Scripture. Many of the difficulties, indeed, that we associate with the doctrine are involved in the doctrine of Divine providence; so much so that William III . could say to Bishop Burnett, "Did I not believe absolute... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:4-6

God's idea of humanity. We commonly regard our lives from a human standpoint, which we cannot well leave even in thought. But, if it were possible, it would be most interesting to see how God looks upon them. Now, it is one of the objects of revelation to help us to do this—to lead us to see ourselves as God sees us. Next to the vision of God himself, such a picture of humanity as it appears in the eyes of God is of the greatest importance. The manifestation of our present condition in the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:4-10

Origination of the Church. I. THE CHURCH TRACED UP TO THE ELECTIVE LOVE OF GOD . 1. Chosen for himself . "Even as he chose us." He chose us out of the sinful mass of humanity. He chose us for himself, as he chose ancient Israel for himself. 2. Chosen in Christ as covenant Head . "In him." He was God's sovereign choice: "Behold my Servant, whom I have chosen." Abraham, notably among men, was chosen; and, viewed as existing in him as their covenant... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ephesians 1:4

According as - The importance of this verse will render proper a somewhat minute examination of the words and phrases of which it is composed. The general sense of the passage is, that these blessings pertaining to heaven were bestowed upon Christians in accordance with an eternal purpose. They were not conferred by chance or hap-hazard. They were the result of intention and design on the part of God. Their value was greatly enhanced from the fact that God had designed from all eternity to... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ephesians 1:3-6

Ephesians 1:3-6. Blessed be God, who hath blessed us God’s blessing us is his bestowing spiritual and heavenly blessings upon us. Our blessing God is the paying him our solemn and grateful acknowledgments, both on account of his own essential blessedness, and of the blessings which he bestows on us; with all spiritual blessings The spiritual blessings here spoken of are such as are necessary to the perfection and happiness of our spirits; namely, the light of the gospel, the influences of... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ephesians 1:1-14

1:1-23 A LIFE OF FULNESS THROUGH CHRISTPraise for blessings in Christ (1:1-14)In introducing himself, Paul reminds his readers that they are saints, God’s holy people, who live their lives in union with Jesus Christ (1:1-2). He then offers praise to the triune God: in verses 3-6 on account of the Father who planned salvation; in verses 7-12 on account of the Son who made this salvation a reality; and in verses 13-14 on account of the Holy Spirit who guarantees salvation.God’s blessings, which... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Ephesians 1:4

According = Even. hath chosen = chose out. Greek. eklegomai. Compare Acts 1:2 . before . App-104 . foundation . App-146 . world . App-129 . Compare 2 Timothy 1:9 . without blame . Greek. amomos. Here; Ephesians 5:27 . Colossians 1:22 .Hebrews 9:14 . 1 Peter 1:19 . Jude 1:24 .Revelation 14:5 . before Him = in His sight. See 2 Corinthians 2:17 . love . App-135 . Some insert "in love" after "predestinated us" in Ephesians 1:5 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Ephesians 1:4

Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love.Inherent in this is the fact of God's calling and electing people before the foundation of the world; and very few theological questions have demanded more attention and interest than this. Clearly revealed in this is the fact that the coming of Jesus Christ into the world for the purpose of taking out of it a people for himself and redeeming them unto eternal life was no... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Ephesians 1:4

Ephesians 1:4. In him— That is, in Christ. See the preceding verse, which, together with this, makes up the following sense: "As it was in consideration of Christ alone that God heretofore, before the foundation of the world, designed us Gentiles to be his people; so now that the Messiah is come, all the blessings and benefits which we are to receive in his heavenly kingdom, are laid up in him, and to be had only by our faith and dependance on him, without any respect to the law of Moses." The... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Ephesians 1:4

4. hath chosen us—Greek, "chose us out for Himself" (namely, out of the world, Galatians 1:4): referring to His original choice, spoken of as past. in him—The repetition of the idea, "in Christ" (Galatians 1:4- :), implies the paramount importance of the truth that it is in Him, and by virtue of union to Him, the Second Adam, the Restorer ordained for us from everlasting, the Head of redeemed humanity, believers have all their blessings (Galatians 1:4- :). before the foundation of the... read more