Ephesians 1:19 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might

NIV: and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength

NASB: and what is the boundless greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might

CSB: and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.

NLT: I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power

KJV: And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

NKJV: and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power

This verse shifts to a discussion of God's power in the life of the believer. God's power is so great it cannot be measured or quantified. In this context, God's power is expressed specifically toward those "who believe." This power is also "according to the working of his great might." These words may seem redundant, reading only this verse. However, verses 20 and 21 will connect this phrase with Christ's resurrection. That event was a demonstration of power available only to God.

God's power is a theme traced throughout Scripture, starting from the very first words: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). God's power has been revealed as far beyond anything else in creation. When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, He used His power to show His greatness. Through a series of plagues, He proved to be superior to the gods of Egypt. He revealed His power to the Israelites by opening the Red Sea for them to walk across on dry land. Similar events took place throughout the Old Testament, culminating in the coming of Christ to reveal His ultimate power over death through His resurrection.

Ephesians 1:15–23 celebrates the value of our salvation in Christ. Paul's prayers for the believers of Ephesus not only include praise for their success, but an appeal for their growth. This passage heavily involves the supremacy of Christ. As believers, we are not only followers of Jesus, but also recipients of His blessings and power. Paul seeks to remind the Ephesian church that a complete understanding of Christ leads to a greater love and a stronger faith.

The first chapter of Ephesians contains two main passages. The first describes the blessings Christians have been given as a result of our salvation through Christ. Paul explains these through praises directed to God the Father. The second section both commends the Ephesians for their reputation, and prays that Christ would bring them into an even fuller and more aware faith.

The first three chapters of Ephesians are doctrinal, while the last three are practical. Chapter 1 establishes Paul's view on the value of our salvation in Christ, and the blessings we obtain from it. He does this in the form of praise, directed at God, and describing in detail what it means to have an inheritance in heaven. Later chapters will build on these ideas as Paul connects who we are in Christ to how we should live as Christians.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.