Bible Commentary

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 20, 21 . Ascription of praise, closing a main section of the Epistle 20. Now unto him ] The Father, in Whose “glory” all things terminate. As it is of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 3:20”

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. 19. And to know ] An aorist verb, expressing a new and decisive development of knowledge, knowledge of the spiritual kind, the intuition of the regenerate spirit, realized in its own responsive adoring love. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 3:19”

May be able to comprehend with all saints what [is] the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 18. may be able ] R. V., may be strong; more lit. still, may get strength; the verb being aorist, pointing to a new crisis. The idea is of a wide grasp, a mighty stretch of thought … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 3:18”

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 17. that Christ may dwell ] This clause is in close connexion with the preceding. The “strengthening” is the requisite to the “dwelling”; the “dwelling” the sure sequel to the “strengthening.” See last note but one. “ Christ … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 3:17”

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 16. according to the riches of his glory ] I. e., as He can do Who is Lord of the resources of an Eternal Nature and Heavenly Kingdom. (See on Eph … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 3:16”

Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 15. of whom is named ] Lit., “ out of Whom, &c.” The derivation of the “name” is from His Fatherhood. the whole family ] Gr., patria. It is difficult to preserve in English the point of the Gr. here. “Father” and “family” have … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 3:15”

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 14 19. The main theme resumed: prayer for the Indwelling of Christ 14. For this cause ] The same phrase as that of Eph 3:1. See note there. Here the broken connexion is resumed. The “permanent habitation of God” (Eph … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 3:14”

Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. 13. Wherefore ] In view of the facts just recited; the welcome of Gentile believers into the true Israel, the Body of Christ, “according to the purpose of the ages,” for the instruction of holy angels, and for the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 3:13”

In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 12. in whom we have ] Here (see last note) is the realization. It was “purposed in Him” that we His saints should be unspeakably near to the Father; and so we now are, and angels see it. boldness ] Lit., … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 3:12”

According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 11. according to the eternal purpose ] Lit., and better, according to the purpose of the ages. I.e. the Church, as watched by the angels, presents to them the final result (final in kind) of the great Plan of Divine developments by … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ephesians 3:11”