Set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places - Gave him, as mediator between God and man, the highest honors and dignities, Philemon 2:9 ; in which state of exaltation he transacts all the affairs of his Church, and rules the universe. The right hand is the place of friendship, honor, confidence, and authority. read more
Verse 17 17.That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ. But what does Paul wish for the Ephesians? The spirit of wisdom, and the eyes of their understanding being enlightened. And did they not possess these? Yes; but at the same time they needed increase, that, being endowed with a larger measure of the Spirit, and being more and more enlightened, they might more clearly and fully hold their present views. The knowledge of the godly is never so pure, but that some dimness or obscurity hangs over... read more
Verse 18 18.The eyes of your understanding being enlightened. The eyes of your heart is the rendering of the Vulgate, which is supported by some Greek manuscripts. The difference is immaterial, for the Hebrews frequently employ it to denote the rational powers of the soul, though more strictly, being the seat of the affections, it means the will or desire; but I have preferred the ordinary translation. And what the riches. A comparison, suggested by its excellence, reminds us how unfit we are... read more
Verse 19 19.According to the working. Some consider this clause as referring solely to the word believe, which comes immediately before it; but I rather view it as an additional statement, tending to heighten the greatness of the power, as a demonstration, or, if you prefer it, an instance and evidence of the efficacy of the power. The repetition of the word power, ( δυνάμεως) has the appearance of being superfluous; but in the former case it is restricted to one class, — in the next, it has a... read more
Verse 20 20.Which he wrought in Christ. The Greek verb is ἐνέργησεν, from which ἐνέργεια is derived. It might run thus, According to the efficacy which he effected. But the translation which I have given conveys the same meaning, and is less harsh. With the greatest propriety does he enjoin us to contemplate this power in Christ; for in us it is hitherto concealed. “My strength,” says he, “is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9.) In what do we excel the children of the world but... read more
PRAYER FOR THEIR SPIRITUAL GROWTH . read more
Prayer for spiritual growth. General characteristics of Paul's prayers (see Exposition, Ephesians 1:16 ). The prayer is I. RETROSPECTIVE . Consists of thanksgiving ( Ephesians 1:16 ). Happy key-note for prayer. II. PROSPECTIVE . Of supplication. Here we may note: 1. The name by which God is invoked ( Ephesians 1:17 ; see Exposition). 2. The blessing sought, viz. further illumination in the knowledge of God's will. 3. The points needing to be more fully... read more
Paul's first prayer for the Ephesians. Having spoken of the inspiration of the adopted children, the apostle proceeds next to his first prayer on their behalf. He has a still more remarkable prayer in Ephesians 3:1-21 ., but the present one is most instructive too. It begins, as usual, with thanksgiving for the faith towards the Lord Jesus, and love to all the saints which the Ephesians cherish. This need not detain us, but we may at once proceed to the substance of his petition for... read more
Prayer for the Ephesians. I. FOUNDED ON INFORMATION . 1. Regarding their faith . "For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you." He had already more than once referred to their Christian faith; he refers to it now as ground for his prayer on their behalf. We are to pray for "all men," even for unbelievers; but whoever through faith are admitted into the same Christian circle, claim a special interest in our prayers. 2. ... read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ephesians 1:19
The exceeding greatness of his power - As the apostle is here speaking of the glorious state of believers after death, the exceeding greatness of his power, or that power which surpasses all difficulties, being itself omnipotent, is to be understood of that might which is to be exerted in raising the body at the last day; as it will require the same power or energy which he wrought in Christ, when he raised his body from the grave, to raise up the bodies of all mankind; the resurrection of... read more