Easter Season · Ascension of the Lord · Year B
Ephesians 1:15-23
Thanksgiving and Prayer
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 1:15-23 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary on the prayer for enlightened hearts and Christ seated far above all rule.
Ephesians 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 Ephesians Enduring Word · David Guzik
Guzik's notes on Paul's prayer that the eyes of the heart be enlightened.
Ephesians 1:15 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentaries on the prayer for wisdom and the exaltation of Christ as head.
Ephesians 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) Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on the letter to the Ephesians (background use).
Overview: Ephesians BibleProject
Animated overview of Ephesians and its vision of unity under the exalted Christ.
Ephesians 1:15 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek-English interlinear for word study on the eyes of the heart being enlightened.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What does Ephesians say about Christ’s reign?
Paul prays the church would know the hope of their calling and the power that raised Christ and enthroned him above every rule and authority, head over all things for the church (Ephesians 1:15–23), the enthroned King of the feast.
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