display of the divine perfections. It is ταῖς ἀρχαῖς καὶ ταῖς ἐξουσίαις ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις that this exhibi- tion of the manifold wisdom of God is to be made διὰ τῆς ἐκκλησίας. This gives us our highest conception of the dignity of the church. The works of God mani- fest his glory by being what they are. It is because the universe is so vast, the heavens so glorious, the earth so beautiful and teeming, that they reveal the boundless affluence of their maker. If then it is through the church God designs specially to manifest to the highest order of intelligence, his infinite power, grace and wisdom, the church in her consummation must be the most glorious of his works. Hence preach- ing the Gospel, the appointed means to this consum- mate end, was regarded by Paul as so great a favour. To me, less than the least, was this grace given.
V. 11. This exhibition of the manifold wisdom of God was contemplated in the original conception of the plan of redemption; for the apostle adds, it was accord- ing to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Πρόθεσις τῶν αἰώνων, purpose formed in eternity—which existed through all past ages—not, purpose concerning the ages, or different periods of the world. Compare 2 Tim. 1, 9, πρόθεσιν---πρὸ χρόνων αἰωνίων. The words ἦν ἐποίησε may be rendered either, as by our translators, which he purposed, or, which he executed. The latter method is preferred by the major- ity of commentators, as better suited to the context, and especially to the words i Christ Jesus our Lord, as the title Christ Jesus always refers to the historical
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