They are to be constituted an everlasting kingdom ; or, according to another symbol—a living temple, of which Jesus Christ is the chief corner stone.
V.11. God having formed and revealed the pur- pose of gathering the redeemed as one body in Christ, it is in the execution of this purpose, the apostle says: ἐν ᾧ καὶ ἐκληρώθημεν, in whom we also have obtained an inheritance. By we, in this clause, is to be under- stood neither the apostle individually, nor believers indiscriminately, but we, who first hoped in Christ ; we as contrasted with you also in v. 13; you who were formerly Gentiles in the flesh, 2,11. It is, therefore, the Jewish Christians to whom this clause refers.
Have obtained an inheritance. The word κληρόω, means to cast lots, to distribute by lot, to choose by lot, and in the middle voice, to obtain by lot or inheritance, or simply, to obtain. There are three interpretations of the word ἐκληρώθημεν in this passage, all consistent with its signification and usage. 1. Some prefer the sense to choose: ‘In whom we also were chosen, as it were, by lot, i. e. freely.’ The Vulgate translates the passage: Sorte vocati sumus; and Erasmus: Sorte electi sumus. 2. As in the Old Testament the people of God are called his inheritance, many suppose the apostle has reference to that usage and meant to say: ‘In whom we have become the inheritance of God.’ 3. The majority of commentators prefer the interpre- tation adopted in our version: ‘In whom we have obtained an inheritance.’ This view is sustained by the following considerations. 1. Though the verb is in the