What does Ephesians 3:11 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 3:11 refers to God's overarching plan for humanity and the universe, a plan which has been unfolding since before time began and which centers on the person and work of Jesus Christ.

In the context of the letter, the Apostle Paul is revealing a mystery that had been hidden for ages but is now disclosed to the followers of Jesus.

This "eternal purpose" or plan of God is described as being accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This suggests that God's intentions and designs for creation are not random or ad hoc but are part of a deliberate and eternal plan with Christ at the very center.

The verse underscores the sovereignty of God in salvation history, emphasizing that everything that happens is part of His divine will.

The use of the term "eternal purpose" suggests that this plan is not constrained by time as humans understand it and that it will certainly come to fruition.

Christ Jesus our Lord is the means through which this purpose is realized, suggesting that the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus were always part of God's plan to redeem and reconcile all things to Himself.

Historical Context

Ephesians is one of the Pauline Epistles in the New Testament and was written by the Apostle Paul, traditionally believed to be around AD 60-62, possibly during Paul's imprisonment in Rome.

The letter is addressed to the church in Ephesus, a major city of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), which was a center for commerce and religious practice.

During this time, the Christian church was expanding into Gentile (non-Jewish) territories, and there were growing pains associated with this expansion, including debates about circumcision, food laws, and the importance of the Jewish Law for Gentile converts.

Paul writes to address these issues and more, aiming to unify the diverse body of believers in Ephesus and to reinforce the notion of God's plan being inclusive of all people through Jesus Christ.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints offer insights into Ephesians 3:11:

• Predestination and Election: From a Reformed or Calvinist perspective, this verse has often been seen as highlighting God's sovereignty in predestining the salvation of individuals and the ultimate reconciliation of all things.
• Dispensationalism: Dispensationalists might emphasize the unfolding of God's purpose across different epochs or dispensations, with Christ's redemptive work being crucial to this development.
• Arminianism: Opposed to the idea of predestination, Arminians would emphasize that while God has an eternal purpose realized in Christ, human free will plays a role in individual salvation and the corporate fulfillment of God's plan.
• Catholicism: The Catholic teaching would place this verse in the context of God's salvific plan for all humankind, fulfilled in Christ and administered through the Church.

Practical Applications

Ephesians 3:11 can be applied in daily life in several ways:

• Trust in God's Plan: Believers can find comfort in the idea that God has a purpose and that it is unfolding according to His will, even if individual circumstances are difficult.
• Unity in Christ: Since God’s eternal purpose is manifested in Christ, Christians are urged to live in unity as one body despite diverse backgrounds.
• Mission and Evangelism: Understanding God's plan as inclusive and fulfilled in Jesus compels Christians to be active in sharing their faith with others.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 1:9-10: "Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 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:"
• Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
• 2 Timothy 1:9: "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,"

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of Ephesians 3:11 include:

• Eternal (αἰώνιον, aiōnion): Age-long, without beginning or end, everlasting.
• Purpose (πρόθεσιν, prothesin): A setting forth or a proposal, a plan or intention.
• Purposed (ἐποίησεν, epoiēsen): Made, accomplished, ordained.

These Greek words lend weight to the meaning of the verse by emphasizing both the timelessness and intentionality of God's plan, which is actualized in Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this Christian concept to other ancient myths and religious interpretations:

• In Greek mythology, the concept of fate (moira) was considered unchangeable, and even the gods were subject to it.

In contrast, Paul presents God as the ultimate author of a purposeful plan that is fulfilled in Christ.

• In Judaism, the idea of a divine plan is also present, with a focus on God's covenants with Israel.

However, Ephesians reveals that God's plan extends beyond Israel to include Gentiles in salvation.

• In Eastern religions such as Hinduism, the idea of an eternal purpose may parallel concepts like dharma or cosmic order, but with significant differences in understanding the nature of reality and salvation.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, discussions on the intersection between this verse and modern scientific understandings could involve:

• Cosmology: The concept of an "eternal purpose" might be explored in light of the origins and eventual fate of the universe as described by modern cosmology.
• Evolutionary Theory: The verse could be contrasted with the understanding of the development of life and the cosmos as a product of natural processes without invoking an overriding purpose.

Commentaries

Various experts and Bible scholars have offered their thoughts on Ephesians 3:11:

• John Stott: Stott sees this verse as encapsulating the cosmic and redemptive scope of God's plan which was executed through Jesus Christ.
• Matthew Henry: In his commentary, Henry reflects on the wisdom of God in concealing this mystery until the time was right for its revelation in Christ.
• **F.F.

Bruce:** Bruce focuses on the fulfillment of this eternal purpose specifically within the Church, which acts as a microcosm of the totality of God's plan.