Ephesians 1:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

NIV: In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,

NASB: In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will,

CSB: In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will,

NLT: Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

KJV: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

NKJV: In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,

Paul next transitions to the idea of inheritance. An inheritance was of great importance in ancient society. Most people were in the same trade as their parents, and had little or no upward mobility regarding careers. A wealthy inheritance was greatly desired. What inheritance did Paul have in mind? The believer's inheritance is two-fold. First, it means becoming a child of God; this gives us the right to expect an inheritance. Second, we gain eternity with the Lord, dwelling in His righteousness for all time.

Paul again links the concepts of predestination and the will of God. Paul took great confidence in knowing that God works out all things for the good of those who believe in Him (Romans 8:28). This was based both upon the overall teaching of Scripture as well as Paul's personal life experiences. He had endured much hardship as well as joy, knowing God would care for his needs in any and every circumstance (Philippians 4:10–20).

Paul's intent here is to point out how it was Jews who were the first to accept the gospel, according to the plan of God, and for His glory (Ephesians 1:12). Unfortunately, most of Israel rejected Jesus as the Messiah. As a result, the gospel was spread to the Gentiles (Ephesians 1:13), who share in the same inheritance.

Ephesians 1:3–14 praises God for the blessings He has provided. Paul ties together the ideas of predestination, God's glory, the salvation of His people, and the rights we have as children of God. In particular, believers are blessed because God chose, before creation, to save us. That salvation came at a great cost: the death of Jesus Christ. As children of God, we can be confident that God will give us what He has promised: namely, an eternity with Him in heaven.

The first chapter of Ephesians contains two main passages. The first describes the blessings Christians have been given as a result of our salvation through Christ. Paul explains these through praises directed to God the Father. The second section both commends the Ephesians for their reputation, and prays that Christ would bring them into an even fuller and more aware faith.

The first three chapters of Ephesians are doctrinal, while the last three are practical. Chapter 1 establishes Paul's view on the value of our salvation in Christ, and the blessings we obtain from it. He does this in the form of praise, directed at God, and describing in detail what it means to have an inheritance in heaven. Later chapters will build on these ideas as Paul connects who we are in Christ to how we should live as Christians.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.