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Easter Season · Ascension of the Lord · Year A

Ephesians 1:15-23

Thanksgiving and Prayer

May 14, 2026

Christ in Glory, Francesco Bassano the Younger
Christ in Glory, Francesco Bassano the Younger, 16th centuryWikimedia Commons
A Venetian painting from a family workshop, Christ enthroned in cloud with the light breaking from behind him.God put this power to work when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.Francesco Bassano the YoungerOne of a family of Venetian painters from the town of Bassano, who ran a large workshop and died by his own hand at forty-three.Wikimedia CommonsNo holding institution is recorded with the image; it is known from the public domain reproduction.Wikimedia Commons
Revised Common Lectionary
GospelLuke 24:44-53Lk 24:44-53
EpistleEph. 1:15-23Eph 1:15-23
Old TestamentActs 1:1-11
PsalterPs. 47Ps 47 orPs. 93Ps 93

Overview & Insights

“God… seated him at his right hand… far above all rule and authority.” (Ephesians 1:20–21)

From the context of 1:15–2:10 it appears that these verses form the next major section of Ephesians. The apostle has just finished recalling the spiritual blessings that God, through Christ, has bestowed upon all believers. From this universal truth, he turns to something more specific: His thoughts move from doxology to prayer; he reminds his readers that he thanks God for them (vv. 15, 16) and that he prays specifically that they will have the necessary wisdom to understand these blessings in Christ (vv. 17–19).

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Commentary

Commentary on Ephesians 1:15-23Commentary on Eph 1:15-23 Working Preacher

Luther Seminary on the prayer for enlightened hearts and Christ seated far above all rule.

Ephesians 1:15-23Eph 1:15-23 Center for Excellence in Preaching

Reformed commentary on the hope, riches, and surpassing power of the risen and ascended Christ.

Ephesians 1 - Paul's Prayer for the EphesiansEph 1 - Paul's Prayer for the Eph Enduring Word · David Guzik

Guzik's notes on Paul's prayer that the eyes of the heart be enlightened.

Ephesians 1:15 CommentariesEph 1:15 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentaries on the prayer for wisdom and the exaltation of Christ as head.

Ephesians 1:15-17 CommentaryEph 1:15-17 Commentary Precept Austin

Detailed word-study notes on Paul's thanksgiving and prayer for the Ephesians.

Background & Word Study

Ephesians (book introduction)Eph (book introduction) Enter the Bible

Luther Seminary background on the letter to the Ephesians (background use).

Overview: EphesiansOverview: Eph BibleProject

Animated overview of Ephesians and its vision of unity under the exalted Christ.

Ephesians 1:15 InterlinearEph 1:15 Interlinear BibleHub

Greek-English interlinear for word study on the eyes of the heart being enlightened.

The Church Fathers

Ephesians 1 (Catena)Eph 1 (Catena) Catena

Early church comment on Christ enthroned above all powers as head of the church.

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