‏ Ephesians 1:4

 Even as he chose us in him ( καθως εξελεξατο ημας εν αυτω ). First aorist middle indicative of  εκλεγω, to pick out, to choose. Definitive statement of God's elective grace concerning believers in Christ.

 Before the foundation of the world ( προ καταβολης κοσμου ). Old word from  καταβαλλω, to fling down, used of the deposit of seed, the laying of a foundation. This very phrase with  προ in the Prayer of Jesus (Joh 17:24) of love of the Father toward the Son. It occurs also in 1Pe 1:20. Elsewhere we have  απο (from) used with it (Mt 25:34; Lu 11:50; Heb 4:3; 9:26; Re 13:8; 17:8). But Paul uses neither phrase elsewhere, though he has  απο των αιωνων (from the ages) in Eph 3:9. Here in Eph 1:3-14. Paul in summary fashion gives an outline of his view of God's redemptive plans for the race.

 That we should be ( εινα ημας ). Infinitive of purpose with the accusative of general reference ( ημας ). See Col 1:22 for the same two adjectives and also  κατενωπιον αυτου.

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