8:22 possessed. “Possessed” is the same word as “acquired.” The Lord Jesus Christ was not merely the only Son of God, but the only begotten Son of God. He was “in the beginning” with God, and He was God (John 1:1-2). At the same time, He is the “only begotten” (John 1:18; 3:16; etc.), eternally proceeding from the Father (Micah 5:2). The doctrine of the “eternal generation” of the Son from the Father is beyond human comprehension, but can be apprehended by faith as the only way to explain all we know about the Father and the Son.

8:22 of old. God’s “ways” were before His “works.”

8:23 set up. “Set up” is the same word as “anointed.”