Matthew Poole and continuators on Ephesians 1:13

13 In whom ye also trusted after ye heard the word of truth the gospel of your salvation ; in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy spirit of promise .

Ye Ephesians and other Gentiles.

Here is a defect of the Verb in the Greek, which may be supplied either from v. 11. which seems to be the principal Verb in the sentence, and then it must be read, In whom ye also have obtained an Inheritance: or from v. 12. trusted, which is the nearest Verb, so our Translation, In whom ye also trusted, but neither way makes any difference in the scope of the words.

The Gospel, so called either by an usual Hebraism from the true word, or by way of Eminency, as containing the most excellent and necessary of all Truths, the Doctrine of Righteousness and Life by Jesus Christ; or 3. with respect to the Law and its shadows, the truth and substance of which, is held forth in the Gospel,

both in respect of the matter contained in it, the Doctrine of Salvation, and in respect of its efficiency, as being the means whereby God works Faith, and brings to Salvation, Rom. 1.12. Heb. 2.3.

In whom either is to be referred to Believers: q. d. after ye believed in Christ, or to Sealing, and then it shews by virtue of whom this benefit of Sealing is bestowed, viz. by virtue of Christ.

Ye were secured and ascertained of your Right to the Inheritance; which we may understand to be done either by the Spirit's impressing upon the Soul, the Image of God in the Work of Regeneration, or because that cannot so well be understood to be after believing) rather by his Testinomy in mens own Consciences afterward, whether immediate by an overpowring light, shining into the Soul, and filling it with assurance of its Interest in Christ and Heaven, or mediate, enabling a man to discern that Image of God in his Soul, by which the Spirit bears Witness to his interest in the Inheritance, and assures him of it; see ch. 4.30. Rom. 8.16. Gal. 4.6.

Because the Spirit's coming was before promised, or because he verifies and confirms the Promises, in and to the Hearts of Believers.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 letter] Cor. 1.22.