Ephesians 1:11

ESV In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

NIV In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,

NASB In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will,

CSB In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will,

NLT Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

KJV 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:

NKJV In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,

What does Ephesians 1:11 mean?

Paul next transitions to the idea of inheritance. An inheritance was of great importance in ancient society. Most people were in the same trade as their parents, and had little or no upward mobility regarding careers. A wealthy inheritance was greatly desired. What inheritance did Paul have in mind? The believer's inheritance is two-fold. First, it means becoming a child of God; this gives us the right to expect an inheritance. Second, we gain eternity with the Lord, dwelling in His righteousness for all time.

Paul again links the concepts of predestination and the will of God. Paul took great confidence in knowing that God works out all things for the good of those who believe in Him (Romans 8:28). This was based both upon the overall teaching of Scripture as well as Paul's personal life experiences. He had endured much hardship as well as joy, knowing God would care for his needs in any and every circumstance (Philippians 4:10–20).

Paul's intent here is to point out how it was Jews who were the first to accept the gospel, according to the plan of God, and for His glory (Ephesians 1:12). Unfortunately, most of Israel rejected Jesus as the Messiah. As a result, the gospel was spread to the Gentiles (Ephesians 1:13), who share in the same inheritance.

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Context Summary
Ephesians 1:3–14 praises God for the blessings He has provided. Paul ties together the ideas of predestination, God's glory, the salvation of His people, and the rights we have as children of God. In particular, believers are blessed because God chose, before creation, to save us. That salvation came at a great cost: the death of Jesus Christ. As children of God, we can be confident that God will give us what He has promised: namely, an eternity with Him in heaven.

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Chapter Summary
The first chapter of Ephesians contains two main passages. The first describes the blessings Christians have been given as a result of our salvation through Christ. Paul explains these through praises directed to God the Father. The second section both commends the Ephesians for their reputation, and prays that Christ would bring them into an even fuller and more aware faith.

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