had been so long hid might now be made known. It was the design of preaching the Gospel, and not the design of creation of which the apostle had occasion to speak. The natural connection of ἵνα, therefore, is with the verbs εὐαγγελίσασθαι and φωτίσαι, which express the main idea in the context. ‘ Paul,” says Olshausen, “contrasts the greatness of his vocation with his personal nothingness, and he therefore traces the design of his mission through different steps. First, he says, he had to preach to the heathen; then, to enlighten all men concerning the mystery of redemp- tion, and both, in order to manifest even to angels the infinite wisdom of God.”
The Bible clearly teaches not only that the angels take a deep interest in the work of redemption, but that their knowledge and blessedness are increased by the exhibition of the glory of God in the salvation of men.
The expression, ἡ πολυποίκιλος σοφία, “ manifold wisdom,” refers to the various aspects under which the wisdom of God is displayed in redemption; in reconciling justice and mercy; in exalting the unwor- thy while it effectually humbles them; in the person of the Redeemer, in his work; in the operations of the Holy Spirit; in the varied dispensations of the old and new economy, and in the whole conduct of the work of mercy and in its glorious consummation. It is by the church redeemed by the blood of Christ and sancti- fied by his Spirit, that to all orders of intelligent beings is to be made, through all coming ages, the brightest