Ephesians 3:18
Verse
Context
Paul’s Prayer for the Ephesians
17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love,18will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth19of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Sermons



Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
May be able to comprehend with all saints - Ἱνα εξισχυσητε καταλαβεσθαι. These words are so exceedingly nervous and full of meaning, that it is almost impossible to translate them. The first word, εξισχυσητε , from εξ, intensive, and ισχυω, to be strong, signifies that they might be thoroughly able, by having been strengthened with might, by God's power. The second word καταλαβεσθαι, from κατα, intensive, and λαμβανω , to take, catch, or seize on, may be translated, that ye may fully catch, take in, and comprehend this wonderful mystery of God. The mind must be rendered apt, and the soul invigorated, to take in and comprehend these mysteries. What is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height - Here the apostle still keeps up the metaphor, comparing the Church of God to a building; and as, in order to rear a proper building, formed on scientific principles, a ground plan and specification must be previously made, according to which the building is to be constructed, the apostle refers to this; for this must be thoroughly understood, without which the building could not be formed. They were to be builded up a heavenly house, a habitation of God through the Spirit; and this must have its latitude or breadth, its longitude or length, its altitude or height, and its profundity or depth. It is supposed by some that the apostle is here alluding to the famous temple of Diana at Ephesus, which, as I have already had occasion to remark, was reputed one of the wonders of the world, being in length 425 feet, in breadth 220; it was supported by 127 pillars, each 60 feet high; was builded at the expense of all Asia; and was 220 years in being completed. I cannot, however, allow of this allusion while the apostle had a nobler model at hand, and one every way more worthy of being brought into the comparison. The temple at Jerusalem was that alone which he had in view; that alone could be fitly compared here; for that was built to be a habitation of God; that was his house, and that the place of his rest: so the Christian temple, and the believing heart, are to be the constant, the endless residence of God; and how august must that edifice be in which the eternal Trinity dwells! But what can the apostle mean by the breadth, length, depth, and height, of the love of God? Imagination can scarcely frame any satisfactory answer to this question. It takes in the eternity of God. God is Love; and in that, an infinity of breadth, length, depth, and height, is included; or rather all breadth, length, depth, and height, are lost in this immensity. It comprehends all that is above, all that is below, all that is past, and all that is to come. In reference to human beings, the love of God, in its Breadth, is a girdle that encompasses the globe; its Length reaches from the eternal purpose of the mission of Christ, to the eternity of blessedness which is to be spent in his ineffable glories; its Depth reaches to the lowest fallen of the sons of Adam, and to the deepest depravity of the human heart; and its Height to the infinite dignities of the throne of Christ. He that overcometh will I give to sit dawn with me upon my throne, as I have overcome and sat down with the Father upon his throne. Thus we see that the Father, the Son, and all true believers in him, are to be seated on the same throne! This is the height of the love of God, and the height to which that love raises the souls that believe in Christ Jesus!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
May be able--even still further. Greek, "May be fully able." breadth . . . length . . . depth . . . height--namely, the full dimensions of the spiritual temple, answering to "the fulness of God" (Eph 3:19), to which the Church, according to its capacity, ought to correspond (compare Eph 4:10, Eph 4:13) as to "the fulness of Christ." The "breadth" implies Christ's world-wide love, embracing all men: the "length," its being extended through all ages (Eph 3:21); the "depth," its profound wisdom which no creature can fathom (Rom 11:33); the "height," its being beyond the reach of any foe to deprive us of (Eph 4:8) [BENGEL]. I prefer to understand "the breadth," &c., to refer to the whole of the vast mystery of free salvation in Christ for all, Gentile and Jew alike, of which Paul had been speaking (Eph 3:3-9), and of which he now prays they may have a fuller comprehension. As subsidiary to this, and the most essential part of it, he adds, "and to know the love of Christ" (Eph 3:19). GROTIUS understands depth and height of God's goodness raising us from the lowest depression to the greatest height.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge,.... The love of Christ to his own, to his church and people, is special and peculiar; free and Sovereign; as early as his Father's love, and is durable and unchangeable; the greatest love that ever was heard of; it is matchless and unparalleled; it is exceeding strong and affectionate, and is wonderful and surprising: the instances of it are, his engaging as a surety for them; his espousing both their persons and their cause; his assumption of their nature; his dying in their room and stead; his payment of their debts, atoning for their sins, and bringing in for them an everlasting righteousness; his going to prepare a place for them in heaven; his intercession for them there; his constant supply of all their wants, and the freedom and familiarity he uses them with. The saints have some knowledge of this love, some tastes of it; their knowledge is a feeling and experimental one, fiducial and appropriating, and what influences their faith, and love, and cheerful obedience, but it is but imperfect; though the knowledge they have of it is supereminent, it exceeds all other knowledge, yet this love passes knowledge; not only the knowledge of natural men, who know nothing of it, but the perfect knowledge of saints themselves, in the present life, and of angels also, who desire to look into it, and the mysteries of it; and especially it is so as to some instances of it, such as the incarnation of Christ, his becoming poor who was Lord of all, being made sin, and a curse, and suffering, the just for the unjust. Now the apostle prays, that these saints might know more of this love; that their knowledge, which was imperfect, might be progressive. That ye might be filled with all the fulness of God; this is the last petition, and is to be understood, not of a full comprehension of the divine Being, nor of a communication of his divine perfections, nor of having in them the fulness of grace, which it has pleased God should dwell in Christ; but either of that fulness of good things, which they may receive from God in this life; as to be filled with a sense of the love and grace of God; with satisfying views of interest in the righteousness of Christ; with the Spirit, and the gifts and graces thereof; with full provisions of food for their souls; with spiritual peace, joy, and comfort; with knowledge of divine things, of God in Christ, of Christ, of the Gospel, and of the will of God; and with all the fruits or righteousness, or good works springing from grace; or else of that fulness which they shall receive hereafter, even complete holiness, perfection of knowledge, fulness of joy and peace, entire conformity to God and Christ, and everlasting communion with them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:18 how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is: Christ’s love is great in every dimension (cp. Rom 8:38-39).
Ephesians 3:18
Paul’s Prayer for the Ephesians
17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love,18will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth19of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Complete Salvation and How to Recieve It - Part 1
By Derek Prince6.5K28:17PSA 78:21LUK 8:35JHN 1:11EPH 2:8EPH 3:18HEB 2:3HEB 10:14This sermon by Derek Prince Ministries focuses on the concept of complete salvation and how many Christians may only experience an incomplete version of what God has provided. The speaker emphasizes the vastness and depth of God's salvation, urging believers to fully embrace and comprehend its width, length, depth, and height. Through various biblical examples, the sermon highlights the importance of not limiting God's salvation and the ongoing process of being saved in different tenses: perfect, simple past, and continuing present.
(Disciples of Jesus) the Way of the Cross
By Zac Poonen2.0K1:20:16EXO 20:12MAT 5:44MAT 6:33LUK 14:26JHN 2:4GAL 6:14EPH 3:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering our will to God's will. He encourages listeners to let go of their own ambitions and plans and instead seek God's guidance in every aspect of their lives. The speaker highlights Jesus as the ultimate example of surrendering to God's will, even unto death on the cross. He urges listeners to make a daily commitment to die to their own desires and allow God to determine how they spend their time, money, and resources. The speaker also emphasizes the blessings that come from choosing God's will over our own and the assurance that behind every cross there is a resurrection.
Pentecost Is Loving Jesus
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.0K24:23PentecostGEN 15:1PSA 27:1PSA 37:4MAT 5:20JHN 15:9EPH 3:16EPH 3:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being passionately devoted to Jesus and seeking to please Him. The speaker uses personal anecdotes and examples to illustrate how being in love with Jesus should lead to a desire for holiness and spiritual growth. The sermon also highlights the need to have a wide vision of the Church and the kingdom of God, understanding our purpose and what Jesus wants from us. The speaker encourages listeners to be rooted and grounded in love, knowing and experiencing the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.
New Year Message 2 of 4 :Be Like a Little Child
By Zac Poonen94051:57ISA 11:6JOL 2:25MAT 18:31CO 13:111CO 14:20EPH 3:18PHP 2:9COL 3:23JAS 4:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of becoming like little children in God's kingdom, focusing on humility, dependence on God, transparency, teachability, and freedom from critical judgment and worldly ambitions. It encourages seeking the genuine fullness of the Holy Spirit to bring heaven into our hearts, leading to a life filled with the aroma of heaven. The speaker urges listeners to let go of pride, comparison, and pretense, and to approach God with childlike trust, simplicity, and eagerness to learn, ensuring a blessed and transformed life in the new year.
Oh, the Depth by T. Austin Sparks
By T. Austin-Sparks69028:32PSA 42:7MAT 13:5JHN 15:4ROM 11:33EPH 3:18This sermon delves into the concept of depth in spiritual life, contrasting the tragedy of shallowness with the profound depth of God's wisdom, knowledge, and love. It emphasizes the necessity of going deep in faith, enduring trials and suffering to discover the true treasures of God. The sermon draws parallels between the shallowness of human nature and the deep, enduring nature of God, highlighting the importance of abiding in God's depth to bear lasting fruit.
Gospel of John (Study 9 of 24, Chap 3 Cont)
By G.W. North11452:16Christian LifeISA 51:1MAT 6:33JHN 3:29JHN 3:36EPH 3:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeing and experiencing the love of God in our lives. He warns about the consequences of not recognizing this love, which is ultimately the wrath of God. The preacher then introduces the story of Jesus and the woman at the well as an example of how we can be a source of spiritual refreshment for others. He encourages the audience to fully surrender to God and to immerse themselves in His Word, rejecting laziness and relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance.
God Loves Us With All of His Heart
By Mike Bickle5048:22God's LoveIdentity in ChristAbiding LovePSA 8:4HAB 2:14LUK 15:10JHN 15:9JHN 17:23EPH 2:6EPH 3:181JN 3:11JN 4:19REV 3:21Mike Bickle emphasizes that God loves us with all of His heart, illustrating that the love shared within the Trinity is the foundation of our understanding of divine love. He highlights that Jesus invites us to abide in this love, which is as intense as the love the Father has for the Son. Bickle encourages believers to study and experience this love deeply, as it is the source of our worth and joy, and to recognize that our love for God is a response to His love for us. He reminds us that God's love is unwavering and fully expressed, regardless of our spiritual maturity. Ultimately, the sermon calls us to embrace our identity as beloved children of God, cherished and invited into a profound relationship with Him.
Loving Others: God's Primary Plan Is the Local Church
By Mike Bickle3144:38Love in the ChurchAbiding LovePastoral ResponsibilityMAT 5:46JHN 13:35JHN 15:9JHN 15:12EPH 3:18EPH 4:16HEB 10:25Mike Bickle emphasizes that loving others is central to God's plan for the local church, as illustrated in John 15. He highlights that Jesus loves us with the same intensity as the Father loves Him, and this love compels us to extend it to others, especially those who may not enhance our lives in any way. Bickle encourages believers to see their pastoral calling as a responsibility to love and include those who are often neglected within the church community. He asserts that true fellowship goes beyond comfort zones and requires intentional outreach to the weaker members of the body of Christ. Ultimately, the church is called to be a family that reflects the Father's love, demonstrating it to the world.
The End-Time Church Fully Engaged With the Holy Spirit
By Mike Bickle2455:32End-Time ChurchBridal IdentityPSA 40:5PSA 92:5ISA 62:5MAT 9:381CO 2:10EPH 3:18REV 22:12Mike Bickle emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in the end-time church, highlighting the church's need to embrace its bridal identity and engage in intercession. He explains that the Spirit and the Bride will cry out for Jesus to come, reflecting a deep unity and urgency for His return. Bickle outlines a fourfold revelation of Jesus that awakens the church to its mission and identity, urging believers to align with the Spirit's intercessory work. He asserts that this prophetic call is crucial for the church to experience a powerful breakthrough and victory in the midst of spiritual conflict. Ultimately, the message is about cultivating an active intimacy with Jesus as the Bridegroom, leading to a transformative relationship with God.
Fascinated With Jesus: The Superior Pleasure of Knowing God
By Mike Bickle201:12:41Fascination with GodThe Pursuit of GodPSA 16:11PSA 27:4ISA 62:4JHN 15:9JHN 16:14ROM 5:5EPH 3:18PHP 3:8Mike Bickle emphasizes the profound fascination that comes from knowing Jesus, the most captivating figure in history. He explains that God created us to be in awe of Him, and that true pleasure is found in a deep relationship with Christ, who desires connection with us. Bickle encourages believers to pursue a life filled with the joy and pleasure of encountering God, highlighting that the greatest revelations of God bring the deepest satisfaction to our spirits. He shares personal experiences of his early struggles in faith and the transformative power of understanding God's love and desire for us. Ultimately, he calls for a generation to be captivated by the beauty of the Lord and to abide in His love.
The End-Time Prayer Movement Working With the Missions Movement
By Mike Bickle2047:15Missions MovementPrayer MovementISA 42:10MAT 24:14EPH 3:18REV 5:8REV 7:9Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of the end-time prayer movement working in tandem with the missions movement, highlighting a prophetic vision for a 'United Nations of Prayer' on the Truman property. He shares how two independent prophetic words confirmed this vision, indicating a diverse and strategic collaboration among various prayer and missions organizations worldwide. Bickle reports on a historic gathering of international leaders from both movements, fostering unity and shared purpose in reaching every nation with the gospel. He stresses the urgency of prayer in conjunction with missions, as the church prepares for a global harvest before Christ's return. The sermon calls for a commitment to adopt specific mission organizations and prayer zones, encouraging active participation in this divine initiative.
Encountering God's Affections: The Pathway to Our Destiny
By Mike Bickle181:01:59Destiny in ChristExperiencing God's LoveEPH 3:18Mike Bickle emphasizes the necessity of experiencing God's affections as a pathway to fulfilling our destiny. He explains that knowing the love of Christ is not merely intellectual but requires a heartfelt experience that transforms us and equips us for our purpose. Bickle warns that without this deep connection to God's love, we risk falling short of our full potential and succumbing to temptations that arise with success. He encourages believers to actively seek and abide in God's love, which empowers them to run towards Him in times of weakness rather than away. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a deeper, experiential relationship with God that transcends mere knowledge and leads to a vibrant spiritual life.
In Understanding Be Men
By G.W. North0UnderstandingLove in Spiritual GiftsPRO 4:71CO 13:2EPH 3:18G.W. North emphasizes the importance of understanding in the Christian life, presenting it as a vital component alongside wisdom and knowledge. He highlights that these attributes are rooted in love, which is central to God's nature and the manifestation of spiritual gifts. Understanding is portrayed as a product of love that has been tested through experience, leading to true wisdom. North asserts that love's qualities enable believers to grasp the depth of understanding, which in turn enriches their spiritual journey. Ultimately, he calls for Christians to embody understanding as a reflection of God's love and character.
The Greatest Love
By J.R. Miller0God's LoveThe Nature of LoveEPH 3:18J.R. Miller emphasizes the unparalleled nature of God's love in his sermon 'The Greatest Love,' illustrating how love is the greatest force in the world, enduring beyond all else. He reflects on the various forms of human love, asserting that they are mere fragments of the divine love that originates from God. Miller explains that Christ's love is vast, individual, and eternal, capable of forgiving and covering all sins, and that it reaches every person, regardless of their circumstances. He encourages believers to seek a deeper understanding of this love, which surpasses human comprehension, and to recognize its transformative power in their lives. Ultimately, Miller calls for a response to this love, urging listeners to embrace and share it with others.
Jehovah's Jewels
By Octavius Winslow0God's LoveSpiritual RefinementMAL 3:17EPH 3:18Octavius Winslow's sermon 'Jehovah's Jewels' emphasizes the profound love God has for His saints, whom He refers to as His precious jewels. He reflects on the rarity and value of true believers, highlighting that genuine faith and spiritual experience are not common. Winslow illustrates how believers are polished and refined through trials, becoming more beautiful and precious in God's sight. He reassures that these jewels are carefully guarded by God, destined for glory in His kingdom. The sermon calls for self-examination to ensure one is truly among God's cherished jewels.
It Was the Golden Link of Love!
By Thomas Brooks0RedemptionThe Love of ChristEPH 3:18Thomas Brooks emphasizes the immeasurable and transcendent love of Christ, which remains unwavering despite humanity's extreme misery and rebellion. He marvels at the paradox of Christ's incarnation and suffering, illustrating how the Creator became a creature and endured immense wrath for the sake of fallen man. Brooks highlights that this divine love is not only vast and deep but also the very reason Christ willingly faced the cross. He calls believers to continually admire and be captivated by this extraordinary love that surpasses all understanding. Ultimately, Brooks encourages a life spent in awe of Christ's love, which is the golden link that binds us to Him.
All to Save You From Wrath to Come!
By Thomas Brooks0Salvation from WrathThe Love of ChristEPH 3:18Thomas Brooks emphasizes the incredible love of Christ, who endured immense suffering and punishment to save humanity from impending wrath. He urges Christians to deeply contemplate and appreciate this transcendent love, which surpasses all understanding, and to respond with devotion and longing for Christ. Brooks encourages believers to bless, embrace, and follow Christ, recognizing that His sacrifices were made for their salvation and eternal joy. The sermon calls for a heartfelt response to Christ's love, acknowledging His suffering as the pathway to their own blessings and justification.
If Any Man Hear My Voice, and Open the Door
By C.H. Spurgeon0Opening Your Heart to ChristCommunion with GodJHN 15:4EPH 3:18REV 3:20C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of desiring a deep communion with God and understanding the fullness of Christ. He encourages believers to open their hearts to Jesus, who longs to dwell within them and provide the spiritual nourishment they seek. Spurgeon illustrates that Christ is the key to accessing the treasures of God's love and peace, urging listeners to remove obstacles and invite Him in. By doing so, they will experience profound joy and the transformative power of divine love. The message is a call to action for believers to actively seek and welcome Christ into their lives.
The Lord's Supper
By H.J. Vine0LEV 1:3LEV 3:11CO 11:23EPH 3:18HEB 12:22PE 3:18H.J. Vine preaches about the institution of the supper of remembrance by the Lord, emphasizing the importance of believers coming together to remember Jesus during His rejection and to proclaim His death until His return. Believers are instructed in 1 Corinthians 11:17-26 on how to carry out this remembrance when gathered as a church. As believers gather in His name, they are led by the Spirit to reflect on the great love and sacrifice of Jesus, growing in grace and knowledge of Him, always cherishing His grace, love, and perfection. The study of the Word in relation to this remembrance should be approached with a deep sense of the love and grace of Jesus, understanding the significance of His body given for us and His blood shed for us, as all Scriptures point to His sufferings and the glories to follow.
Upward Still
By H.J. Vine02CO 4:172CO 12:9EPH 1:7EPH 3:18PHP 3:14COL 3:1H.J. Vine preaches about the journey of Paul as he pressed onward towards the heavenly goal, despite facing trials and sorrows. He emphasizes that the same grace, love, race, goal, and power that sustained Paul are available to all believers. Paul's intense spiritual activities were fueled by the grace of God within him, leading him to labor abundantly for the sake of Christ. As believers, our life is hidden with Christ, and though trials may beset our path, the goal of being with Him where He is should encourage us to press forward with endurance and cheer.
The Eternal Love of God
By H.J. Vine0PSA 103:17ROM 5:8EPH 1:4EPH 3:181JN 4:10H.J. Vine preaches on the eternal and unending love of God, emphasizing that its beginning cannot be fixed as it existed before time began and its ending will never come. The perfect expression of God's infinite love was revealed when Jesus died on the cross for our sins, showcasing the greatness of God's love and His ultimate sacrifice for us.
Hymn: My Soul Is Satisfied
By D.S. Warner0PSA 107:9ISA 58:11JHN 4:14EPH 3:18PHP 4:19D.S. Warner preaches about finding true satisfaction and completeness in God, emphasizing that worldly wealth and honor cannot fulfill the human heart like the presence of God can. He encourages the congregation to seek all their desires and blessings in Christ, the ultimate Giver of peace and contentment. Warner challenges the notion of a life devoid of comfort, asserting that Christ can bring joy even in the desert places of our lives. He uses powerful imagery to illustrate the insatiable thirst of the soul and the boundless love of God that fills every longing.
The Revelation of the Mystery
By Charles S. Price0MRK 4:11JHN 16:131CO 3:21GAL 2:20EPH 1:17EPH 3:181TH 5:6REV 12:12REV 21:7Charles S. Price preaches about the unveiling and revelation of God's plan in the Last Days, where some are given the knowledge of the mystery of the Kingdom of God while others remain in darkness; emphasizing that this revelation is a gift from God through the Holy Spirit, not based on human understanding. The sermon delves into the union between Christ and His Bride, where all that belongs to Christ is made available to the Bride, showcasing the glory and beauty that will reflect His own. It concludes with the importance of knowing and experiencing the love of Christ through the revelation of the Spirit, preparing the Bride for the Holy Wedding and the ultimate culmination of God's plan.
Communion With God
By J.C. Philpot0GEN 5:24EXO 33:11PSA 51:17ISA 57:15ROM 8:37EPH 3:18HEB 4:16JAS 2:231JN 1:7J.C. Philpot emphasizes the importance of communion with God, showcasing how saints of old like Abel, Enoch, Abraham, Moses, and David walked closely with the Lord in fellowship and communion. He contrasts the genuine communion of the living soul with the mere lip-service of formal professors, highlighting the deep sense of brokenness, contrition, humility, and self-abasement that true communion entails. Philpot delves into the struggles and triumphs of those who seek communion with God, illustrating the ongoing battle against sin, self-deception, and doubts, yet ultimately finding rest and intimacy in the presence and love of the Almighty.
The Treasures of Divine Truth
By J.C. Philpot0ISA 45:22JHN 20:28EPH 3:181TI 3:16HEB 7:25J.C. Philpot emphasizes the importance of truly realizing and living by the divine truths we profess as Christians, focusing on the profound impact of the incarnation of the Son of God on our faith, hope, and love. He highlights that faith in the suffering and risen God-man, Jesus Christ, is essential for prayer, spiritual growth, and experiencing God's grace and blessings. Philpot urges believers to deeply contemplate the treasures of Divine truth, especially the Deity of Christ and the Church's relationship with Him, as revealed in the Scriptures, to strengthen their faith and draw closer to God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
May be able to comprehend with all saints - Ἱνα εξισχυσητε καταλαβεσθαι. These words are so exceedingly nervous and full of meaning, that it is almost impossible to translate them. The first word, εξισχυσητε , from εξ, intensive, and ισχυω, to be strong, signifies that they might be thoroughly able, by having been strengthened with might, by God's power. The second word καταλαβεσθαι, from κατα, intensive, and λαμβανω , to take, catch, or seize on, may be translated, that ye may fully catch, take in, and comprehend this wonderful mystery of God. The mind must be rendered apt, and the soul invigorated, to take in and comprehend these mysteries. What is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height - Here the apostle still keeps up the metaphor, comparing the Church of God to a building; and as, in order to rear a proper building, formed on scientific principles, a ground plan and specification must be previously made, according to which the building is to be constructed, the apostle refers to this; for this must be thoroughly understood, without which the building could not be formed. They were to be builded up a heavenly house, a habitation of God through the Spirit; and this must have its latitude or breadth, its longitude or length, its altitude or height, and its profundity or depth. It is supposed by some that the apostle is here alluding to the famous temple of Diana at Ephesus, which, as I have already had occasion to remark, was reputed one of the wonders of the world, being in length 425 feet, in breadth 220; it was supported by 127 pillars, each 60 feet high; was builded at the expense of all Asia; and was 220 years in being completed. I cannot, however, allow of this allusion while the apostle had a nobler model at hand, and one every way more worthy of being brought into the comparison. The temple at Jerusalem was that alone which he had in view; that alone could be fitly compared here; for that was built to be a habitation of God; that was his house, and that the place of his rest: so the Christian temple, and the believing heart, are to be the constant, the endless residence of God; and how august must that edifice be in which the eternal Trinity dwells! But what can the apostle mean by the breadth, length, depth, and height, of the love of God? Imagination can scarcely frame any satisfactory answer to this question. It takes in the eternity of God. God is Love; and in that, an infinity of breadth, length, depth, and height, is included; or rather all breadth, length, depth, and height, are lost in this immensity. It comprehends all that is above, all that is below, all that is past, and all that is to come. In reference to human beings, the love of God, in its Breadth, is a girdle that encompasses the globe; its Length reaches from the eternal purpose of the mission of Christ, to the eternity of blessedness which is to be spent in his ineffable glories; its Depth reaches to the lowest fallen of the sons of Adam, and to the deepest depravity of the human heart; and its Height to the infinite dignities of the throne of Christ. He that overcometh will I give to sit dawn with me upon my throne, as I have overcome and sat down with the Father upon his throne. Thus we see that the Father, the Son, and all true believers in him, are to be seated on the same throne! This is the height of the love of God, and the height to which that love raises the souls that believe in Christ Jesus!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
May be able--even still further. Greek, "May be fully able." breadth . . . length . . . depth . . . height--namely, the full dimensions of the spiritual temple, answering to "the fulness of God" (Eph 3:19), to which the Church, according to its capacity, ought to correspond (compare Eph 4:10, Eph 4:13) as to "the fulness of Christ." The "breadth" implies Christ's world-wide love, embracing all men: the "length," its being extended through all ages (Eph 3:21); the "depth," its profound wisdom which no creature can fathom (Rom 11:33); the "height," its being beyond the reach of any foe to deprive us of (Eph 4:8) [BENGEL]. I prefer to understand "the breadth," &c., to refer to the whole of the vast mystery of free salvation in Christ for all, Gentile and Jew alike, of which Paul had been speaking (Eph 3:3-9), and of which he now prays they may have a fuller comprehension. As subsidiary to this, and the most essential part of it, he adds, "and to know the love of Christ" (Eph 3:19). GROTIUS understands depth and height of God's goodness raising us from the lowest depression to the greatest height.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge,.... The love of Christ to his own, to his church and people, is special and peculiar; free and Sovereign; as early as his Father's love, and is durable and unchangeable; the greatest love that ever was heard of; it is matchless and unparalleled; it is exceeding strong and affectionate, and is wonderful and surprising: the instances of it are, his engaging as a surety for them; his espousing both their persons and their cause; his assumption of their nature; his dying in their room and stead; his payment of their debts, atoning for their sins, and bringing in for them an everlasting righteousness; his going to prepare a place for them in heaven; his intercession for them there; his constant supply of all their wants, and the freedom and familiarity he uses them with. The saints have some knowledge of this love, some tastes of it; their knowledge is a feeling and experimental one, fiducial and appropriating, and what influences their faith, and love, and cheerful obedience, but it is but imperfect; though the knowledge they have of it is supereminent, it exceeds all other knowledge, yet this love passes knowledge; not only the knowledge of natural men, who know nothing of it, but the perfect knowledge of saints themselves, in the present life, and of angels also, who desire to look into it, and the mysteries of it; and especially it is so as to some instances of it, such as the incarnation of Christ, his becoming poor who was Lord of all, being made sin, and a curse, and suffering, the just for the unjust. Now the apostle prays, that these saints might know more of this love; that their knowledge, which was imperfect, might be progressive. That ye might be filled with all the fulness of God; this is the last petition, and is to be understood, not of a full comprehension of the divine Being, nor of a communication of his divine perfections, nor of having in them the fulness of grace, which it has pleased God should dwell in Christ; but either of that fulness of good things, which they may receive from God in this life; as to be filled with a sense of the love and grace of God; with satisfying views of interest in the righteousness of Christ; with the Spirit, and the gifts and graces thereof; with full provisions of food for their souls; with spiritual peace, joy, and comfort; with knowledge of divine things, of God in Christ, of Christ, of the Gospel, and of the will of God; and with all the fruits or righteousness, or good works springing from grace; or else of that fulness which they shall receive hereafter, even complete holiness, perfection of knowledge, fulness of joy and peace, entire conformity to God and Christ, and everlasting communion with them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:18 how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is: Christ’s love is great in every dimension (cp. Rom 8:38-39).