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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ephesians 3:11 according to the eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/3-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/49_Eph_03_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 3:11 - The Mystery of the Gospel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="according to the eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." /><script type="application/javascript" 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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ephesians/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ephesians/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ephesians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ephesians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ephesians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />according to the eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/ephesians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />according to <i>the</i> purpose of the ages, which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ephesians/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ephesians/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ephesians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br /><i>This was</i> in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ephesians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ephesians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br /><i>This was</i> in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ephesians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br /><i>This was</i> in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ephesians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br /><i>This is</i> in accordance with [the terms of] the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ephesians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is according to his eternal purpose accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ephesians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is according to His eternal purpose accomplished in the Messiah, Jesus our Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ephesians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ephesians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God did this according to his eternal plan. And he was able to do what he had planned because of all Christ Jesus our Lord had done. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ephesians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ephesians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />This was God's plan for all of history which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ephesians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />God did this according to his eternal purpose, which he achieved through Christ Jesus our Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ephesians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />in keeping with the eternal purpose that God carried out through the Messiah Jesus our Lord, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ephesians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />according to the eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ephesians/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ephesians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />according to the purpose of the ages which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ephesians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Such was the eternal purpose which He had formed in Christ Jesus our Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ephesians/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />according to the eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ephesians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />according to a purpose of the ages, which He made in Christ Jesus our Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/ephesians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />according to <i>the</i> purpose of the ages, which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ephesians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> according to a purpose of the ages, which He made in Christ Jesus our Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ephesians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />According to the purpose of times immemorial which he made in Christ Jesus our Lord:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ephesians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />According to the eternal purpose, which he made, in Christ Jesus our Lord: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ephesians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />according to that timeless purpose, which he has formed in Christ Jesus our Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ephesians/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Which is the wisdom he prepared in ages past, and has carried out in Jesus Christ our LORD:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />That which he had prepared from eternity and performed in Yeshua The Messiah Our Lord,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/ephesians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />according to the arrangement of the ages, which he established by Christ Jesus our Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/ephesians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />according to the purpose of the ages which he made in Christ Jesus our Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/ephesians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />according to the purpose from everlasting, which he formed in Christ Jesus our Lord:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/ephesians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />in pursuance of that dispensation which he made to former ages by Christ Jesus our Lord:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Such was the eternal purpose which He had formed in Christ Jesus our Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/ephesians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />according to a purpose of the ages which He made in Christ Jesus our Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/ephesians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />according to the ancient purpose, which He executed in Christ Jesus our Lord:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ephesians/3-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=483" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ephesians/3.htm">The Mystery of the Gospel</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">according to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/165.htm" title="165: aiōnōn (N-GMP) -- From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.">the eternal</a> <a href="/greek/4286.htm" title="4286: prothesin (N-AFS) -- From protithemai; a setting forth, i.e. proposal; specially, the show-bread as exposed before God.">purpose</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hēn (RelPro-AFS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">that</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: epoiēsen (V-AIA-3S) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">He accomplished</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christō (N-DMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ</a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsou (N-DMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">our</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyriō (N-DMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">Lord.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">12</span>In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28-30</a></span><br />And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. / For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. / And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-9.htm">2 Timothy 1:9</a></span><br />He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Colossians 1:16-17</a></span><br />For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. / He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-9.htm">Ephesians 1:9-11</a></span><br />And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ / as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ. / In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-7.htm">1 Corinthians 2:7</a></span><br />No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/46-10.htm">Isaiah 46:10</a></span><br />I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-23.htm">Acts 2:23</a></span><br />He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-20.htm">1 Peter 1:20</a></span><br />He was known before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in the last times for your sake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1-3</a></span><br />In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-20.htm">Hebrews 13:20-21</a></span><br />Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, / equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21</a></span><br />Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-24.htm">Isaiah 14:24</a></span><br />The LORD of Hosts has sworn: “Surely, as I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-35.htm">Daniel 4:35</a></span><br />All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-25.htm">Romans 16:25-26</a></span><br />Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past / but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">1 John 3:8</a></span><br />The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/1-4.htm">Ephesians 1:4,9,11</a></b></br> According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/14-24.htm">Isaiah 14:24-27</a></b></br> The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, <i>so</i> shall it stand: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/46-10.htm">Isaiah 46:10,11</a></b></br> Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times <i>the things</i> that are not <i>yet</i> done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/1-20.htm">Accomplished</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-19.htm">Accordance</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-9.htm">Ages</a> <a href="/galatians/2-13.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-9.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/galatians/6-8.htm">Eternal</a> <a href="/galatians/4-19.htm">Formed</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-9.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-15.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-9.htm">Purposed</a> <a href="/acts/22-29.htm">Realized</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/6-13.htm">Accomplished</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-16.htm">Accordance</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-21.htm">Ages</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-14.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-9.htm">Eternal</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-13.htm">Formed</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-14.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-1.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/colossians/1-20.htm">Purposed</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-5.htm">Realized</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/3-1.htm">The hidden mystery that the Gentiles should be saved was made known to Paul by revelation;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/3-8.htm">and to him was that grace given, that he should preach it.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/3-13.htm">He desires them not to be discouraged over his tribulation;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/3-14.htm">and prays that they may perceive the great love of Christ toward them.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ephesians/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>according to the eternal purpose</b><br>This phrase highlights the divine plan that God established before the foundation of the world. The concept of an "eternal purpose" suggests a plan that transcends time and human history, rooted in God's sovereign will. This aligns with other scriptures such as <a href="/ephesians/1-4.htm">Ephesians 1:4-5</a>, which speaks of God choosing us in Christ before the creation of the world. The eternal nature of this purpose underscores God's omniscience and omnipotence, ensuring that His plans are unchangeable and certain.<p><b>that He accomplished</b><br>The use of "accomplished" indicates the fulfillment and completion of God's plan. This reflects the biblical theme of God's faithfulness in bringing His promises to fruition. The Greek term used here can also imply a sense of bringing to full realization, suggesting that what God set out to do has been fully realized. This is echoed in <a href="/isaiah/46-10.htm">Isaiah 46:10</a>, where God declares the end from the beginning, emphasizing His ability to bring His purposes to completion.<p><b>in Christ Jesus</b><br>Christ Jesus is central to God's eternal purpose, serving as the means through which God's plan is realized. This phrase emphasizes the role of Jesus as the Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm">Hebrews 9:15</a>, and His life, death, and resurrection are the pivotal events in God's redemptive history. The phrase also highlights the union believers have with Christ, as seen in passages like <a href="/galatians/2-20.htm">Galatians 2:20</a>, where Paul speaks of being crucified with Christ.<p><b>our Lord</b><br>Referring to Jesus as "our Lord" acknowledges His authority and divinity. This title affirms the early Christian confession of Jesus as Lord, which was a radical declaration in the context of the Roman Empire, where Caesar was often hailed as lord. The lordship of Christ is a central theme in the New Testament, as seen in <a href="/philippians/2-9.htm">Philippians 2:9-11</a>, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This title also signifies the personal relationship believers have with Jesus, recognizing Him as their sovereign ruler and master.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological insights.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>A major city in Asia Minor, Ephesus was a center of commerce and culture. The Ephesian church was one of the early Christian communities to which Paul wrote.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/christ_jesus.htm">Christ Jesus</a></b><br>Central to this verse, Jesus is the fulfillment of God's eternal purpose. His life, death, and resurrection are the means by which God's plan is accomplished.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_eternal_purpose.htm">God's Eternal Purpose</a></b><br>This refers to God's overarching plan for humanity, which has been in place since before the foundation of the world and is fulfilled in Christ.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_church.htm">The Church</a></b><br>While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the church is the body through which God's purpose is revealed and accomplished in the world.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_eternal_purpose.htm">Understanding God's Eternal Purpose</a></b><br>Recognize that God's plan is eternal and unchanging, providing stability and assurance in a changing world.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/christ_as_the_fulfillment.htm">Christ as the Fulfillment</a></b><br>Acknowledge that Jesus is central to God's purpose, and our relationship with Him is key to understanding our role in God's plan.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_with_purpose.htm">Living with Purpose</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to align our lives with God's eternal purpose, seeking to live in a way that reflects His will and glory.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_church.htm">The Role of the Church</a></b><br>The church is the vehicle through which God's purpose is revealed. Engage actively in your local church community to participate in God's plan.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Trust that God's purpose will be accomplished, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_should_young_christians_live.htm">Is God's love considered reckless?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_god's_plans_for_your_future.htm">What are God's plans for your future?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_bible_question_answers.htm">What are the answers to Bible questions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_create_humans_if_most_reject_him.htm">Why did God create humans knowing most would reject Him and end up in Hell?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) <span class= "bld">The eternal purpose.</span>--Properly, <span class= "ital">the purpose of the ages;</span> but the sense clearly is, of the purpose of God (see <a href="/ephesians/1-11.htm" title="In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will:">Ephesians 1:11</a>), conceived before the ages of His dispensation, and fulfilled through them. Hence the rendering of our version is substantially correct.<p><span class= "bld">Which he purposed.</span>--It should be, <span class= "ital">which He wrought, </span>or <span class= "ital">made, </span>for the word is quite distinct from the substantive "purpose," and is in itself ambiguous, capable of meaning either <span class= "ital">ordained</span> or <span class= "ital">worked out.</span> Either sense will suit the passage; but the latter perhaps better, since the idea is throughout of the completion and manifestation of the mystery of God's purpose in the Lord Jesus Christ.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.</span> The apostle is ever anxious that we should connect these operations, of God with the profundity, deliberation, and awfulness of an eternal decree, and that we should thus contrast them in our minds with many even of the most important works of man which are often determined, on his part, by a passing event or other trivial cause. The verb in this clause is <span class="greek">ἐποίησε</span>, which he made, and it has been debated whether it denotes the original formation of the purpose, or the execution of it under Christ. With A.V. and R.V., we prefer the former. The object of the apostle is to indicate that the purpose existed from eternity; but, besides, the meaning of "fulfilled" or "executed" can hardly be sustained by <span class="greek">ἐποίησε</span>. The closing formula, "in Christ Jesus," is perfectly applicable to the eternal formation of the purpose; it is the constantly returning indication of the element in which the whole scheme of grace had its beginning, its progress, and its end. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ephesians/3-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">according to</span><br /><span class="grk">κατὰ</span> <span class="translit">(kata)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] eternal</span><br /><span class="grk">αἰώνων</span> <span class="translit">(aiōnōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_165.htm">Strong's 165: </a> </span><span class="str2">From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">purpose</span><br /><span class="grk">πρόθεσιν</span> <span class="translit">(prothesin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4286.htm">Strong's 4286: </a> </span><span class="str2">From protithemai; a setting forth, i.e. proposal; specially, the show-bread as exposed before God.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">ἣν</span> <span class="translit">(hēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">He accomplished</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐποίησεν</span> <span class="translit">(epoiēsen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Christ</span><br /><span class="grk">Χριστῷ</span> <span class="translit">(Christō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> </span><span class="str2">Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jesus</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἰησοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Iēsou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">our</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμῶν</span> <span class="translit">(hēmōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Lord.</span><br /><span class="grk">Κυρίῳ</span> <span class="translit">(Kyriō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/3-11.htm">Ephesians 3:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ephesians/3-11.htm">Ephesians 3:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ephesians/3-11.htm">Ephesians 3:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ephesians/3-11.htm">Ephesians 3:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ephesians/3-11.htm">Ephesians 3:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/3-11.htm">Ephesians 3:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/3-11.htm">Ephesians 3:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/3-11.htm">Ephesians 3:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/3-11.htm">Ephesians 3:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ephesians/3-11.htm">Ephesians 3:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ephesians/3-11.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he (Ephes. Eph. 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