Ephesians 1:11-14
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Inheritance Through the Spirit. 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,(A) 12 so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped[a] 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[b] with the promised holy Spirit,(B) 14 which is the first installment[c] of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory.(C)
II. Unity of the Church in Christ
The Church as Christ’s Body.[d]
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 1:12 We who first hoped: probably Jewish Christians (contrast Eph 1:13, you, the Gentiles); possibly the people of Israel, “we who already enjoyed the hope of Christ,” or perhaps present hope in contrast to future redemption (cf. Eph 1:14).
- 1:13 Sealed: by God, in baptism; cf. Eph 4:30; 2 Cor 1:22.
- 1:14 First installment: down payment by God on full salvation, as at 2 Cor 1:22.
- 1:15–23 See note on Rom 1:8 for the thanksgiving form in a letter. Much of the content parallels thoughts in Col 1:3–20. The prayer moves from God and Christ (Eph 1:17, 20–21) to the Ephesians (Eph 1:17–19) and the church (Eph 1:22–23). Paul asks that the blessing imparted by God the Father (Eph 1:3) to the Ephesians will be strengthened in them through the message of the gospel (Eph 1:13, 17–19). Those blessings are seen in the context of God’s might in establishing the sovereignty of Christ over all other creatures (Eph 1:19–21) and in appointing him head of the church (Eph 1:22–23). For the allusion to angelic spirits in Eph 1:21, see Rom 8:38 and Col 1:16. Here, as in 1 Cor 15:24–25 and Col 2:15, every such principality and power is made subject to Christ.
Ephesians 1:11-14
New International Version
11 In him we were also chosen,[a] having been predestined(A) according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose(B) of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.(C) 13 And you also were included in Christ(D) when you heard the message of truth,(E) the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal,(F) the promised Holy Spirit,(G) 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance(H) until the redemption(I) of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.(J)
Footnotes
- Ephesians 1:11 Or were made heirs
Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.