Eph. 2:14-16 - He is our Peace

14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,
15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace,
16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.

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Jews and Gentiles Reconciled

Vs. 14 - “ For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, ” - 

“He... is our peace” - There are several ramifications of being in God's peace because of what Christ has done for us: 

(1) All of the universe was put on peaceful basis with God;
(2) We have been put at peace with God, being no longer enemies (Col 1:19-22);
(3) Jesus and Gentiles have been brought to a peaceful co-existence in Christ. There is no other way to God (Acts 4:!2; John 14:6; Col 3:10-11).

“Made both groups into one” - (Eph 2:11-13; Col 2:13) Paul begins to deal with what is obviously a major problem at Ephesus. In fact, Eph 2:11-3:21 deals with the problem, namely: That Jewish Christians in Ephesus were separating themselves from their Gentile brethren. Paul writes that no matter whether we be Jews or Gentiles we all have the same position in Christ. The unity of the believers! With this concept in mind (i.e., unity of believers in Christ) the next verses - through 3:21 - are clarified.

“Broke down the barrier” - Note there were two walls: (1) Between man and God; (2) between Jew and Gentile. Jews hated the Gentiles, and I’m pretty sure the Gentiles return the feelings (probably because of the Jews’ attitude, and more likely goaded on by Satan’s hatred of Jesus). The Jews are a proud people, and it chafed to be conquered and abused by the likes of the Assyrians, Babylonians, Greeks and Romans. 

Vs. 15 - “ by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, ” - 

 “By abolishing... the enmity” - This phrase explains how Christ removed the barrier. “Enmity” means the reason for opposition, or hatred. Christ’s physical sacrifice was the completion, fulfillment of the Law. The hatred between the Jew and Gentile was not caused by the Law, but it was part of the friction.

An imagined dialogue:
Jews, “We have the only way to God.”
Gentiles: “So?”
Jews: “If you want to get to God, you’ve got to go through us!”
Gentiles: “Surely, there must be another.”
Jews: “No way, we’ve got it. If you want to get to God, you’ve got to go through us!”
Gentiles: “Hey! Don’t get snotty!”
Jews: “Snotty! Listen, we’ve got...”
Gentiles: “You can take your law...”

And so, in the normal course of events, the Jews mocked and ridiculed the Gentiles because of their “despicable condition”. The Gentiles got mad at the Jews for being so haughty, so mad that many would in no way want to seek God.

There is a parallel here: Christians must not treat with disdain those who don't know Christ, nor pity them. (People do not want to be pitied, especially if they think everything is okay with themselves. They also don't want to be pitied if they know they are in bad straights.) That is why “Jesus loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life” (See note 1) is such a powerful statement. It helps to move people from fear and anger to being welcomed and loved.

“Which is the Law... ordinances” - Again, the Law was not the problem, but it appears to be so. The Law does not cause people to sin, but points out our sin. (See: Rom 3:21-22, 7:7) Christ did away with that method of knowing God (John 14:6). He did away with the Law (Acts 4:12).

“That in Himself... thus establishing peace” - See Col 3:10-11; John 17:21. Now, there are no privileged, except those in Christ, and those people did nothing to earn that privilege. (The TV series, “Downton Abbey”, provides a clear delineation between the “titled” family and all others. A baby born in the to title has all the rights and privileges; the staff working for the titled family do not. Apparently you cannot even marry into a titled family and thereby gain the title.

Since there is no reason to boast, except in Christ, and since our access to God is in Christ (He is our life), both Jew and Gentile now have the same standing. I cannot brag about having a “better position”, etc. Christ is the establishing of peace - there is no distinction between us (See: Gal 3:28; 1 Cor 12:13).

Vs. 16 - “and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.“ - 

“And might reconcile them both...” - (a continuation from verse 15) - It is in Himself that both sides are brought together in peace.

“Reconcile” - to turn hatred to friendship; to bring two groups at loggerheads to a place of common agreement; to bring an end tomthe hostility between them. Christ turns the enmity between Jew and Gentile to friendship

“In one body to God” - I think there are couple of possible views here: (1) Both Jews and Gentiles have now been put on friendly terms with God in Christ’s body. (2) Now having no stance of their own, Jews and Gentiles have been put on friendly terms with each other in Christ’s sacrifice.

“Through the cross” - See: Col 1:20, 2:14. Any hatred between us and others must end at the cross. Admittedly, this message was in particular to the problem generated by Jewish and Gentile Christians. This deep-seated, long-standing hatred had to be overcome. But the message applies to you and me. Any enmity between you and me cannot, must not be nurtured, indeed should not exist! Is there any discord, no matter how small, between me and another? I must confess that sin, seek forgiveness, and make restitution. Any grudge, etc., means I am harboring, or pridefully demanding a right that does not exist. Is there a “special understanding”, a way to God? No! Paul says there is only “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27).

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Note 1: Law 1 of “Four Spiritual Laws”.

Eph. 2:11-13 - Once Upon a Time

11 Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "Uncircumcision" by the so-called "Circumcision," which is performed in the flesh by human hands--
12 remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

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Vs. 11 - “ Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "Uncircumcision" by the so-called "Circumcision," which is performed in the flesh by human hands-- ” - Paul continues on in his drive to instill in our minds our position in Christ. Verses 11-22 explain the household of God, the unity of the believers, whether Jew or Gentile. If we are in Christ; if He is our only means of salvation then there is no distinction between any of us.

“You Gentiles” - See: Eph 5:8; 1 Cor 12:2; 1 Pet 4:3. It is very difficult for us to realize just what a Gentile is, to a Jew. Everything that a Jew was to be (with respect to reverence to God) the Gentile was not. Gentiles were despised, etc., etc., etc. There are probably not enough words to describe just how low the Gentile was in the Jewish estimation.

“Uncircumcision... circumcision” - Again, to us for whom circumcision is merely a medical decision, this doesn’t seem like such a big deal. But it must have been - but we don’t see it from the viewpoint of the Jew. To be uncircumcised meant that one was a Gentile - therefore lower than dirt!

Part of these verses are aimed at getting the Christians together. If the Jewish Christians (“circumcised”) were deriding the non-Jewish Christians (“uncircumcision”) because of their low initial position as Gentiles, then these verses are to show that we all have the same salvation - Jesus Christ!

“By human hands” - How important was this circumcision question? Picture people asking “Are you circumcised?”, or nowadays, “Have you been baptized?” See? We look at the outside, God looks at the heart. (1 Sam 16:7)
Paul is saying that this physical ritual - circumcision - cannot be that important, because it was done to man, by man. (See: Rom 2:25-29) Our hearts’ condition and attitude is the important thing. Circumcision does not change the spiritual condition, it only shows that your parents were obedient to God’s commands. It is not a predictor of your behavior or spiritual condition.

Vs. 12 - “ remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” - 

 “remember that you were at that time”  - Before Christ’s work on the cross, when circumcision or uncircumcision might have made a difference. Before Christ’s sacrifice, and before they had believed in Him, they were cut off, “separated” from any relationship with Him.

“Excluded... strangers” - (See: Rom 9:4; Matt 21:33-46) The Jews were God’s chosen people, through whom the whole world was to be blest. There were covenants made between God and man, based on the promises made.

“Having no hope and without God” - What else could be expected? The Gentiles were completely forsaken, without hope not knowing God. Christ had not yet removed the barriers; and the Gentiles, not having any part in the promises, not understanding or having any part in the covenants had no direct access to God, therefore: no hope.

Vs. 13 - “ But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. “ - 

 “But now... “ - Then - you had no hope. Now - there is life.

“In Christ Jesus... by the blood of Christ” - We, who were not part of the covenant were “far off” (Isa 57:19). But in Christ, by the blood of Christ, we have been allowed to come to the presence of God. (Rom 3:25; Col 1:20; Heb 9:14, 22 ). We are no longer slaves, but are friends. (See: John 15:14-15)

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Eph. 2:8-10 - Grace by Faith

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Any man that says he wants to be judged on his deeds does not really understand his total inadequacy!

Vs. 8 - “ For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;” - 

“For by grace you have been saved...” - A continuation of the same thoughts seen in the previous verses. In verse 7 we saw that God is demonstrating His limitless grace to us in Christ. For it is by this limitless grace we have any hope at all. We do not merit salvation (See: Psa 103:8-12; 130:3-4; 49:7-9)

“Saved” - What disaster are we saved from? Answer: eternal separation from God. Our knowledge and understanding is limited. We do not see God in His glory. Based on the beauty of the world we can see, the visions seen by the prophets, and God's own descriptions, we can believe that this worldly beauty pales by comparison. Some of the worst punishment we can think of is the 'super-max' prisons where the convicted criminal hour after hour, day after day, year after year in a single cell. Eternal separation from God is much, much worse than that. And to know there is no end to the aloneness, no end to lack of hope, no end to loss of love. It would drive you insane, and there is no relief or end to the insanity.

“Saved through faith” - (See: John 6:29; 3:16-18, 36; Col 1:4-5; 2:12) God’s grace has decreed (through the scriptures) by believing in Christ we are saved (See: Rom 10:8-10).

“That not of yourselves” - The salvation? Or the faith? If indeed salvation is by faith, why would we have to work to acquire faith? That makes no sense. But, if the salvation is not of ourselves, a result of faith, then the admonition to not work for salvation but believe makes sense.

“It is the gift of God” - Salvation is a gift. That is the concept of grace, salvation in not earned, it is given to us by God.

Vs. 9 - “ not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” -

“Not as a result of works” - Salvation, the gift, remember! (Tit 3:5; 2 Tim 1:9)

“No one should boast” - See: 1 Cor 1:29-30. If indeed we can do nothing to gain salvation; if indeed Christ has done it all then there is nothing to get puffed up about, to feel pride in our own accomplishments.

Vs. 10 - “ For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” -  

“His workmanship” - This further seals the grace/gift theme.

(1) We are undeserving
(2) God’s grace saves us
(3) We have no reason for self-pride
(4) We are created by Christ (v. 10)

As a result of His work we are saved, we are made into what He desires.

“Created... for good works... walk in them” - This is the beginning of a new train of thought that will be dealt with later by Paul. Simply put: saved to serve. As far as I know, Jesus never called anyone to just be saved. Each was called to serve, to fill a purpose. We too, have not been saved merely to be saved. We have been saved for the purpose of serving and glorifying the Lord! God decided long ago that we were to serve Him as He saved us.

“Walk” - This is to be one of the key words (another key word!) of this letter. Chapters 4 & 5 are devoted to directing, and teaching, and training believers in the way they should, because they are new creatures.

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Eph. 2:4-7 - God rich in Mercy

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Christ is the author and authority in our lives.

Vs. 4 - “ But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,”

“But God, being rich in mercy" - See: Rom 5:8; 1 John 4:10, 16, 19; Eph. 1:7; Titus 3:5. Despite our rotten condition, our rotten attitudes and our sinful nature God loved us enough to send His Son! “It is a hard saying, who can understand it!” It baffles why He would do it.

Vs. 5 - “ even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),” - 

“Even when... dead... transgression” - See: Col 2:13-14; Rom 5:6-10. Because of God’s love (v. 4) He has taken our sin upon Himself, the whole burden. There is no penalty we need to pay for. We were dead, or doomed to the second death (eternal separation from God) because of that nature. Now we have eternal life in Christ (Gal 2:20; Col 1:13, 2:4) when we believe and confess Him as our savior.

“Alive together with Christ” - See: Col 1:18, 2:13, 3:1, 5; 1 Cor 15:4, 12-17, 20; Heb 1:3; Rom 8:11. Paul is setting the stage, previously and now:

    (1) There Christ is - exalted (vss. 1:19-23).
    (2) Here we are - debased (vss. 2:1-3).
    (3) We cannot get there from where we are (v. 3).
    (4) God has done it all - (vss. 2:4-5) - in Christ.

The verses from 1 Cor 15 and Col 1:18 stick in my mind - If Christ is not alive, in heaven, we have no hope.

Christ is alive, the first of many to be as He is. Our death was our transgression; our life is Christ.

“By grace” - It is not pity that God shows toward us. It is His love; it is His concern. Most likely we will see grace as God’s mercy in place of God’s judgment against us. (I will have to do a word study on “grace”)

Vs. 6 - “ and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” - 

“raised us up with Him” - See: Col 2:12; John 12:32, 3:18. In verse 5 we see that we’ve been given life. In verse 6 we begin to see our spiritual heritage. Verse 6 may not mean we have been resurrected as Jesus was, many of us have not died, and yet we have eternal life.

The problem we have in trying to understand this is that we are temporal creatures - our lives are lived out in a time-line. God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are eternal. In God’s economy, when Christ died on the cross we died with Him. When Christ raised from the dead, we also (those who believe in Him) were resurrected. “It is finished!” Our life is hidden with God in Christ!

Paul was writing to living people, and is helping them see they are in Christ, and His power and glory protects and saves them. And, since this is the Bible, God’s word to us, we in the 21st century A.D., are included in His death and life. We were all ‘future’ when He was crucified. It is as though we were standing on Calvary that day - we died when He died.
We are “raised up” - our lives and our inheritance is in Christ. Christ is in heaven, “raised up”, incorruptible, and waiting there for us. We too are to reckon our selves as dead to this world and raised up out of it.

“Seated us... in Christ” - Again the key - in Christ. We are next to God the Father in heaven. We are there in Christ. The the book “Sit, Walk, Stand” by Watchman Nee, we see the key word is “seated” - a position of rest and symbol of power. Note that Christ’s atoning work is finished and He is now ‘resting’ in the presence of God, with all authority vested in Him.
Note: the Christian starts from the position of rest in Christ.
We do not start with Christ in order to go to something better.
We start in Christ.
We walk in Christ.
We end in Christ. (See: Col 3:34).
Christ is the author and authority in our lives.

Vs. 7 - “ so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” - 

“...the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” - Now we begin to see how verses 4-6 tie together. In fact, vss. 1:19-2:6 all fit into a pattern:

    (1) So that God could demonstrate for all time to come how unlimited his love, mercy and grace are;
    (2) He sacrificed Himself in Jesus Christ in our place;
    (3) And raised Jesus from the dead, and raised Him up to heaven;
    (4) And gave us every spiritual blessing in and through Christ;
    (5) Despite the fact we were totally undeserving.

Again we see a key word and a key phrase. (1) The phrase: “in Christ Jesus”. (2) The word: “grace”. They are key to these thoughts - we received God’s grace in Christ and no where else. This emphasizes that our life is in Christ Jesus and we can do nothing to earn it - it is a gift. See: "It is a true saying, in which all may put their faith, that Christ Jesus came into the world to give salvation to sinners, of whom I am the chief:  But for this reason I was given mercy, so that in me, the chief of sinners, Jesus Christ might make clear all his mercy, as an example to those who in the future would have faith in him to eternal life." (1 Tim 1:15-16)

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Eph. 2:1-3 - Dead in Your Trespasses

Chapter 2 - Outline
1-3: - Former condition - separated
4-7: - Rich in Mercy
8-10: - New condition - saved by grace
11-13: - Gentiles especially separated
14-16: - One from Two
17-18: - He preached peace
19-22: - No longer foreigners
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Eph. 2:1-3 - Your 'Normal' Condition

1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,
2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.
3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

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Vs. 1 - "And you were dead in your trespasses and sins" - Paul is setting the scene:  telling us of our position when not in Christ, versus being in Christ. As he finished the previous chapter, Paul tells of Christ’s position - greater than all and above, seated at the right hand of God. There is none other like Him, now or ever! He is alive in heaven.
On the the other hand, we are dead! Dead in our transgression and sin - not because of our sinning, [We sin because we are sinners.] (See: Rom 5:16-19; Col 2:13; 1 Cor 15:21-22)

“Sins and trespasses” - (i.e., transgressions) were our way of life, before Christ filled us.

Vs. 2 - “ in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.” - This is where you are without Christ in your life.

“Formerly walked” - our way of life, attitude, as a non-believer.

“According to the course of this world...” - (See: Rom 13:13; Col 2:8, 3:5-6; Gal 5:19-21; Jam 3:14-16; 1 Pet 2:1, 4:3; 2 Cor 4:4) The natural order of this physical world is corrupted (Jer 17:9) by sin. Until we are made a new creature in Christ, we too walk and act as the natural man.  (See: 2 Cor 5:17)

“According to the prince of the power of the air” - See: John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11, 17:15; 2 Cor 4:5; 1 John 2:13, 4:4, 5:18-19; Matt 5:37, 13:19; 2 Thes 3:3. —- 

Here we see another name for Satan, the “evil one”, “ruler of the world”. He has been defeated in Christ - in effect, Satan is free on bail, awaiting final sentencing. Satan is confined to this universe, which is to be judged by Christ.

“Sons of disobedience” - The evil one has control of some people. These people disobey God. Paul is further defining the source of the evil in this world. The same prince of the air is the spirit who leads people to sin (2 Cor 4:4). Just as we who believe in Jesus are “sons of righteousness” or “saints of the light”, those who follow Satan are sons of disobedience.

Vs. 3 - "Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.”

“Among them” - The sons of disobedience as defined above.

“We all formerly lived” - See: 1 Cor 6:11; Col 3:7; 1 Pet 4:3; Rom 3:23 - Before Christ Jesus became Lord in our lives, we were unsaved sinners - no matter how good we tried to be.

“Lust of flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and mind” - See: Rom 1:18-32; Ga; 5:16-21; Col 1:21; 2 Pet 2:12-19 - a fairly complete listing of the problems of the world.

“By nature, children of wrath” - See: Eph 5:6; Col 3:6. Not only children of disobedience, but destined to suffer the wrath of God.

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Eph. 1:20-23 - Hope, Riches, Glory, and Power

20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,
21 far above all rule and authority and 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 in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church,
23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

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seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places

V. 20 - "which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places”

Our hope is in Christ’s resurrection. His riches - our belief and faith and ourselves - His power to us, are all proportional to the work done in Christ. Paul defines this work in the next few phrases:

(1) Raised Christ from the dead;
(2) Seated Him at His right hand. That’s all.

God conquered death through Christ, and offered it to all. This might (conquering of death) is ours in Christ. The hope is ours in proportion to the amount Christ is in control of our lives!

V. 21 - “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”

This verse deals with Christ and where He is as a result of being raised from the dead. (See: Rom 8:38, 13:1; Col 1:16, 2:10, 15; 1 Cor 15:24) There may be rulers or kings who exercise absolute authority over their subjects - Jesus Christ is greater than these! There may be those whose authority has been gained or taken from others and is undeniable. Christ is greater than these. There may be those who power is undisputed (all of the above exist in the physical and spiritual worlds). Christ is greater than these! There are dominions and kingdoms in this world, and in the spiritual world we cannot see, and Jesus Christ is greater than these!

“Every name that is named...” - People honor others. There are names which bring awe to our minds and command our respect. Statues; Buildings; Cities named after them; States named after them. No matter how much honor is bestowed upon another, either now or in any future time — Christ is greater than all! There are not enough superlatives to describe Christ.

V. 22 - “And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church,”

God put everything under Christ’s feet. Really, picture a king on a throne - all of his subjects bow at his feet. This is the image presented here - everything has been put under Christ’s control and authority. (See: 1 Cor 15:27; Matt 28:18; Phil 2:9-11; Rom 14:!1; Col 1:18)

“Gave Him as head over all things to the church” - There is no other leader or authority for the church. (See: Col 1:18, 2:19, 3:11; John 15:4-5) Christ is the first of all those to be raised from the dead to eternal life. (See: Rev 1:8, 17-18, 2:1-2, 8, 12, for Christ position). Since we know his position - then we also know that any endeavor must be blessed, originated by Him, or it will not bring glory to Christ and God. The church, the body of believers, exists for really two reasons: (1) to bring glory to Christ and God, and (2) to bring people to a saving knowledge of Christ. Indeed as a person comes to Christ, it brings glory to Him.

V. 23 - “which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

The church is Christ’s body (1 Cor 12:27). One of those interesting analogies - Christ the head, we the body; Christ the bridegroom, we the bride, etc. His body, the church, is the completion of Christ. We in ourselves can not do anything to make Christ better, etc. But in the church, in us, God has brought about, accomplished all that He set out to do in Christ. The reason: we do not do it, but Christ does (John 15:5) Christ begins the work in us, and completes the work in us. In Christ, God gives everyone who believes everything they need for the Christian life.

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End of chapter

Eph 1:15-19 - I Have Heard of Your Faith

15 - For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints,
16 do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers;
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might

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Your Heart May Be Enlightened

V. 15-16 - “For this reason...” - Really, the 16th verse needs to be inserted so the sentence would read like this: “For this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you, while mentioning you in my prayers, since I have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love you have for all the saints.” (See: Col 1:4) Paul prayed about them, and as he learned that they were saved, he thanked God (probably continually).

V. 17 - "may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. - Here we see the purpose of Paul’s prayers: That those Paul was writing to, might be given wisdom and the knowledge of God. Paul was also writing for us, the believers in this day and age. But that is not all, that God may through His Spirit, reveal Himself to us, which will have more of an impact on the reality of our lives. This is a relationship-building process. Our life in Christ usually does not instantly change our human behavior - it is a growing process as we trust Him and learn to listen to His leading through the Holy Spirit. The more we ‘walk’ with Him, the more our lives are conformed to His desire for us. 

The word “knowledge” in this verse is referring to a “true knowledge”, or rather, an intimate knowledge, a personal knowledge gained not by study, nor by reading, etc., but by spending time with Christ and God. God reveals Himself to us as we seek Him. (See: John 8:55; Col 1:10) This is an important concept - we must spend time with Jesus to get to know Him better. That is not an earth shaking revelation. But we need to continually remind ourselves of our complete dependence on the Lord. 

The word “spirit” in “spirit of wisdom” does not necessarily mean that an infusion of a spirit (an angel or the Holy Spirit) be shed upon us. Know that when you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you are given the Holy Spirit.  “Spirit” here can be read a “rational soul” or a “mental disposition”. For example, God has given us a “sound mind” (2 Tim 1:7 (KJV)). Paul is asking that God give us mental disposition toward wisdom, and toward accepting a revelation of Himself to us. You know God can show Himself and His will to us and we don’t pay attention! Again, He reveals Himself to us when we seek His face - not just a general idea of who He is, but Him personally - not remote and academic but a personal interaction.

V. 18 - "Eyes of your heart” - the KJV says “the eyes of your understanding”. I thank that says it pretty well. We memorize, or learn something “by heart”. The GNMM translation says “may your minds be opened to see His light”. This is part of the revelation of God to us.

Now to look at the goal(s) of the enlightenment. There are primarily three: (1) An understanding of the hope; (2) an understanding of the riches; (3) to come to understand His power working for us.

(1) “What is the hope of His calling”? See: 1 Cor 15:12-28; Eph 1:3; Rom 1:16-18; 1 Pet 1:3-4. Our hope is that Christ did indeed conquer death, and that by faith in Him we too may have life eternal.

(2) “The riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” - The phrase “riches of the glory” is interesting. How do you put a value on glory? Think of the fame and glory men seek here on earth. Men will do almost anything to gain recognition! The glory of God is so much beyond our understanding. This verse seems to say that Jesus has a glorious and precious inheritance that is in those who believe in Him. Note this does not read like Col 1:12 (which says the saints are receiving an inheritance). This indicates that Christ Himself is receiving an inheritance, and the inheritance is we true believers! The Lord wants us to know how valuable we are to Him. He has given us to His Son, Jesus. (See: John 6:39-40, 10:29; 2 Pet 3:9; 2 Cor 2:14-16)

What possible reason could God have for wanting us to know how valuable we are? Ponder that.

V. 19 - "what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe." - This verse shows the third goal of the enlightenment mentioned in verse 18:

(3) “Understand His power working for us”: When God reveals Himself to us, we begin to understand the magnitude of God’s care for us. [Note: God wants us to know how valuable we are! When does a person begin to consider suicide, etc? When he feels that no one cares, that the world would be better without his presence. When we know someone cares for us, we can care for ourselves.] There is no way that we can completely understand God’s might. Note also to whom this power is directed - those of us who believe in Christ.

“These are in accordance...” - Why in plural? GNMM simply says that “this power in us,” indicating that it is only the greatness of His power. I think the 'these' refers to the three concepts just listed: hope of his calling, the riches of his glory, and the surpassing greatness of his power, and his power is indeed unlimited bcause He is the Lord God. Jesus does this because He can, He wants to shower his love on those who believe in Him.

Conclusion: Our hope, His riches, His power toward us are all the result of God’s working through Christ.

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