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[2]
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.
[1] Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2] https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-17-2/commentary-on-ephesians-314-21-2
[3] A Prayer for Home and Family Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. St. Louis
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