Ephesians 1:17

Paul returned to his concept of God as the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:3; cf. Matthew 6:9). He combined with this the idea that all glory belongs to the Father (Ephesians 1:6; Ephesians 1:12; Ephesians 1:14; cf. Acts 7:2; 1 Corinthians 2:8).

Paul asked God to give the Ephesians a spirit of wisdom and revelation. The spirit in view probably refers to an attitude rather than to the Holy Spirit, wisdom and revelation being the description of that attitude (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:21). They had already received the Holy Spirit. These attitudes become ours through the ministry of the Holy Spirit to us, however (cf. Isaiah 11:2). Wisdom (Gr. sophia, Ephesians 1:8; Ephesians 3:10) enables one to perceive reality accurately. Revelation is the unveiling of the subject contemplated, in this case God Himself. Wisdom by revelation is the idea (a hendiadys). Paul was evidently praying for a specific enablement by the Spirit so his readers would understand God’s mysteries. [Note: Hoehner, Ephesians, p. 256.]

"William Chillingworth said: ’The Bible, and the Bible only, is the religion of Protestants.’ That is true; but so often we would not think so. The exposition of scripture from the pulpit is a first necessity of religious wakening. We are interested, not in what a preacher thinks, but in what God says." [Note: Barclay, p. 105.]

The end in view was that the readers might gain greater knowledge of God. The Greek word translated "knowledge" (epignosis) refers to exact, complete, experiential knowledge, not just abstract knowledge of God or even facts about Him. [Note: Trench, pp. 268-69.] Paul wanted his readers to get to know God more intimately as their Father, to become closer friends with Him (cf. John 15:14).

"Growth in knowledge is indispensable to growth in holiness." [Note: Stott, p. 54.]

"The Christian life could be described as getting to know God better every day. A friendship which does not grow closer with the years tends to vanish with the years. And it is so with us and God." [Note: Barclay, p. 105.]

"To know God personally is salvation (John 17:3). To know Him increasingly is sanctification (Philippians 3:10). To know Him perfectly is glorification (1 Corinthians 13:9-12)." [Note: Wiersbe, 2:15.]