Ephesians 1 - Introduction - Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible

(1) The salutation, Ephesians 1:1-2.

(2) The doctrine of predestination, and its hearing and design, Ephesians 1:3-14.

1. It is the foundation of praise to God, and is a source of gratitude, Ephesians 1:3.
1. Christians have been chosen before the foundation of the world, Ephesians 1:4.
2. The object was that they should be holy and blameless, Ephesians 1:4.
3. They were predestinated to be the children of God, Ephesians 1:5.
4. The cause of this was the good pleasure of God, or he did it according to the purpose of his will, Ephesians 1:5.
5. The object of this was his own glory, Ephesians 1:6.

(3) The benefits of the plan of predestination to those who are thus chosen, Ephesians 1:7-14.

1. They have redemption and the forgiveness of sins, Ephesians 1:7-8.
1. They are made acquainted with the mystery of the divine will, Ephesians 1:9-10.
2. They have obtained an inheritance in Christ, Ephesians 1:11.
3. The object of this was the praise of the glory of God, Ephesians 1:12.
4. As the result of this, or in the execution of this purpose, they were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,Ephesians 1:13-14 Ephesians 1:13-14.

(4) An earnest prayer that they might have a full understanding of the great and glorious plan of redemption, Ephesians 1:15-23,

1. Paul says that he had been informed of their faith, Ephesians 1:15.
1. He always remembered them in his prayers, Ephesians 1:16.
2. His special desire was that they might see the glory of the Lord Jesus, whom God had exalted to his own right hand in heaven, Ephesians 1:17-23.