The Pulpit Commentary on Ephesians 3:14-21

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Prayer for spiritual enrichment. qualities already noted as belonging to Paul's prayer.

This prayer remarkable for Three parts in this prayer—

I. INTRODUCTION.

1. The attitude: "I bow my knees;" humility, earnestness.

2. The designation of God: "the Father;" the character in which Christ taught us to approach God in prayer, and which gives us most encouragement.

3. The name of the family is derived from God, constituting an additional plea. That which bears God's Name must be an object of special interest to him.

II. THE PETITIONS. Three centers of petition, according as the grace

I., Ephesians 3:16 : connected with the Spirit.

2., Ephesians 3:17-19 : connected with the Son.

3., Ephesians 3:19 : connected with the Father. "Filled with all the fullness of God." The renewed heart has a capacity to receive the things of God—to be plunged, as it were, into his fullness and filled there from. This can never be fully reached; as our capacities increase there is more to be enjoyed.

III. THE DOXOLOGY.

1. The Being praised. "Him that is able," etc. View of Divine infinity, for much has been asked and more thought about; yet, like space and time, God's ability to bless extends infinitely beyond. The blessing is in the direction of what has been already conferred: "According to the power that worketh in us."

2. The ascription offered.

HOMILIES BY T. CROSKERY

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