To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Ver. 10. Might be known by the Church] As by a glass or theatre.
The manifold wisdom, &c.] Gr. πολυποικιλος, that hath abundance of curious variety in it, such as is seen in the best pictures or textures. This the very angels look intently into (as the cherubims in the tabernacle did into the mercyseat), and are much amused and amazed thereat. They see then man's salvation by Christ is a plot of God's own devising. Their experimental knowledge is much increased by their observation of God's daily dealing with his people.