The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 3:17
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith. Reversing the usual order, the prayer begins ( Ephesians 3:16 ) by asking the blessing of the Third Person of the Godhead; now we have a cluster of petitions connected with the Second Person. The first of these is for the indwelling of Christ in their hearts, as opposed to mere occasional visits or influences from Christ; the instrument by which this blessing is attained being their faith. Christ exercising a constant power within them, both... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 3:14-21
The Christian brotherhood—Paul's second prayer. From the noble idea of the elevation of the heathen to equal privileges with the Jews, the apostle proceeds to a second prayer for the Ephesian converts, in which he rises to still greater elevation of thought. Prostrating himself before the Father of all, he contemplates a family unity embracing both heaven and earth, and he prays that his friends at Ephesus may experience such inward illumination and strength as to be fitting members of the... read more