Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
Even as he chose us in him (kaqwv ecelecato hmav en autw). First aorist middle indicative of eklegw, to pick out, to choose. Definitive statement of God's elective grace concerning believers in Christ.
Before the foundation of the world (pro katabolhv kosmou). Old word from kataballw, to fling down, used of the deposit of seed, the laying of a foundation. This very phrase with pro in the Prayer of Jesus (John 17:24) of love of the Father toward the Son. It occurs also in I Peter 1:20. Elsewhere we have apo (from) used with it (Matthew 25:34; Luke 11:50; Hebrews 4:3; Hebrews 9:26; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 17:8). But Paul uses neither phrase elsewhere, though he has apo twn aiwnwn (from the ages) in Ephesians 3:9. Here in Ephesians 1:3-14. Paul in summary fashion gives an outline of his view of God's redemptive plans for the race.
That we should be (einai hmav). Infinitive of purpose with the accusative of general reference (hmav). See Colossians 1:22 for the same two adjectives and also katenwpion autou.
Other Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) entries containing Ephesians 1:4:
Luke 11:50
John 1:9
John 17:24
Romans 8:29
1 Corinthians 1:6
Ephesians 1:4
Ephesians 1:12
1 Thessalonians 1:4
2 Thessalonians 2:13
Titus 1:2
1 Peter 1:20
Jude 1:24
Revelation 13:8
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