And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Read it in contextPrayer for understanding
Start reading at Ephesians 1:15 (Ephesians 1:15 to Ephesians 1:23).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Thanksgiving leads to prayer that the readers know what God has given, with Christ's resurrection and exaltation displaying the power toward believers.
1:15Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
1:16Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
1:17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
1:18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
1:19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
1:20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
1:21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
1:22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
1:23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the named author. Pauline authorship is the traditional position, though some historical scholars dispute it. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ephesians 1:1–3:21): Paul addresses the saints and faithful in Christ, explicitly recalling his Gentile readers' former separation and their inclusion with Jewish believers in one body. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The saints and faithful in Christ Jesus, addressed as being at Ephesus in the KJV. Some early manuscripts omit the location, so wider circulation is possible. The letter expressly addresses believers of Gentile background. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1; Ephesians 2:11. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Prayer for understanding. Read Ephesians 1:15 through Ephesians 1:23 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Thanksgiving leads to prayer that the readers know what God has given, with Christ's resurrection and exaltation displaying the power toward believers. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul identifies himself as a prisoner, but the letter does not name a calendar date or explicitly identify the city of imprisonment. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The KJV address names Ephesus. References to heavenly places and the church's spiritual standing are not ordinary geographic locations. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Prayer for understanding (Ephesians 1:15 to Ephesians 1:23).
Start reading at Ephesians 1:15. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter locates blessing, redemption, and the gathering of all things in Christ. Its purpose and inheritance language should be read with the repeated phrase in Christ and the exhortations addressed to the church. See Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 4:1. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Walk consistently with the calling received, pursuing unity, holiness, truthful speech, and mutual care. Promises to the church should not erase the subsequent demands on its conduct. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Ephesians 1
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Connection to the wholePaul speaks of God's purpose and spiritual blessings in Christ, including redemption and the Spirit's sealing; the repeated setting in Christ governs the promises.
Connection to the wholeThanksgiving leads to prayer that the readers know what God has given, with Christ's resurrection and exaltation displaying the power toward believers.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Ephesians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Connection to the wholePaul blesses God for spiritual blessings in Christ and prays that the readers understand their hope, inheritance, and the power displayed in Christ.
Connection to the wholePaul describes salvation by grace and the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles in one body, then explains his ministry and prays for the church.
Connection to the wholePaul applies the new life to speech, desires, worship, households, and work, repeatedly grounding conduct in belonging to the Lord.
Connection to the wholeThe closing exhortation calls the readers to stand in God's strength and armour, joining vigilance with prayer and mutual encouragement.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.