Ephesians 3:20 - Commentary Overview

Verse Text: "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."

Introduction

The verse Ephesians 3:20 stands as a profound declaration of the power and capability of God in the life of believers. It encapsulates the essence of divine abundance, the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, and the prayers of the faithful. This commentary combines the insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke to bring rich theological depth and practical application to this verse.

Contextual Background

The Apostle Paul writes this letter to the Ephesian church while he is imprisoned. In chapters 1 and 2, he elaborates on the themes of grace, faith, and the unity of the body of Christ. Chapter 3 specifically reveals Paul’s prayer for the church, culminating in this doxology. The verse serves as both a culmination of his theological arguments and an encouraging promise for believers.

Analysis of Key Phrases

• “Now unto him”: This phrase directs our attention to God, highlighting His sovereignty and primacy in all matters. Paul emphasizes that it is God who is capable of acting on our behalf.
• “that is able”: The ability of God is paramount. As noted by Clarke, this ability relates not only to God's omnipotence but also to His willingness to intervene in the lives of believers.
• “to do exceeding abundantly”: Matthew Henry elaborates that this suggests God's capacity to provide much more than we can imagine or request. It speaks to the generous nature of God’s gifts and graces.
• “above all that we ask or think”: This phrase is significant because it encompasses both our verbal prayers and our innermost thoughts. Barnes points out that God’s responses might surpass our prayers and our dreams, revealing His limitless character.
• “according to the power that worketh in us”: Paul reminds us that divine power is not static; it is dynamic and active within believers. Clarke emphasizes that it is the Holy Spirit’s power that enables believers to experience this abundance.

Theological Implications

This verse emphasizes several theological themes that are crucial for pastoral teaching, personal study, and church doctrine:

• God’s Sovereignty: The statement begins with God as the initiator of action, reinforcing that all good things come from Him.
• Divine Abundance: The excessiveness of God's goodness indicates that His resources far outweigh human needs, a theme echoed in God’s provisions throughout Scripture.
• Prayer and Expectation: The call to approach God with our requests carries an encouragement to expect God to exceed our imaginations.
• Transformation Through the Holy Spirit: The noted power that works in us is a reference to the transformative capability of God’s Spirit, fostering growth and holiness in the believer's life.

Practical Applications

The rich teachings from this verse hold practical implications for believers today:

• Encouragement in Prayer: Believers are urged to pray boldly, as God is capable of exceeding expectations.
• Hope in Difficult Times: In moments of despair, the assurance of God’s power encourages believers to trust in supernatural outcomes.
• Community Building: The verse can serve as a reminder for churches to rely on God’s power collectively, fostering unity and mutual support.
• Personal Reflection: Believers are encouraged to reflect on their own expectations and consider how their understanding of God’s ability shapes their faith journey.

Conclusion

Ephesians 3:20 is a profound reminder of the boundless capabilities of God as He interacts with His creation. Insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke merge to create a compelling view that encourages believers to approach God's throne with confidence and expectation. As they do, they can rest in the truth that God not only hears and answers but does so exceedingly abundantly, in ways that surpass human comprehension.