Eph 1:7, 17-18 | JFB | STEP | 7. In whom-- "the Beloved" ( ; ). we have-- as a present possession. redemption-- Greek, "our (literally, 'the') redemption"; THE redemption which is the grand subject of all revelation, and especially of the New Testament ( ), namely, from the power, guilt, and penal consequences of sin ( ). If a man were unable to redeem himself from being a bond-servant, his kinsman might redeem him ( ). Hence, antitypically the Son of God became the Son of man, that as our kinsman He might redeem us ( ). Another "redemption" follows, namely, that "of the purchased possession" hereafter ( ). through his blood-- ( ); as the instrument; the propitiation, that is, the consideration (devised by His own love) for which He, who was justly angry ( ), becomes propitious to us; the expiation, the price paid to divine justice for our sin ( ; ; ; ; , ). the forgiveness of sins-- Greek, "the remission of our transgressions": not merely "pretermission," as the Greek ( ) ought to be translated. This "remission," being the explanation of "redemption," includes not only deliverance from sin's penalty, but from its pollution and enslaving power, negatively; and the reconciliation of an offended God, and a satisfaction unto a just God, positively. riches of his grace-- ( ); "the exceeding riches of His grace." Compare ; , "according to the riches of His glory": so that "grace" is His "glory."

‏ Ephesians 1:7

7. In whom--"the Beloved" (Ep 1:6; Ro 3:24).

we have--as a present possession.

redemption--Greek, "our (literally, 'the') redemption"; THE redemption which is the grand subject of all revelation, and especially of the New Testament (Ro 3:24), namely, from the power, guilt, and penal consequences of sin (Mt 1:21). If a man were unable to redeem himself from being a bond-servant, his kinsman might redeem him (Le 25:48). Hence, antitypically the Son of God became the Son of man, that as our kinsman He might redeem us (Mt 20:28). Another "redemption" follows, namely, that "of the purchased possession" hereafter (Ep 1:14).

through his blood--(Ep 2:13); as the instrument; the propitiation, that is, the consideration (devised by His own love) for which He, who was justly angry (Is 12:1), becomes propitious to us; the expiation, the price paid to divine justice for our sin (Ac 20:28; Ro 3:25; 1Co 6:20; Col 1:20; 1Pe 1:18, 19).

the forgiveness of sins--Greek, "the remission of our transgressions": not merely "pretermission," as the Greek (Ro 3:25) ought to be translated. This "remission," being the explanation of "redemption," includes not only deliverance from sin's penalty, but from its pollution and enslaving power, negatively; and the reconciliation of an offended God, and a satisfaction unto a just God, positively.

riches of his grace--(Ep 2:7); "the exceeding riches of His grace." Compare Ep 1:18; Ep 3:16, "according to the riches of His glory": so that "grace" is His "glory."

‏ Ephesians 1:17-18

17. A fit prayer for all Christians.

the God of our Lord Jesus--appropriate title here; as in Ep 1:20-22 he treats of God's raising Jesus to be Head over all things to the Church. Jesus Himself called the Father "My God" (Mt 27:46).

the Father of glory--(Compare Ac 7:2). The Father of that infinite glory which shines in the face of Christ, who is "the glory" (the true Shekinah); through whom also "the glory of the inheritance" (Ep 1:18) shall be ours (Joh 17:24; 2Co 3:7-4:6).

the spirit of wisdom--whose attribute is infinite wisdom and who works wisdom in believers (Is 11:2).

and revelation--whose function it is to reveal to believers spiritual mysteries (Joh 16:14, 15; 1Co 2:10).

in the knowledge--rather, as Greek (see on 1Co 13:12), "in the full knowledge of Him," namely, God.

18. understanding--The oldest manuscripts, versions, and Fathers, read "heart." Compare the contrary state of unbelieving, the heart being in fault (Ep 4:18; Mt 13:15). Translate, "Having the eyes of your heart enlightened" (Ep 5:14; Mt 4:16). The first effect of the Spirit moving in the new creation, as in the original physical creation (Ge 1:3; 2Co 4:6). So Theophilus to Autolycus (1.3), "the ears of the heart." Where spiritual light is, there is life (Joh 1:4). The heart is "the core of life" [Harless], and the fountain of the thoughts; whence "the heart" in Scripture includes the mind, as well as the inclination. Its "eye," or inward vision, both receives and contemplates the light (Mt 6:22, 23). The eye is the symbol of intelligence (Eze 1:18).

the hope of his calling--the hope appertaining to His having called you; or, to the calling wherewith He has called you.

and--omitted in the oldest manuscripts and versions.

riches of the glory--(Col 1:27).

his inheritance in the saints--The inheritance which he has in store in the case of the saints. I prefer explaining, "The inheritance which He has in his saints." (See on Ep 1:11; De 32:9).