Ephesians 1:17
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That the God of our Lord Jesus - Jesus Christ, as man and mediator, has the Father for his God and Father: and it is in reference to this that he himself says: I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God; Joh 20:17. The Father of glory - The author and giver of that glory which you expect at the end of your Christian race. This may be a Hebraism for glorious Father, but the former appears to be the best sense. The Spirit of wisdom and revelation - I pray that God may give you his Holy Spirit, by whom his will is revealed to men, that he may teach and make you wise unto salvation, that you may continue to acknowledge him, Christ Jesus, as your only Lord and Savior.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
A fit prayer for all Christians. the God of our Lord Jesus--appropriate title here; as in Eph 1:20-22 he treats of God's raising Jesus to be Head over all things to the Church. Jesus Himself called the Father "My God" (Mat 27:46). the Father of glory--(Compare Act 7:2). The Father of that infinite glory which shines in the face of Christ, who is "the glory" (the true Shekinah); through whom also "the glory of the inheritance" (Eph 1:18) shall be ours (Joh 17:24; 2Co. 3:7-4:6). the spirit of wisdom--whose attribute is infinite wisdom and who works wisdom in believers (Isa 11:2). and revelation--whose function it is to reveal to believers spiritual mysteries (Joh 16:14-15; Co1 2:10). in the knowledge--rather, as Greek (see on Co1 13:12), "in the full knowledge of Him," namely, God.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,.... In what sense God the Father is the God of Christ; see Gill on Eph 1:3. The Father of glory; or the glorious Father; who is glorious in himself, in the perfections of his nature, and in the works of his hands; and as a father, he is a glorious father to Christ, and is a father to him, as he is to none else; and has been honoured and glorified by Christ, and from whom Christ as man has received much honour and glory: and he is a glorious father to the saints, to whom he has shown inexpressible love, by adopting them into his family; and pities them, as a father does his children; takes care of them, and protects them, and makes a glorious provision for them; not only of good things now, but of an eternal inheritance hereafter: and he may be so called, because he is the author and giver of eternal glory and happiness; and because all glory is due unto him: the Arabic version reads, "God, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory", making all these epithets to belong to Christ: may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, in the knowledge of him; this was one part of the apostle's prayers for the saints at Ephesus, that they might increase in divine knowledge; either in the knowledge of God, as the God of Christ, and the Father of glory, and as their God and Father in Christ; or of God, as considered in Christ the Mediator; or else of Christ himself: and designs not a notional and speculative knowledge of Christ, but what is practical and experimental; and which is joined with love of him, faith in him, and obedience to him; and which is not only approbative, but fiducial and appropriating; and though it is but imperfect, yet is progressive; and for the progression of it, the apostle prays; for it is certain, that these saints had a knowledge of Christ, but this was not perfect; and a larger measure of it was desirable: and in order to this, he prays for the Spirit, as a "spirit of wisdom"; who implants spiritual wisdom in the hearts of men, and instructs them in the Gospel, the hidden wisdom of God, leads them into all truths, and opens to them the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, which are hid in Christ, the wisdom of God; and as a spirit of "revelation"; who reveals Christ and the things of Christ, at first conversion; and afterwards reveals him and his righteousness, and other benefits of his more largely, even from faith to faith; and gives a clearer view of interest in them: hence it appears, that the Spirit is the gift of God; and that all spiritual light and knowledge, and the increase of it, are owing to him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:17 spiritual wisdom (or the Spirit of wisdom): The word spirit can refer either to the Holy Spirit or to the human spirit. • Knowledge of God is to know God personally and experientially, not just to know about him intellectually (see John 17:3).
Ephesians 1:17
Spiritual Wisdom
16I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,17that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Deeper Waters) Session 4 - Prayer
By David Ravenhill9.9K1:34:19MAT 6:33LUK 11:12CO 3:6EPH 1:17In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of serving God and the different areas of ministry. He emphasizes the importance of worship as the first priority in serving God. The speaker references Luke 17:7, where Jesus talks about a slave who is expected to serve his master before taking care of his own needs. The sermon also touches on the challenges faced by new believers when sharing their faith with skeptical family and friends. Overall, the message encourages believers to prioritize worship and faithfully serve God in both evangelism and pastoral ministry.
(Deeper Waters) Session 3 - the Habitation of God
By David Ravenhill6.6K1:21:22GEN 8:13EXO 25:8ISA 6:3MAL 3:62CO 6:14EPH 1:17REV 4:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing his arrival at a new home and how he can immediately discern certain characteristics about the people living there. He then moves on to discuss the book of Revelation, specifically focusing on chapter 4. He explains that John, the author of Revelation, was in the Spirit on the Lord's day on the island of Patmos when he heard a voice like a trumpet calling him to come up to heaven. The speaker emphasizes the unchanging nature of God and highlights the continuous worship of the heavenly beings who proclaim the holiness of God day and night.
Habitation!
By Leonard Ravenhill3.2K51:59PSA 96:1PSA 100:4MAT 6:33MAT 17:21JHN 1:1ACT 2:4ACT 3:8ACT 4:18EPH 1:17EPH 3:201TI 2:1JAS 4:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the structure of a church service and the different elements that make up the first three hours and the second three hours. The first three hours are dedicated to praise, adoration, and thanksgiving, while the second three hours focus on preparation, supplication, and intercession. The speaker emphasizes the importance of each individual's contribution to the service, whether it be through singing a psalm or hymn, sharing a personal experience, or gaining new insights from the Word of God. The sermon also touches on the concept of abiding in Christ and the need for Christians to seek help and support from their Heavenly Father.
I Am the Light of the World
By John Piper2.2K39:57JHN 3:62CO 5:17EPH 1:17This sermon emphasizes Jesus as the light of the world, highlighting the transition from death to life through belief in Him. It explores the significance of following Jesus, having Him as our light, and the connection between light and life. The message delves into the Pharisees' objections, Jesus' relationship with the Father, and the crucial choice between belief leading to salvation or unbelief resulting in death in sins.
(Bible Analysis of Man) Man's Understanding
By Willie Mullan2.2K58:26Bible Analysis Of ManEPH 1:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the message being conveyed. He uses examples of a violinist playing random notes and a bugler playing the wrong tune to illustrate the confusion that arises when things are not understood. The speaker then discusses the concept of the natural man not being able to comprehend the things of the Spirit of God, using the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross as an example. He highlights the need for belief in a holy God and the significance of Jesus' sacrifice. The sermon concludes with a story about a Gypsy who wrote a hymn after being told he was dreaming, emphasizing the importance of holding onto faith.
Revelation of Jesus Christ - Part 2 of 10
By T. Austin-Sparks2.2K48:17Jesus ChristEPH 1:17REV 1:1REV 1:9REV 11:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the significance and importance of the book of Revelation. He states that it is not just a printed book, but a revelation of Jesus Christ and a settling of a long-standing issue. The speaker highlights the growth and impact of the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ, which has reached into all nations. He also mentions the victory of Jesus and the downfall of the Roman Empire as prophesied in the vision of a stone cut without hand. The sermon encourages the audience to recognize the tremendous business at hand and the unveiling of Jesus Christ in the book of Revelation.
Holy Spirit, Church and Nations - Part 4
By T. Austin-Sparks2.1K57:44Holy SpiritLUK 24:27JHN 5:44JHN 14:16JHN 16:13ACT 2:4EPH 1:17REV 21:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the transformation that occurred in the early apostles after they received the Holy Spirit. The church's mission and influence in the world were only possible when the Spirit filled them and gave them a new character. The speaker highlights the contrast between the apostles' previous state of fear and darkness and their current state of boldness and light. The importance of seeking the glory of God rather than the approval of men is also emphasized, drawing from John 5:44.
They That Love the Lord Shall Be as the Sun
By Hans R. Waldvogel2.0K29:51RelationshipEXO 32:10JHN 14:231CO 15:312CO 5:9GAL 2:20EPH 1:17PHP 3:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the simplicity and power of the Apostle Paul's teachings. He highlights Paul's focus on dying to oneself and being united with Jesus Christ. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of love and obedience in the Christian life, contrasting it with the pride and self-centeredness of humanity. The sermon concludes with a call to humbly pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus and to forget the past in order to pursue the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
The Cross and Eternal Glory - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks2.0K35:31Eternal GloryJHN 1:14ACT 7:21CO 2:8EPH 1:171PE 4:141PE 5:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of glory in the foundation of the Christian faith. The New Testament reveals that glory is a central and governing factor in this dispensation. The faith of believers rests upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. The speaker also mentions the four relationships of glory in the New Testament, highlighting that the ultimate end for believers is to experience the glory of God.
Matthew - Part 2
By Zac Poonen2.0K58:22MatthewMAT 16:6MAT 16:16EPH 1:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of memory and the human brain as the original computer. He explains that our memory stores every single thing we have done and said since birth. The speaker also highlights the ease of changing external forms and rituals without true transformation of the heart. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the importance of faith, works, and the words we speak, as they will ultimately justify or condemn us on the day of judgment.
The Blessing of Obedience
By Jim Cymbala1.9K34:00ObediencePSA 119:2MAT 6:33JHN 13:34EPH 1:17HEB 4:12JAS 1:221JN 5:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses the nature of the Bible as both a human and divine book. He explains that the Bible contains human words and can be analyzed like any other book. The preacher emphasizes the importance of obedience to God and highlights the need to surrender all aspects of our lives to Him. He shares examples of individuals, like D.L. Moody, who had a deep understanding of God's word despite their lack of formal education. The sermon concludes with a call to surrender to God and seek His help in living a life of obedience.
Sovereignty of God (Toronto Spiritual Life Convention 1999)
By Eric J. Alexander1.8K56:24JER 9:23ACT 4:31EPH 1:17In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding and knowing God. He emphasizes that God longs to see his people growing in their knowledge of him. The speaker explores three dominant themes in the Bible related to God's nature and character. He also highlights the sovereign rule of God in the world, including his control over creation and revelation. The sermon concludes with a prayer for a deeper understanding of God and a hymn of worship.
The Riches of Christ in the Wisdom and Revelation of God
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K57:40Riches Of Christ1KI 4:291KI 5:12ROM 11:33EPH 1:17EPH 3:10COL 1:28COL 2:3In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the rapid development and advancements in the world, which are often seen as signs of human wisdom. However, the speaker argues that this wisdom is actually leading to the destruction of creation. The speaker also discusses the paradoxical nature of ministry, where times of feeling dry and limited can actually result in powerful impact, while times of abundance may go unnoticed. The sermon concludes with a reference to John Rustin's book on architecture, highlighting the importance of truth and the consequences of neglecting it.
Love of Christ
By Gareth Evans1.4K43:11EPH 1:17This sermon focuses on the importance of prayer and delves into Paul's prayers for the Ephesians, emphasizing the need for faith, love, wisdom, revelation, hope, glory, and experiencing the surpassing power of God. The speaker shares personal testimonies of experiencing God's presence, healing, and provision, highlighting the desire to know God deeper and be transformed by His love and power.
The Strength of Seeing
By Chip Brogden1.4K29:20Victory2KI 6:16EPH 1:17In this sermon, the speaker addresses the desperate times we are living in, with conflicts, terrorism, and immorality plaguing the world. He emphasizes the fear and uncertainty that many people feel in the face of these challenges. However, he points to a message from the Lord that says "fear not." The difference lies in what people see when they look at their circumstances. The speaker encourages listeners to have their eyes opened by God to see the truth and reality of the situation. He reminds them that the key to victory lies not in external circumstances, but in what is happening on the inside.
Hope
By Gareth Evans1.3K36:34HopeEPH 1:17HEB 6:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of hope and expresses his excitement about the things of God. He emphasizes the importance of being excited about Jesus and the hope we have in Him. The speaker criticizes a sermon he heard about hope, stating that it felt empty and lacked a true understanding of Christian hope. He then delves into the Greek language and how it offers a clearer understanding of the concept of hope. The speaker concludes by urging the audience to be diligent in seeking the full assurance of hope and to inherit the promises of God through faith and patience.
Span-12 Art's Testimony
By Art Katz1.3K1:10:08TestimonyISA 43:1EZK 20:33ACT 17:27EPH 1:17REV 12:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the evangelization of the Jewish people. He challenges the idea of following a formula or step-by-step approach in witnessing to Jews, emphasizing that it is a matter of ultimate importance, just like preaching. The speaker shares his personal experience of encountering a man who spoke profound truths and a simple girl who demonstrated the light of God, leading to his own salvation. He also references biblical passages that highlight the significance of reaching out to the Jewish people and the need to see things as God sees them.
(Atlanta 2013) 6. a Church That Manifests God's Wisdom
By Zac Poonen1.2K1:27:11JOB 1:8JER 23:30MAT 11:25EPH 1:17EPH 3:8EPH 3:10JAS 1:26This sermon emphasizes the importance of building a church that truly reflects the wisdom and glory of God, focusing on meeting with Jesus in every church gathering and maintaining a blameless conscience before God and men. It highlights the need for revelation from the Holy Spirit, humility, and a deep desire to be part of the resurrection of the righteous. The goal is to have a church where God's glory is evident and where people can truly encounter Jesus.
Silence, Inwardness, and "Love Unto All the Saints"
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.1K39:58SilenceMAT 25:40EPH 1:17EPH 4:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love among believers. He references the early Christians who were willing to die for one another, as a demonstration of their love. The preacher highlights the need for repentance and a realization of our spiritual poverty. He urges the congregation to come to Jesus with hunger and wakefulness, warning that without a deep connection to Christ, the church will spiritually die. The preacher also shares a personal story of a soldier who experienced a revival through fervent prayer. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the transformative power of love and the need for a genuine relationship with Jesus.
The Heart - Part 3
By Stephen Kaung9881:21:57EPH 1:17HEB 8:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing God beyond just knowing about His acts. He highlights how many people in the Bible knew God through witnessing His powerful acts, such as the parting of the Red Sea and the feeding of the five thousand. However, the speaker warns against solely relying on these acts to know God, as the people of Israel often murmured and doubted despite witnessing His miracles. Instead, the speaker encourages the audience to seek a personal relationship with God and to know Him through His principles and teachings. By knowing God in this way, one can experience His impartation and be filled with the knowledge of God.
Redemption, Forgiveness, and the Riches of His Grace
By Eli Brayley91153:22RedemptionMAT 6:33EPH 1:3EPH 1:7EPH 1:17EPH 3:8In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the need for the Holy Spirit to reveal spiritual truths. He then focuses on Ephesians 1:4-14, highlighting that it is one long sentence in the Bible. The speaker explains that the passage discusses the blessings of being adopted into God's family, using the analogy of two adopted brothers sharing their experiences. The sermon also explores the concept of bondage to sin, death, Satan, and the law, and how these are all interconnected. The speaker concludes by listing ten blessings that believers have in Christ, including redemption, forgiveness, abundance, revelation, fellowship, inheritance, purpose, and salvation.
The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit - Part 2
By Chip Brogden72921:08PSA 51:10MAT 19:26ACT 2:17ROM 5:5GAL 5:22EPH 1:17This sermon emphasizes the incredible work of God in reaching people through supernatural dreams and visions, particularly focusing on Muslims and Hindus encountering Jesus in dreams and becoming followers of Christ. It highlights the power and sovereignty of God in revealing Himself to individuals without traditional evangelism methods, showcasing His ability to accomplish what seems impossible to man. The message encourages believers to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, who empowers them in various ways, including giving revelation of Christ and God's purpose, aiding in spiritual growth, reproducing the character of Christ, and instilling a heart of love for the lost.
Knowledge Puffs
By Anton Bosch70159:49KnowledgeMAT 28:19JHN 5:39ROM 8:291CO 1:18GAL 5:22EPH 1:172TI 2:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and experiencing the transforming power of God in one's life. He highlights the contrast between the limited time spent in the Word of God and the constant teaching of the devil through worldly influences. The speaker emphasizes that transformation does not happen automatically or through osmosis, but requires personal responsibility and action. He emphasizes that true transformation is not just about knowledge or study, but about a changed attitude and becoming more like Jesus Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Christ's Revelation Through His Friends
By Ed Miller65856:10MAT 18:3JHN 11:23EPH 1:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God manifesting Himself through His friends. The story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus is used as an illustration of this concept. The first ministry mentioned is prayer, as demonstrated by the sisters sending word to Jesus about Lazarus' sickness. The speaker also highlights the infinite passion of Jesus to reveal Himself to His friends and encourages the audience to approach Him with childlike faith. The sermon concludes with a prayer for a new revelation of Jesus and a reminder of the special fellowship and communion that can be enjoyed with Him.
Enter Unto Fullness
By George Warnock2511:27:07Christian LifeEPH 1:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of gathering together under God and expecting to hear words from the Spirit of the Lord. They highlight that love is the ultimate goal and perfection in God's people, but it can only be achieved by hearing from the heart of God and allowing divine nature to flow forth. The speaker references Jesus declaring the name, nature, character, majesty, and glory of God during his time on earth and how he will continue to make it known even after his ascension. They also mention the need for open hearts and tuned ears to truly receive what the Spirit is saying.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That the God of our Lord Jesus - Jesus Christ, as man and mediator, has the Father for his God and Father: and it is in reference to this that he himself says: I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God; Joh 20:17. The Father of glory - The author and giver of that glory which you expect at the end of your Christian race. This may be a Hebraism for glorious Father, but the former appears to be the best sense. The Spirit of wisdom and revelation - I pray that God may give you his Holy Spirit, by whom his will is revealed to men, that he may teach and make you wise unto salvation, that you may continue to acknowledge him, Christ Jesus, as your only Lord and Savior.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
A fit prayer for all Christians. the God of our Lord Jesus--appropriate title here; as in Eph 1:20-22 he treats of God's raising Jesus to be Head over all things to the Church. Jesus Himself called the Father "My God" (Mat 27:46). the Father of glory--(Compare Act 7:2). The Father of that infinite glory which shines in the face of Christ, who is "the glory" (the true Shekinah); through whom also "the glory of the inheritance" (Eph 1:18) shall be ours (Joh 17:24; 2Co. 3:7-4:6). the spirit of wisdom--whose attribute is infinite wisdom and who works wisdom in believers (Isa 11:2). and revelation--whose function it is to reveal to believers spiritual mysteries (Joh 16:14-15; Co1 2:10). in the knowledge--rather, as Greek (see on Co1 13:12), "in the full knowledge of Him," namely, God.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,.... In what sense God the Father is the God of Christ; see Gill on Eph 1:3. The Father of glory; or the glorious Father; who is glorious in himself, in the perfections of his nature, and in the works of his hands; and as a father, he is a glorious father to Christ, and is a father to him, as he is to none else; and has been honoured and glorified by Christ, and from whom Christ as man has received much honour and glory: and he is a glorious father to the saints, to whom he has shown inexpressible love, by adopting them into his family; and pities them, as a father does his children; takes care of them, and protects them, and makes a glorious provision for them; not only of good things now, but of an eternal inheritance hereafter: and he may be so called, because he is the author and giver of eternal glory and happiness; and because all glory is due unto him: the Arabic version reads, "God, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory", making all these epithets to belong to Christ: may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, in the knowledge of him; this was one part of the apostle's prayers for the saints at Ephesus, that they might increase in divine knowledge; either in the knowledge of God, as the God of Christ, and the Father of glory, and as their God and Father in Christ; or of God, as considered in Christ the Mediator; or else of Christ himself: and designs not a notional and speculative knowledge of Christ, but what is practical and experimental; and which is joined with love of him, faith in him, and obedience to him; and which is not only approbative, but fiducial and appropriating; and though it is but imperfect, yet is progressive; and for the progression of it, the apostle prays; for it is certain, that these saints had a knowledge of Christ, but this was not perfect; and a larger measure of it was desirable: and in order to this, he prays for the Spirit, as a "spirit of wisdom"; who implants spiritual wisdom in the hearts of men, and instructs them in the Gospel, the hidden wisdom of God, leads them into all truths, and opens to them the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, which are hid in Christ, the wisdom of God; and as a spirit of "revelation"; who reveals Christ and the things of Christ, at first conversion; and afterwards reveals him and his righteousness, and other benefits of his more largely, even from faith to faith; and gives a clearer view of interest in them: hence it appears, that the Spirit is the gift of God; and that all spiritual light and knowledge, and the increase of it, are owing to him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:17 spiritual wisdom (or the Spirit of wisdom): The word spirit can refer either to the Holy Spirit or to the human spirit. • Knowledge of God is to know God personally and experientially, not just to know about him intellectually (see John 17:3).