That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Read it in contextPaul's Ministry to the Gentiles and Prayer for the Church
Start reading at Ephesians 3:1 (Ephesians 3:1 to Ephesians 3:21).
This section begins with Paul's explanation of his ministry and the mystery of Christ revealed to him, leading into a profound prayer for the believers, and concluding with a doxology.
3:1For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
3:2If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
3:3How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
3:4Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
3:5Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
3:6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
3:7Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
3:8Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
3:9And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
3:10To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
3:11According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
3:12In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
3:13Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
3:14For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
3:15Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
3:16That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
3:17That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
3:18May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
3:19And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
3:20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
3:21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
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 main event or theme? The main theme is Paul's prayer for the Ephesian believers to be strengthened spiritually by God's Spirit, according to the riches of His glory, in their inner being.
What is God revealing? God is revealing His willingness and ability to grant spiritual strength to believers through His Spirit, enabling them to comprehend the mystery of Christ and be filled with His fullness.
What is the literary style? Epistle, specifically a prayer within a letter.
When
When was it written? Circa A.D. 60 to 62.
When does the event take place? The prayer is for the ongoing spiritual strengthening of believers, which is a continuous process in their lives, occurring during Paul's imprisonment.
Where
Where did it happen? The prayer is directed to God for the believers in Ephesus and is a spiritual request rather than a physical event location.
Where was the author located? Rome, where Paul was imprisoned.
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles and Prayer for the Church (Ephesians 3:1 to Ephesians 3:21).
Start reading at Ephesians 3:1. This section begins with Paul's explanation of his ministry and the mystery of Christ revealed to him, leading into a profound prayer for the believers, and concluding with a doxology.
How
How does it fit the broader context? Ephesians 3:16 is part of Paul's earnest prayer (3:14-21) for the Ephesian believers, which follows his explanation of his ministry to the Gentiles and the revelation of the mystery of Christ (3:1-13). This prayer seeks spiritual empowerment for the believers to fully grasp and experience the truths he has just expounded. stated in the text
How does it point to Christ? The strengthening by the Spirit in the inner man (3:16) is directly linked to Christ dwelling in their hearts by faith (3:17) and knowing the love of Christ (3:19). The entire mystery revealed in this chapter is 'the mystery of Christ' (3:4), and God's eternal purpose is 'in Christ Jesus our Lord' (3:11). Thus, spiritual strengthening enables a deeper relationship with and understanding of Christ. stated in the text
How do I apply it today? Believers today can pray for and expect God to grant them spiritual strength by the Holy Spirit in their inner being, according to His glorious riches. This strength enables them to stand firm in faith, comprehend the love of Christ, and live a life filled with God's fullness, even amidst tribulations. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Ephesians 3
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 wholeThe prayer asks for inward strengthening and knowledge of Christ's love, concluding the first major movement with praise to God.
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.