Ephesians 1:13

Trusted. This word is supplied. Other interpretations, calling for other readings, have been suggested: (1) that the thought goes back to the first part of v. 11 and that “have obtained an inheritance” should be supplied, making the passage read, “among whom ye also have obtained an inheritance”; (2) that “are” should be supplied, making the passage read, “among whom also ye are”; (3) that the thought goes forward to the “were sealed” near the end of the verse, in which case no word would be supplied and the passage would read, “In whom ye also ... were sealed” (see RSV). Against the supplied word “trusted” it is urged that the word in v. 12 is really “hoped before” (a single word in the Greek) and that this idea does not fit v. 13.

The word of truth. The word of truth is here defined as the “gospel of your salvation” (cf. Rom. 1:16). We are urged to take heed to that word (Mark 4:24), to receive it with meekness (James 1:21), and with faith (Heb. 4:2), for it is the means to eternal life. The truth is more than a collection of statements of fact, which would have no salvation in them as such; the truth must finally bring us to Him who is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Every noble impulse that arises in any man’s soul, Christian or heathen, springs from that one Source. Indeed, the influence of the Holy Spirit is necessary to the effective reception of the truth (1 Cor. 2:12-15). Like the seed that fell on poor soil, the written or spoken word has no power to change the life except it be accompanied by the Living Word.

Sealed. Gr. sphragizo (see on 2 Cor. 1:22; cf. on John 6:27). There is an orderly change in the believer’s life: first there is the hearing, then the believing, and then the sealing that puts upon him, as it were, an impression or stamp.

Holy Spirit of promise. The Holy Spirit was so called because He was promised from former times (Isa. 32:15; Eze. 36:26; Joel 2:28), and also by Christ Himself (John 14:16, 17). It is the Spirit of promise who seals, or identifies, those who are His own (2 Tim. 2:19), and secures them until the day of redemption (Eph. 4:30). He is identified here as the agent of the sealing. Those who are sealed have the witness within themselves that they are the children of God (1 John 5:10).

The Holy spirit assures us that the promises of God are true, and it is this conviction that largely distinguishes believers from nonbelievers. The seal is placed upon all who choose to become saints.