Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
predestinated—more special in respect to the end and precise means, than "chosen" or elected. We are "chosen" out of the rest of the world; "predestinated" to all things that secure the inheritance for us (Ephesians 1:11; Romans 8:29). "Foreordained."
by Jesus—Greek, "through Jesus."
to himself—the Father (Colossians 1:20). ALFORD explains, "adoption . . . into Himself," that is, so that we should be partakers of the divine nature (II Peter 1:4). LACHMANN reads, "unto Him." The context favors the explanation of CALVIN: God has regard to Himself and the glory of His grace (Ephesians 1:6, Ephesians 1:12, Ephesians 1:14) as His ultimate end. He had one only-begotten Son, and He was pleased for His own glory, to choose out of a lost world many to become His adopted sons. Translate, "unto Himself."
the good pleasure of his will—So the Greek (Matthew 11:26; Luke 10:21). We cannot go beyond "the good pleasure of His will" in searching into the causes of our salvation, or of any of His works (Ephesians 1:9). (Job 33:13.) Why needest thou philosophize about an imaginary world of optimism? Thy concern is to take heed that thou be not bad. There was nothing in us which deserved His love (Ephesians 1:1, Ephesians 1:9, Ephesians 1:11) [BENGEL].
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Ephesians 1:5:
Song of Solomon 1:15
Jeremiah 3:19
Ephesians 1:1
Ephesians 1:3
Ephesians 1:3
Ephesians 1:4
Ephesians 1:11
Ephesians 4:1
Philippians 2:13
1 Thessalonians 5:9
Hebrews 2:4
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