In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace 8 that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight, 9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him 10 as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth. 11 In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, 12 so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. 13 In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised holy Spirit, 14 which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory.
St. Paul tells the Ephesians that God proved his love for us by our redemption in Christ. Through his sacrificial death, Jesus paid the ransom for the forgiveness of our sins, and through God’s magnanimous grace we receive the gift of revelation (v. 7). God who possesses all wisdom and insight has revealed to us the mystery of his will in Christ (vv. 8-9). Now is the fulfillment of time when God’s plan is to bring all things in heaven and earth to fulfillment in Christ (v. 10).
Through Christ, the Jewish believers were chosen by God to serve in accordance with his will and live for the praise of God’s glory (vv. 11-12). Paul first spoke about the graces first given to the Jewish believers and now speaks about the graces given to the Gentile believers. They have been given the gift of revelation (the word of truth and the Gospel; of salvation) and through their belief, they have been sealed with the Holy Spirit (v. 13). Through the Holy Spirit, the Gentile believers also belong to God and receive the same graces towards redemption as the Jewish believers.
Almighty God, you love, nourish, and support all who seek you in faith, all whom you have called according to your purpose. Give us the strength to live each day for the glory of your name and the charity to serve each other’s needs as we seek the greater good and avoid the lure of evil. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
Comments