Ephesians 1:9

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

Having made known {G1107} unto us {G2254} the mystery {G3466} of his {G846} will {G2307}, according to {G2596} his {G846} good pleasure {G2107} which {G3739} he hath purposed {G4388} in {G1722} himself {G846}:

he has made known to us his secret plan, which by his own will he designed beforehand in connection with the Messiah

And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ

making known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him

Commentary

Context of Ephesians 1:9

Ephesians 1:9 is part of a profound opening doxology (a hymn of praise) in Paul's letter to the Ephesians, outlining God's glorious plan of redemption in Christ. This verse builds upon the preceding verses that speak of God's spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3), our election before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4), and our adoption as sons through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5). It highlights the active and intentional nature of God in revealing His eternal purpose to humanity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Revelation: The verse emphasizes that God has actively "made known" His will. This isn't something humans discovered on their own but a truth graciously unveiled by the Creator. It underscores the concept that God desires to communicate with His creation and reveal His purposes.
  • The Mystery of God's Will: The term "mystery" (Greek: mystērion) in Paul's writings does not mean something incomprehensible, but rather a truth previously hidden or veiled, now revealed, particularly through the Gospel. In Ephesians, this mystery primarily refers to the inclusion of Gentiles as fellow heirs and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus, alongside Jews, forming one body. This grand plan of unity was hidden in ages past but now made manifest.
  • God's Sovereign Pleasure and Purpose: The phrase "according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself" highlights the divine origin and complete sovereignty of this plan. God's will is not subject to external influence or human merit, but flows solely from His benevolent character and eternal counsel. His purpose is self-originated and immutable.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Mystery" (mystērion): As noted, this Greek term refers to a sacred secret that was once concealed but is now divinely disclosed. It's a truth revealed to those God chooses, not something to be solved by human intellect.
  • "Good pleasure" (eudokia): This word conveys God's benevolent will, His kind intent, His gracious purpose, and His delight. It implies that God's plan is not arbitrary or forced, but arises from His own good and perfect nature.
  • "Purposed" (protithēmi): Meaning "to set before" or "to plan beforehand," this verb emphasizes the deliberate and pre-determined nature of God's will. It speaks to God's eternal counsel and His meticulous orchestration of all things according to His divine blueprint.

Practical Application

Ephesians 1:9 offers immense comfort and assurance. Knowing that God has a clear, eternal plan and has chosen to reveal it to us provides a foundation for faith and hope.

  • Confidence in God's Plan: We can rest assured that God is working all things together according to His wise and benevolent purpose, even when circumstances are unclear (Romans 8:28).
  • Gratitude for Revelation: It should fill us with gratitude that the Almighty God has chosen to make known His profound will to us, enabling us to understand our place in His grand redemptive narrative.
  • Living in Unity: Understanding the "mystery" of Jew and Gentile unity in Christ calls believers to live out this truth in practical ways, fostering harmony and breaking down barriers within the church.
  • Purposeful Living: Our lives gain profound meaning when we realize we are part of God's eternal design, called to live in accordance with His revealed will.
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Cross-References

  • Colossians 1:26 (16 votes)

    [Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

  • Colossians 1:28 (16 votes)

    Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

  • Romans 16:25 (12 votes)

    ¶ Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

  • Romans 16:27 (12 votes)

    To God only wise, [be] glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

  • Ephesians 3:3 (12 votes)

    How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

  • Ephesians 3:9 (12 votes)

    And to make all [men] see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

  • 2 Timothy 1:9 (11 votes)

    Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,