Gr. proorizō (see on Rom. 8:29; cf. on Eph. 1:4).

 Gr. huiothesia, literally, “a placing as a son” (see on Rom. 8:15).

 Gr. eudokia, “good will,” “good pleasure.” Phrases such as “good pleasure of his will,” where two synonymous abstract terms are compounded, are characteristic of the style of Ephesians. It was God’s good pleasure to devise and put into operation the plan of salvation, whereby as many as fixed their faith in Jesus Christ should be adopted as children into the family of God (John 3:16; Rev. 22:17).

 Or, “through Jesus Christ.” He is the agent in the plan of salvation, the mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5). Far from being an angry God who requires appeasement, the Father is working through Christ to accomplish His purpose— man’s salvation. Compare Gal. 4:3-5.