Ephesians 3:11 (DBY)

Passage

according to [the] purpose of the ages, which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord,

Nearby Context

Ephesians 3:9 and to enlighten all [with the knowledge of] what is the administration of the mystery hidden throughout the ages in God, who has created all things,

Ephesians 3:10 in order that now to the principalities and authorities in the heavenlies might be made known through the assembly the all-various wisdom of God,

Ephesians 3:11 according to [the] purpose of the ages, which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord,

Ephesians 3:12 in whom we have boldness and access in confidence by the faith of him.

Ephesians 3:13 Wherefore I beseech [you] not to faint through my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "purpose", "ages", "purposed", "christ", "jesus", and "lord". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "purpose" and "ages", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 10's "in order that now to the principalities..." into verse 12's "in whom we have boldness and access...", so "purpose" and "ages" belong inside that flow. In Ephesians context, the local focus is grace, union with Christ, the church, and new creation.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "purpose" and "ages" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.