Bible Commentary on Ephesians 3:16

Ephesians 3:16 states: "That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man." This verse serves as a profound prayer by the Apostle Paul, emphasizing the need for spiritual empowerment and growth within the believer.

Divine Grant and Riches of Glory

Paul begins with the request for God to grant something significant to the believers. The term "grant" signifies an act of benevolence from God, demonstrating His willingness to bestow blessings upon His children. As noted by Matthew Henry, this "granting" comes from the "riches of His glory," which refers to the divine resources available to those in Christ.

The "riches of His glory" are not material wealth but spiritual abundance, representing God's grace, love, and the fullness of His presence. This suggests that believers must tap into the inexhaustible supply from God rather than relying on their strength or the inadequacies of this world. Albert Barnes points out that these riches are the treasures that God has in store for His people, emphasizing His generosity and the lavish nature of His grace in the spiritual realm.

Strengthening by His Spirit

Paul prayerfully desires that believers would be strengthened "with might by His Spirit in the inner man." This phrase highlights the critical role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers. Adam Clarke elaborates that the "inner man" refers to the true essence of a person, their spiritual life, which requires divine strength to grow and mature in faith.

The concept of the "inner man" contrasts with the outer man, which is often weakened by the trials of life. Through the Holy Spirit, believers receive not only guidance but also the strength to endure hardships, overcome sin, and engage in the mission set before them. Matthew Henry notes that this kind of strength is essential for the believer's growth and ability to exercise faith amid life’s challenges.

The Purpose of Strengthening

Understanding why Paul emphasizes strengthening is key. The empowerment of the inner man is fundamental for several reasons:

• Spiritual Warfare: The strengthened believer is better equipped to face spiritual battles, as indicated in Ephesians 6:10-13. As Albert Barnes points out, without the strength that comes from God, believers are susceptible to temptation and despair.
• Christlikeness: When believers are empowered, they can better reflect the character of Christ in their lives. This transformation is crucial as Adam Clarke observes, stating, "the more we are strengthened, the more we can present Christ to the world."
• Community Impact: A strong inner man enables believers to contribute positively to the church and community, demonstrating love and grace, which Matthew Henry notes is part of the Christian witness.

Theological Implications

This verse encapsulates the essence of Christian spirituality, highlighting the dependence on God for strength. Theologically, it presents a rich understanding of grace and the work of the Holy Spirit:

• Grace as Sustenance: Paul’s request demonstrates the ongoing need for God's grace, which sustains believers throughout their spiritual journey.
• Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is portrayed not merely as a helper but as the source of inner strength and transformation, reinforcing the Trinitarian aspect of the believer's relationship with God.
• The Inner Transformation: The focus on the inner man highlights the importance of internal spiritual development, which must precede external actions and ministry.

Practical Applications

For pastors, students, theologians, and biblical scholars, Ephesians 3:16 serves as a critical verse for understanding the dynamics of spiritual life. Here are some practical applications:

• Prayer for Empowerment: Incorporating prayers like Paul’s into personal and corporate worship can foster a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit.
• Teaching on the Inner Life: Educational efforts should emphasize cultivating the inner man through spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation, and studying Scripture.
• Encouragement in Spiritual Struggles: Provide support to those battling spiritual fatigue by reminding them of the strength available through the Spirit.

Conclusion

Ephesians 3:16 is a powerful reminder of God's desire to empower His people through the Holy Spirit. As Paul intercedes for the believers, he encapsulates the essence of Christian living—seeking strength from God for internal transformation that inevitably affects the external world. Through this verse, we are encouraged to seek the riches of God’s glory, confident that He provides all we need for spiritual vitality.