Why does Paul thank God for the believers before asking anything for them?

Paul thanks God first because their faith in the Lord Jesus and their love for all the saints are already gifts from God, not things they produced on their own. By starting with thanks, he shows that every bit of real faith and love is a work of God’s grace. This also encourages the believers, because it reminds them that God has truly begun a good work in them. From that place of gratitude, Paul then prays for even more growth, showing that thankfulness and asking for more grace naturally go together.

What does it mean to receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God?

When Paul asks that God give them the spirit of wisdom and revelation, he is praying that the Holy Spirit would help them know God more deeply and clearly. This is not just about gaining facts, but having their minds and hearts opened so they see who God is in Christ and what he has done for them. Wisdom helps them apply God’s truth to life, and revelation means God makes himself known, lifting the veil from their hearts. This is an ongoing need, not a one-time experience.

What is the hope of his calling that Paul wants believers to know?

The hope of his calling is the sure future God has called believers into through Christ. It includes being brought from spiritual death to life now, and being brought to glory with God in the end. This hope is not wishful thinking; it rests on God’s decision to call his people to himself. Paul prays that they would see how steady and bright this hope really is, so that it strengthens them in present struggles and shapes how they see their whole lives.

What are the riches of the glory of God’s inheritance in the saints?

The riches of the glory of God’s inheritance in the saints point to the great treasure God has prepared for his people and also how precious his people are to him. This inheritance includes being with God forever, sharing in his glory, and enjoying every promise he has given in Christ. Right now believers only see this partly, but Paul wants them to grasp that their future with God is rich, secure, and far beyond what they can fully imagine in this life.

What is the exceeding greatness of God’s power toward those who believe?

The exceeding greatness of God’s power toward believers is the same mighty power that raised Jesus from the dead and seated him at God’s right hand. This power brings people from spiritual death to life, keeps them in the faith, and will one day raise their bodies. Paul piles up strong words to show that God’s power is not weak or uncertain. It is active toward those who believe, working in their salvation and growth, even when they feel weak or surrounded by strong opposition.

Why does Paul point to Christ’s resurrection and exaltation in this prayer?

Paul points to Christ’s resurrection and exaltation to show what God’s power looks like in action. When God raised Jesus from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, he showed that no enemy, not even death, can stand against him. By lifting Christ above every principality, power, might, and dominion, God made clear that Jesus rules over every earthly and spiritual force. This gives believers confidence that the power at work in them is already proven and victorious in Christ.

What does it mean that Christ is far above all principality, power, might, and dominion?

This means Jesus’ authority is higher than every other kind of power, whether seen or unseen. Principalities, powers, might, and dominions include spiritual beings and any earthly authority. Paul says Christ is above every name that is named, in this age and the one to come. Nothing falls outside his rule. For believers, this means no ruler, spirit, or circumstance can overrule Christ’s purpose. He is not one power among many; he is the one seated over all, for the good of his church.

What does it mean that all things are under Christ’s feet and he is head over all things to the church?

All things being under Christ’s feet pictures complete rule and defeat of every enemy. Being head over all things to the church means his rule over the universe is used for the church’s good. He directs every power and event with his people in view. The church is not an afterthought; Christ’s headship is especially for her. This comforts believers, because the one who loves them and died for them is the same one who governs everything that touches their lives.

How is the church the body and fullness of Christ who fills all in all?

Calling the church Christ’s body shows a living, close union. He is the head, and believers are the members joined to him. The church as his fullness means he is pleased to make himself known and active in the world through his people. Though Christ needs nothing, he graciously counts himself as a head that has its full form when joined to its body. This lifts the church’s calling, showing that believers together display Christ’s presence and grace as he fills all things.

How can believers today pray in light of Paul’s prayer in this passage?

Believers today can follow the same pattern: thank God for any real faith and love they see in themselves and others, and then ask for more. They can pray for the Spirit to open the eyes of their hearts, so they better know their hope, their rich inheritance, and God’s power at work in them. Instead of only praying for outward needs, this prayer teaches them to ask for deeper sight of Christ’s glory, his rule over all things, and what it means to belong to his body, the church.

Eph.1.15

Ephesians 1:15

KJV

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

Spiritual Wisdom

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.