Ephesians 3:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,

NIV: from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.

NASB: from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name,

CSB: from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.

NLT: the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.

KJV: Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

NKJV: from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

The Father (Ephesians 3:14) is the one "from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named." Paul's scope includes God as the perfect model of Father for believers and unbelievers, since He is the creator of all. Paul's words may include those who have died in the past: "every family in heaven." Some have also suggested "in heaven" may include angels. However, it is possible Paul intended this simply as a reference to all living things, similar to his wording earlier in verse 9. Paul's wording here is also similar to Philippians 2:10 and Colossians 1:16.

In using "in heaven and on earth," Paul echoes references from Old Testament passages such as Psalm 135:6 and Daniel 6:27. Jesus also said in the Great Commission that, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18). Revelation 5:13 refers to praise to God from "every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them." The apostle's prayer is not new, but rather fits with God's teachings past, present, and future in addressing the Lord in prayer.

Ephesians 3:14–21 is a prayer from Paul on behalf of the Christians of Ephesus. This prayer begins a transition from the first half of his letter, focused on doctrinal ideas, to the second half, where those ideas are put into practice. The natural theme for this transition is an appeal for spiritual strength from God. In particular, Paul asks God to help the Ephesians exhibit a faith which goes beyond knowledge (doctrine) into action (application).

Ephesians chapter 3 wraps up Paul's doctrinal teaching and introduces its practical application. Paul refers to both his imprisonment and to his spiritual calling. This calling includes proclaiming the fact that all people, Jew and Gentile, can now be part of the same spiritual family. Paul also prays for the spiritual strength of the Ephesian church, as he prepares to explain how knowledge about Christ should translate into living for Christ.

The first three chapters of Ephesians are doctrinal, the last three are practical. Chapter 3 begins the transition from a Christian understanding of salvation, grace, and the power of Christ into a practical guide for Christian living. To make the transition, in this chapter, Paul refers to his own calling by God and prays for the spiritual strength of the Ephesian church. The early verses of chapter 4 will flow out of Paul's references to his own imprisonment.

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.