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Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents
3:14-21 Paul's Prayer for Strength and Insight. Paul resumes his thought broken off in v. 1 and reports his prayer for the readers' strength and understanding of God's power (vv. 14-19). He concludes by blessing God (vv. 20-21).
3:14-15 For this reason. Paul had broken off his thought in v. 1, so he repeats this phrase to indicate that he is returning to that original thought. bow. When Paul considers the majesty of God's worldwide work of redemption in Christ, he responds in the only appropriate way: humble adoration of God the Father, the Great King. To be named in biblical usage refers to the definition of one's identity. God the Father, the creator of all things (v. 9), is also the one who "names" (i.e., defines the identity of) all creatures, even to the extent of "naming" every family in heaven and on earth. God's present action in the naming of "every family" is a further affirmation of his sovereignty over all creation.
3:16 Spirit. The Holy Spirit applies to believers the personal presence and power of God. inner being. Or "inner man," referring to one's inner self as a human being.
3:17-18 Christ already dwells in Christians, but Paul prays here for his indwelling with power. In v. 16 Paul speaks of the indwelling "Spirit" and here of the indwelling Christ, suggesting the deity of the Spirit as well as the Son. rooted and grounded in love. Love is the natural and necessary outcome of a living faith that is the fruit of Christ's work in the Christian. comprehend. Godliness leads to greater understanding of God and his works (see Ps. 119:100). Breadth . . . length . . . height . . . depth expresses the immeasurable dimensions of God's riches in Christ. On saints, see note on Eph. 1:1.
3:19 surpasses knowledge. To know what surpasses knowledge is the sublime privilege of the Christian. The purpose ultimately is to be filled with God's fullness.
