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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ephesians 1:15-23

We have come to the last part of this chapter, which consists of Paul's earnest prayer to God in behalf of these Ephesians. We should pray for the persons for whom we give thanks. Our apostle blesses God for what he had done for them, and then he prays that he would do more for them. He gives thanks for spiritual blessings, and prays for further supplies of them; for God will for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them. He has laid up these spiritual blessings for us in... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Ephesians 1:15-23

1:15-23 It is because I have heard of your faith in Jesus Christ, and your love to all God's consecrated people, that I never cease to give thanks for you, as I remember you in my prayers. It is the aim of my prayers that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom, the Spirit which brings you new revelation, as you come to know him more and more fully. It is the aim of my prayers that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Ephesians 1:15-23

In this passage we see what Paul asks for a Church which he loves and which is doing well. (i) He prays for the Spirit of Wisdom. The word he uses for wisdom is sophia ( Greek #4678 ), and we have already seen that sophia ( Greek #4678 ) is the wisdom of the deep things of God. He prays that the Church may be led deeper and deeper into the knowledge of the eternal truths. If ever that is to happen, certain things are necessary. (a) It is necessary that we should have a thinking... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Ephesians 1:15-23

We come to the last two verses of this chapter, and in them Paul has one of the most adventurous and most uplifting thoughts that any man has ever had. He calls the Church by its greatest title--the body of Christ. In order to understand what Paul means, let us go back to the basic thought of his letter. As it stands, this world is a complete disunity. There is disunity between Jew and Gentile, between Greek and barbarian; there is disunity between different men within the same nation; there... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ephesians 1:19

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe ,.... The objects of the divine power here intended, are believers in Christ; which distinguishes this power from that which was put forth in creation, and from that which will be displayed in the resurrection of the dead, and from the power of divine wrath, which will appear in the damnation of sinners; and shows, that this power is that which is exerted in the implantation of faith, and in the continuance of it, and in... read more

Adam Clarke

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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Ephesians 1:19

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:15-23

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 1:15-23

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

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