Subject: Suffering and God's providence |
Bible Note: Eph 1:11 in whom also we did obtain an inheritance, being foreordained according to the purpose of Him who the all things is working according to the counsel of His will, (Young's) Eph 1:11 in whom we also have been chosen to an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of the One working all things according to the counsel of His own will, (LITV) Eph 1:11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, (ESV) Eph 1:11 in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will; (ASV) Eph 1:11 in Him in whom also we were appointed by lot [or, obtained an inheritance], having been predestined according to the purpose [or, plan] of the One supernaturally working all [things] according to the counsel [or, intention] of His will, (Analytical/Literal) The phrase in question, "Who works all things" is "tou ta panta energountos", the key word being "energeo". Here is Thayer's Definition: 1) to be operative, be at work, put forth power 1a) to work for one, aid one 2) to effect 3) to display one’s activity, show one’s self operative This is Strong's: to be active, efficient: - do, (be) effectual (fervent), be mighty in, shew forth self, work (effectually in). Quite simply, this is "to work an original work". To say, "work out", we are saying "to take what has already been worked (as an original work) and change it, or manage it. I do not believe that is what this text is saying. God is in control, and that is good news to me! Love in Christ, Mark |