Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
The design of God in giving Paul grace to proclaim to the Gentiles the mystery of salvation heretofore hidden.
now--first: opposed to "hidden from the beginning of the world" (Ephesians 3:5).
unto the principalities and--Greek adds "the"
powers--unto the various orders of good angels primarily, as these dwell "in the heavenly places" in the highest sense; "known" to their adoring joy (1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 1:12). Secondarily, God's wisdom in redemption is made known to evil angels, who dwell "in heavenly places" in a lower sense, namely, the air (compare Ephesians 2:2 with Ephesians 6:12); "known" to their dismay (1 Corinthians 15:24; Colossians 2:15).
might be known--Translate, "may be known."
by the church--"by means of," or "through the Church," which is the "theater" for the display of God's manifold wisdom (Luke 15:10; 1 Corinthians 4:9): "a spectacle (Greek, 'theater') to angels." Hence, angels are but our "fellow servants" (Revelation 19:10).
manifold wisdom--though essentially one, as Christ is one, yet varying the economy in respect to places, times, and persons (Isaiah 55:8-9; Hebrews 1:1). Compare 1 Peter 4:10, "stewards of the manifold grace of God." Man cannot understand aright its single acts till he can survey them as a connected whole (1 Corinthians 13:12). The call of the Church is no haphazard remedy, or afterthought, but part of the eternal scheme, which, amidst manifold varieties of dispensation, is one in its end.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Ezekiel 1:6
Daniel 4:26
Daniel 12:6
Zechariah 3:7
Romans 11:25
Romans 16:26
1 Corinthians 4:9
1 Corinthians 11:10
1 Corinthians 12:8-10
Ephesians 1:3
Ephesians 1:8
Ephesians 3:21
Ephesians 6:12
Colossians 1:20
Colossians 1:26
2 Thessalonians 1:10
1 Timothy 2:7
1 Timothy 3:16
Hebrews 1:6
1 Peter 3:22
Revelation 5:1
Revelation 15:7
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