Ephesians 2:7
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
American King James Version (AKJV)
That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
American Standard Version (ASV)
that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus:
Basic English Translation (BBE)
That in the time to come he might make clear the full wealth of his grace in his mercy to us in Christ Jesus:
Webster's Revision
That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness towards us, through Christ Jesus.
World English Bible
that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus;
English Revised Version (ERV)
that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus:
Definitions for Ephesians 2:7
Clarke's Ephesians 2:7 Bible Commentary
That in the ages to come - God has produced us an example, and one which shall be on record through all generations, that he quickens dead souls; that he forgives the sins of the most sinful, when they repent and believe in Christ Jesus. So that what God has done for the sinners at Ephesus will serve as an encouragement to all ages of the world; and on this evidence every preacher of the Gospel may boldly proclaim that Christ saves unto the uttermost all that come unto God through him. And thus the exceeding riches of his grace will appear in the provision he has made for the salvation of both Jews and Gentiles.
This observation of the apostle is of great use and importance; because we are authorized to state, in all the successive ages of the world, that he who saved the sinners at Ephesus is ever ready to save all who, like them, repent of their sins, and believe in Christ Jesus.
Barnes's Ephesians 2:7 Bible Commentary
That in the ages to come - In all future times. The sense is, that the riches of divine grace, and the divine benignity, would be shown in the conversion of Christians and their salvation, to all future times. Such was his love to those who were lost, that it would be an everlasting monument of his mercy, a perpetual and unchanging proof that he was good. The sense is, we are raised up with Christ, and are made to partake of his honor and glory in order that others may forever be impressed wish a sense of the divine goodness and mercy to us.
The exceeding riches of his grace - The "abounding, overflowing" riches of grace; compare the notes, Ephesians 1:7. This is Paul's favorite expression - an expression so beautiful and so full of meaning that it will bear often to be repeated. We may learn from this verse:
(1) That one object of the conversion and salvation of sinners, is to furnish a "proof" of the mercy and goodness of God.
(2) another object is, that their conversion may be an "encouragement" to others. The fact that such sinners as the Ephesians had been, were pardoned and saved, affords encouragement also to others to come and lay hold on life. And so of all other sinners who are saved. Their conversion is a standing encouragement to all others to come in like manner; and now the history of the church for more than eighteen hundred years furnishes all the encouragement which we could desire.
(3) the conversion of "great" sinners is a special proof of the divine benignity. So Paul argues in the case before us; and so he often argued from his own case; compare the notes at 1 Timothy 1:16.
(4) heaven, the home of the redeemed, will exhibit the most impressive proof of the goodness of God that the universe furnishes. There will be a countless host who were once polluted and lost; who were dead in sins; who were under the power of Satan, and who have been saved by the riches of the divine grace - a host now happy and pure, and free from sin, sorrow, and death - the living and eternal monuments of the grace of God.
Wesley's Ephesians 2:7 Bible Commentary
2:7 The ages to come - That is, all succeeding ages.