Ephesians 1:9

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

in doing what He intended through Christ, to make known to us His secret plan, according to what pleased Him.

Cross References

Matthew 13:11

He replied, “You disciples are being given an understanding of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but the crowds of people are not.

Luke 12:32

“[And], do not be afraid, little flock [Note: Jesus refers to His small band of disciples as sheep following Him as their Shepherd], for your Father was pleased to give you the kingdom.

Luke 2:14

“May there be glory to God in the highest [heavens], and may there be peace on earth among men who are pleasing to God.”

Acts 13:48

And when the Gentiles heard this they were glad and gave honor to the message of God [i.e., they accepted it as true]. And all those who were appointed [by God] to receive never ending life [through faith and obedience] became believers.

Acts 2:23

Yet, He was handed over to you so that, by lawless men [i.e., the Romans], He was put to death by crucifixion. Now this was all done in harmony with God's full pre-knowledge and [divine] purpose.

Acts 4:28

to do what your plan and wisdom predetermined should happen.

Romans 11:25

For I want you to know this secret, brothers, so you will not become conceited: Part of the Israelites have become [spiritually] insensitive [to God], [and will remain that way] until the fullness of the Gentiles occurs. [Note: As with the Jews (verse 12), “fullness” here may mean either a large or the complete number of Gentiles who will be saved].

Romans 8:28

And we know that God works out everything for the good of those who love Him and are called [to serve Him] in harmony with His purpose [for them].

1 Corinthians 1:21

For since, according to God’s [true] wisdom, the world did not know about Him through its wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe [in Christ] through the “foolishness” of the message preached.

Galatians 1:12

[Furthermore], I did not receive this [Gospel message] from any person, nor was I taught it [by anyone]. Instead, it came to me through [a divine] revelation from Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1:15

But then it was the good pleasure of God, who set me apart [for this purpose] before I was born, to call me [to this ministry] through His unearned favor.

Galatians 1:16

[And when I was called], God revealed His Son to me so that I could preach [about] Him to the Gentiles. [When this happened] I immediately avoided discussing the matter with anyone.

Ephesians 1:11

It is in [fellowship with] Christ that we [Jewish Christians] also were selected as [God’s] inheritance [i.e., to receive His never ending blessings], having been predetermined according to the plan of God, who works out everything in harmony with what He wants.

Ephesians 1:8

which He lavished on us. [He used] wisdom and understanding,

Ephesians 3:11

according to God’s eternal purpose which He carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Timothy 3:16

And without question the revealed secret of godly living is great. [It is this]: He [i.e., Christ, or God], who appeared in a fleshly body [was] vindicated [of false charges] by the Holy Spirit; [He was] seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed in throughout the world [and finally] was taken up into glory [i.e., heaven].

2 Timothy 1:9

[It is] God who saved us and called us to live holy lives [or, “to be dedicated people”], not as a result of our [good] deeds, but in harmony with His own purpose and unearned favor. [This was] given to us through [the atoning work of] Christ Jesus, before the beginning of time. [Note: Salvation through Christ was planned before time began. See Titus 1:2; Rom. 16:25; Eph. 1:4].