Chapter
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Verse
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Ephesians 1:12
ESV so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
NIV in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
NASB to the end that we who were the first to hope in the Christ would be to the praise of His glory.
CSB so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.
NLT God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God.
KJV That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
NKJV that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

What does Ephesians 1:12 mean?

Paul continues his focus on God's glory with an interesting reference to being "the first to hope in Christ." Paul saw his life and the lives of the Ephesian Christians as some of the first of many believers. This was true in two ways. First, Jewish people were the earliest to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. This happened according to the will of God, for His glory (Ephesians 1:11). And, it resulted in the gospel being spread to the Gentiles (Ephesians 1:13). Second, the Ephesians were among the first Gentile believers of Paul's ministry (Acts 18:18–19). This too was intended to bring praise to God.

Paul will mention glory again in verses 14 and 17, adding references to "glorious" in verse 6 and verse 18. This chapter repeatedly emphasizes the glory of God. God's glory was the theme of the Old Testament from early times (Exodus 14:4) and remained so even in the New Testament era. Believers exist for God's glory and to bring Him glory.
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