Ephesians 3:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

NIV: to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

NASB: to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

CSB: to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

NLT: Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

KJV: Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

NKJV: to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Paul's prayer ends this chapter, through a brief doxology in verses 20 and 21. Here, he includes glory to God, as well as noting where the glory should be seen: both in believers and in Jesus. The church should be pure, since it is designed to promote the glory of God. First Timothy 3:15 calls the church, "The household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth." The church, meaning the collection of all saved believers, is the family in which God's glory should reside and be clearly seen.

Finally, God's glory should extend beyond one age group or time. These words echo many of the Psalms (Psalm 33:11; 45:17; 61:6). When Mary learned she would give birth to Jesus, she exclaimed, "For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed" (Luke 1:48). She recognized that Christ's glory would extend throughout the ages. Paul likewise sought for God's glory, through Christ, to be made known among all nations and all ages. His purpose was to see the hope of Jesus extended to every person (Matthew 28:18–20).

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.

Accessed 5/3/2024 1:26:42 PM