This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,

When a gentle south wind sprang up, they thought they could carry out their purpose, so they weighed anchor and sailed close along the coast of Crete.

When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts,

And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose,

In Christ we too have been claimed as God’s own possession, since we were predestined according to the one purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will

You, however, have followed my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance,

For a tent was prepared, the outer one, which contained the lampstand, the table, and the presentation of the loaves; this is called the holy place.

how he entered the house of God and they ate the sacred bread, which was against the law for him or his companions to eat, but only for the priests?

how he entered the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the sacred bread, which is against the law for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to his companions?”

how he entered the house of God, took and ate the sacred bread, which is not lawful for any to eat but the priests alone, and gave it to his companions?”

even before they were born or had done anything good or bad (so that God’s purpose in election would stand, not by works but by his calling) –

He is the one who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not based on our works but on his own purpose and grace, granted to us in Christ Jesus before time began,