Now
to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to him be the glory in the assembly and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Ephesians 3 [14.] For this cause, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth, and to know Christ’s love which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3 [20.] Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to him be the glory in the assembly and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 4 [1.] I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love; being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Meaning:
These verses are a powerful doxology, a liturgical expression of praise to God, concluding a prayer by the Apostle Paul. This passage encapsulates the awe-inspiring capabilities of God and the ultimate purpose of all things: His glory.
- Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians:
Ephesians 3:14-19: Leading up to this doxology, Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus, asking that they be strengthened with power through God’s Spirit, rooted and established in love, and able to grasp the vast dimensions of Christ’s love. He concludes his prayer with a praise that highlights God's ability and glory.
- Emphasis on God's Power and Love:
Divine Enablement: The prayer underscores the idea that it is through God’s power working within believers that they can experience His fullness and love. Paul wants the Ephesians to understand the limitless nature of God’s power and love.
Meaning and Significance
- God's Limitless Ability:
Exceedingly Abundantly: Paul uses superlative language to describe God's ability to surpass all expectations and requests. The phrase "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" emphasizes the infinite capacity of God’s power.
Beyond Human Comprehension: This description highlights that God’s actions and capabilities go far beyond human understanding or imagination.
- Power at Work in Believers:
Indwelling Power: The power Paul refers to is the Holy Spirit working within believers. This indwelling power is what enables Christians to live out their faith, experience transformation, and witness the miraculous.
Empowerment for Life and Ministry: It is by this divine power that believers are equipped to fulfill their God-given purposes and experience the fullness of life in Christ.
- Glory to God:
In the Assembly and in Christ Jesus: Paul directs the glory to God, both within the church (the assembly) and in Christ Jesus. The church is the body of Christ, and its existence and work are meant to bring glory to God.
To All Generations, Forever and Ever: This doxology has an eternal perspective, acknowledging that God’s glory is timeless and extends through all generations.
Theological Significance
- God’s Omnipotence:
All-Powerful: These verses underscore the omnipotence of God. His ability to do far more than we can ask or imagine reminds us of His unlimited power and sovereignty.
Faith in God's Power: Believers are encouraged to have faith in God’s power to work in their lives, trusting that He is capable of accomplishing the impossible.
- Purpose of Believers:
Living for God’s Glory: The ultimate purpose of believers is to bring glory to God. This doxology serves as a reminder that all aspects of our lives should reflect and honor God’s greatness.
Unity in Christ: The church, as the body of Christ, is called to manifest God’s glory collectively. Our unity and love as believers serve as a testament to God’s glory and power at work within us.
Practical Applications
- Trusting in God’s Ability:
Confidence in Prayer: Knowing that God can do exceedingly abundantly more than we ask or think should encourage us to pray boldly and with great faith. We can bring our deepest desires and greatest needs to Him, trusting in His boundless ability to answer.
Living with Expectancy: We should live with an expectation of God’s miraculous intervention in our lives. This means being open to His leading and ready to witness His extraordinary work.
- Experiencing God’s Power:
Yielding to the Holy Spirit: To experience God’s power at work within us, we must yield to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to transform and guide us. This involves regular prayer, reading Scripture, and seeking to align our lives with God’s will.
Empowerment for Service: Recognize that God’s power equips us for service. Whether in ministry, work, or daily interactions, His power enables us to impact the world around us for His glory.
- Giving Glory to God:
Worship and Praise: Regularly engage in worship and praise, acknowledging God’s greatness and giving Him the glory due to His name. This can be through personal devotion, corporate worship, and daily gratitude.
Reflecting God’s Glory: Live in a way that reflects God’s character and glory. Our actions, words, and attitudes should point others to Him, demonstrating His love and power at work in us.
Cross-References:
Jeremiah 32:17: "Ah Lord Yahweh! Behold, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for you." Jeremiah acknowledges God’s omnipotence, reinforcing the idea that nothing is too difficult for God.
Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Paul speaks of the strength and power that believers have through Christ, echoing the empowerment mentioned in Ephesians 3:20.
Revelation 5:13: "I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever!'" This verse from Revelation shows the eternal and universal praise given to God, aligning with the doxology in Ephesians.
Conclusion: Ephesians 3:20-21 is a profound reminder of God’s limitless power and the ultimate purpose of bringing Him glory. Paul’s doxology calls believers to recognize and trust in God’s ability to do far more than we can ask or imagine, empowered by the Holy Spirit working within us. This passage encourages us to live lives of bold faith, expectant of God’s miraculous interventions, and dedicated to reflecting His glory.
By allowing the word of Christ to dwell in us richly, engaging in mutual edification, and incorporating heartfelt worship into our daily lives, we can experience the transformative power of God. This equips us to serve His purposes and manifest His glory to all generations, forever and ever.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible