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Ephesians 1:5

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Ephesians 1:5

Verse 5 of 23

Scripture focus

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Ephesians 1:5 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Ephesians 1:5

Theological / Devotional

Predestinated. Gr. proorizo (see on Rom. 8:29; cf. on Eph. 1:4).

Adoption of children. Gr. huiothesia, literally, “a placing as a son” (see on Rom. 8:15).

By Jesus Christ. Or, “through Jesus Christ.” He is the agent in the plan of salvation, the mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5). Far from being an angry God who requires appeasement, the Father is working through Christ to accomplish His purpose — man’s salvation. Compare Gal. 4:3-5.

Good pleasure. Gr. eudokia, “good will,” “good pleasure.” Phrases such as “good pleasure of his will,” where two synonymous abstract terms are compounded, are characteristic of the style of Ephesians. It was God’s good pleasure to devise and put into operation the plan of salvation, whereby as many as fixed their faith in Jesus Christ should be adopted as children into the family of God (John 3:16; Rev. 22:17).

By SdaBc