Paul’s Prayer and Plea
—Ephesians 3:14-21, 4:1-6

A verse by verse study of Ephesians 3:14-21 and 4:1-6. Paul writes a beautiful prayer and exhortation for the Christians at Ephesus

1 Paul’s Prayer

Paul tells the Ephesians that he prays for them. He asks that they may grow strong and be fully blessed.

Kneeling before the Father

Satan has caused terrible troubles in the world. He has covered the world with darkness. Yet it has always been possible for people to pray to the Father in heaven. He is not only “our Father in heaven” but also "the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 3:14). It is in view of Christ’s sacrifice that this access to the Father has been possible —even before the cross.

When we approach God, we "through Christ have access by one Spirit to the Father " (Ephesians 2:18). Both Christ and the Spirit intercede for us when we pray (Romans 8:26,34). Christ is our high priest who himself has suffered trials on earth. We know he is present, representing us, when we pray to the Father.

When we address the Father, we are also praying to Christ and the Holy Spirit because they are present as intercessors and helpers. Jesus invites us to address the Father, but he also hears our prayer. So when we address the Father, we “tell it to Jesus”. Therefore "we come boldly to the throne of grace, so that we can obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:14-16).

We do not pray only for ourselves, but for others and our concerns for them. So Paul asks God to help the Ephesians.

Family Privilege

After saying "I kneel before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 3:14), Paul then adds, "From him the whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name" (Ephesians 3:15). There are three questions here:

• 1. Who does “him” refer to, the Father or Christ?
• 2. What “family” or families are referred to?
• 3. What “name” is referred to?

Paul has in mind the Father of a family or nation, a πατρια (patria) meaning a paternal lineage, a father’s descendants. This family exists both in heaven and on earth. This could mean the whole family of man, or rather it could mean "the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19). This is the family of those, from every nation, who are made holy in Christ. They are "fellow heirs of the same body" (Ephesians 3:6). They wear his name, "above every name that is named" ( Ephesians1:21).

What Paul Asks For the Disciples

• May God strengthen you, with his power, through his Spirit, in your inner being.
• May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith.
• May you put down roots in love, and in love lay your foundation.
• May you be empowered with all the holy ones, to grasp how wide and long and deep and high is the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.
• May you be filled to all the fullness of God.

These are obviously not only Paul’s prayers for the Ephesians, but also his exhortations to them. All members of God’s family should encourage one other and pray for one other along these lines.

2 Paul’s Praise

Paul finishes his prayer with a doxology or words of praise to God. Paul acknowledges God’s power and prays that God will be glorified in his people.

The Power of God in Us

The Greek words for “able” and for “power” are related to δυναμις (dunamis) meaning mighty power. I like to mention that the word “dynamite” comes from this Greek word. Paul points out that the power of God is able to do utterly unimaginable things.

But Paul says something stunning. He says that God’s power "is at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20). Then he says, "To him be glory in the people he has called out, and in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 3:21). If Paul had said, “To him be glory in Christ Jesus” we would not have been startled. But Paul says that God is glorified also "in the people he has called out". God’s power is at work in God’s people to his glory! Is that not amazing?

This is true, not only of God’s called out people in the time of the apostle Paul, but also "throughout all generations, for ever and ever" (Ephesians 3:21). That includes you and me today. It includes "the whole family in heaven and on earth" (Ephesians 3:15). It includes those who have been; those who are now; and those who will come.

3 Paul’s Plea

Paul now makes a very strong plea, urging the Christians to unity because Christ has called them all, whether Jew or Gentile, into one body and one inheritance.

The Seven Marks

Paul’s list here of virtues or “Christian graces” is similar to other lists (eg Galatians 5:22-23, 2Peter 1:5-10). It's not a complete list of course, but you'd have to say that anyone marked by these characteristics would be very easy to live with in harmony. Such a person would be a good companion in the faith. A congregation of such people would have little difficulty being united.

The Seven Ones

It's easy to count each “one” that Paul lists, but very hard to find professing Christians that will acknowledge all seven as “essential”. If any one of these is not essential, why did Paul include it in his list?

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Webservant Ron Graham

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