I think my first reaction to reading this verse was "What did I just read?" This is maybe the most convoluted passage so far. I don't know if its more theologically complex, but it is certainly wordy. I think my task here is to break it down:
In him we have obtained an inheritance. In him we have great wealth, but not the kind of great wealth we have earned, but the great wealth that comes when our father dies. What our father was rich in, we become rich in.
having been predestined... I talked about predestination in an earlier entry. What I see as essential about this predestination, is that God has already chosen to accept us. The gift of God's glorious grace is extended to us before the day begins.
according to the purpose of him... as we learned in verse 10, God's purpose is to draw all people to himself. So this gift, this inheritance, should be understood in the context of His plan and purpose fot eh world.
who works all things according to the counsel of his will..I'm not really sure what to make of this, except that Paul is reminding the Ephesians that God consults himself in matters of the universe, not necessarily us. Any other thoughts on this part of the verse would be appreciated.
I hope to be receptive to the gifts of God tomorrow.
by the will of God,
Jonathan
3 comments:
I've got little to offer tonight, but surprisingly, the RSV does not include "we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined" in verse 11. It rephrases it and places it, not whole, in vs. 12. It doesn't make sense because it is based on the KJV, which does include it. Douay Rheims and NAB have it so it isn't a Catholic thing. hmmm. I say editing error.
It may have a thematic connection to the phrase "unite all things in Him" from vs. 10. Apparently the word unite is greek for "recapitulate" or sum up under one head". That makes me think of that phrase differently than how you thought it. It makes me think of a complete transformation and reorientation toward Christ rather than simply being drawn to Him.
The other place that word is used is in Rom. 13:9 referring to the law being "summed up" in love your neighbor as yourself. What does it mean to be "summed up" or added up into Christ. I must be redefined. I must have a different perspective on myself and others will see me differently. Like 2+1 is summed up into 3.
By being united to Him, recapitulated, and summed up, we are reoriented toward Him "who works all things according to the counsel of his will" and we are blessed and satisfied because He, and no one else, knows what is best for us.
See, I told you, I didn't have much for tonight...
I wish I could work all things according to the counsel of His will. I like what you say, Phil, about the recapitulation because it makes me think of surrender. I wonder how close the meanings of the greek words for "unite" in verse 10 and "draw" in John 12:32.
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