Ephesians 3:16
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person.
The book of Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul and is often referred to as a letter or epistle. It was written to the Christian community in Ephesus, a city in ancient Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The purpose of this letter was to address various theological and practical matters related to the Christian faith and the unity of believers.
In the preceding verses (Ephesians 3:14-15), St.Paul expresses his prayers for the Ephesian believers:
"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named."
St.Paul is highlighting the importance of prayer and acknowledging God as the ultimate source of spiritual family and unity among believers. He then continues with Ephesians 3:16:
"That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person."
Here, St.Paul is continuing his prayer and expressing a desire for the Ephesian Christians to experience spiritual empowerment and strength. Let's break down the key components of this verse:
"That he would grant you": St.Paul is asking God to provide something for the Ephesian believers. He is interceding on their behalf, seeking a specific blessing from God.
"According to the riches of his glory": St.Paul emphasizes that the blessing he's asking for is not limited by earthly measures but is based on the abundance and splendor of God's glory. This suggests that the blessing is profound and substantial.
"That you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit": The central request is for the Ephesians to receive strength through the Holy Spirit. This strength is not physical but spiritual and comes from the divine source.
"In the inner person": St.Paul is focusing on inner transformation and growth. He's not just concerned with external circumstances but with the development of their character, faith, and spiritual walk.
Ephesians 3:16 is a prayerful expression of St.Paul's desire for believers to experience spiritual empowerment and growth through the work of the Holy Spirit. He wants us to be strengthened in our faith, character, and inner being, all of which are crucial aspects of the Christian journey. This verse underscores the importance of relying on God's power and grace for personal transformation and spiritual development.