‏ Ephesians 1

1:1 at (a-19) Lit. 'in,' as Acts 13.1; Rev. 2.1. Ephesus. (b-20) It may be interesting to mention that though 'at Ephesus' is found in almost all copies, many authorities would leave it out. Some, without sufficient ground, have considered it as a kind of circular. Compare Col. 4.16.1:1 at (a-19) Lit. 'in,' as Acts 13.1; Rev. 2.1. Ephesus. (b-20) It may be interesting to mention that though 'at Ephesus' is found in almost all copies, many authorities would leave it out. Some, without sufficient ground, have considered it as a kind of circular. Compare Col. 4.16. 1:3 with (c-16) 'With' does not quite give the force. The preposition (en) here conveys something of the power and value of what is enjoyed; gives the blessing characteristically. see Note c, Matt. 3.11. 1:5 beforehand (d-5) The word translated 'marked out beforehand' involves purpose. It is not 'counsel,' though it is 'according to the good pleasure of his will,' and, in ver. 11, 'according to his purpose,' and 'according to the counsel of his own will.' The word horizo means 'mark out,' 'determine,' as in Rom. 1.4; here pro (beforehand) is prefixed. It refers generally to persons, but is applied to things as in 1Cor. 2.7. When applied to persons, that to which they are destined is always added. adoption (e-7) Or 'sonship,' as Gal. 4.5. 1:6 favour (f-16) 'Taken us into his favour,' i.e. 'put us into a position of grace and favour.' The Greek word is used here and Luke 1.28. 'Accepted us' is too formal a doctrine here. 'Shown us grace or favour' does not give the force, for then 'the Beloved' would be merely the instrument. It is 'in the Beloved' that we enter into favour. An alternative reading is, 'the favour or acceptance in grace, which he has freely bestowed upon us.' 1:14 to (g-8) Or 'up to,' eis. It is more than 'till,' because it has the inheritance in view. Compare Gal. 3.24. It may be translated 'for the redemption,' connecting it with 'sealed,' instead of with 'earnest;' thus, 'Ye have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, (who is the earnest of our inheritance,) for,' &c. 1:20 down (a-19) 'Set him down' is an added statement not connected grammatically with what precedes. 1:22 feet, (b-8) See Ps. 8.6.