Ephesians 1:19
Verse
Context
Spiritual Wisdom
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,20which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms,
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The exceeding greatness of his power - As the apostle is here speaking of the glorious state of believers after death, the exceeding greatness of his power, or that power which surpasses all difficulties, being itself omnipotent, is to be understood of that might which is to be exerted in raising the body at the last day; as it will require the same power or energy which he wrought in Christ, when he raised his body from the grave, to raise up the bodies of all mankind; the resurrection of the human nature of Christ being a proof of the resurrection of mankind in general. According to the working of his mighty power - Κατα την ενεργειαν του κρατους της ισχυος αυτου· According to the energy of the power of his might. We may understand these words thus: Might, ισχυς, is the state or simple efficiency of this attribute in God; Power, κρατος, is this might or efficiency in action; Energy, ενεργεια, is the quantum of force, momentum, or velocity, with which the power is applied. Though they appear to be synonymous terms they may be thus understood: passive power is widely different from power in action; and power in action will be in its results according to the energy or momentum with which it is applied. The resurrection of the dead is a stupendous work of God; it requires his might in sovereign action; and when we consider that all mankind are to be raised and changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, then the momentum, or velocity, with which the power is to be applied must be inconceivably great. All motion is in proportion to the quantity of matter in the mover, and the velocity with which it is applied. The effect here is in proportion to the cause and the energy he puts forth in order to produce it. But such is the nature of God's power in action, that it is perfectly inconceivable to us; and even these astonishingly strong words of the apostle are to be understood as used in condescension to human weakness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
exceeding--"surpassing." power to us-ward who believe--The whole of the working of His grace, which He is carrying on, and will carry on, in us who believe. By the term "saints" (Eph 1:18), believers are regarded as absolutely perfected, and so as being God's inheritance; in this verse, as in the course of fighting the good fight of faith. according to--in accordance wit,h, what might be expected from. working--Greek, "the energizing"; translate, "the effectual working" (Eph 3:7). The same superhuman power was needed and exerted to make us believe, as was needed and exerted to raise Christ from the dead (Eph 1:20). Compare Phi 3:10, "the power of His resurrection" (Col 2:12; Pe1 1:3-5). of his mighty power--Greek, "of the strength of His might."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe,.... The objects of the divine power here intended, are believers in Christ; which distinguishes this power from that which was put forth in creation, and from that which will be displayed in the resurrection of the dead, and from the power of divine wrath, which will appear in the damnation of sinners; and shows, that this power is that which is exerted in the implantation of faith, and in the continuance of it, and in the finishing of that work; and that this is a great power, an exceeding great one, a super eminent one; which is attended with energy and efficacy, and is irresistible and insuperable: the greatness of this power as displayed in the work of conversion and faith appears, if it be considered what the work itself is called, a creation, a resurrection from the dead, a regeneration, and a transformation of the man into another man, which must needs require almighty power; as well as what is then done, some things are removed, Satan is dispossessed, the stony heart is taken away, the enmity is slain, the old man is put down from his throne, and put off with his deeds; and there are some things wrought, Christ is formed in the soul, his grace is implanted, his image is stamped on, a new heart is given, and principles of light and life, of grace and holiness are put; the understanding is enlightened, the will is subdued, the affections are set on other objects, and the mind and conscience are cleansed and purified; and the means of this are the ministers, and ministry of the word, which are weak, foolish, and contemptible, in the eyes of men; to which may be added, the opposition made both from within and from without, from a sinful heart, a tempting devil, and an ensnaring, reproaching, and persecuting world: so that this work of faith cannot be ascribed to anything short of the exceeding greatness of divine power; and which is seen in supporting faith when it is wrought, under great discouragements; in delivering believers out of divers temptations; in assisting them to discharge their duty, and in their final perseverance: and to increase the idea of this power it is added, according to the working of his mighty power, or "according to the energy of the might of his power": the strength of his power, in all the mighty energy of it, is exerted towards and upon believers; and which they should know, own, and acknowledge, to the glory of the grace of God: and this is in proportion, and agreeably to that power.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:19-20 God’s power for us who believe him is the power of his Spirit at work in and through his people, because they are joined to the resurrected Christ (see Rom 6:4-14; Col 2:12). Paul longed to experience the power of Christ’s resurrection in his own life (Phil 3:10). • In biblical times, the place of honor was always at a person’s right hand (Ps 110:1; Acts 7:56).
Ephesians 1:19
Spiritual Wisdom
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,20which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Exodus) Exodus 25:22
By J. Vernon McGee3.2K03:41EPH 1:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to tap into the power of God that worked in Christ. He highlights the importance of relying on the help that Paul prayed for the Ephesians to receive. The speaker encourages believers to make contact with the living Christ and have a personal relationship with Him. He also emphasizes the significance of the blood of Christ, referring to it as precious and more valuable than gold and silver. The sermon concludes with the reminder that believers should not try to face life's challenges alone, but rather come boldly to the throne of grace through Jesus, their great High Priest, to find mercy and help in times of need.
Why Revival Tarries - Part 5
By Henry Blackaby1.7K09:21EPH 1:19This sermon emphasizes the power of the cross and resurrection, highlighting how believers have been given the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. It challenges individuals to live in the victory that Christ has already won over all principalities and powers, encouraging them to be a demonstration of God's power to their children and those around them. The importance of nurturing and caring for God's people, teaching them to walk in a vital relationship with Christ, is emphasized as key to experiencing revival and impacting a lost world.
The Person of Christ
By David Gooding1.5K34:00Authority of ChristPerson Of ChristChristian LivingMAT 28:18EPH 1:192TI 3:16David Gooding emphasizes the authority of Jesus Christ in his sermon 'The Person of Christ', addressing the challenges faced by the evangelical church in a culture that often rejects absolute truths. He argues that the authority of Christ is essential for the church's power and purpose, and that believers must recognize His lordship over their lives, time, money, doctrine, morals, and future. Gooding warns against the dangers of tradition and intellectualism that can undermine Christ's authority, urging Christians to submit fully to His will. He concludes by calling for a generation of believers who will boldly uphold the authority of Christ in a world that seeks to compromise it.
God's Eternal Purpose, His Will, His Council, His Work
By Stephen Kaung1.1K1:07:09GEN 3:9EXO 14:21EXO 16:3EPH 1:9EPH 1:19In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about an elderly lady he met in India who had a unique ministry. Instead of preaching the gospel, she felt led by God to prepare houses in a resort area and serve as a place of rest for God's servants during the summer. The speaker then transitions to discussing the importance of having a deep relationship with God, rather than just knowing about His acts. He uses the example of the Israelites who witnessed God's miracles but quickly forgot and doubted His provision. The speaker emphasizes the need to have a meaningful life and shares how the elderly lady in the story found purpose and transformation through understanding the eternal purpose of God.
Psalm 8
By Carl Armerding98538:47PsalmsMAT 6:33JHN 14:1ROM 12:1EPH 1:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of a new generation in singing praises to the Lord. He shares his joy in seeing young children on the platform, even if they were missing a few teeth, as they sang praises to God. The speaker also mentions the significance of teaching children about Christianity for their future. He then transitions to discussing Psalm 8 and mentions that while he cannot cover all 150 Psalms, he highlights the importance of some of them. The speaker concludes by reflecting on his own health issues and expressing gratitude for God's protection and preservation.
The Church, What Is It?
By Stephen Kaung90653:54MAT 6:33EPH 1:3EPH 1:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing who we are as believers in Christ. He encourages the audience to focus less on talking about themselves and more on understanding what the Lord has done for them. The speaker highlights the significance of the church in God's plan and urges the audience to have a greater place for the church in their hearts. He asks the audience to consider their thoughts and impressions of the church, whether it be from a historical perspective or as a collective body of believers.
Spiritual Ascendency - Our Position #1
By Stephen Kaung88449:35MAT 28:18EPH 1:192PE 1:3REV 5:4REV 5:9REV 5:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the vision that John had in the book of Revelation. John wept because he realized that there was no one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth who was worthy to execute God's will. However, John was comforted by one of the elders who told him that the lion of Judah, Jesus, had overcome and was worthy to take the book and open the seals. Jesus, represented as a lamb, took the book and began to open the seals, leading to worship and praise from heaven and the entire universe. The preacher emphasizes that spiritual ascendancy is found in Christ Jesus, who emptied Himself and took on the form of a humble servant, obedient to God even unto death. Through His work of redemption, Jesus was raised from the dead and seated at the right hand of God in the heavenly realms. The sermon encourages believers to realize that through Christ, they have been given divine power and the potential for godliness.
Sufficiency for Godly Living #6 - Resurrected Living by God's Sufficiency
By Bob Hoekstra7051:00:45GEN 2:7MAT 6:331CO 15:31CO 15:582CO 2:142CO 3:6EPH 1:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges and burdens that believers may face in their lives. He emphasizes that even great leaders like Jesus and Paul experienced difficulties and hardships. The speaker shares a personal story about a family who came to know the Lord and highlights the transformation that occurred when they embraced a relationship with Jesus rather than religious practices. He also shares his own experience of feeling hopeless and dead in his ministry until a young man approached him with an opportunity to teach a home Bible study, which ultimately brought him out of his despair. The sermon concludes with the speaker reflecting on the power of God to call believers out of their metaphorical tombs, just as Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb.
The Four Fold Risenness of the Christian - Part 3
By Tim Conway5541:06:59EPH 1:19EPH 2:6This sermon emphasizes the powerful reality of being seated together with Christ in the heavenly places, highlighting the present victory and authority believers have in Christ. It challenges the common mindset of defeat and corruption, urging Christians to live in the truth of their exalted position and reign with Christ now, not just in the future. The sermon encourages believers to approach life, sin, the world, and spiritual battles from the vantage point of triumph and dominion, drawing near to God with confidence and seeking heavenly things where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
(Needed-Men of God) 4. an Anointed Man
By Zac Poonen02KI 2:13ISA 10:27ZEC 4:6MAT 3:16ACT 1:8ACT 10:381CO 4:192CO 3:5EPH 1:19PHP 3:10Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of the anointing of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling God's will in our service, emphasizing the need for the Spirit's power to rest upon us. He highlights that the unmistakable evidence of the anointing is power, not eloquence or emotional displays. Poonen stresses the necessity of discernment in distinguishing true anointing from counterfeit manifestations, emphasizing that spiritual vision comes through the Holy Spirit alone. He challenges believers to thirst for the anointing, maintain purity of motive, and have no love for the world, in order to be part of a triumphant remnant that brings life out of spiritual death.
Kept by the Power of God.
By Andrew Bonar0Faith and AssuranceDivine ProtectionEPH 1:191PE 1:5Andrew Bonar emphasizes the assurance that believers are 'kept by the power of God,' highlighting both our weakness and the divine strength that surrounds us. He reassures those who fear disgrace in their faith that God's power is a protective force, ensuring that no one can separate us from His love. Bonar explains that while we are to keep ourselves through faith, it is ultimately God's power that sustains our belief and keeps us secure. He encourages believers to focus on Christ and His righteousness, reminding them that even in times of trial, God will uphold them. The sermon concludes with the promise of a reserved inheritance in heaven, emphasizing God's commitment to keeping His people until the day of salvation is revealed.
The Power of Christ's Resurrection. (Philip. 3:10)
By George Whitefield0JHN 3:3JHN 11:25ROM 6:4ROM 8:111CO 15:202CO 5:17EPH 1:19PHP 3:10COL 3:11PE 1:3George Whitefield preaches on the importance of knowing Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. He emphasizes the necessity of Christ's resurrection for our justification, assurance of our own resurrection, and the application of redemption to our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Whitefield urges believers to not only have a historical faith in Christ's resurrection but to also experience the power of His resurrection by being born again and living a life of righteousness and holiness. He challenges listeners to renounce worldly desires, die to self, and be transformed by the renewing power of Christ's resurrection, ultimately leading to a heavenly inheritance and eternal life.
That Blessed Hope
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0JOB 19:25PSA 116:15JHN 14:1JHN 17:241CO 15:51EPH 1:191TH 2:191TH 4:13TIT 2:13Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, a revelation exclusively found in the New Testament. While Old Testament Saints knew of the resurrection of the dead, they did not know of the resurrection from among the dead, a unique aspect of 'that blessed hope.' The Apostle Paul received a special revelation about the manner of Christ's coming for His Saints, providing the full revelation of 'that blessed hope' in 1 Thessalonians, emphasizing the comfort, purifying power, incentive to service, sustaining strength, and comforting assurance it brings to believers.
Resurrection, the Hallmark of Sonship
By T. Austin-Sparks0SonshipResurrectionISA 8:18MAT 12:39MAT 27:46LUK 23:46JHN 20:17ROM 1:4ROM 8:19GAL 3:26EPH 1:191PE 1:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the resurrection as the foundation of our sonship in Christ. He explains how Jesus, after experiencing abandonment on the Cross, was able to declare God as 'Father' again, marking a restoration of sonship for humanity. The resurrection not only confirmed Jesus as the Son of God but also established our identity as children of God, allowing us to experience continuous resurrection power in our lives. This sonship is not merely a past event but a present reality that manifests through our faith and experiences in the world. Ultimately, the resurrection life empowers believers to be signs and wonders, showcasing God's glory amidst the challenges of life.
Power
By F.B. Meyer0Spiritual PowerThe Holy SpiritISA 40:31ACT 1:8ROM 8:311CO 2:42CO 12:9EPH 1:19EPH 3:7EPH 3:20EPH 6:10PHP 4:13F.B. Meyer emphasizes the human longing for power, particularly spiritual power, which should be sought for the glory of God and the benefit of others. He explains that true spiritual power comes only through submission to the Holy Spirit and understanding the laws of its operation. Meyer encourages believers to recognize that God's power is available to them, enabling them to rise above their limitations and fulfill their divine calling. He highlights the importance of prayer and the grace of God in equipping believers for their spiritual tasks, assuring them that God can do exceedingly abundantly above all they ask or think. Ultimately, Meyer calls for a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit to access the fullness of God's power in their lives.
The Exhortations of the Ordinal
By W.H. Griffith Thomas0EZK 33:6LUK 12:42JHN 14:26ACT 20:281CO 4:2EPH 1:19EPH 5:25COL 1:281TI 4:16HEB 13:171PE 4:10W.H. Griffith Thomas preaches about the high dignity, weighty office, and responsibility of the Church of England ministry, emphasizing the essential idea that a minister is first and foremost a man of God, a servant of God to His people. The sermon highlights the roles of Messengers, Watchmen, and Stewards in relation to God, the Word, and the Church, respectively. It also stresses the demands on the ministry to teach, admonish, feed, and provide for the Lord's family, as well as to seek and save the lost sheep. The sermon underscores the importance of prayer, Bible study, holy living, and concentration of purpose as conditions for ministerial power and the outflow of growth, holiness, and spiritual influence.
The Nature of Justification, and the Nature and Concern of Faith in It
By Samuel Davies0GEN 3:21GEN 8:20ROM 1:16ROM 3:211CO 10:20GAL 3:12EPH 1:191JN 5:9Samuel Davies preaches about the nature of justification and the concern of faith in it, emphasizing the importance of the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel as the only sufficient foundation for the salvation of sinners. He explains that no righteousness but that revealed in the gospel is adequate for justification, as it must be perfect and fully conform to the divine law. Davies highlights that the gospel alone unveils such a righteousness, contrasting it with the inadequacies of human wisdom, sacrifices, repentance, and reformation. He urges the audience to examine their hope, ensuring it is solely grounded on the righteousness of Christ by faith, offering strong encouragement and consolation to those who have embraced this divine righteousness.
God's Answer to Every Challenge
By T. Austin-Sparks0ResurrectionNew Life in ChristJHN 11:25ROM 6:42CO 1:92CO 4:10EPH 1:19PHP 3:10COL 3:11PE 1:3REV 1:18T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that resurrection is the ultimate answer to every challenge faced by humanity, highlighting its transcendent power over death, which is the greatest adversary to God's purpose. He illustrates that resurrection is not just a future promise but a present reality for believers, enabling them to experience new life and transformation in Christ. The sermon underscores that resurrection is a growing experience, manifesting in the lives of individuals and the Church, as they bear witness to the power of Christ's resurrection. Sparks warns against viewing resurrection merely as a future event, urging believers to recognize its immediate significance in their spiritual journey. Ultimately, he concludes that in Christ, all things are defined and transformed by the reality of resurrection.
The Church Is Essentially Supernatural
By T. Austin-Sparks0Supernatural ChurchSpirituality in ChristianityMAT 16:18JHN 3:3JHN 6:35EPH 1:19PHP 2:7T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the Church is fundamentally supernatural, originating from heaven and sustained by divine power. He explains that true Christianity, embodied in the Church, must be recognized as a spiritual entity that encounters opposition but ultimately prevails through supernatural support. The sermon outlines essential features of a true local church, including heavenly light, life, food, fellowship, and order, all of which reflect Christ's presence and purpose. Sparks warns against the dangers of relying on worldly methods, which can lead to a loss of spiritual power and impact. He calls for a return to the supernatural foundation of the Church to fulfill its divine mission.
Set Free
By Anton Bosch0MAT 1:21ROM 6:6ROM 6:8GAL 2:20EPH 1:19COL 3:2Anton Bosch preaches on the transformative power of Jesus Christ in freeing believers from the bondage of sin. Through Romans 6:6-7, he explains that when we are born again, our old selves are crucified with Christ, and we receive a new life in Him. The challenge lies in truly letting go of our old ways and embracing the new life in Christ, a process facilitated by the Holy Spirit's power. Bosch emphasizes the importance of believing and living out the truth that we have died to sin and risen with Christ, enabling us to walk in victory over sin and live in the newness of life.
Blessings From Bones
By Denis Lyle0NUM 23:102KI 13:21PSA 118:8JHN 14:19EPH 1:19PHP 3:211TH 4:17HEB 11:4Denis Lyle preaches on the blessings that can come from the bones of a man of God, using the story of Elisha's death and the miraculous revival of a dead man who touched Elisha's bones. The sermon emphasizes that even after a man of God dies, the sovereign God is still living, offering victory in the present and glory in the future. It also highlights how a man of God's influence can continue to abide and produce blessings long after their death, showcasing the power of God's work through His servants.
Vital Resurrection
By Derek Melton0ROM 8:111CO 6:14EPH 1:19COL 3:11PE 1:3Derek Melton preaches on the profound significance of Christ's resurrection, emphasizing that believers are not only commemorating the resurrection of the Lord but also experiencing a vital resurrection in their own lives. The power of God made available through Christ's resurrection enables believers to partake in heavenly benefits inwardly, transforming them and providing sufficiency for every need. This resurrection power restores fellowship with God, overcomes enmity, and imparts light, life, hope, and strength to believers, showcasing the beauty of the Christian life as beneficiaries of Christ's victory over death.
God Is Greater
By Tom Macartney0ISA 53:4JHN 4:24JHN 12:24ROM 8:16ROM 8:281CO 1:22EPH 1:19HEB 4:121JN 4:4Tom Macartney preaches about the overwhelming superiority of God over our enemies - the world, the flesh, and the devil. He emphasizes the need for Christians to rely on God's power to overcome the challenges of deception, moral pollution, and pressures of life. Macartney highlights the importance of abiding in Christ for protection and victory over sin and the devil, and the necessity of experiencing God's power and sufficiency in a weakening society. He also discusses the significance of God's grace in overcoming our circumstances, heredity, and the effects of sin, pointing to the healing power of Christ in every aspect of human need.
Arminian Theory of Redemption
By R.L. Dabney0PRO 23:26JHN 1:13JHN 3:36ACT 4:12ROM 2:12ROM 9:16EPH 1:4EPH 1:19HEB 11:6R.L. Dabney delves into the debate between Calvinists and Arminians, focusing on the sources and tenets of Arminian Theology. He explores the logical progression of Arminian beliefs, from the doctrine of indifference of the will to views on original sin. The sermon also addresses the concept of common sufficient grace in Arminianism, highlighting the belief that God provides grace to enable individuals to fulfill conditions for redeeming grace. Additionally, the sermon discusses the Arminian perspective on justification, personal election, regeneration, and the salvability of heathens without the gospel.
The Effects of the Redeemer's Resurrection
By J.C. Philpot0ACT 2:24ROM 4:25ROM 8:61CO 15:20EPH 1:19EPH 2:5PHP 3:10COL 3:11JN 3:2J.C. Philpot preaches on the spiritual impact of the resurrection of the Lord on the believing soul, emphasizing the inward experience of its power, fruits, and effects. The resurrection of Jesus is portrayed as a miraculous display of God's mighty power, raising up millions of redeemed sinners with Him, out of their sins and miseries. Believers are urged to seek the felt power of Christ's resurrection in their own souls, enabling them to rise out of the cords of death and experience renewal, reviving grace, and a rise to faith, hope, and love.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The exceeding greatness of his power - As the apostle is here speaking of the glorious state of believers after death, the exceeding greatness of his power, or that power which surpasses all difficulties, being itself omnipotent, is to be understood of that might which is to be exerted in raising the body at the last day; as it will require the same power or energy which he wrought in Christ, when he raised his body from the grave, to raise up the bodies of all mankind; the resurrection of the human nature of Christ being a proof of the resurrection of mankind in general. According to the working of his mighty power - Κατα την ενεργειαν του κρατους της ισχυος αυτου· According to the energy of the power of his might. We may understand these words thus: Might, ισχυς, is the state or simple efficiency of this attribute in God; Power, κρατος, is this might or efficiency in action; Energy, ενεργεια, is the quantum of force, momentum, or velocity, with which the power is applied. Though they appear to be synonymous terms they may be thus understood: passive power is widely different from power in action; and power in action will be in its results according to the energy or momentum with which it is applied. The resurrection of the dead is a stupendous work of God; it requires his might in sovereign action; and when we consider that all mankind are to be raised and changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, then the momentum, or velocity, with which the power is to be applied must be inconceivably great. All motion is in proportion to the quantity of matter in the mover, and the velocity with which it is applied. The effect here is in proportion to the cause and the energy he puts forth in order to produce it. But such is the nature of God's power in action, that it is perfectly inconceivable to us; and even these astonishingly strong words of the apostle are to be understood as used in condescension to human weakness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
exceeding--"surpassing." power to us-ward who believe--The whole of the working of His grace, which He is carrying on, and will carry on, in us who believe. By the term "saints" (Eph 1:18), believers are regarded as absolutely perfected, and so as being God's inheritance; in this verse, as in the course of fighting the good fight of faith. according to--in accordance wit,h, what might be expected from. working--Greek, "the energizing"; translate, "the effectual working" (Eph 3:7). The same superhuman power was needed and exerted to make us believe, as was needed and exerted to raise Christ from the dead (Eph 1:20). Compare Phi 3:10, "the power of His resurrection" (Col 2:12; Pe1 1:3-5). of his mighty power--Greek, "of the strength of His might."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe,.... The objects of the divine power here intended, are believers in Christ; which distinguishes this power from that which was put forth in creation, and from that which will be displayed in the resurrection of the dead, and from the power of divine wrath, which will appear in the damnation of sinners; and shows, that this power is that which is exerted in the implantation of faith, and in the continuance of it, and in the finishing of that work; and that this is a great power, an exceeding great one, a super eminent one; which is attended with energy and efficacy, and is irresistible and insuperable: the greatness of this power as displayed in the work of conversion and faith appears, if it be considered what the work itself is called, a creation, a resurrection from the dead, a regeneration, and a transformation of the man into another man, which must needs require almighty power; as well as what is then done, some things are removed, Satan is dispossessed, the stony heart is taken away, the enmity is slain, the old man is put down from his throne, and put off with his deeds; and there are some things wrought, Christ is formed in the soul, his grace is implanted, his image is stamped on, a new heart is given, and principles of light and life, of grace and holiness are put; the understanding is enlightened, the will is subdued, the affections are set on other objects, and the mind and conscience are cleansed and purified; and the means of this are the ministers, and ministry of the word, which are weak, foolish, and contemptible, in the eyes of men; to which may be added, the opposition made both from within and from without, from a sinful heart, a tempting devil, and an ensnaring, reproaching, and persecuting world: so that this work of faith cannot be ascribed to anything short of the exceeding greatness of divine power; and which is seen in supporting faith when it is wrought, under great discouragements; in delivering believers out of divers temptations; in assisting them to discharge their duty, and in their final perseverance: and to increase the idea of this power it is added, according to the working of his mighty power, or "according to the energy of the might of his power": the strength of his power, in all the mighty energy of it, is exerted towards and upon believers; and which they should know, own, and acknowledge, to the glory of the grace of God: and this is in proportion, and agreeably to that power.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:19-20 God’s power for us who believe him is the power of his Spirit at work in and through his people, because they are joined to the resurrected Christ (see Rom 6:4-14; Col 2:12). Paul longed to experience the power of Christ’s resurrection in his own life (Phil 3:10). • In biblical times, the place of honor was always at a person’s right hand (Ps 110:1; Acts 7:56).