Ephesians 3

Ephesians 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you [Ephesians] Gentiles— NIV

3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles. NKJV

Prisoner of Christ

Paul viewed his imprisonment as the will of Christ Jesus. While in prison Paul wrote this letter to the churches, which he may not have done in active ministry. If Paul was not in prison, we may not have this letter. For Paul could have given these lessons personally.

Paul’s imprisonment was meant for a larger purpose than he could have ever imagined. Since Paul wrote this letter on papyrus paper, billions and billions of readers have been blessed beyond estimate. Although nothing in the first century, except some Bristle Cone Pine trees, is still alive, this letter leaps from the page to our hearts. It melts away unbelief and implants faith and love.

The Cause of Paul’s Imprisonment

What was the cause of his arrest and imprisonment? It was his teaching to the Gentiles that circumcision was not required of them that created a riot in the temple, by “thousands” of Christians and Jews that wanted to hold on to the Torah laws. “They said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed [in Christ], and all of them are zealous for the law” (Act 21:20).

It was this opposition, which demanded by the authorities that Paul be held in chains. Thus, it was for the sake of you Gentiles, for the message he taught that “all are justified freely by his grace” (Rom 3:24).Today Gentiles make most of the world’s Christian population. They put their faith in Christ, without the Torah Laws. For God has “not appoint(ed) us [Gentiles] to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess 5:9). For this reason, Paul was hated by many.

Paul is telling us, that his imprisonment, was by the command of Christ Jesus. Because it was Christ that allowed it. Paul knew that God could release him from prison. In a second, God could make it happen, but Paul viewed his loss of freedom and hardship as the will of God, thus there was no bitterness in his attitudes.

Often believers encounter thorns, disappointment, sorrows and reverses of their hopes. If you are “led by the Spirit” (Gal 5:18), you will follow Paul in seeing the hands of God there with you. But maybe not, like Paul, who could not see all the reasons why? He could not see through the centuries, millions being blessed, by the letter he was writing.

Paul the Revelator 3:3-10

Ephesians 3:2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3:3 that is, the mystery made known to me [now to you] by revelation, as I have already written briefly [Eph 1-2]. NIV

3:2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3:3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery as I have briefly written already, NKJV

By Revelation From God Paul Explains God’s Grace

Paul explains that he did not make up the gospel to the Gentiles or non-Jews. He said, “I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ” (Gal 1:11-12). This is the same way the book of Revelation’s opening words is said to be a “revelation from Jesus Christ…” (Rev 1:1).

Administration or Teaching

The Greek in the text is better translated in the NIV as “administration” or stewardship. Paul did not believe that his knowledge of God was for himself. It was for others that Paul was given this stewardship, the sharing of the story of the grace of God. Moses was given the administration of promoting the Law. “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17) To Paul was given the responsibility of making plain for belivers to understand the grace of God, which is made known by Jesus Christ, as long as time lasts.

Mystery made known to Paul

Paul is the Revelator of God’s Grace for Christian believers. Paul was given more space in the New Testament than any other author. He wrote 23.48% of the New Testament. Luke, a Gentile convert from Paul’s ministry, also wrote Acts for which the majority of text is about Paul’s ministry. Together Paul and Luke wrote nearly 50% of the New Testament. The Apostle John wrote 20.35% and Peter 2.02% and James 1.26% and the book of Revelation about prophecy is only 3.7% of the New Testament. Just facts alone should tell us where the emphasis of our teaching rest.

Grace

Paul used this term a total of 110 times, Moses did not used the word grace even once. In Revelation grace is only used twice, both as greetings.

There are many expressions of God’s grace, “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Eph 3:8) that are unique to Paul. How poor would we be for our understanding of the love and grace of God, without Paul! The following are some expressions Paul has given to us, Paul has received from our Lord Jesus Christ, to help us to better understand God’s grace. These are just a few pregnant expressions of grace, there are many more.

Adoption

Predestined

Justified & justification, justify freely by His grace

Foreknowledge and predestined

Fruit of the Spirit & Works of the Flesh,

Image of his son & the face of God

Heirs of God & joint heirs with Christ,

The flesh VS the Spirit,

Made new & made alive, alive with Christ

Old self & new self,

Loved by God

Died with Christ & united with Christ in the resurrection,

Chosen before time began,

The fruit of light is all goodness

Chosen by God & precious to him.

Children of light not belonging to the night

Build each other up

Rejoice always & be thankful

Do not quench the Spirit

Greet God’s people with a holy kiss

Your love in the Spirit

Inheritance in the kingdom of light

Christ in you the hope of glory

Footsteps of faith

Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise

Justified through faith we have peace with God

While we were powerless Christ died for the ungodly

God’s abundant gift of grace

Serve in newness of Spirit

Therefore, now there is no condemnation for those in Christ…

“Riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience…of God.”

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!”

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?”

Acknowledge in prayer today that God has chosen you and you do know this is true. Thank God for his grace that chose you and loves you. Spend more time in thankfulness. Spend more of your devotional time in both the four Gospel accounts, and the letters of Paul.

Ephesians 3:4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 3:5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 3:6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. NIV

3:4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ, 4:5 which in [any] other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 4:6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel NKJV

Mystery Revealed by the Spirit

This mystery was not known in Old Testament times, people of other generations, by Adam, Abraham, or Moses. Why not? Since the Israelites “were committed the oracles [Scriptures] of God (Rom 3:2 NKJV)?

Because the Spirit, who was to reveal this truth-mystery, was not given until after the death and resurrection of Jesus, when he was “glorified” (John 7:39), beginning at the time of Pentecost.

We know that the Spirit was present in OT times for David said, “Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me” (Ps 51:11). The Spirit was active in the world since creation when “the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God” (Gen 1:2) was there with God “in the beginning” (Gen 1:1). Now this same Spirit has been given new assignments. Jesus called the Spirit, “the Spirit of Truth…which will testify about me” (John 15:26). The Spirit is given the responsibility to “prove [to] the world” what is “sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8-10).

Now, since the resurrection, the Spirit was given the responsibility to give to Paul insight into the mystery of Christ. Paul was assigned by God, to be the steward or administrator of “God’s grace” (Eph 3:2) to the world. To you and me.

Revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets

A message of such importance must be given to more than one individual, more than just the Apostle Paul. It has been given to all the apostles and prophets that are holy, that is set apart by God for the work of teaching this mystery. However, the word holy, carries more than just being called to teach this mystery. The same word is used in reference to the Holy Spirit and Holy of Holies in the Sanctury. This is the character of the disciples after Pentecost and Paul after his encounter with God that led to his blindness. Thus, they can be called God’s holy apostles. This is a very special class of individuals that lived during the time of Jesus in earth.

Revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets

First since prophets are coupled with apostles, the Spirit revealed the mystery to NT prophets. There must of have been a sizeable group of them in post Pentecost times “During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. This happened during the reign of Claudius” (Act 11:27,28).

After Pentecost the Spirit continued to give gifts to belivers, “God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues” (1 Cor 12:28). To these post Pentecost prophets, the Spirit also give insight of the mystery of the wider mission of Christ to the entire world until “times reach their fulfilment” (Eph 1:10).

What is this mystery Paul want us to understand?

It is that the Gentiles are, inseparable, heirs together with Israel (Eph 3:6). Israel no longer exists as a separate way to worship God, but now are to be united with Gentiles, as one body…in the promise in Christ Jesus.

One body…everything shared together

Neither Old Testament worship through the temple or Gentile devotion given to idols in their temples, neither exist anymore. Together all believers are “God’s holy people” (1:1; 5:3) in a mystical union with Christ.

This one body, this same one body of belivers who look to Christ as their redeemer and Savior. This body of belivers in Christ is not built on Judaism or Roman paganism, but on faith in Christ and His righteousness, His life, and teachings. Paul teaches us that we “know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So, we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified” (Gal 2:16).

“We are all equally sinners… we are all equally helpless… we have all come to one and the same Savior… we have the same salvation… we have the same Holy Spirit… we have the same Father… we have the same trials… and finally we are all marching and going together to the same eternal home.” Martin Lloyd Jones

Heirs Together

Paul reveals a picture of a universal brotherhood of man and woman who all share together, not separately, but together equally. By the promise of Christ from his shedding his blood which offers to us forgiveness of sins that is justification. By his resurrection we are provided eternal life, becoming heirs to God the Father.

Jesus has broken down the “dividing wall of hostility” (Eph 2:14), the Jewish ceremonies that kept Jews and Gentiles apart. It is by calling all people to follow Christ, we are all brought together, in Christ. Paul told the Philippians a group of mixed Romans, Greeks and Jews: “Whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel” (Phil 1:27). As believers in God, we are pleased to copy his example and have no racism.

All different cultures, languages and local customs that set one apart—when we find believers among them, we see in them as having the same faith and same Spirit as in us.

Ephesians 3:7 I became a servant [or minister] of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his [God’s] power. 3:8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given [to] me: [for the purpose] to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, NIV

3:7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective [supplied word] working of His power. 3:8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, NKJV

3:7 Of which I became a servant, according to the gift of the grace of God given to me according to the energy of his power. 3:8 To me, the least of all the holy ones, was this grace given, to announce the good news in the nations, the untraceable riches of Christ. Smith’s Literal Translation

The Gospel Proclaims the Gift of God’s Grace

When Paul writes his letter, he does not relate what he learned from books or his studies in Jerusalem. Instead, it was all by grace, not external as in knowledge of a subject, but inside Paul.

How can we know that Paul did receive this gift of grace he claims? Because the words Paul has written in this letter are never out of date, even if it is 2,000 years old. It appeals to us powerfully, personally, enlightening us from the inside out, to our understanding of this treasure for ourselves. It transcends time, culture and appeal to men, women and children of any culture, any language, any location, with or without college education. It is heart based, which means that afterwards the mind agrees with the heart.

Grace Based Gospel

Through Paul’s letters we come to better understanding of God’s grace. Which is seen in God always freely leaning toward us. Reaching out to us because of God’s pre-eminent kindness to bless us. To Love us, to care for us, to be Father to us.

“For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man [Adam], how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” (Rom 5:17). The one man, Jesus Christ is the means by which God’s abundant provisions of his wonderful powerful grace comes into our hearts, our outlooks on life, our souls, our inner being, our values, our choices, our loves, our hopes, our dreams, our visions of the future, our worship, our prayers, our songs—permeating everything we own, we possess, we claim as our own, our families, our homes—the light of God’s grace in Christ is so bright that it is like standing in the full sun.

Choosing the 12 Disciples

After spending the “night praying…he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles” (Lk 6:12,13). Large crowds of people came and “all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all” (Lk 6:19).

After the crowds left, Jesus “Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” (Lk 6:20). Jesus looked at his disciples, he sees their growth in humility, spiritual poverty. None of the disciples used their position of authority to enrich themselves. Self-enrichment was the root of the fall of “Ananias” (Acts 5:3). None of the disciples endeavoured to make themselves a reputation as someone who is good, great or better then others.

Matthew when he wrote his gospel, did not even place his name in the title, it was by the Early Church. In Johns gospel, he refers to himself in the third person, not in the first person. They stood in need of the Holy Spirit in their lives. In the letters of Peter, John and James, they do not dwell on their families or themself at all.

Listen to Peter and James who say the same things: “Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Pet 5:5,6). James learned the same lesson saying, “Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:9,10). According to James a significant part of being humble before God are tears of deep confession and knowing our unworthiness, in an of ourselves. A person who is not humble before God, is proud of themselves in joy of their accomplishments.

Least of all the believers in Christ

Paul felt that he was lower in importance than the humblest, least likely believer among all other Christians, to be a recipient of such profound understanding of God’s grace in Christ. Up to today, there has been millions of books of Paul’s letters. Millions and millions more articles, sermons and even thousands of theses prepared for universities. Yet, none of them are as complete as the less than 50 pages of Pauls letters, just as they read, because they present the boundless riches of Christ and the Grace of God—in all humility. Paul considered the source of his letters, was not due to his academic accomplishments—but the gift of God. Its source was from the grace, undeserved favour, of God.

Paul illustrates how grace works in our hearts, never giving room for a second, to pride, to professional arrogance, to our training, to our natural talents, or to our charisma. “For in him [Christ] all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Col 1:16,17). All teachers of the gospel should never forget that in Christ, “all things hold together,” that is not in their ministry, their teachings, their skills as an administrator, evangelists or pastor. Church leaders who are true shepherds of the flock, will be very careful not to promote their high degrees in education as a means to gain respect. It will prove to be as deadly as the Dark Arts.

Heart of Worship

In the first Beatitude Jesus taught was “Blessed are the Poor in Spirit,” (Matt 5:3) which is the heart of worship. God says, “I live in a high and holy place, but also [I live] with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit” (Isa 57:15). This describes the inner condition of a person who is deeply aware of their sins and is genuinely repentant before God.

Amazingly, God is present, living in these humble ones. The Holy Spirit, as Jesus promised, the Comforter or Advocate on your behalf “lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:17).

Boundless and Unsearchable Riches of Christ

This was the message Paul gave to billions plus billions of people that have read the books of Ephesians, Romans, Galatians, Colossians, Philippians or Thessalonians. This is where we find the gospel message we should teach today. This is what Paul taught all over the Roman world.

“The eternal [everlasting] gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people” (Rev 14:6). This “eternal gospel” is proclaimed in the letters of Paul.

To the Galatian church Paul stated, "I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:25-27). This new mystery, not understood in past ages, is not temple, law or priesthood based, but a new mystical union with Christ.

How can we explain this mystical union with an unseen faith in Christ? We can’t. But we can experience it. But we can’t give or share it with another. We can’t explain it; except we do know it. Make this true for yourselves today. When you do you will discover unsearchable riches. That is rich treasure to be found in Christ and God’s grace that will nourish and enrich you, bring joy to you, bring completeness to you, bring fulfilment to you, bring satisfaction combined with deep spiritual hunger for ever increasing amounts of the gospels story given to your understanding.

Ephesians 3:9 [To preach boundless and unsearchable riches of Christ, 3:8] and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages [eternity] past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. NIV

3:9 and to make all see what the fellowship of the mystery is, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things (through Jesus Christ) [added] NKJV

Administration for Teaching the Unsearchable Riches of Christ

The Greek means the management of household affairs or stewardship. Paul was given a profoundly deep and accurate understanding of the riches that is found in knowing Christ. His letters reflect a dept of understanding as to the importance of a Christ centered, saving message to the world. Paul has taught us in Galatians, Romans, Ephesians and Colossians all about the saving power of faith in Christ.

Who Could Have Imagined

Now, to us, this is no longer a mystery—it is real and a very present experience. It is not historical only, it is history of Christ life, from the past made present today, right now. Who could have even imagined a faith, rooted in history, made alive with praise and thanksgiving to God. Expressed with deep emotional-heart-felt, faith alone. A faith that is life changing, unlike any other experience, humans can experience.

To the Corinthians Paul said, “we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began” (1 Cor 2:7). Now as you read this page, accept with gratitude that we are “justified” all forgiven “freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Rom 3:24).

This Mystery Kept Hidden by God

For an unknown period, God hid this mystery. It was concealed from view as we read Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy and the Kings. Before Christ, the Israelites had very little knowledge of this mystery, as is their state today, in modern Israel.

Why is the gospel called a mystery? Because no one, no prophet, or king of Israel could have discerned the importance of the coming of the Son of God, to live on earth, as a human being. It was beyond anyone’s imagination that temple leadership of Israel would demand his death on the cross. No one could imagine the resurrection of Jesus, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the teachings of the Apostles. No one could have seen that this new faith in Christ, would result in a global church of millions of believers. Membership far exceeding that of the Hebrew nation, many many times over. Yes, what we know today, was hidden from the eyes of everyone that lived in the Old Testament times.

Mystery of a Saving Gospel Based on the Love of God and Faith

God, from His love, makes our acceptance and welcome into a promised life eternal as His children—on faith alone. Who could have dreamed such a plan? Who could have seen the seismic shift from a law-based religion of Israel to the easy availability into God’s grace and love, to Pagans as well as Hebrews? Who could have understood the value of faith? That brings atonement, complete forgiveness, for our sins by Christ. Faith that brings a real living salvation to those near and afar.

Ephesians 3:10 His [God’s] intent [purpose] was that now, [after Christ death] through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms [in heaven], 3:11 according to his [God’s] eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. NIV

3:10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 3:11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord NKJV

Now through the church

Now, as Paul writes this letter, each group of belivers can form a strong witness telling everyone, all about the manifold wisdom of God in which they have become recipients. The gospel “mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27), Paul says is to be fully made known in the church. This is a view of Spirit filled belivers in Christ in God, since Pentecost.

Altogether, from all ages, all places, all locations around the world—this mystery has moved large numbers of belivers to faith, love and hope, which has brought glory to God. That has demonstrated this mystery, in a way no individual can possibly do.

To Make Known to Authorities in Heavenly Places

To the Angelic and unfallen beings in the cosmos, what does God wish them to see? A worldwide community of united believers. All centred not around themselves, not following a notable saint or pagan idol, not following manmade standards and creeds, not following the charisma of a pastor or priest. Instead, they follow Christ Jesus as their “Lord and Savior” (2 Pet 3:18).

God’s plan is to give “gifts” of His “grace” through His “power” (3:7), to display the wisdom of God, even to the onlooking cosmos, heavenly places. It is now through “God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness” (Rom 5:17) that God is seen as “just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus” (Rom 3:26).

These gifts of grace forgive us, heal us, restore God’s favour to us, bless us, change us, baptise us with countless, increasingly more gifts from His Holy Spirit. God has made more than ample grace coming from Himself—available to us who believe in Jesus Christ His Son.

There was more at stake to God our Father and His Son, than just what was accomplished at the cross, in our behalf. It appears that authorities in heavenly places are also very interested in the outcome of God’s grace that is given to us. Peter said, “the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care.” They were looking for the coming of the “Messiah and the glories that would follow… Even angels long to look into these things” (1 Pet 1:10-12).

We are sure, from this passage, we can see that there is a lot of attention toward us believers on earth, more then we can ever know. Perhaps, these powers in heavenly places, have their attention on the display of God’s grace in believers’ life, more than anything else. For all the rest is just temporary. God is honoured, by your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a very simple way to honour God our Father.

For “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). Open your arms to receive these gifts, so that your heart might be fastened on God’s grace and love and your faith grows as you know “the truth that is [found] in Jesus” (Eph 4:21).

“So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light” (Col 1:10-12).

Manifold wisdom of God

Wisdom in its rich variety and detail, multifaceted wisdom. This is God’s methods, using His divine wisdom, often unknown to us, where he delights to find ways to reach deceived hearts. He is never short of means and methods. His “patience” seems to have no end, his mercy seems to forgive all that we would think of as unforgiveable. To save by grace through faith in His Son Jesus Christ and give us of His own Spirit—to be with us, to move us in directions we would not have chosen, to transform us, to instil more love for others and for God—can only be possible by the multifaceted wisdom of God

Think of yourself as a person that God has, with purpose, drawn you into faith. How? It would be impossible, unless God moved into our lives with much wisdom, to do the right thing at the right time, in the right place and among the right friends. As the results faith comes alive in your heart, what was not present before.

Eternal purpose

To provide to all, short and tall, poor and rich, smart, brilliant, musical, untalented, underweight, overweight, men, children, women, slaves, sex trafficked women and children—are all offered “redemption through the blood” of Christ and “the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Eph 1:7). To offer to all who are moved by faith in the promise to personally have a share in “the riches of God’s glorious inheritance in his holy people” (Eph 1:18).

This eternal purpose is what brings groups together as united believers. They pray in faith and love, for God and each other, with all the same open Bibles.

There is no room left here for anyone to create religious policies, rules of doctrine, that use their own wisdom to override the wisdom of God. If your worship group is committed to another book or author that places the Bible in a secondary position. If your worship service seems to use the Bible very little. Fails to point to the Christ revealed in Scriptures. Know that this will supplant the wisdom of God as well as the Holy Spirit which comes from God the Father. For Jesus said the Spirit, “will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26).

Ephesians 3:12 In him [Christ] and through faith in him [Christ] we may approach [access] God with freedom and confidence. NIV

3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him NKJV

3:12—"In whom we have boldness and confident access to God...” NET Bible

3:12—"Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.” New Living Translation

3:12—"In whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access, an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear.” Amplified Bible

This is the concluding sentence of the whole book of Ephesians. It summarizes everything written since the opening sentence. Breathe in the depth of privilege and honour that is granted to you, on account of your simple faith in the Son of God. Camp for a while on this conclusion, until it becomes your own passport to not just seek God, but to be loved and welcomed by the Father God.

In him, in Christ Jesus, the son of man and the Son of God

By our human faith that sprung up out our heart, while we looked, observed this Son of God—we have confidence, assurance and sureness—that God will receive us.

Confidence of acceptance

The Greek word parrésia means, boldness, confidence and openness. Even with our weakened human frame, stained with many past forgiven sins, slighted by many others as insignificant. We can come freely before “God Almighty” (Gen 17:1). We can come and stand boldly with a sense that we belong there, in the presence of the “Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them” (Ps 146:6).

Imagine yourself in the atmosphere of heaven with thousands of Angels, whose “face(s) was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars” (Rev 10:1), not even giving you a passing glance, as if you are a stranger. Imagine your eyes meet the fiery eyes of God the Father and you are confident you have his attention on you. You alone. God speaks to you in the say words that His son used saying, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Matt 20:32).

Some friend on earth might say to you, what gives you the right to think you can boldly go to God and he would even notice you? You answer. My faith, through my faith in Christ who has granted and given to me this right. Since Jesus is the Son of God and thus welcomed without announcement into His father's presence, on that basis I am welcomed.

Once Jesus said to Peter, “Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matt 26:53). Because of my faith in Jesus, the man revealed in Scriptures and history, the Father, with great pleasure enjoys my presence. Your friend might ask you further, so what gift are you going to ask Him. You answer, nothing, I just want his presence, through His Spirit to be present and bear witness, in my life.

What a wonderful mystery now revealed!!

We can approach God, in prayer, through faith alone and find confidence of acceptance into the presence of God the Father. It makes no difference if we have a Jewish or a Gentile background. The Gentile's Paul is thinking of are Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, Arabs, Spaniards, Islanders or savage tribes of the north of Rome. Turning to Christ, they stand shoulder to shoulder even though their dress, diet, language, culture and personal habits are very different from each other.

Do you feel that you have access to God? Just imagine God is opening an avenue, drawing you from a place deeper than your heart or mind, for you to enter into his direct presence. Accept the invitation: “Everything is ready, come to the wedding banquet” (Matt 22:4). Now by faith alone “having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1). So, nothing, nothing at all, can stop you from going to the “throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Heb 4:16). Praise the Lord. “Stand up and praise the Lord your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting” (Neh 9:5).

Praise the Lord, my soul;

all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the Lord, my soul,

and forget not all his benefits—

who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases…

Ps 103:1-3

Ephesians 3:13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. NIV

3:13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. NKJV

Just before Paul has his only public kneeling prayer, he has a fear that what he writes about having “access” and “boldness” (Eph 3:12) before God, might not be taken seriously. Because at this time He was a Roman prisoner. Some might be thinking “Physician, heal yourself,” ask God to free you from your unjust prison treatment, to prove the power of prayer.

As in the following section, Paul demonstrates prayer, not to get material things, but to receive a love of Christ and God that is deeper then imaginable.

I ask you…my suffering

This is the first time that Paul has written this letter about himself, other than the opening sentence as “apostles of Christ” (Eph 1:1). By this reference Paul does not exalt himself or place himself in a higher spiritual plane than others. This was Paul standard approach in Ephesians, Colossians or Romans.

Paul did not present himself as better educated, well paid, more blessed, happier life, unusually favored and blessed by God, a financially rewarding business or acclaimed as a hero to everyone. He did not demand the Ephesians to treat him with greater respect, to a saint level. Paul refused to follow the pattern of temple leadership who Jesus declared about them, “They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi” (Matt 23:6,7).

Right after Jesus spend the night in prayer and chose twelve Apostles. He gave his new Apostles four blessing and four woes. The blessing showed their spiritual strength, and the woes displayed their spiritual weakness. The fourth blessing was “blessed are you when people hate you” (Lk 6:22) and the fourth woe was “Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you” (Luke 6:26). Paul did not live his life avoiding the truth that would bring conflict, so others would speak well of him. Paul could say, “So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ” (Rom 15:19). No compromise with society’s standards.

Suffering for you

This was the very reason why Paul was in Roman Jail. Because his preaching of the gospel, that did not required circumcision, the temple rituals that characterized Judaism for generations. Paul taught that by Christ death and life all “the law of commandments contained in ordinances” (Eph 2:15 NKJV) was replaced by “one new humanity” making peace between Jews and Gentiles.

To the Colossian belivers he wrote, “do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink or with a regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day, these are shadows of the things to that were to come, the reality, however, is found in Christ” (Col 2:16,17).

These teaches marked Paul as a Jewish apostate when he taught that Gentiles don’t have to keep the several hundred temple-based laws, for they are saved by faith, not by keeping the law. Paul was regarded by the zealots to be a betrayal of the nation of Israel, as such deserved death.

So strong was the temple leadership and those who supported all worship was be based on the laws given to Moses that they hunted down Paul with violence in mind. As Paul once commented, “From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one” (2 Cor 11:24).

Which is for your glory

Friends of Paul prayed for his release from prison. They believed that God would answer their prayers. If their prayers are not answered, Paul did not want them to be discouraged.

God has reasons that are for a greater good, not necessarily ours. This is how Paul delt with unanswered prayers. However, Paul went one step further, unanswered prayer can somehow turn out to be a blessing, their glory. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31).

And this is true for us today. This letter may not have been written, if Paul was not in prison. It is for us, our spiritual health and our eternal glory “on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marvelled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you” (2 Thess 1:10). From this letter of Ephesians, we have come to believe, Paul imprisonment was for our glory.

We, Bother's in Scriptures, wish that you would read the entire passage Ephesians 3:14-21, before you continue.

Introduction to the Longest Public Prayer of Paul 3:14-21

“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8

Wall of Hostility Between Peoples of Faith—Broken Down

Starting from Ephesians 2:11-22 through 3:1-12, a total of 24 verses, Paul has been teaching us that it is God’s plan to unite both Jews and Gentiles by breaking down the “wall of hostility” (Eph 2:14) between Jews and Gentiles and create “one new humanity, out of the two, thus making peace” (Eph 2:15). This has wider applications of uniting all of humanity “in Christ through faith” (Eph 3:12).

Now that Jews and Gentiles, peoples of the world all have the same privileged access “to God with freedom and confidence…through faith” (Eph 3:12). Thus, it is imperative that we learn how to get along with each other.

The prayer that follows was revealed to Paul by God to bring all humanity “together of one body and sharers together in the promise of Christ Jesus” (Eph 3:6). It is the fruit of the Gospel, the “everlasting Gospel” (Rev 14:6 NKJV). The gospel that we take to heaven with us, not alone all on our own, but together with the “bond of peace” (Eph 4:3) and love with others that God loves.

The First Command was to Love God

It is in loving God first and foremost that the command to love others follows afterwards. As Jesus taught us the “first and greatest commandment” is ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matt 22:37,38)

This is an important point, love for Christ and the Father must be first understood, taught and illustrated before we can really love others. Jesus declared the second commandment was to ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’” (Matt 22:39). It means to “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Eph 4:2).

How is it Possible for Humanity to Really to Love Others so Diverse From each Other

How is God going to successfully bring together such diversity that is found in the peoples of the world. How can there be “unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God” (Eh 4:13)? There is only one way this can be possible. When we all pray for the Love of Christ and God to dwell in us, we will be united with others who also love God.

All of us, Asians, Africans, Europeans, Americans or Arabs—MUST pray this prayer as often as the Lord’s Prayer. Only when the Love of God and Christ are implanted into our hearts is it possible to love others so different in culture, customs, language and daily habits from another. The neglect of this prayer is the cause of so much division that exists among belivers. Some Christian groups, lump other Christian communities calling them all Anti-Christ. Sure, there are false teachers among us, Jesus has warned us of this. But this does not give anyone permission to label a believer as Anti-Christ, who may have been misled by false pastors and teachers.

What Makes this Kneeling Prayer of Paul so Different

What makes this prayer so different is that it does not ask us to love others. It asks us to love Christ and be filled with our Fathers “glorious riches” (Eph 3:16). This is made possible because we are “strengthen” “with power through his [God’s] Spirit in your inner being” (Eph 3:16). Without the Holy Spirit abiding in us, because we have been “born of the Spirit” (John 3:8), all attempt to unite a diverse size of belivers, in love, would fail.

Paul’s longest recorded prayer, starting with kneeling and ending with “Amen” (Eph 3:21). This prayer is designed to be prayed daily. Why? It is obvious that this prayer is given so we may understand, “what is the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ” (Eph 3:18), and “to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge” (Eph 3:19) and be “filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph 3:19). These ideals are not accomplished in this lifetime, or I suggest even into eternity.

Are we aware of why this prayer is given? Because we all need more love, love for God and his Son that spills out of us in love of others. There is always a need for love to be expanded, to grow and deepen beyond what we have experienced before. Over time this prayer will become the morning and evening thirst of your life.

Why? Because God’s love has a dual nature, love seeks to be a blessing, helpful, not only to us, but to be good to others as well. Second, love must continually grow, like trees. Love expands when we are called to love the unloved and unlovable. Because is what God does with his unmerited love toward us. However always bear in mind that we can only love others, as we should, because we deeply love God and are thus “taught by God to love each other” (1 Thess 4:9).

Belivers are often irritated by the small mistakes of others, slight disrespect, misunderstood words that create strife. We may find it hard to forgive others, to love as we should with our hard to get along with neighbours. This is a prayer we should pray daily, asking God for more love.

Christian churches would be far healthier if they prayed this prayer, sang it in song and committed it to memory. The same can be said, when a church or a group of believers fight with each other, they will progressively grow empty of the Spirit. Belivers must learn in love to “accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarrelling over disputable matters… for God has accepted them” (Rom 14:1,3).

A primary and fundamental private and public prayer

This prayer is what we call primary and foremost to the Christian. Although correct Biblical doctrines are important. Although understanding prophecy is important. When they are made primary and this prayer disappears into the distance, we create weak Christians, who are more tolerant of unkindness, permissive with divorce and tolerant to carrying around a load of animosity. Why? All because Christ does not dwell in their hearts through faith, and they are not “rooted and established in love” (Eph 3:17).

Listen to Jesus

Speaking to the religious leaders of the day Jesus told them, “I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts” (John 5:42).

Speaking to Peter: “Simon son of John, do you love me?... He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you” (John 21:17).

Listen to Paul:

“Dearly loved children…walk in the way of love just as Christ has loved us.” (5:1,2).

“Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other… Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more” (1 Thess 4:9,10).

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope” (2 Thess 2:16).

Ephesians 3:14 For this reason [all the above], I bow my knees before the Father, 3:15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. NIV

3:14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 3:15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. NKJV

Just imagine you came to Troas to listen to Apostle Paul speak and in the middle of his sermon he would stop and offer this prayer on his knees.

When we pray this prayer, our voices will join the myriads of other individuals, in the past and present, in our worship to the Father. That we can know the love of Christ and God from deep in our souls, stamped in such a way that it is as real as our personal name.

Every Family…On Earth and Heaven

This is the Father’s extensive authority: Everyone in the entire cosmos is named after the Father God, who created, their planet, their galaxies and gave them life, ordaining and sustaining all existence from within Himself.

Ephesians 3:16 I pray that out of his [Father’s] glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his [Father’s] Spirit in your inner being, NIV

3:16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His [Father’s] glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man NKJV

The Father’s Glorious Riches, The Riches of His [Father’s] glory

Which is the "riches of his grace” (1:7), points to boundlessness of divine wealth in the currency of grace and love. If we could open the faults of heaven to see the stored gold and silver, what would we see? God’s vast unmeasured, unweighable, uncountable currency of Grace. God spends his currency in overflowing grace, rich benefits to the underserving.

We Will Be Strengthen

The Greek means, “to become strong or to grow strong”. Meaning we move from weak to “strong in the Lord” (Eph 6:10). This is growing strong over time. As a boy Jesus “continued to grow and become strong” (Lk 2:40).

This is done by the Holy Spirit from the inside, our inner being. From this location we are given an understanding of the love of Christ and the love of God. Over time it grows so that one can say with delight, “I love you, Lord.”

God’s Spirit’s power fortifies the inner person. Not human sourced, coming from books or education. It is directly sent by God the Father’s Spirit. This is the most essential ingredient to grow strong, or it would be impossible to know the Love of Christ and the love of God. The Spirit is like the plant food called Miracle Grow to train up a large plant of love, sustained by love from the Spirit.

This Power comes to us from the outside our environment, to govern from the inside. Since the Spirit comes from the Father, it can be said that “in him [Christ] you too are being built together to become a dwelling [place] in which God lives by his [Holy] Spirit” (Eph 2:22). Such a home must be decorated with love. Jesus said, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14:23). In Christ, in love, all of us will be sensitive to what Jesus has taught us in the four gospels and in his Apostles.

Ephesians 3:17 so that Christ may dwell [abide, live] in [inside] your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, NIV

3:17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love NKJV

Christ may Dwell

This means to settle in as living in a home, to be established and abide inside us. Christ takes up His permanent “home” (John 14:23), through the “power through his [God’s] Spirit in your inner being” (3:16). Jesus said the Helper, “he lives [abides] with you and will be in you” (John 14:17). Through the Spirit, Christ dwells in us.

In Romans there are three names given to the Holy Spirit, “You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives [dwells, abides] in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ” (Rom 8:9). Here Paul teaches us that through the Holy Spirit, called the Spirit of Christ, because the Spirit of God represents Christ Jesus, is to dwell in us. The mission of the Spirit was to “testify about me” (15:26) and “will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (14:25). If we pray for more of the Holy Spirit, focus on Christ, who is taught and proclaimed in the New Testament.

Christ may Dwell in us Through the Spirit

Paul makes this wonderful truth very plain: “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Cor 3:16 NKJV). This experience is what Jesus told Nicodemus that we must be Born Again or “born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). In summary the New Birth, is the work of God through “His Spirit” (1 Cor 2:22), that changes the whole direction of our inner thoughts and desires. “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires” our condition before we were Born of the Spirit, “but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires” (Rom 8:5).

We understand the New Birth only by experience. We can understand it only because it is given to us by the Spirit, making it plain and applying it in our lives, the Spirit does not leave us without a witness to his presence. Chiefly seen when there is more love for God in your heart and others in response; with increased humility, honest and “clear conscience toward God” (1 Pet 3:21), by an ever-widening deeper confession of sin.

How do we know that Christ dwells in us?

Paul answers because Christ is established, set Himself up, in us—In love. Without love for God through Christ and the Spirit, dwelling in us and we know it is there—nothing else much matters.

If you feel you have no vibrant love for God in your heart. Stop and pray. Ask God to show you if there is anything that is blocking the Love of Christ from being rooted deep in our present reality. Ask God in Christ, for more and more love to Him and others.

There is one big roadblock in love’s highway. It is any form of hate, ill will, open discord and disgust with others. “We know that we have passed from death to life,” been Born Again or Born of God, “because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains [dwells, abides] in death” (1 John 3:14). In otherwards they are living while they are really dead. If Christ, through the Spirit, dwells in us, we will know love. If love does not abide in us, we abide instead in a state of perpetual death.

This is unique to the Christian faith. Budda is external to the worshiper; Hindu Gods are external; In Islam, the Holy Spirit is believed to be the Angel Gabriel. Muslims have explicitly rejected Christian doctrines of the Trinity from an early date.

Rooted in Love

Spirit given love builds downward with deep roots, over time becoming a large tree. It can’t be pulled up or snapped off. As time passes, love grows deeper and deeper into our feelings, our emotions affecting every aspect of our lives. When we become aware of feelings of ill-will or fall into the trait of shunning someone, it should be a call to confession to God and asking God to give you repentance and love. It is not impossible for Jesus said, “But to you who are listening [pay attention] I say [I command]: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Lk 6:27,28).

We don’t love because people can love us back—We love because we can. Because we were made too, because it is the only good thing we can possess, and maybe the only thing we take from earth to heaven. We love because God makes us able to love.

Love with Peace

It becomes bonded by “the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3). Peace with others and peace with God.

The Root of Love

Notice that Love is not itself the root, it is love of and for Christ, which is deeply rooted. It is not at all like the Beatles song which is just romantic in surface: “Love, love, love all you need is love.”

Love cannot grow deep, with any bitterness. This is a chief reason why many congregations are devoid of the Spirit, there is hatred, animosity, class divisions by education, family exclusiveness or racial divisions that create separation from the mainstream, in and among them.

Love cannot grow deep, when the church seldom places any emphasis on the ministry of the Spirit. When church leaders do not often express their personal love of God. The congregation will be held together by social means and doctrinal convictions. Not by love for each other that springs from love of God and love from God.

Housekeeping

When we pray for the love of God and for Christ to make a home in us, the Spirit will start housekeeping inside us. The Spirit will lead us to guilt over broken covenants and promises we have made to others. We will feel the need of confession followed by repentance with deep sorrow.

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many” (Heb 12:14-15). Notice that holiness is related to living at peace with others and peace is placed in our hearts by the Grace of God.

Established and Grounded in Love

The word is taken from architecture, where a firm foundation is laid as a building that rests on a solid basis. For love to grow strong, deep inside us, there must be a cleaning out all the pockets of hidden animosity. Hidden self-love, lust of the flesh, lust for wealth at the expense of family and friends or those who get in your way.

If any “malice” (Eph 4:31), or ill-will should exist between us and another person, the Love of God cannot grow deep and exist with any kind of bitterness. Even if one feels their belief is correct, it does not justify any kind of resentment.

When all resentment over our treatment by others is pulled up, root and branch, by prayer for the Spirit—Joy in the Lord will follow as evidence. Joy is the second fruit of the Spirit preceded first by love. After Love, then Joy, then comes peace with God and others. Peace inside, “peace of God, which transcends all understanding” (Phil 4:7).

Ephesians 3:18 [That we] may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, NIV

3:18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height [full dimension] NKJV

3:18 in-order-that you, having been rooted and founded in love, might be strong-enough to grasp together with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth” Disciples’ Literal New Testament

3:18 hat you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]; Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

3:18 In order that you may be empowered to grasp with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth Mounce Reverse Interlinear New Testamen

3:18 And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide and how long and how high and how deep that love is. New Century Version

To be Able to Comprehend

This Greek word means to perceive and understand, to seize tight hold, to grasp something as to make it our own. The power and the ability to understand the greatness of the Love of Christ and His Father’s love for us, is because we are made able by the mighty power of the “Spirit” (Eph 3:16).

The Love of Christ

It is “the kingdom of God…about the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 28:31). The “message is heard through the word about Christ” (Rom 10:17). It is “the message of the cross” (1 Cor 1:18) of Jesus Christ. The “message of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:19). It is the “message of Christ” that is to “dwell among you richly” (Col 3:16).

What does it mean to grasp in depth the love of Christ?

What does it mean to grasp in width-length-height-depth of the love of Christ? In simplest terms it means to love our Savior. To love “the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation” (Eph 1:13). To love “grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). To love the account of Christ in the New Testament. To love with deep gratitude, the forgiveness of sins that comes from Him. To love the promised inheritance and resurrection made possible by Him. To love His promise that we can have “eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom 5:21). To love what Jesus taught, and the Apostles proclaimed. To know all about the content of each of Paul’s letters, given to him “by revelation from Jesus Christ” (Gal 1:12). Paul said that “grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ” (Eph 3:8).

We would not have the four gospels, Acts and the letters of the Apostles were it not for the resurrection of Jesus, who has become the Messiah for the World, Jesus Christ. “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 1:7). To “all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love” (Eph 6:24).

Our Modern Age—Mostly Second-Hand Biblical Knowledge

We live in the age of second-hand Biblical knowledge—thru the media, U-tube and religious programming. As the results, the Bible just by itself, is less often given serious time for study. More often the Bible is unmarked. Now-days, for the most part, the Bible is understood through the media presentations of thousands of books and sermons. No one can doubt media has its many useful benefits in presenting Biblical truths, yet it is still second-hand information. Nothing can compare to the Book itself where God speaks to us directly, personally, through His Spirit. In Scriptures we can pray, repeating the exact words of God’s promises, with our eyes on the written Word. Where we can ask God, by His Spirit, to teach us and guide us into a closer walk with God. Jesus said, “the words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life” (John 6:63), these words and what the Apostles have proclaimed in His behalf, we should give very close attention, these words impart the Spirit and eternal life.

God Last Audible Command to Earth

“While he was still speaking [Peter], a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased Listen to him!’ (Matt 17:5).

This is the last audible commandment from God the Father, in authority of more importance than the giving of the Law on Mt. Sinai. The first audible commands of God were written on “tablets of stone.” This audible command from God, is to be written on “tablets of human hearts” (2 Cor 3:3).

While Peter was still talking, about his idea of building “three shelters” (John 17:4), to commemorate Jesus talking to Moses and Elijah. God interrupted Peter to show him where his attention and loyalty should lie—on the Son of God, not on Moses or Elijah. They represented the Old Testament witness given to Jesus.

God Himself is telling the world what he wants us to do—Listen to His Son. “For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval” (John 6:27). To listen to Jesus, became the theme of the New Testament, Moses and Elijah, only carried weight as they witness about Christ. “For Moses said,” said Peter, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people” (Acts 3:22,23).

To love Christ is the love the Father Also

To love Christ our Savior is to also love God our Father. Who is “able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:29). What Paul is saying is the God’s love is enfolded in his Son Christ Jesus.
In him [Christ], we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace…in [His] love” (1:7,4). God’s love for us is seen in his grace toward us in providing Christ whereby we can have forgiveness of sin. This process is made available to us because of the “riches of God’s grace” (1:7) and the “glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27).

“Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them” (John 14:23). Our love of Christ should be tested by our loyalty and devotion to not just to the name of Jesus, but his words, his teachings and example as proclaimed by the Gospels and the Apostles. Being devoted to the life and teaching of Jesus, brings huge rewards, the Father Himself with His Son will make their home with us. From their combined presence, made possible by the Spirit of God, the love of God and the love for Christ our Savior will become over time the largest evidence that bring to us “confidence”, boldness and “freedom” in prayer (Eph 3:12).

Together with All the Lord’s Holy People

This is true Christian fellowship, where the “love of Christ” (Rom 8:35) and “the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:39) are the frequent themes of teaching and celebration in prayer and songs. As we walk together in “footsteps by the same Spirit” (2 Cor 12:18). All of us in “one body” sharing among all “one Spirit” (Eph 4:4). Where we all “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit” among us, “through the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3). This bond that binds us together in our faith, our love, our hope in the gospel, cannot be broken without loss of the Spirit and loss of “undying” fervent “love” (Eph 6:24) for God and Christ Jesus His son. If this took place, how empty would the Christian life become, like a marriage that the first love is long gone.

To Grasp & know how: Wide-Long-High-Deep—Is the Love of Christ (NIV)

To Grasp & know how: Width-Length-Depth-Height—The full dimensions of love (NKJV)

Wide enough to encompass everyone, Christ’s love reaches out with both arms to all of us.

Long enough to last for eternity, everlasting to everlasting, goes beyond human barriers.

High enough to exalt those who love Christ, to heaven.

Deep enough to reach the most degraded sinner to touch any need, any sorrow and hurt.

O the deep, deep love of Jesus

Vast unmeasured, boundless and free

Rolling as a mighty ocean

In its fullness over me!

Underneath me, all around me

Is the current of His love—

Leading onward, leading homeward

To His glorious rest above.

Trevor Francis (1834-1925)

Ephesians 3:19 and to know this [love of Christ] love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God NIV

3:19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. NKJV

3:19 and thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you will be filled up to [with] all the fullness of God” NET Bible

3:19 I ask that you’ll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge so that you will be filled entirely with the fullness of God. Common English Bible

3:19 Christ’s love is ·greater than anyone can ever know [beyond comprehension/knowledge], but I pray that you will be able to know that love. ·Then […so that] you can be filled with the fullness of God. Expanded Bible

3:19 I pray that you will know the love of Christ. His love goes beyond anything we can understand. I pray that you will be filled with God Himself. New Life Version

The Love of Christ Surpasses knowledge

It cannot be written down or explained in a course of lectures or a hundred books. Yet it can be experienced in ever increasing degrees. What joy, comfort, sweetness and positive influences, this love from both God and Christ, brings into our lives is very precious. It is at the heart of worship, the pulse of life, it is a far greater influence then that of education, culture or of our environment. It makes a difference in everything that you do, life is honeycombed with “God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” (Rom 5:17) and “the Holy Spirit and in sincere love” (2 Cor 6:6).

All the Fullness of God

This is a progressive term not static. It is not in the sense like a reservoir that holds only a limited amount of water. The fullness of God is like a 5000-year-old Bristlecone Pine tree which is always growing. This is to be the lifetime experience of Christianity.

The indwelling of the Spirit constructs a “temple” (1 Cor 6:19) inside the believer, for God to call his “home” (John 14:23). Here through the influence of God’s Spirit, evil, darkness, anger and malice have no room to grow, due to the presence of God’s fullness. Those who are “Born of the Spirit” (John 3:8) can come to God every day to ask God to display His fullness in their lives in gifts. For God to “fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” (Col 1:9). Jesus has promised us, “ask and it will be given to you” (Matt 7:7).

Fullness, grace upon more grace

This is gifts from God’s grace that is generously given to us, “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace” (John 1:16). This means grace upon more grace we have received, because we have needed it, yes, we have! Do you see how much you are dependent daily on grace?

Know this love, “through faith” (3:17)

This is Paul’s prayer for the church members, all believers together. It is spontaneous and arises inside us, at various times of the day we can sense the love of God. If you can say it without being forced, it is taking root in your heart. Thank Him for it!

Ask God every morning and evening for more love. Love for others around you, love for those you work with, love for distant family, love for Scriptures. But most of all, best of all, more rewarding of all loves and more than before. Love for God your Father and His Son Jesus Christ, the one that forgives your sins and offers you son and daughter adoption to His Father, our God who love you.

Ephesians 3:20—Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within [in] us, NIV

3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us NKJV

3:20 Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us— Christian Standard Bible

3:20 Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us; Common English Bible

3:20 Now to the One being able to do super-abundantly beyond all of the things which we ask or think according to the power being at-work in us—Disciples’ Literal New Testament

3:20 Now to him, who is able, according to the power that is at work within us, to do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine Evangelical Heritage Version

3:20 With God’s power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine. New Century Version

Now to him who is able to do

Now, that we are seeking to experience the love of Christ and the fullness of God in our lives. Now, God is able to do immeasurably more then we can ask.

Here God is said to do something: The word Do in Greek means to make, cause, act or construct, carry out, perform or create. It points to God as a worker, where He is neither idle nor inactive in ministering to us.

Now unto him that is able to do…super-abundantly beyond all of the things…

Now unto him that is able to do…infinitely more than we can ask or imagine

Now unto him that is able to do… Exceedingly abundantly that we ask or think

Now unto him that is able to do…far beyond all that we could ask or imagine

Now unto him that is able to do…above and beyond all that we ask or think

Now unto him that is able to do…According to the power that works in us

Now unto him that is able to do… Abundantly that we could ask or think

Now unto him that is able to do… Above all we can ask or think

Now unto him that is able to do…All that we ask or think

According to His power, the Holy Spirit working from Inside Us

What is this power that can do all things: "Power through His Spirit in your inner being” (Eph 3:16). It is the power of the Holy Spirit in a person that has been “born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). It is the first and foremost work of the Spirit to transform our lives, giving us the peace of God, the love of God, always with ever increasing humility. Never attempting to create fame for us, to gain wealth or be promoted above others.

Don’t let this power that is above, that is more than we can ask or think, go to your head. No, this is the power of the Spirit that works in us, by faith with deep humility. It is not us, it is not our abilities, our commands, our wishes—it the Spirit that transforms us from the inside.

This power is not given to draw attention to ourselves, as person of mighty answered prayers, so that we can gain fame. It this is the case, there will be no Spirit power in our prayers, no matter how fancy they might be. As Jesus taught in the Sermon of the Mount it is “the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5:3). They are the ones that are brought into God’s kingdom.

The “poor in spirit,” is in reference to our attitudes. We come empty handed to God, teachable and open to spiritual things to learn of his “ways” (Heb 3:10) and the will of God. We offer no excuses for our shortcomings, and we pray to God about our faults asking for strength for change of heart. We are quick to say I am sorry. We are humble in heart and attitude. Not boastful. Ready to listen, to learn and to grow. We acknowledge our spiritual poverty before God. We are devoted to Scriptures, taking time for seasons of prayer.

As CS Lewis wrote of this experience, “Whenever we find that our religious life is making feel we are good--above all, that we are better than someone else. I think we may be sure that we are being acted on not by God but by the devil. The real test of being in the presence of God is to either forget about yourself altogether or see yourself as a small object. It is better to forget about yourself altogether.” Lewis's quote highlights a crucial aspect of religious life: the potential for it to be distorted by pride. He argues that when religious beliefs make a person feel superior to others, it indicates a departure from genuine faith. This is because, according to Lewis, God's presence fosters humility and self-forgetfulness, while pride is a form of self-exaltation that can be detrimental to spiritual growth.” (quote from AI)

Prayer to God is most effective when love for God through his Son, by His Spirit, is rooted and grounded in our “inner being”. Pray every day for this to be true for you and those you pray for.

It is not best to ask God for miracles when we have little desire for the love of God to be abundantly present in our lives.

To be able

The Greek means to be empowered, to make it possible, to be enabled by God, either directly due to His love for you and His Spirit inside you. Believe this, as you present your requests before God with His love in your heart.

Able to do…more then we ask or think

There is a boundless reach of God’s Power in our prayer of faith. God want us to be reinvigorated in the assurance of the Divine Ability.

Always keep in mind whatever wisdom God may impart to you, it is for the Gory of God, “in the church and in Christ Jesus” (Eph 3:21).

If the power of love is not among us, because of petty fights, animosities, strong political views, slights that fester—the church will have little power in prayer. A malaise will settle over the whole congregation while many fall asleep or read from their cell phones during the church service.

Ephesians 3:21 to him [God] be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. NIV

3:21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. NKJV

Throughout all generations

The eternity of ages. It is the language of a heart full of the love of God and desiring that He might be praised. Why, because of God’s love in Christ and in us. This love that starts here on earth will last forever.

In the forever world, as our eternal life flows and folds into unnumbered important activities, there love will be super-abundant with other redeemed of the Lord, which love each other to the same degree God loves them and they love God.

Eternity with God where we will experience joyful love, present peace, personal fulfilment of anything as possible, as Sons and Daughters of God. It all started when God came to earth and found us, called us to higher better love, then here on earth. The love, found in the fullness of God, is the very love we take to heaven. While here on earth “the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor 13:13).

The church

The church Paul is speaking of here is not one specific denomination or church. But the whole of all the believers on earth.

Ever and ever

When the redeemed of the Lord have lived twelve periods of eternity, God will still be glorified in them, as they radiate the love of God into the Cosmos. Imagine 25 periods of eternity past, an unimaginable number, and the “redeemed of the Lord” (Ps 107:2), the redeemed from earth are only beginning to understand the glory, the joy, satisfaction and potential that God’s love had handed out to them. What here on earth would trade such a full-bodied everlasting love, promised by God?