Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Ephesians 1:5

"having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will," — Ephesians 1:5 (ASV)

The NIV takes “in love” (v.4) as starting a new sentence, thus emphasizing the loving nature of predestination. Any interpretation of this mysterious doctrine that detracts from the love of God is rightly suspect. It has to do with those who through Christ are to be received into God’s family by adoption. Under Roman law, an adopted son enjoyed the same status and privileges as a real son. Christ is God’s Son “by nature”; believers are so by adoption and grace, yet they are co-heirs with him (Romans 8:17). The basis of this gracious action is in the character of God himself—his “pleasure” (GK 2306) and “will” (GK 2525).