Ephesians 3:14-21

In the latter part of this chapter we find Paul’s second prayer which concludes the doctrinal section of the epistle. Paul’s prayers for the Body of Christ recorded in his prison epistles are all about spiritual things. He does not pray that we would receive things we don’t have, but rather that we would understand and enjoy all that we do have in Christ. 

[14] For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

[15] Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 

Bowing the knees in prayer is a symbol of humility (Acts 20:36). It is not necessary to always bow the knees when praying (Neh. 2:4). The most important thing is to bow the heart in true humility before God. Scriptural prayer is to the Father, in the name of the Son (Eph. 5:20), and in the Spirit (Eph. 6:18). All believers are in the same spiritual family of God (Gal. 3:26). Christ called the Father "Abba" when He prayed (Mk. 14:36). The Spirit of Christ in us gives us that same intimate access to the Father (Gal. 4:6). 

[16] That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

How does God strengthen us with might by His Spirit in the inner man (2 Cor. 4:16-18)? By the word of God (Col. 3:16). Yet, Christians spend much more time praying about the outward man which is perishing. 

[17] That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

Christ is in every believer (Col. 1:27), but does He dwell in our hearts in the sense of making Himself at home there?

[18] May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

Most take this to be referring to the love of Christ, but v.19 seems to differentiate the love of Christ from what he is talking about here. I think he is referring to the mystery (vs.8-9). The mystery is not something that can’t be known, but rather a secret that was hid in God and has now been revealed. God wants us to see it and comprehend the dimensions of it:

• Breadth – ALL men

• Length – eternal purpose  

• Depth – based on the deep love and grace of Christ 

• Height – heavenly places 

[19] And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

How can we know something that passes knowledge? It passes human knowledge, but we may know it by the Spirit (Rom. 5:5; 1 Cor. 2:9-13). Christ is the fulness of God (Col. 1:19; 2:9). We are to seek to live a FULL Christian life (Eph. 5:18; Phil. 1:9-11; Col. 1:9-11). If you are filled with the things of the flesh and the world you will not desire to be filled with things of God (Prov. 27:7).

[20] Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 

[21] Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

These last two verses of the chapter divide the book in half. The first half is about our standing or position in heavenly places and the last half is about our state or practice on the earth. In first three chapters believers are edified as to our spiritual wealth as members of the body of Christ. In the last three chapters we are exhorted as to what our spiritual walk should be in light of that standing (Eph. 4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15). As we read the first three chapters we wonder how it is that God could give sinners like us such great blessings. Then as we read the last three chapters we wonder how it is that we can live up to the standard of life that He has set for us. The answer is in vs.20-21. 

This “present evil world” must end. The “world to come” is without end. In the “world to come” (Heb. 2:5; 6:5) Israel will reign on earth and we will reign in heavenly places (Eph. 1:21; 2:6-7).