20Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. - Ephesians 3:20-21 (NASB)
Paul closes the doctrinal section of his letter in verse 20-21 with a wonderful doxology, “to Him who is able”, expressing the power and sovereignty of God. The focus on God’s power at work in us will prepare believers for the practical guidance in the second part of the letter. This triumphant title for God is echoed in other New Testament passages (cf. Rom. 16:25; Jude 24), underscoring different dimensions of His divine activities, and notably reflecting the three persons of the Trinity.
The passage exalts the Father as “He who is able,” highlighting His omnipotence, while recognizing the transformative work of the Spirit as “the power that works within us.” This divine power is demonstrated in raising Jesus from the dead, granting Him authority over evil forces, and ensuring control over all things according to His will. It assures believers of God’s ability to fulfill His promises, including those regarding spiritual blessings in Christ. This emphasizes the indwelling presence of Christ through the Spirit, a distinctive feature of the New Covenant, marking a significant shift from the Old Covenant dispensation.
The phrase “exceeding abundantly” captures the profound depth and magnitude of God’s power at work within believers, reflecting a Pauline compound superlative that signifies not just abundance, but a surpassing, exceptional abundance. This eloquent expression succeeds in capturing the theological richness of the passage, despite defying conventional grammar. In this instance, it can be considered not as an issue of bad grammar, but rather as an example of excellent theology, emphasizing the incomprehensible and boundless nature of God’s power within the lives of those who believe.
In verse 21, Paul highlights the church’s crucial role in bringing glory to God, emphasizing its significance within the “mystery” of God’s divine plan. As a masterpiece of God’s grace, the church’s very existence reflects His glory. By maintaining unity with Christ, embodying holiness, resisting supernatural forces, proclaiming the Son’s good news, and continuously praising the Father, the church magnifies God’s glory. This eternal purpose extends into future generations, underscoring the enduring nature of the church’s response to God’s power and grace.
“forever and ever” – The Greek language has many expressions about eternity. Some similar examples are “unto the ages”1 in verses like Luke 1:33 and Rom. 1:25, which shows the idea of eternity. Other related phrases like “unto the age” and “of the age of the ages” also add to this concept,
The word “Amen”2 is very important in the Bible. In Hebrew, it means things like “truth,” “faith,” and “trust,” and is a symbol of God’s stability. In the Old Testament, “Amen” shows that God’s teachings are reliable and gives assurance. It also shows that God is faithful and people can hope for a renewed relationship with Him. In the New Testament, “Amen” is used to confirm prayers and show their lasting importance. Jesus also uses “Amen” to emphasize his authority and the importance of faith and trust in his teachings.
It may seem daunting to achieve unity and cohesion in a seemingly fractured church of today, but the apostle Paul assures us that with God, all things are possible. He prays not for what is impossible for God, but for what may seem unattainable to humanity. As we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can surpass our limited understanding, for the divine power at work within us is formidable. Ultimately, Paul’s plea is for the glorification of God in the church through Christ for all eternity. Even if we may not fully grasp the depth of his prayers, may they be realized, bringing forth the beauty of unity and the glory of God in the church. Amen!
- See Robert B. Girdlestone, Synonyms of the Old Testament, pp. 319-321 ↩︎
- see http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/amen.html ↩︎
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