Ephesians 1:10 Question
- Bruce A Proctor
- Aug 4
- 2 min read
He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him. Eph 1:9-11.
Good evening, my dear Bro. Paul. My the blessings of Yeshua continue to shower upon you and your family.
Sorry for my delay in getting an answer to your question on Ephesians 1:10. I appreciate the question.
Here’s my understanding:
Without going into too many details, verse 10, in my view, explains what is God’s purpose in “Himself” mentioned in verse 9. There, it is called “the mystery of His will” which was something concealed in the past but now revealed (“made known”). So, what did God make known? Verse 10 says, “in the dispensation of the fullness of time…” Notice that “dispensation” is singular, which seems to mean that Paul had a particular one in mind. This was probably a reference to the kingdom age or millennial reign of the Messiah. Why? The rest of verse 10 says, “He (God) might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him” (NKJV). This will be done in “the fullness of time,” which is time (the Greek is kairos) appointed by the Father (see Gal. 4:4). Christ will return from heaven with the church saints (redeemed Gentiles and Messianic Jews) to the earth where tribulation saints (redeemed Gentiles and Messianic Jews) will be waiting for Him and set up His kingdom. This will be the seventh and final dispensation. This explains in short what is meant by “He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him.” This will most likely occur when the millennium starts and be the fulfillment of Isa. 2:1-4; 11:1-12:6.
My explanation may raise more questions, and there are certainly more passages needed to support it. So, this is just a short version of my explanation. I hope it was helpful.
This will make a good discussion at lunch one day. I am looking forward to it.
Blessings to you and your family.