Ephesians 1:12

To the end that we should be (ei to einai hma). Final clause with ei to and the infinitive einai (see the mere infinitive einai in verse Acts 4 ) and the accusative of general reference. Who had before hoped in Christ (tou prohlpikota en twi Cristwi). Articular perfect active participle of proelpizw, late and rare compound (here only in N.T.) and the reference of pro not clear. Probably the reference is to those who like Paul had once been Jews and had now found the Messiah in Jesus, some of whom like Simeon and Anna had even looked for the spiritual Messiah before his coming.