Ephesians 2:7 That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. Two interpretations are given of this verse. I. By ages to come, some understand the times that were to succeed the apostle to the end of, the world. And then the sense of the verse is — That God poured out the exceeding riches of His grace upon the. apostles and churches of old to be encouraging examples to the end of the world. Which they are — 1. As to the characters of those whom He has saved. They were sinners. They were the chief of them. "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation," etc. (1 Timothy 1:15, 16). They were all sorts. "And such were some of you," etc. (1 Corinthians 6:11). "Who will have all men to be saved," etc. (1 Timothy 2:4). "For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed," etc. (Romans 10:11, etc.). 2. As to the blessings given to them. They were sought out. Quickened, justified, adopted, sanctified, preserved, glorified. 3. As to the grace given them, suited to their trials. To Abraham, faith. Job, patience. To Daniel, integrity. Paul, zeal. II. By ages to come, some understand future glory (Hebrews 6:5). Then the sense is — That God bestows various and inestimable blessings upon His people here, that they may see them more perfectly in glory (1 Corinthians 13:9-12). (H. Foster, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. |
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