That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
In, х eis (G1519): rather unto] - i:e., 'which He purposed in Himself' (Ephesians 1:9), with a view to the dispensation of (i:e., the administration belonging to) the fullness of the times х kairon (G2540), 'fit times;' the moment which fills up or completes the appointed 'seasons']. More comprehensive than "the fullness of the time" (Galatians 4:4). The whole Gospel times (plural) are meant, with the benefits to the Church dispensed in them severally. Compare "the ages to come" (Ephesians 2:7). 'The ends of the ages' (Greek 1 Corinthians 10:11); "the times х kairoi (G2540), 'seasons'] of the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24); "the seasons which the Father hath put in His own power" (Acts 1:7); "the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the prophets since the world began" (Acts 3:21). The coming of Jesus at the first advent, "in the fullness of time," was one of these "times." The descent of the Holy Spirit, when "Pentecost was fully come" (Acts 2:1), was another. The testimony given by the apostles to Him "in due time" [`in its own seasons:' kairois (G2540) idiois (G2398)] (1 Timothy 2:6) was another. The conversion of the Jews, "when the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled," the second coming of Christ, the "restitution of all things," the millennial kingdom, the new heaven and earth, shall be severally instances of "the dispensation of the fullness of times" - i:e., "the dispensation of" the Gospel events and benefits belonging to their respective "times," when severally completed. God the Father, according to His own good pleasure, is the Dispenser both of the Gospel benefits and of their several fitting times (Acts 1:7).
Gather together in one, х anakephalaioosasthai (G346)] - 'sum up again (in their original unity) for Himself under one head;' 'recapitulate.' The 'good pleasure which He purposed' was 'to sum up all things х ta (G3588) panta (G3956): 'THE whole range of things'] in Christ' х to (G3588) Christoo (G5547): 'the Christ']. God sums up the whole creation in Christ, the Head of angels, with whom He is linked by His invisible nature; and of men, with whom He is linked by His humanity; of Jews and Gentiles; of the living and the dead (Ephesians 3:15); of animate and inanimate creation. Sin has disarranged the creature's relation of subordination to God. God gathers up all in Christ (Colossians 1:20). Alford, 'The Church is subordinated to Him in conscious and joyful union; those who are not His spiritually in mere subjugation, yet consciously: the inferior creatures unconsciously;-objectively, all are summed up in Him.'