In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Read it in contextBlessings in Christ
Start reading at Ephesians 1:1 (Ephesians 1:1 to Ephesians 1:14).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul speaks of God's purpose and spiritual blessings in Christ, including redemption and the Spirit's sealing; the repeated setting in Christ governs the promises.
1:1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
1:2Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
1:4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
1:5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
1:6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
1:7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
1:8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
1:9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
1:10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
1:11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
1:12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
1:13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
1:14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the named author. Pauline authorship is the traditional position, though some historical scholars dispute it. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ephesians 1:1–3:21): Paul addresses the saints and faithful in Christ, explicitly recalling his Gentile readers' former separation and their inclusion with Jewish believers in one body. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The saints and faithful in Christ Jesus, addressed as being at Ephesus in the KJV. Some early manuscripts omit the location, so wider circulation is possible. The letter expressly addresses believers of Gentile background. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1; Ephesians 2:11. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Blessings in Christ. Read Ephesians 1:1 through Ephesians 1:14 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Paul speaks of God's purpose and spiritual blessings in Christ, including redemption and the Spirit's sealing; the repeated setting in Christ governs the promises. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul identifies himself as a prisoner, but the letter does not name a calendar date or explicitly identify the city of imprisonment. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The KJV address names Ephesus. References to heavenly places and the church's spiritual standing are not ordinary geographic locations. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:1 to Ephesians 1:14).
Start reading at Ephesians 1:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter locates blessing, redemption, and the gathering of all things in Christ. Its purpose and inheritance language should be read with the repeated phrase in Christ and the exhortations addressed to the church. See Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 4:1. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Walk consistently with the calling received, pursuing unity, holiness, truthful speech, and mutual care. Promises to the church should not erase the subsequent demands on its conduct. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Ephesians 1
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Connection to the wholePaul speaks of God's purpose and spiritual blessings in Christ, including redemption and the Spirit's sealing; the repeated setting in Christ governs the promises.
Connection to the wholeThanksgiving leads to prayer that the readers know what God has given, with Christ's resurrection and exaltation displaying the power toward believers.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Ephesians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Connection to the wholePaul blesses God for spiritual blessings in Christ and prays that the readers understand their hope, inheritance, and the power displayed in Christ.
Connection to the wholePaul describes salvation by grace and the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles in one body, then explains his ministry and prays for the church.
Connection to the wholePaul applies the new life to speech, desires, worship, households, and work, repeatedly grounding conduct in belonging to the Lord.
Connection to the wholeThe closing exhortation calls the readers to stand in God's strength and armour, joining vigilance with prayer and mutual encouragement.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.