Isa 53:10-12, Joh 17:2, Eph 1:3-12 | Family

Isaiah 53:10-12

John 17:2

Power over all; for the salvation of his people. Mt 28:18; Joh 5:21; 6:37,40; 10:15,16.

Ephesians 1:3-12

In heavenly places; the word "places" is supplied by the translators. Some propose to render, in heavenly things, things pertaining to our preparation for heaven. But everywhere else in this epistle the word means heavenly places, Eph 1:20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12, rendered in our version "high places;" and this meaning may be retained here, as denoting the place where these spiritual blessings are prepared for us, where we shall finally enjoy them in full measure, and whence we now receive, through the Holy Ghost, the earnest of them. Compare verse Eph 1:14.

In Christ; as much as to say, All these spiritual blessings come to us by virtue of our union with Christ. And so verse Eph 1:4, "He hath chosen us in him." That we should be holy; he has not chosen us on the ground that we, of ourselves, make ourselves holy, but purposed that we should be made holy by the power of his Spirit.

In love; referring, according to the punctuation of our version, to those whom God has chosen to be holy and without blame, as being in a state of love, which is the sum of all the Christian graces. Others join these words with the following verse: "In love having predestinated us," etc. Holiness of heart and life is sure evidence of having been predestinated to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. To himself; to be connected immediately with "the adoption of children," and meaning children which he has adopted to himself--taken by adoption into his own family. Accepted in the Beloved; namely, in Christ. Through his blood; making atonement for our sins. In all wisdom and prudence; in the bestowal upon us of all wisdom and understanding in spiritual things, as he goes on to show in the next verse. Others refer these words to God's wisdom and prudence as exercised in bestowing upon us his grace. The mystery; that which is explained in verse Eph 1:10. Men have no correct views of salvation through faith in Christ, except as God reveals it to them; and no disposition to believe on him except as God gives it. The dispensation of the fulness of times; the Christian dispensation appointed by him, to be introduced when the full time should come.

Gather together in one; unite into one holy kingdom.

All things; in the widest sense, by subjecting every thing in heaven and earth to the dominion of Christ. We; Jewish believers.

An inheritance; heirship with Christ to the blessedness of heaven. We--who first trusted; the gospel was first preached to the Jews, and from them were its first fruits gathered.