Bible Commentary

Ephesians 1:17

Ephesians 1:17

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory. The invocations of Paul—the terms by which he calls on God—are always significant, involving a plea for the blessings sought. God, as "the God of our Lord Jesus Christ," gave to him the Holy Spirit without measure, and might well, therefore, be asked and expected to give the gifts of the same Spirit to those who were "in him"—one with him as members of his body.

Being also the "Father of glory," and having glorified Jesus, even after his suffering, with the glory which he had with him before the world began, he might well be asked and expected to glorify his people too.

May give to you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the full knowledge of him. "Spirit" here is neither exclusively the Holy Spirit nor the spirit of man, but the complex idea of the spirit of man dwelt in and moved by the Spirit of God (Alford).

Wisdom seems to denote the general gift of spiritual illumination; revelation, capacity of apprehending the revealed—of perceiving the drift and meaning of what God makes known, so that it may be a real revelation to us (comp.

). ἐπιγνώσει is something more than mere γνώσει—full knowledge of Christ, implying that it is in becoming better acquainted with Christ that we get the spirit of wisdom and revelation.

In seeking to know Christ more, we are in the true way to get more insight into all that is Divine (croup. ). The importance of seeking more knowledge, even after we have believed and been settled by the Holy Spirit, is here apparent; a growing knowledge is a most healthful feature of Christian life.

"Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Recommended reading

More for Ephesians 1:17

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.devotionThe Three Lights on the ShoreGod doesn't usually shout; He guides. If you are stuck, check your three lights. If they aren't lined up, the safest thing to do is drift; wait and pray. But if they are aligned, stop hesitating. Trust the Captain and pull into the harbor.Discipledeck devotionThe Golden Chain You are not holding onto a rope; you are held by a chain. Your salvation started in the mind of God before time began, and it will finish in the presence of God when time ends. You are safe. Read Romans 8:31-39 today—it is the victory song of the Golden ChainDiscipledeckdevotionThe Impossible DebtYou cannot pay for your own sins. Imagine trying to empty the ocean with a spoon, that is what it is like trying to pay God back with your good works. Stop trying to pay the debt yourself. Admit that you need a Savior.DiscipleDeck devotionInside the ArkGod didn't just build the ark. He shut the door. Your security is sealed by His hand, not held by yours. Rest thereDiscipledeckdevotionThe Glove and the HandThe Christian life isn't just hard; it's impossible—without the Spirit. You are the glove; He is the Hand. Stop trying to "perform" for God with empty willpower. Yield to the Spirit inside you. Let Him be the strength you don't have.Discipledeck