Therefore, I, too, hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and of your love for all the holy ones, 16 do not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. 18 May the eyes of [your] hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might, 20 which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, 21 far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,23 which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
Paul expressed gratitude for the Ephesians’ faith in Jesus and their love for fellow believers emphasizing his constant prayers for them. He prayed that God, whom he describes as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and the source of all glory, will bestow upon them a spirit characterized by “wisdom and revelation.” This spiritual gift is intended to deepen their understanding of God, allowing them to grasp divine truths more fully. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this process, enlightening believers and fostering a more profound relationship with God.
Paul’s prayer further prays that the Ephesians’ spiritual perception be illuminated, enabling them to comprehend the hope to which God has called them, the abundant riches of their inheritance with the saints, and their position among the holy ones. This enlightenment is essential for understanding their ultimate purpose and the spiritual blessings they possess.
Paul also highlights the surpassing greatness of God’s power available to believers, demonstrated in Christ’s resurrection and exaltation. This divine power elevated Christ above all cosmic and earthly authorities, both in the present age and in the age to come. Christ’s supreme authority encompasses all creation, affirming his position as head over all things.
Christ is specifically appointed as the head of the Church, which is described as his body. This imagery underscores that the Church shares in Christ’s fullness, symbolizing his presence and authority in the world. The Church is both a beneficiary of God’s salvific plan through Jesus and a participant in his kingship. As such, Christ is both the source and the ultimate goal of the Church’s existence, illustrating the deep and integral connection between Christ and the Church.
Almighty God, enlighten our hearts with wisdom and revelation so that we may come to truly know You. Empower us with Your surpassing greatness and remind us of the hope and glorious inheritance we have in Christ. May we recognize Christ as the head of the Church and live in the fullness of his grace, reflecting his presence and authority in our lives. This we pray through the same Christ our Lord. Amen!
References
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
- McKenzie, John. Dictionary of the Bible. Collier Books, 1965.
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