Ephesians 2:7

That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

That {G2443} in {G1722} the ages {G165} to come {G1904} he might shew {G1731} the exceeding {G5235} riches {G4149} of his {G846} grace {G5485} in {G1722} his kindness {G5544} toward {G1909} us {G2248} through {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424}.

in order to exhibit in the ages to come how infinitely rich is his grace, how great is his kindness toward us who are united with the Messiah Yeshua.

in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus:

Context

Ephesians 2:7 follows Paul's profound explanation of humanity's spiritual death and God's miraculous intervention. In the preceding verses (Ephesians 2:1-3), Paul describes believers as formerly "dead in trespasses and sins," children of wrath. Then, in Ephesians 2:4-6, he highlights God's immense love and rich mercy, which made us alive with Christ, raised us up, and seated us with Him in heavenly places. Verse 7 serves as the culmination, stating the grand purpose behind this incredible act of salvation: to display God's boundless grace for all eternity.

Key Themes

  • The Display of God's Grace: The primary purpose of God's saving work is to demonstrate His "exceeding riches of his grace." This isn't just grace, but grace beyond measure, abundant and overflowing. It reveals the depth of His unmerited favor towards undeserving humanity.
  • God's Kindness: The grace is manifested through God's inherent goodness and benevolence. His kindness is the active expression of His gracious character, particularly evident in the act of redemption through Christ.
  • Through Christ Jesus: This phrase is central to Christian theology. All of God's redemptive work, His grace, and His kindness are channeled exclusively "through Christ Jesus." He is the mediator and the means by which salvation is accomplished and delivered to believers. Jesus Himself declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
  • Ages to Come: This refers to the ongoing future, eternity. God's display of grace isn't limited to the present age or to those who are currently saved; it is a timeless, eternal demonstration that will continue to astonish and glorify Him through all generations and through all of eternity. It serves as a perpetual testament to His character and His saving power.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "exceeding riches" in Greek is hyperballō ploutos (ὑπερβάλλω πλοῦτος). Hyperballō means "to throw beyond, to surpass, to excel," emphasizing something extraordinary or immeasurable. Ploutos means "wealth" or "riches." Together, they powerfully convey an unimaginable, overflowing abundance of God's grace (Greek: charis), which is His unmerited favor. The word "kindness" (Greek: chrēstotēs) signifies moral goodness, integrity, and benignity, showing God's gentle and benevolent disposition towards us.

Practical Application

Ephesians 2:7 offers profound assurance and a call to worship for believers today:

  • Assurance of God's Love: It reminds us that our salvation is not based on our merit but entirely on God's incredible grace and kindness, securing our hope for the future.
  • Eternal Perspective: Understanding that God's grace will be showcased "in the ages to come" encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that His work in us is part of a grand, everlasting plan. This display of grace will continue to be a source of wonder and praise.
  • Motivation for Gratitude and Service: Recognizing the immeasurable cost of our salvation and the boundless grace extended to us should inspire deep gratitude and a desire to live lives that honor God. Just as God has been kind to us, we are called to extend kindness to others.
  • The Centrality of Christ: The verse firmly establishes that all these blessings flow "through Christ Jesus," reinforcing His indispensable role in our salvation and our relationship with God. This truth is further elaborated in the very next verse, Ephesians 2:8, which highlights salvation by grace through faith.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Titus 3:4

    But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

  • 1 Timothy 1:16

    Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

  • 1 Timothy 1:17

    Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:12

    That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Ephesians 2:4

    ¶ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

  • Revelation 5:9

    And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

  • Revelation 5:14

    And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four [and] twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
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