Study note

Ephesians 1:8–10

Wisdom and understanding come from God revealing his mysterious plan about Christ. In Paul's writings, mysterious will (traditionally mystery) often means a divine truth once hidden but now revealed in the good news (see 3:9). Here, it refers to how God will unite everything under Christ's authority, so he is universally recognized and respected as Lord (see Philippians 2:9–11; Colossians 1:16–20, 26–27; 2:2, 19; 4:3). Ephesians specifically highlights the inclusion of both Gentiles and Jews in God's redeemed people (see Ephesians 3:3–6; 6:19; compare Romans 16:25–26).