Exceeding abundantly

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us – Ephesians 3:20

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As we read Ephesians, it's important to keep in mind that the apostle Paul writes this epistle from Rome, where he was under house arrest. Despite some liberties, he was still a prisoner while writing this epistle as we read in Ephesians 3:1 he calls himself ''the prisoner of Christ''.

Ephesians 3:14-21 is a prayer from the apostle Paul on behalf of the church of Ephesus. What a powerful and deep prayer! The apostle Paul prays that believers would be strengthened by the Spirit, know Christ's love, be rooted in that love, and experience the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:16–19). 

This prayer is not about external circumstances. It is about the strengthening of the Ephesians' inner being (verse 16). This is an important reminder to pray for others so that they may have inner strength and peace despite their circumstances.

In Ephesians 3 verse 20, just before the end of the prayer, the apostle Paul's language emphasizes superabundance: God's capacity is far above what we ask or think. In this verse, the apostle Paul combines Greek words into a unique double compound word that literally means "superabundantly above the greatest abundance" or "beyond all measure.  From verse 20 we can definitely see how God is sovereign and omnipotent in all situations.

Paul concludes his prayer with these words: “To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!” (Ephesians 3:21). When God accomplishes something far beyond what we anticipated, the appropriate response is thankfulness and praise.

From Paul's prayer we can see that we should trust God's limitless power and then receive what God chooses to accomplish/provide us. Always give Him all the glory, in all circumstances.

God's love for His children is boundless, endless and measureless (verse 18). Therefore, we can bring God our deepest desires and problems while trusting that His plans for us are much greater than the limits of our understanding. Amen.

Reflection on Ephesians 3:14-21 by Hanne