in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of offences, according to the riches of his grace;
Commentary for this verse has not been generated yet.
which he has caused to abound towards us in all wisdom and intelligence,
Verse 7 has just spoken of redemption and forgiveness "according to the riches of his grace." Verse 8 says that grace did not stop there — so what does God give a forgiven person next, and why does He give it as wisdom?
Forgiveness of sins is enormous. Still, this verse treats it as a starting point, not a ceiling:
The free forgiveness of our sins in Christ is far from exhausting the riches of the grace of God. He who saves us is the only wise God. In the way He works now, as the Creator of His Church, He shows to faith both the glory of His wisdom and the deep perfection of His plan.
Notice what the verse does not say. Forgiveness meets a need. Wisdom is about something else:
It is not said, "abounded toward us in forgiving us," because full forgiveness is a positive need. But when we hear of "wisdom and prudence," it is a question of God's counsels about His Son. That stands above any thought of need, and does not depend on it. He says, as it were, You are able now to enter into My thoughts, and understand them when I speak. You are delivered from anxiety about your sins, and are free now to enter into My purpose.
The ESV says "insight." Older versions say "prudence." Others translate it "intelligence." One writer separates the two words like this:
As far as I know, wisdom is resource or ability, but prudence means intelligence. Wisdom would be the ability to understand these things. Intelligence would be that you grasp them. Without the ability to understand these things we could never have them as light in our souls.
And He gives this wisdom so that we can enjoy it, not just know it:
Not only has He abounded to us in connection with His grace, but also in connection with His wisdom. Verse 8 speaks of "wisdom and prudence [or, intelligence]." He has made known the secrets of His wisdom. His aim is that we should enter into them with understanding, and enjoy them.
This wisdom is not open to human cleverness:
But the true knowledge of God's way belongs only to those who have been made alive by His grace, and fully established through faith in Jesus. Natural cleverness has no power to reach the mysteries of God. They are open only to the spiritual person.
Warm grace and cool wisdom can feel like opposites. One writer joins them:
God has abounded in this grace. There is no limiting, no reserve — only the full, free flow of His love, showing His favour to His saints. This grace is not moved by a burst of eager affection alone. It is moved by pure wisdom and prudence, with the calm deliberation of eternal intelligence (v.8). How perfectly His grace and wisdom are mingled in these marvellous things!
Verse 9 goes on to speak of God "making known to us the mystery of his will." You share your plans with a friend. One writer draws that line:
He acts according to the "riches of His grace." He has caused that grace to abound toward us "in all wisdom and intelligence" (as it may be read). This suits people called to such a calling. He does it by making known the mystery of His will, which He purposed in Himself for the glory of Christ. He treats us as friends (compare John 15:15), in the place of intimacy and nearness.
God does not hold this blessing back for heaven. He means us to know it on earth, today:
God has given us of His grace in all wisdom and prudence. He is not content to give us this portion only by bringing us into it later on. He wants to give us the knowledge of it now, here below, in all wisdom and prudence, according to His good pleasure. We have not to do with a God who sets us before His justice, but with a God of grace who acts according to His own thoughts.
Commentators differ in emphasis. Some read "wisdom and prudence" as qualities in God's own way of acting. Others read them as capacities He gives to us.
- Overflow. Forgiveness is where grace begins, not where it ends. The same riches that cancelled sin keep pouring out in wisdom.
- Freed to listen. God has settled our anxiety about sin, so the mind is free for something higher: His counsels about His Son.
- Capacity. "Wisdom" is the ability to take in God's things. "Insight" or "intelligence" is grasping them — light in the soul, not facts in the head.
- Friendship. God makes His purpose known the way a friend shares plans. He brings us near instead of keeping us at a distance.
- Now. This intimacy is not postponed to glory; He intends us to know and enjoy it here, today.