In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
In whom - in union to whom.
Obtained an inheritance, х ekleerootheemen (G2820)] - 'Aleph (') B, Vulgate, 'We were made to have an inheritance.' Compare Ephesians 1:18, "His inheritance in the saints." As His inheritance is in them, so theirs is in Him (Acts 26:18). How ever, Ephesians 1:12, "that we should BE to ... His glory," favours Bengel, Ellicott, etc., 'We were made an inheritance.' So the literal Israel (Deuteronomy 4:20; Deuteronomy 9:29; Deuteronomy 32:9). "Also" does not mean ' we also,' nor as English version, "in whom also;" but, besides His having 'made known to us His will,' we were also 'made His inheritance,' or 'we have also obtained an inheritance:' But A Delta G f g read [ekleetheemen] 'we 'made His inheritance,' or 'we have also obtained an inheritance:' But A Delta G f g read [ekleetheemen] 'we were called,'
Predestinated (Ephesians 1:5). The foreordination of Israel as the elect nation answers to that of the spiritual Israel-believers-to an eternal inheritance. The "we" means Jewish believers (whence Israel's national election is naturally referred to), as contrasted with "you" (Ephesians 1:13), Gentile believers.
Purpose, х prothesin (G4286)] - repeated from "purposed" [proetheeto] (Ephesians 1:9; Ephesians 3:11). The Church existed in the mind of God eternally before its creation.
Counsel of his own will - Ephesians 1:5, "the good pleasure of his will." Not arbitrary caprice, but all-wise "counsel," joined with sovereign will. Compare his address to the same Ephesians, Acts 20:27, "all the counsel of God" (Isaiah 28:29). Alike in the natural and spiritual creations, God is not constrained by necessity, 'wheresoever counsel is there is election, or else it is vain: where a will, there must be freedom, or else it is weak' (Pearson). The will is general; the counsel its special expression.