He chooses “us” (Ephesians 1:4). This is part of the mystery God hid for ages.2 The Son of God, stands at the center of that mystery,3 and explains it to all who want to learn.4 He uses Paul as His “ambassador”5 to explain the mystery to the Gentiles.6 Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is all about the “us.”
To better understand how Ephesians defines the “us,” we should step back in time. Through the centuries God makes many choices that prepare for this final choice – “us.” God selects Abraham, saying,
For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him (Genesis 18:19).
God’s choice of Abraham looks forward to One who is far greater: Abraham’s Seed or Offspring (Genesis 22:18).7 The same is true when God chooses Isaac, not Ishmael;8 then Jacob, not Esau.9
1. Research subject – Book of Life: Exodus 32:32; Daniel 12:1; Malachi 3:16; Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 20:12,15; 21:27
2. 1 Corinthians 2:7; Romans 16:25; 1 Peter 1:10-12
5. Ephesians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 5:20
6. Ephesians 3:1-9; Colossians 1:25-27
7. Research subject – Seed: Genesis 3:15; 21:12; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14; 2 Samuel 7:12-13; 22:51; 1 Chronicles 17:11-12; Psalm 18:50; 89:35-36,29,36; Acts 3:25; Romans 1:3; Galatians 3:16,19. The Old Testament Hebrew word zera (seed, offspring) can have a singular meaning (descendant) or a plural meaning (descendants). Galatians 3:16 shows that Genesis 22:18 uses the singular meaning and refers to Christ.