Ephesians 3:14-21 — This section of the letter offers a bit of relief from the heavy theological portions that have been read up to this point.
It presents a moment of tenderness, in which the author speaks directly to his readers about his care for them. He speaks of his prayer for his readers, which he does on bended knee.
The paragraph begins abruptly with the phrase: “for this reason.” But for what reason? It refers to what has been said in the previous paragraphs about Paul’s ministry.
Paul, like other apostles, had been entrusted with revelation by the Spirit. Specifically, it had been revealed to him that Gentiles, who receive the gospel in faith, are fellow heirs of the promises of God. They too are members of the body of Christ, and therefore they have access to God. “For this reason,” the author prays that his readers may be strengthened in spiritual power, love, and knowledge.
The content of the prayer being offered is conveyed in Ephesians 3:16-19. Essentially there are four matters for which the author prays for the sake of his readers that they may have:
Inner spiritual strength
The indwelling of Christ in their hearts
The ability to comprehend all the dimensions of spiritual realities
Knowledge of the love of Christ 1
This section of the letter offers a bit of relief from the heavy theological portions that have been read up to this point. It presents a moment of tenderness, in which the author speaks directly to his readers about his care for them. He speaks of his prayer for his readers, which he does on bended knee.
Paul, like other apostles, had been entrusted with revelation by the Spirit. Specifically, it had been revealed to him that Gentiles, who receive the gospel in faith, are fellow heirs of the promises of God.
They too are members of the body of Christ, and therefore they have access to God. "For this reason," the author prays that his readers may be strengthened in spiritual power, love, and knowledge.
A Prayer for Home and Family: Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels, and may Your blessing be with us forever; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen 2
Sources:
Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
1. https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-17-2/commentary-on-ephesians-314-21-2
2. A Prayer for Home and Family Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. St. Louis
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