Ephesians 1:18
Verse
Context
Spiritual Wisdom
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. 18I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,19and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength,
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened - The understanding is that power or faculty in the soul by which knowledge or information is received, and the recipient power is here termed the Eyes of the understanding; and we learn from this that ὁπερ ὁ οφθαλμος εν τῳ σωματι, τουτο ὁ νους εν τῃ ψυχη, as Philo expresses it: What the eye is to the body, the understanding is to the soul; and that as the eye is not light in itself, and can discern nothing but by the means of light shining, not only on the objects to be viewed, but into the eye itself; so the understanding of man can discern no sacred thing of or by itself, but sees by the influence of the Spirit of wisdom and revelation; for without the influence of God's Holy Spirit no man ever became wise unto salvation, no more than a man ever discerned an object, (no matter how perfect soever his eye might have been), without the instrumentality of light. Instead of της διανοιας, of your understanding, της καρδιας, of your heart, is the reading of ABDEFG, and several others; also both the Syriac, all the Arabic, the Coptic, the Ethiopic, Armenian, Sahidic, Slavonian, Vulgate, and Itala, besides several of the fathers. The eyes of your Heart is undoubtedly the true reading. The hope of his calling - That you may clearly discern the glorious and important objects of your hope, to the enjoyment of which God has called or invited you. The riches of the glory of his inheritance - That you may understand what is the glorious abundance of the spiritual things to which you are entitled, in consequence of being made children of God; for if children, then heirs, heirs of that glorious inheritance which God has provided for the saints - for all genuine Christians, whether formerly Jews or Gentiles. On the chief subject of this verse, see the notes on Gal 4:6, Gal 4:7 (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
understanding--The oldest manuscripts, versions, and Fathers, read "heart." Compare the contrary state of unbelieving, the heart being in fault (Eph 4:18; Mat 13:15). Translate, "Having the eyes of your heart enlightened" (Eph 5:14; Mat 4:16). The first effect of the Spirit moving in the new creation, as in the original physical creation (Gen 1:3; Co2 4:6). So THEOPHILUS to AUTOLYCUS (1.3), "the ears of the heart." Where spiritual light is, there is life (Joh 1:4). The heart is "the core of life" [HARLESS], and the fountain of the thoughts; whence "the heart" in Scripture includes the mind, as well as the inclination. Its "eye," or inward vision, both receives and contemplates the light (Mat 6:22-23). The eye is the symbol of intelligence (Eze 1:18). the hope of his calling--the hope appertaining to His having called you; or, to the calling wherewith He has called you. and--omitted in the oldest manuscripts and versions. riches of the glory-- (Col 1:27). his inheritance in the saints--The inheritance which he has in store in the case of the saints. I prefer explaining, "The inheritance which He has in his saints." (See on Eph 1:11; Deu 32:9).
John Gill Bible Commentary
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened,.... By the Spirit of God already, to see the exceeding sinfulness of sin; the insufficiency of their own righteousness; the beauty, glory, fulness, and suitableness of Christ, as a Saviour; the excellency, truth, and usefulness of the doctrines of the Gospel; in which their understandings were before dark, but now had light into them: wherefore these words are not to be considered as part of the apostle's petitions, but rather as what was taken for granted by him; and are to be put into a parenthesis, and the following words to be joined in connection with the preceding verse; unless it should be thought, that the apostle prays for greater illuminations, and for more spiritual light, and that the eyes of their understandings might be more and more enlightened; the phrase, , , "the eye of the understanding", is Rabbinical, and often to be met with in Jewish writings (f); the Alexandrian copy, and several others, the Complutensian edition, the Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions, read, "the eyes of your heart"; and to, , "the eyes of the hearts, or minds", is a phrase used by the Jewish writers (g): that ye may know what is the hope of his calling; by which is meant, the effectual calling of the saints; which is not a call to an office, or a call merely by the external ministry of the word; but which is internal, special, powerful, high, and heavenly: and this is the calling of God, of which he is the author; who calls with an holy calling, unto eternal glory by Christ Jesus; and which is without repentance: and the hope of this calling, is either eternal happiness, which is the thing hoped for; or Christ, who is the ground and foundation of it; or the grace of hope, which is exercised on both; or all three: for hope of eternal glory, as it is founded on Christ, may be said to be the hope of the calling of God, because it is wrought in the soul at the time of the effectual calling, and what saints are then called to the exercise of; and calling grace, is an encouragement to hope for eternal life; since whom God calls, he justifies and glorifies: and now the apostle prays, that these saints who were called by the grace of God, might know more of Christ, the foundation of their hope; and what that is they are hoping for, and more and more what it is to hope for the same, upon the view of Christ's person, blood, and righteousness: and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints; the saints themselves are the Lord's portion, and the lot of his inheritance, in whom he is, and will be abundantly glorified; but here it rather seems to design the heavenly inheritance before spoken of, of which the Spirit is the earnest; and this is the Lord's, it is of his preparing, and it is his gift, and a very rich and glorious inheritance it is: hence it is not only signified by mansions, and everlasting habitations, by an house, and by a city, but by a kingdom; the riches of grace are preparatory to it, and the riches of glory are comprised in it; and this is in, or among the saints, who only have a right unto it, and a meetness for it; and what this inheritance is, with the riches and glory of it, will not be fully known in this life; and indeed but little of it is known; so that such a petition as this is always proper and pertinent. (f) Zohar in Deut. fol. 119. 3. Jetzirah, p. 22. 78. Ed. Rittangel. R. Levi ben Gersom in Gen. fol. 14. 3. & Philo de opificio Dei, p. 15. (g) Bechinat Olam, p. 260.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:18 Confident hope for believers is the anticipation of Christ’s return and his future blessings that they will share. Joined with Christ, believers become joint heirs with him of all God’s promised blessings.
Ephesians 1:18
Spiritual Wisdom
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. 18I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,19and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Be Rich: Saints Alive
By Warren Wiersbe12K36:33ElectionEPH 1:1EPH 1:7EPH 1:18EPH 2:1EPH 2:8EPH 2:19EPH 3:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the characteristics of a saint. He explains that a saint is someone who has trusted in God's Son and experienced His grace. Additionally, a saint has received God's peace. The preacher emphasizes that when one believes in God's Son and receives His grace, they also receive His peace. The sermon also touches on the three basic wars that every human being faces: war with oneself, war with others, and war with God. The preacher uses biblical examples, such as Abraham, Zacchaeus, and the woman caught in adultery, to illustrate the concept of grace and how it brings peace.
The Meaning of Life - 1. God Only
By Norman Grubb6.6K53:51Meaning Of LifeMAT 6:33JHN 3:2EPH 1:18EPH 3:19TIT 1:2HEB 6:18In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the foundation of the universe, which is built on love. He emphasizes that God is a God of love and that the entire universe is designed to be in harmony and balance. The speaker also highlights the self-giving nature of the universe, as seen in nature and the world around us. He explains that as individuals, we have the ability to choose and that our choices determine our identity as children of God.
(Europe 2008) Session 7 - as He Is, So Are We
By B.H. Clendennen3.5K1:02:42HolinessISA 6:1MAT 6:33JHN 4:17JHN 5:43JHN 7:16EPH 1:181JN 4:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of promoting the kingdom of God and doing Christian work. He highlights that being born again means being involved in Christian work and not failing in the purpose of one's life. The preacher shares a personal story about a time when he faced challenges and prayed for healing. Through this experience, he learned that God wanted to know if he loved Him above all else. The sermon concludes with the message that our ability to do the works of Christ depends on our abiding in Him and renouncing ourselves. The preacher references John 15:5 and Philippians 4:13 to emphasize the importance of staying connected to Christ and relying on His strength.
(The Law of the Holy Spirit) the Spirit of Revelation
By Zac Poonen3.3K1:08:54Law Of The Holy SpiritGEN 32:26MAT 13:10MAT 13:13LUK 24:281CO 2:2EPH 1:18HEB 3:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. He warns against being deceived by preachers who lull people to sleep with their sin. The preacher encourages listeners to live like Jesus and be overcomers, being a witness through their lives on earth. He also highlights the riches of God's inheritance in believers and the need for honesty and humility before God. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God overlooks the times of ignorance and offers forgiveness, but challenges listeners to seek God's blessing and not settle for a comfortable, complacent life.
What Is a Christian?
By Greg Laurie3.0K46:23MAT 5:1MAT 21:1JHN 3:16JHN 14:6ACT 9:3ACT 26:18EPH 1:18In this sermon entitled "What is a Christian?" by Pastor Greg Lloyd, he emphasizes the importance of being a true Christian. He uses the story of a man who dressed up as a gorilla in a zoo to illustrate the need for genuine transformation in one's life. Pastor Lloyd highlights five key aspects of being a Christian: having open eyes, turning from darkness to light, breaking free from the power of Satan, receiving forgiveness of sins, and living a life that makes a difference for the kingdom of God. He encourages listeners to make a commitment to God, turn away from sin, and put God first in their lives in order to receive the forgiveness and transformation that only God can provide.
Jesus of Nazareth Passeth By
By T. Austin-Sparks2.6K26:43JesusMAT 6:33LUK 18:35EPH 1:18REV 2:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not taking the presence of Jesus for granted. He mentions that even though the Sunday morning gathering of Christians may not be seen as a time to preach the gospel of salvation, there have been instances where people have been saved during these gatherings. The speaker also highlights the significance of every contact with Jesus, stating that there are momentous things bound up with it. He warns against missing out on opportunities and becoming tragedies like the churches in Asia and North Africa whose names and testimonies are now gone. The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus in bringing spiritual value to people's lives and encourages listeners to make the most of every opportunity with Jesus.
Apostle's Doctrine - Part 3
By G.W. North2.5K1:20:55Apostles DoctrinePSA 119:18MAT 4:18ROM 8:26ROM 8:36EPH 1:18EPH 4:1JAS 1:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a son to God. He refers to scripture, specifically the Roman lesson in the famous 8th chapter, to explain that nothing in this world can come to fame unless it goes through death. The preacher encourages the audience to be moved by the Word of God and warns against being unmoved or unaffected by it. He also highlights the concept of the body of Christ, emphasizing that believers are chosen in Christ before the foundation of God.
(Ephesians) Ephesians 1:18-2:9
By Zac Poonen1.9K1:00:36EPH 1:18EPH 1:23EPH 2:82TI 2:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God has called each individual for a specific purpose. He compares the body of Christ to the human body, stating that just as every part of the body has a function, every believer in Christ has a purpose in God's eternal plan. The speaker highlights the need for believers to understand their identity in Christ and the power available to them through God. He also discusses the concept of union with Christ, explaining that when Christ rose from the dead, believers were raised up together with Him. The purpose of this union is for God to display His grace and transformation in the lives of believers, ultimately bringing glory to Himself.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 4
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K33:33Heavenly CallingMAT 6:33ROM 10:9EPH 1:18HEB 10:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding satisfaction in the Lord Jesus. He contrasts the modern approach of using entertainment to attract young people to the church with the simple joy and satisfaction found in a relationship with Jesus. The speaker shares a personal experience of feeling unhappy and aimlessly walking the streets until he stumbled upon a group of ordinary working people singing hymns and rejoicing in the Lord. Their genuine joy and satisfaction in Jesus inspired him to seek the same and marked the beginning of his own journey towards finding satisfaction in the Lord Jesus.
Remember the Calling
By Stephen Kaung1.7K1:12:39Calling Of GodROM 8:28EPH 1:18EPH 4:1EPH 4:42TI 1:7In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of Christians having a form of godliness but denying its power. He emphasizes that it is not surprising to find such behavior in the world, but it is alarming when it is present among Christians. The speaker highlights the importance of being trustworthy and standing firm in the testimony of Jesus, even in difficult times. He emphasizes that Christians are called to be the body of Christ and should strive to walk worthy of this calling.
Imperatives - Enlarged Vision and Experience
By Devern Fromke1.6K59:19VisionMAT 6:33EPH 1:18EPH 3:13PHP 1:12PHP 1:14In this sermon, the speaker recalls a conversation with two young girls about writing a theme on God's ultimate purpose in the universe. He emphasizes that understanding this larger purpose is crucial for believers to truly grasp God's plan for their lives. The speaker suggests that this purpose revolves around God's son and his fulfillment and consummation. He encourages listeners to shift their focus from themselves and their own desires to align with God's larger purpose for his son.
Wabanna 1966: Title Unknown 3
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K51:01ConferencePSA 51:1MAT 1:1EPH 1:7EPH 1:18REV 22:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the profound tragedy of Jesus' cry on the cross and the forsakenness he experienced. The sermon highlights the depth of human sorrow and the eternal significance of the cross. The preacher also discusses the connection between the riches of God's grace and the representation of grace in Solomon. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a renewed focus on the cross and a deeper understanding of the grace demonstrated through Jesus' sacrifice.
Unsearchable Riches of Christ - Part 6
By T. Austin-Sparks1.5K45:29Riches Of ChristACT 7:55ACT 16:23ACT 20:23ACT 28:31ROM 9:23EPH 1:18EPH 3:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Peter's imprisonment and miraculous escape as an example of how God's glory is revealed in times of tribulation and suffering. The preacher emphasizes that when human resources and efforts fail, God's glory shines through. He references the story of the wedding at Cana in Galilee, where Jesus performed his first miracle, as another example of God's glory being revealed in hopeless situations. The preacher encourages the audience to trust in God's grace and reminds them that even in apparent defeat, the end of the story will be glory.
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 33:1 - Part 1
By Chuck Smith1.5K25:59ExpositionalEXO 33:11JDG 7:2ISA 33:1MAT 6:33EPH 1:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God receiving all the glory for His works. He uses the example of Gideon and how God reduced his army to 300 men in order to show His power and receive the glory. The speaker also discusses the consequences of misrepresenting God, using the story of Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it. He highlights the need for us to recognize our own helplessness and rely on God in our extremities. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God often works in our lives when we have reached our limits and have no other options.
The Gift of the Holy Spirit
By David Gooding1.2K1:00:24Holy Spirit1CO 12:12EPH 1:15EPH 1:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of valuing and helping others before seeking power. The story of Adam and Eve is used to illustrate how mankind's disobedience to God has led to the chaos and problems we see in the world today. The speaker also highlights the economic crisis and the selfishness of humanity that prevents the fair distribution of resources. The sermon concludes with the reminder that believers have a responsibility to prepare themselves for the future reign with Christ and to be prepared for His second coming, symbolized by the parable of the ten virgins and their lamps. The importance of having the Holy Spirit, symbolized by the oil in the lamps, is emphasized as a necessary preparation for the coming of Christ.
Das Problem Deiner Sünde (German)
By Corrie Ten Boom1.2K45:56GermanPRO 3:5PRO 4:7MAT 28:20JHN 20:291CO 2:12EPH 1:182TI 3:16In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences and reflections on the power of Jesus and the importance of faith. They mention the devil's attempts to discourage them and the struggle with self-sacrifice. The speaker also talks about a conversation with someone who had lost faith due to personal tragedy and questions why God allowed it to happen. They emphasize the need to give the Holy Spirit room in our lives to experience the richness of being children of God. The sermon ends with a story of a woman who remained strong in her faith despite being imprisoned, highlighting the invisible reality of God's love and the assurance that He never makes mistakes.
Lives Filled With Hope
By Bob Hoekstra1.2K48:55JHN 16:33ROM 15:13EPH 1:18EPH 2:12COL 1:272TH 2:161TI 1:1TIT 2:13HEB 6:191PE 1:3This sermon focuses on the theme of lives filled with hope, emphasizing how God's remedy for discouragement, worry, and despair is unique and distinct. The key verse, Romans 15:13, highlights the God of hope filling believers with joy, peace, and abounding hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. The speaker shares personal experiences of relying on this verse during challenging times, encouraging listeners to trust in God's promises and be flooded with hope.
The Agency of the Holy Spirit in Sanctification
By John Murray1.2K38:11SanctificationJHN 14:17JHN 15:26JHN 16:30ROM 8:132CO 4:6GAL 5:22EPH 1:181TH 5:231JN 2:201JN 4:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. He references various Bible verses, such as 1 John 2:20 and 3:27, to support his point. The preacher highlights that the Holy Spirit abides in believers and works in their hearts to bring stability and conformity to the image of God. He also emphasizes that the measure of God's grace is not limited to our consciousness and that the Holy Spirit knows the depths of our iniquity. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the importance of knowledge of the truth, which is found in Jesus Christ, and how Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of truth.
How Is It Right to Justify the Ungodly?
By John Piper1.1K35:31PSA 23:1PSA 23:6PSA 119:18EPH 1:18In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God as a shepherd and a host. He uses the analogy of driving down a highway and being pursued by blinking red lights to illustrate how God's goodness and mercy follow us every day of our lives. The speaker emphasizes that God not only provides for us like a shepherd, but also prepares a banquet table for us as a host. He mentions the anointing with oil as a symbol of honor and celebration in biblical times.
Our Praise to God
By Chuck Smith1.1K25:04PraisePSA 135:1EPH 1:18In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith focuses on the theme of praising God. He begins by exhorting the listeners to praise the name of the Lord and to be servants of the Lord. The Psalm 135 is discussed, which emphasizes the greatness and power of God compared to the gods of the heathen. Pastor Chuck highlights the contrast between the true and living God and the false gods that people may worship, such as knowledge or power. He encourages the listeners to spend time growing spiritually and walking in the ways of the Lord.
Borrow Empty Vessels
By George Warnock98357:18Spirit Of GodEXO 25:8MAT 14:132CO 4:6EPH 1:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and utilizing the gifts and abilities that God has given to each individual. Using the example of Moses and his staff, the speaker highlights that even something as seemingly insignificant as a dry stick can be used by God for great purposes. The speaker encourages the audience not to despise or underestimate what they have been given, but to understand that they have been predestined and ordained by God for a specific purpose. The sermon also emphasizes the need for humility and a recognition of our own weaknesses, as well as the importance of stepping out in faith and using our gifts to serve and bless others.
Unveiling God's Purpose
By Charles Anderson95748:39Purpose Of GodEPH 1:18In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience at Camp Blanding and relates it to the Christian life. He emphasizes the importance of understanding God's purpose and plan in the universe and how we fit into it. The speaker prays for the listeners to have a fuller understanding of God's plan and for them to experience a transformation in their approach to life. The sermon also mentions the limitless resources and power available to believers through their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Continual Quickening - Part 1
By Ken Baird94653:442CO 4:16EPH 1:15EPH 1:181TI 4:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of quickening and the importance of sustaining our spiritual life. He explains that in our physical life, we apprehend things through our five senses, which give us consciousness. However, if we lose any of these senses, we become unconscious or dead. The preacher emphasizes the need for spiritual quickening and refers to passages from the Bible, such as Jeremiah, to illustrate the nourishment and sweetness that comes from the word of God. He also highlights the danger of being consumed by worldly pleasures and urges the listeners to seek spiritual sustenance from the Lord.
The God of Glory - the Delights of an Awakened Heart
By Aeron Morgan88753:37Glory Of GodPSA 19:8PSA 57:7PSA 119:18MAT 6:33ROM 8:11EPH 1:15EPH 1:18The sermon transcript discusses Psalm 57 and focuses on David's trust in God during turbulent times. The speaker emphasizes the importance of encountering God and being transformed by Him. The transcript also highlights David's choice to trust God instead of resorting to evil tactics in retaliation. The speaker references Psalm 7 and Ephesians 1 to further emphasize the need for seeking God's wisdom and revelation.
(Ephesians) Redemption
By Brian Brodersen87455:21EPH 1:3EPH 1:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that salvation cannot be earned through human effort or adherence to religious rituals. Instead, he highlights the incredible act of God's love and grace towards humanity. God sent His Son to live a sinless life and die on the cross to bear the punishment for our sins. By trusting in Jesus and His sacrifice, we can receive forgiveness and eternal life. The preacher also reminds believers that despite the troubling events happening in the world, God's ultimate plan is to establish His glorious eternal kingdom, and we can find comfort and assurance in His promises.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened - The understanding is that power or faculty in the soul by which knowledge or information is received, and the recipient power is here termed the Eyes of the understanding; and we learn from this that ὁπερ ὁ οφθαλμος εν τῳ σωματι, τουτο ὁ νους εν τῃ ψυχη, as Philo expresses it: What the eye is to the body, the understanding is to the soul; and that as the eye is not light in itself, and can discern nothing but by the means of light shining, not only on the objects to be viewed, but into the eye itself; so the understanding of man can discern no sacred thing of or by itself, but sees by the influence of the Spirit of wisdom and revelation; for without the influence of God's Holy Spirit no man ever became wise unto salvation, no more than a man ever discerned an object, (no matter how perfect soever his eye might have been), without the instrumentality of light. Instead of της διανοιας, of your understanding, της καρδιας, of your heart, is the reading of ABDEFG, and several others; also both the Syriac, all the Arabic, the Coptic, the Ethiopic, Armenian, Sahidic, Slavonian, Vulgate, and Itala, besides several of the fathers. The eyes of your Heart is undoubtedly the true reading. The hope of his calling - That you may clearly discern the glorious and important objects of your hope, to the enjoyment of which God has called or invited you. The riches of the glory of his inheritance - That you may understand what is the glorious abundance of the spiritual things to which you are entitled, in consequence of being made children of God; for if children, then heirs, heirs of that glorious inheritance which God has provided for the saints - for all genuine Christians, whether formerly Jews or Gentiles. On the chief subject of this verse, see the notes on Gal 4:6, Gal 4:7 (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
understanding--The oldest manuscripts, versions, and Fathers, read "heart." Compare the contrary state of unbelieving, the heart being in fault (Eph 4:18; Mat 13:15). Translate, "Having the eyes of your heart enlightened" (Eph 5:14; Mat 4:16). The first effect of the Spirit moving in the new creation, as in the original physical creation (Gen 1:3; Co2 4:6). So THEOPHILUS to AUTOLYCUS (1.3), "the ears of the heart." Where spiritual light is, there is life (Joh 1:4). The heart is "the core of life" [HARLESS], and the fountain of the thoughts; whence "the heart" in Scripture includes the mind, as well as the inclination. Its "eye," or inward vision, both receives and contemplates the light (Mat 6:22-23). The eye is the symbol of intelligence (Eze 1:18). the hope of his calling--the hope appertaining to His having called you; or, to the calling wherewith He has called you. and--omitted in the oldest manuscripts and versions. riches of the glory-- (Col 1:27). his inheritance in the saints--The inheritance which he has in store in the case of the saints. I prefer explaining, "The inheritance which He has in his saints." (See on Eph 1:11; Deu 32:9).
John Gill Bible Commentary
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened,.... By the Spirit of God already, to see the exceeding sinfulness of sin; the insufficiency of their own righteousness; the beauty, glory, fulness, and suitableness of Christ, as a Saviour; the excellency, truth, and usefulness of the doctrines of the Gospel; in which their understandings were before dark, but now had light into them: wherefore these words are not to be considered as part of the apostle's petitions, but rather as what was taken for granted by him; and are to be put into a parenthesis, and the following words to be joined in connection with the preceding verse; unless it should be thought, that the apostle prays for greater illuminations, and for more spiritual light, and that the eyes of their understandings might be more and more enlightened; the phrase, , , "the eye of the understanding", is Rabbinical, and often to be met with in Jewish writings (f); the Alexandrian copy, and several others, the Complutensian edition, the Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions, read, "the eyes of your heart"; and to, , "the eyes of the hearts, or minds", is a phrase used by the Jewish writers (g): that ye may know what is the hope of his calling; by which is meant, the effectual calling of the saints; which is not a call to an office, or a call merely by the external ministry of the word; but which is internal, special, powerful, high, and heavenly: and this is the calling of God, of which he is the author; who calls with an holy calling, unto eternal glory by Christ Jesus; and which is without repentance: and the hope of this calling, is either eternal happiness, which is the thing hoped for; or Christ, who is the ground and foundation of it; or the grace of hope, which is exercised on both; or all three: for hope of eternal glory, as it is founded on Christ, may be said to be the hope of the calling of God, because it is wrought in the soul at the time of the effectual calling, and what saints are then called to the exercise of; and calling grace, is an encouragement to hope for eternal life; since whom God calls, he justifies and glorifies: and now the apostle prays, that these saints who were called by the grace of God, might know more of Christ, the foundation of their hope; and what that is they are hoping for, and more and more what it is to hope for the same, upon the view of Christ's person, blood, and righteousness: and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints; the saints themselves are the Lord's portion, and the lot of his inheritance, in whom he is, and will be abundantly glorified; but here it rather seems to design the heavenly inheritance before spoken of, of which the Spirit is the earnest; and this is the Lord's, it is of his preparing, and it is his gift, and a very rich and glorious inheritance it is: hence it is not only signified by mansions, and everlasting habitations, by an house, and by a city, but by a kingdom; the riches of grace are preparatory to it, and the riches of glory are comprised in it; and this is in, or among the saints, who only have a right unto it, and a meetness for it; and what this inheritance is, with the riches and glory of it, will not be fully known in this life; and indeed but little of it is known; so that such a petition as this is always proper and pertinent. (f) Zohar in Deut. fol. 119. 3. Jetzirah, p. 22. 78. Ed. Rittangel. R. Levi ben Gersom in Gen. fol. 14. 3. & Philo de opificio Dei, p. 15. (g) Bechinat Olam, p. 260.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:18 Confident hope for believers is the anticipation of Christ’s return and his future blessings that they will share. Joined with Christ, believers become joint heirs with him of all God’s promised blessings.