Listen to the Devotional

Key verse:  “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.” KJV

The Deep Dive – Detailed Analysis of Ephesians 3:20

1. Immediate Context of the Passage

Ephesians 3:20 is part of Paul’s doxology, concluding his prayer for the Ephesians in Ephesians 3:14-21. This prayer follows Paul’s exposition of the mystery of the gospel (3:1-13), in which he reveals God’s plan to unite Jews and Gentiles into one body through Christ. Paul prays that believers may be strengthened by the Spirit, rooted in love, and able to grasp the vast dimensions of Christ’s love.

This verse serves as a climax, praising God for His limitless ability to work beyond human comprehension. It encapsulates the themes of power, grace, and the indwelling presence of the Spirit that run throughout the book of Ephesians. The doxology shifts the focus from human requests to God’s extraordinary ability.

2. Thematic Insights and Influence on Interpretation

• God’s Power: The verse emphasizes God’s omnipotence and His capacity to exceed human expectations. The phrase “exceeding abundantly” reflects the superabundance of God’s resources and ability.
• The Indwelling Spirit: The power mentioned is not external but works within believers, aligning with the broader theme of spiritual empowerment in Ephesians (e.g., 1:19-20, 2:22).
• Unity and Inclusion: This verse connects to the overarching theme of God’s plan to bring unity to all things in Christ (Eph. 1:9-10) and to empower believers for this mission.
• Love and Glory: The context emphasizes Christ’s love (3:17-19) and God’s glory, showing that His power is exercised for His purposes and our good.

3. Cross-References

• Jeremiah 32:17: “Ah Lord GOD! Behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power… there is nothing too hard for thee.” This reinforces the idea of God’s omnipotence.
• Romans 8:26-27: The Spirit intercedes for us, revealing God’s power to exceed human understanding and meet our needs in prayer.
• Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,” reflects the same divine empowerment working within believers.
• 1 Corinthians 2:9: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard… the things which God hath prepared for them that love him,” parallels the idea of God surpassing human expectations.

4. Key Terms and Grammatical Structure

• “Exceeding abundantly” (ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ, huperekperissou): A compound Greek term meaning “infinitely more” or “beyond measure.” This hyperbolic phrase underscores the limitless nature of God’s ability.
• “Ask or think” (αἰτούμεθα ἢ νοοῦμεν, aitoumetha ē nooumen): Suggests both verbal requests and unspoken thoughts, showing that God’s work surpasses all human comprehension.
• “Power that worketh in us” (δύναμιν τὴν ἐνεργουμένην, dunamin tēn energoumenēn): The term “worketh” (ἐνεργέω, energeō) indicates active, continuous power residing within believers, derived from the Holy Spirit.

The grammatical structure builds to a crescendo, emphasizing God’s unmatched ability and the relational aspect of His power working within us.

5. Comparative Translation Analysis

• KJV: “Exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” The repetition emphasizes God’s superabundant ability.
• NIV: “Immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” Highlights the infinite nature of God’s power.
• ESV: “Far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.” Retains the grandeur but with simpler phrasing.
• NLT: “Infinitely more than we might ask or think.” The translation simplifies the phrase for modern readers while preserving the meaning.

Each translation reflects the same core message, with slight differences in emphasis or readability.

6. Insights from Lexicons and Commentaries

• Thayer’s Lexicon: The term “exceeding abundantly” conveys a state of surpassing excellence beyond human limitations.
• Strong’s Concordance: The word “dunamis” (G1411) refers to inherent power, particularly that which belongs to God and is imparted to believers.
• Matthew Henry: Henry notes that God’s ability to bless far exceeds our prayers and imagination, emphasizing the faith we should place in Him.

7. Practical Application and Reflection

1. In Prayer: Trust that God can provide answers beyond your wildest expectations, encouraging bold and faith-filled prayers.
2. In Trials: Remember God’s power to work within you, enabling endurance and transformation during difficulties.
3. In Ministry: Lean on God’s strength to achieve what seems impossible, knowing His plans and power surpass human capabilities.

Reflection: Are you limiting God in your expectations? This verse challenges believers to expand their vision of what God can accomplish through faith and surrender.

About the book

Author

Paul the Apostle is traditionally credited as the author of Ephesians (Eph. 1:1), a view supported by the early church and internal evidence, such as the letter’s structure and theological depth.

Date Written

Ephesians was likely written around AD 60-62, during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28:30-31).

Time Span

The content of Ephesians does not focus on specific events or a particular timeline but addresses overarching theological truths relevant across generations. It reflects the church’s purpose in God’s eternal plan.

Background

Ephesus was a major city in Asia Minor, known for its commercial wealth, cultural influence, and the temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World). Paul founded the church in Ephesus during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:19-21) and spent over two years there during his third journey (Acts 19:1-41). Ephesians is thought to be a circular letter intended for multiple churches in the region, emphasizing unity, spiritual maturity, and God’s redemptive plan.

Where Written

Paul wrote Ephesians from his imprisonment in Rome, as part of the “Prison Epistles” (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon).

To Whom

The letter is addressed to the saints in Ephesus and faithful believers in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:1). It targets a broad audience of Gentile and Jewish Christians, emphasizing unity in Christ.

Content

Ephesians is a theological masterpiece focusing on the church’s identity and role in God’s eternal plan. It transitions from doctrinal truths in the first half to practical applications in the second half.

Keywords

• Grace
• Unity
• Love
• Mystery
• Body of Christ
• Power
• Redemption

Themes

1. God’s Eternal Plan: The mystery of salvation through Christ, planned before creation, revealed in the fullness of time (Eph. 1:3-14; 3:1-12).
2. Unity in Christ: The breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, creating one body (Eph. 2:11-22; 4:1-16).
3. Spiritual Blessings: Believers are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph. 1:3).
4. Spiritual Warfare: The armor of God equips believers to stand against spiritual forces (Eph. 6:10-18).
5. Christian Living: A call to walk in love, unity, and holiness (Eph. 4:17-5:21).

Outline (with Scripture References)

1. Introduction (1:1-2): Greeting and salutation.
2. God’s Eternal Plan for Salvation (1:3-23):
   • Spiritual blessings in Christ (1:3-14)
   • Paul’s prayer for wisdom and revelation (1:15-23)
3. Unity in Christ (2:1-3:21):
   • Salvation by grace through faith (2:1-10)
   • Reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles (2:11-22)
   • Paul’s ministry and prayer (3:1-21)
4. Practical Christian Living (4:1-5:21):
   • Unity and maturity in the body (4:1-16)
   • Instructions for holy living (4:17-5:21)
5. Christian Relationships (5:22-6:9):
   • Husbands and wives (5:22-33)
   • Parents and children (6:1-4)
   • Masters and servants (6:5-9)
6. Spiritual Warfare (6:10-20):
   • The armor of God (6:10-18)
   • Paul’s request for prayer (6:19-20)
7. Conclusion (6:21-24): Final greetings and blessings.

Emotions

• Joy and Gratitude: Paul celebrates God’s grace and blessings (1:3-14).
• Hope and Assurance: Paul encourages believers in their eternal inheritance (1:18).
• Urgency and Passion: His call to unity and holiness (4:1-3).
• Resolve and Courage: The exhortation to stand firm in spiritual battles (6:10-18).

Summary of Each Section

1. Introduction (1:1-2): Paul greets the church, emphasizing peace and grace from God.
2. God’s Plan (1:3-23): A doxology and prayer highlighting spiritual blessings and the surpassing power of Christ.
3. Unity in Christ (2:1-3:21): Paul explains salvation by grace, the unity of Jews and Gentiles, and prays for spiritual strength.
4. Christian Living (4:1-5:21): Practical guidance for living in unity, purity, and love.
5. Relationships (5:22-6:9): Instructions for godly relationships in the household and workplace.
6. Spiritual Warfare (6:10-20): Paul exhorts believers to stand firm with the armor of God.
7. Conclusion (6:21-24): Paul closes with final greetings and a benediction.

Content Analysis

• Theological Depth: The first three chapters provide a profound exposition of God’s redemptive work through Christ, including predestination, adoption, and grace.
• Practical Application: Chapters 4-6 transition to applying these truths in daily life, emphasizing relationships, morality, and spiritual discipline.
• Spiritual Empowerment: Ephesians stresses the Spirit’s role in enabling believers to live according to God’s will.

Contextual Analysis

Ephesians reflects the mature theology of Paul’s later ministry, addressing universal church issues rather than specific local concerns. Its message is timeless, applicable to the global body of Christ as it emphasizes identity in Christ, the unity of believers, and the power to live victoriously.

The context of a culturally diverse and morally decadent Ephesus underscores the letter’s relevance. Paul’s instructions provide a countercultural framework for Christian living in any environment, focusing on love, holiness, and the Spirit’s power.

Ephesians remains a cornerstone for understanding Christian identity, unity, and spiritual resilience, equipping believers for life in a fallen world.