Ephesians 3:19
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge - It is only by the love of Christ that we can know the love of God: the love of God to man induced him to give Christ for his redemption; Christ's love to man induced him to give his life's blood for his salvation. The gift of Christ to man is the measure of God's love; the death of Christ for man is the measure of Christ's love. God so loved the world, etc. Christ loved us, and gave himself for us. But how can the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, be known? Many have labored to reconcile this seeming contradiction. If we take the verb γνωναι in a sense in which it is frequently used in the New Testament, to approve, acknowledge, or acknowledge with approbation, and γνωσις to signify comprehension, then the difficulty will be partly removed: "That ye may acknowledge, approve, and publicly acknowledge, that love of God which surpasseth knowledge." We can acknowledge and approve of that which surpasses our comprehension. We cannot comprehend God; yet we can know that he is; approve of, love, adore, and serve him. In like manner, though we cannot comprehend, the immensity of the love of Christ, yet we know that he has loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood; and we approve of, and acknowledge, him as our only Lord and Savior. In this sense we may be said to know the love of Christ that passeth knowledge. But it is more likely that the word γνωσις, which we translate knowledge, signifies here science in general, and particularly that science of which the rabbins boasted, and that in which the Greeks greatly exulted. The former professed to have the key of knowledge; the secret of all Divine mysteries; the latter considered their philosophers, and their systems of philosophy, superior to every thing that had ever been known among men, and reputed on this account all other nations as barbarians. When the apostle prays that they may know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, he may refer to all the boasted knowledge of the Jewish doctors, and to all the greatly extolled science of the Greek philosophers. To know the love of Christ, infinitely surpasseth all other science. This gives a clear and satisfactory sense. That ye might be filled with all the fullness of God - Among all the great sayings in this prayer, this is the greatest. To be Filled with God is a great thing; to be filled with the Fulness of God is still greater; but to be filled with All the fullness of God, παν το πληρωμα του Θεου, utterly bewilders the sense and confounds the understanding. Most people, in quoting these words, endeavor to correct or explain the apostle, by adding the word communicable; but this is as idle as it is useless and impertinent. The apostle means what he says, and would be understood in his own meaning. By the fullness of God, we are to understand all those gifts and graces which he has promised to bestow on man, and which he dispenses to the Church. To be filled with all the fullness of God, is to have the whole soul filled with meekness, gentleness, goodness, love, justice, holiness, mercy, and truth. And as what God fills, neither sin nor Satan can fill; consequently, it implies that the soul shall be emptied of sin, that sin shall neither have dominion over it, nor a being in it. It is impossible for us to understand these words in a lower sense than this. But how much more they imply, (for more they do imply), I cannot tell. As there is no end to the merits of Christ, no bounds to the mercy and love of God, no limits to the improvability of the human soul, so there can be no bounds set to the saving influence which God will dispense to the heart of every believer. We may ask, and we shall receive, and our joy shall be full.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
passeth--surpasseth, exceeds. The paradox "to know . . . which passeth knowledge," implies that when he says "know," he does not mean that we can adequately know; all we know is, that His love exceeds far our knowledge of it, and with even our fresh accessions of knowledge hereafter, will still exceed them. Even as God's power exceeds our thoughts (Eph 3:20). filled with--rather, as Greek, "filled even unto all the fulness of God" (this is the grand goal), that is, filled, each according to your capacity, with the divine wisdom, knowledge, and love; "even as God is full," and as Christ who dwells in your hearts, hath "all the fulness of the Godhead dwelling in Him bodily" (Col 2:9).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly,.... This is the conclusion of the apostle's prayer, in which the power of God is celebrated, a perfection which is essential unto God, and is very large and extensive; it reaches to all things, to every thing that he wills, which is his actual or ordinative power; and to more things than he has willed, which is his absolute power; and to all things that have been, are, or shall be, and to things impossible with men; though there are some things which God cannot do, such as are contrary to his nature, inconsistent with his will, his decrees and purposes, which imply a contradiction, and are foreign to truth, which to do would be to deny himself: but then he can do above all that we ask or think; he can do more than men ask for, as he did for Solomon: God knows what we want before we ask, and he has made provisions for his people before they ask for them; some of which things we never could, and others we never should have asked for, if he had not provided them; and without the Spirit of God we know not what to ask for, nor how to ask aright; this affords great encouragement to go to God, and ask such things of him as we want, and he has provided; and who also can do more than we can think, imagine, or conceive in our minds. According to the power that worketh in us: either in believers in common, meaning the Spirit of God, who is the finger and power of God, who begins, and carries on, and will finish the work of grace in them, and which is an evidence of the exceeding greatness of the power of God; or in the apostles in particular, in fitting and furnishing them for their work, and succeeding them in it; which is another proof and demonstration of the abundant power of God, and shows what he can do if he pleases.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:19 May you experience (literally know) the love of Christ: The whole Christian life is based on the experience and personal knowledge of God’s grace and love in Jesus Christ (see Rom 12:1). • it is too great to understand fully: Christ’s love is much greater than ordinary human love (see Rom 5:6-8). • The believer’s life is made complete when it is filled with all the fullness of life and power by the presence of Christ within (see Eph 1:23; Gal 2:20; Col 1:27). The believer then is conformed to his image and reflects God (see Eph 4:14, 24; 5:1-2; Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 3:16-18).
Ephesians 3:19
Paul’s Prayer for the Ephesians
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
The Greatest Text in the Bible
By Paul Washer7.2K1:18:53ROM 3:26GAL 3:10GAL 3:13EPH 1:1EPH 2:12EPH 3:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the choices we make in life and compares the idea of being confronted by a huge, intimidating man versus a small Martian. The speaker emphasizes that when faced with these choices, we should choose the man because it represents the infinite glories of God. The sermon then shifts to the topic of eternity and the speaker encourages Christians to start pursuing the glories of God now rather than waiting for eternity. The speaker concludes by highlighting the importance of having a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, which will lead to true happiness, contentment, and a sense of being loved.
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.
Attributes of God (Series 1): The Perfection of God
By A.W. Tozer5.4K50:56Attributes of GodPSA 50:2ISA 40:18MAT 5:48MAT 6:33ROM 1:20EPH 3:191PE 1:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the greatness and holiness of God. He compares the excitement of a child playing with a ball to our attempts to impress God with our achievements, highlighting that God is not impressed by worldly accomplishments. The preacher then discusses the beauty and wonder of heaven, stating that only God can truly engage and excite the wonder of angels and all creatures. He concludes by urging listeners to pray for the raising up of men who will preach the beauty of God instead of offering worldly comforts and benefits.
A Personal Pentecost
By Bill McLeod4.6K54:28PentecostMAT 6:33JHN 3:16ACT 2:41ACT 4:12ACT 4:31ROM 10:17EPH 3:19In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a revival that took place in the Hebrides islands. Prior to the revival, every home in those islands had Bible reading and prayer twice a day, which laid a foundation for the young people to hear the basic truths of the gospel. During the revival, without a preacher present, all 80 young people in a gathering fell on their knees and wept, crying out to God and getting saved. The speaker emphasizes the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on God and shares the story of a man who wasted years before experiencing a powerful revival. The sermon also highlights the significance of the Holy Spirit's presence in the lives of believers, referencing passages from Acts and Galatians.
Real Revival
By Denny Kenaston4.1K53:19Biblical RevivalISA 64:4MAT 6:33ACT 2:17ROM 8:191CO 2:9EPH 3:19COL 1:27In this sermon, the speaker shares a series of events that occurred during a prayer meeting at their church. They initially planned to listen to a tape, but rocks started coming through the windows, thrown by someone hiding in a cornfield. The speaker and the congregation called out to the person in the name of Jesus, and they eventually ran away. Despite the disturbance, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being obedient to God's will and allowing Him to rule over their services. They stress the need for believers to be filled with the fullness of Christ, as this is what will truly transform their hearts and lives. The speaker references the prayer of Paul for the church at Ephesus and encourages the congregation to seek this fullness of Christ.
Ephesian Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
By J. Sidlow Baxter4.1K41:00Holy SpiritEPH 1:13EPH 2:13EPH 3:6EPH 3:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses five important aspects of the Christian faith. Firstly, all believers are citizens of the heavenly city. Secondly, they are members of the redeemed family. Thirdly, they are securely founded on an imperishable foundation. Fourthly, they are living stones in a glorious spiritual building. Lastly, they are indwelt and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. The speaker also mentions the need for the Holy Spirit to give believers new eyes to see and understand the truth. The sermon is based on Paul's writings, particularly in Ephesians chapter 2, where he emphasizes the privileges and blessings of being in Christ.
Keys to Spiritual Growth - Part 1
By John MacArthur3.8K51:07EPH 3:192PE 3:18This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth as indicated in the Word of God. It highlights the three levels of spiritual growth: little children, young men, and fathers, focusing on knowing God intimately and deeply. The key to spiritual growth is to focus on giving God glory, understanding His fullness, and knowing Him in His glory, leading to a transformation into His image from one level of glory to the next.
Collection of Prayers 1
By Leonard Ravenhill3.1K15:47Prayer MeetingPSA 119:89ISA 40:12MAT 6:33EPH 3:19PHP 4:42TI 3:162PE 1:16In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for a powerful and transformative meeting. He asks God to ignite a fire of love, faith, hope, and zeal within the congregation. The preacher acknowledges the need for a greater understanding and experience of God's love and urges the listeners to have a holy hatred for sin. He references the apostle Paul's unwavering faith and joy in the midst of difficult circumstances and expresses a desire for the same level of faith and love in the present generation. The preacher also emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit's movement and intervention in bringing about spiritual transformation. He concludes by urging the congregation to not let anyone die in their sins and to be faithful in proclaiming the truth of God's Word.
The Epistle to the Torontonians - Part 2
By A.W. Tozer2.6K12:30EpistlePSA 23:4PSA 51:12JHN 1:14ACT 1:8ROM 8:31EPH 3:191PE 3:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our words and actions. He shares personal experiences of witnessing to Catholics and how the Holy Spirit helped him in those encounters. The preacher also talks about the victory we have in Jesus and how we are covered by His blood. He uses the analogy of a log jam in a river to illustrate how conflicts and disagreements can hinder the work of God in the church, but the Holy Spirit can help resolve these issues. The sermon concludes with the preacher sharing a personal testimony of how he was set free from an inward burden by boldly praying to God.
Help, I'm Stuck
By Carter Conlon2.3K26:31BondageGEN 3:9JHN 11:35JHN 14:16ROM 10:92CO 5:17EPH 3:19HEB 3:15In this sermon, the speaker shares a heartwarming story about his grandson playing a game called "Help, I'm stuck." He reflects on how this game mirrors his own prayer life, where he often cries out to God for help when feeling stuck or unsure. The speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing that God is always there for us, even when others may not be, and that we can find comfort and assurance in His presence. He relates this to Jesus' promise of preparing a place for us in His Father's house and encourages listeners to trust in God's faithfulness.
Seek God With All Your Heart
By Bob Jennings2.1K04:18PSA 34:4JER 29:13MAT 7:7EPH 3:19JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God wholeheartedly, praying with faith and belief in God's greatness to transform lives, heal, and bring individuals to higher ground. It encourages complete surrender and investment in God, highlighting the power of earnest prayer and seeking God with all our hearts.
(Divine Attributes) 04 Jehovah, the Eternal Self-Existent One
By Denny Kenaston1.7K59:10Character Of GodEXO 3:14ISA 26:4ISA 42:8ISA 43:10MAT 6:33EPH 3:19COL 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the eternal nature of God and how He has created us as eternal beings with never-dying souls. The preacher urges the audience to enter into God's eternal life by believing in Him with their whole being. He encourages them to live for the things that are not seen, as the things that are seen are only temporary. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having a real relationship with God, as He is our eternity. The sermon references the conversation between Moses and God in Exodus 3, highlighting the divine revelation of God's nature through His name.
(Keswick) 1976, Full Salvation
By Festo Kivengere1.7K41:28Keswick ConventionPSA 16:11MAT 6:33JHN 1:14JHN 10:102CO 5:17EPH 3:19COL 2:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the cry of his heart for believers to experience the fullness and completeness of Jesus Christ. He shares his personal testimony of finding simplicity, forgiveness, and joy in Christ. The speaker highlights that God does not play games with our needs and meets us where we are, offering His blessings through Jesus Christ. He encourages Christians to seek balance and completeness by placing Jesus at the center of their lives, allowing all other things to flow in service to Him and others.
Knowing and Reckoning
By Paris Reidhead1.5K1:01:05ReckoningMAT 6:33JHN 14:15JHN 16:13GAL 2:20EPH 3:19COL 1:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of presenting our bodies to the Lord and being filled with His fullness. He explains that every crisis in the Christian life is preceded and followed by a process of preparation and fulfillment. The speaker also highlights the responsibility of sharing the Word of God with the unsaved and the need for individuals to act upon what they know. The sermon further discusses the concept of reckoning, comparing it to the commitment made in marriage, where every calculation is based on the fact of being married.
God's Plan for Your Life
By Paris Reidhead1.4K54:55God's PlanMAT 28:19JHN 14:20ACT 1:8EPH 3:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the urgency of returning to the teachings of the Bible. He highlights the rapid spread of communism and the potential downfall of the world due to our indifference. The speaker urges the audience to have faith in Christ and allow Him to dwell in their hearts. He emphasizes the power of God's Word and encourages the audience to be channels for God's wisdom and guidance in the world. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith and serving the current generation.
Ascribing Glory to God
By Peter Masters1.4K47:57EPH 3:19HEB 4:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of bringing glory to God by understanding and appreciating His love, thoughtfulness, generosity, and sympathy towards each individual. It highlights the power of God to exceed all our prayers and thoughts, showcasing His ability to do far beyond what we can imagine. The sermon encourages worship that is thoughtful, intelligent, and focused on ascribing glory to God in all aspects of life, from personal prayers to public worship in the church.
(Pdf Book) Fullness of God
By Bakht Singh1.4K00:00EbooksGod's FullnessSpiritual GrowthGEN 1:28PSA 16:11JER 31:3JHN 10:10ROM 8:11EPH 3:16EPH 3:19PHP 4:6COL 2:9HEB 12:10Bakht Singh emphasizes that God's ultimate purpose in saving humanity is to fill us with His fullness, as stated in Ephesians 3:19. He explains that despite our sinful nature, through the sacrifice of Jesus, we can be transformed and experience God's abundant life, joy, and peace. Singh illustrates that just as Adam was given everything in the Garden of Eden, we too are offered fullness in Christ, but we must actively seek and obey God's will to experience it. He encourages believers to rely on God's grace and power to overcome life's challenges and to grow spiritually through trials, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of God's love and purpose. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace our identity as God's children and to live in the fullness He desires for us.
Getting Back to Basics: The Love We Had at First
By Robert Wurtz II1.2K44:42EPH 1:15EPH 2:4EPH 3:17EPH 3:19EPH 4:2EPH 4:16EPH 5:1EPH 5:25EPH 6:23In this sermon, the speaker continues their study on getting back to basics. They discuss the importance of becoming fishers of men and evangelizing to win souls for God. The speaker then introduces a new subject titled "the love that we had at first." They highlight the story of the church at Ephesus, who had once had a great love for Christ but gradually lost it. The speaker emphasizes the need for Christians to retrace their steps and rediscover their first love for God, as it is a travesty to give that love to someone or something else.
For Me to Live Is Christ
By John Hunter1.2K38:48Living For ChristROM 8:18EPH 3:19PHP 1:21PHP 2:5PHP 3:10PHP 3:13PHP 4:12In this sermon, the speaker begins by challenging the idea that things would go better if God laid a person aside. He uses the example of Peter walking on water to illustrate the power of faith and the potential for greatness in serving Christ. The speaker then shifts to the apostle Paul, who was in prison when he wrote about living for Christ. Despite his circumstances, Paul had a deep longing to know Christ more intimately and to make sacrifices for the faith of others. The sermon emphasizes the importance of developing the mind of Christ and having a personal relationship with Him.
Promised Faithfulness
By Chuck Smith1.1K25:04FaithfulnessPSA 101:2PSA 102:20ISA 52:9MAT 6:33ROM 8:28EPH 3:191TI 3:4In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses Psalm 101, which describes the perfect king and kingdom that will come from David. He emphasizes the importance of singing about mercy and judgment and behaving wisely in a perfect way. Pastor Chuck also highlights the significance of ruling in one's own home before ruling in the house of God. He concludes by offering a prayer for the listeners to be guided by God's purpose and filled with His love, and encourages them to grow in their relationship with Him.
Do You Love God With All Your Heart, All Soul, and Mind?
By Roy Daniel96729:57PSA 119:97MAT 6:33MAT 22:37JHN 21:15ROM 12:11CO 2:9EPH 3:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not being deceived by false teachings. He speaks about the joy that comes from knowing God and how it surpasses the joy found in the world. The preacher shares a personal story of a man whose life was transformed after he prayed to God and gave up his vices. This man went on to passionately preach about Christ and his zeal for God was evident to others. The sermon also addresses the question of how one can know if they truly love God with all their heart, soul, and mind. The preacher shares examples of individuals who had a deep love for God and were used mightily by Him. The sermon encourages the listeners to seek the love of God and to devote their lives fully to Him.
The Love of God
By Mike Morrow89050:38EPH 3:191JN 4:71JN 4:101JN 4:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not just talking about God's love, but experiencing it as a reality in our lives. He encourages the congregation to take a moment to express their love for someone who has been a blessing to them. The preacher then discusses three aspects of God's love: its role in our regeneration, its ability to change our hearts, and its reflection of the character of Christ in us. He also highlights the futility of practicing Christianity without love, using biblical references to support his points.
Christ at Home in Our Hearts
By Bill McLeod84842:06ChristJHN 16:22EPH 3:19In this sermon, the speaker shares personal stories and experiences to emphasize the importance of relying on God rather than worldly possessions. He recounts a powerful revival meeting in Winnipeg, Canada, where many people committed to full-time service after five weeks of meetings. The speaker also shares how he and his wife made a promise to God to always prioritize giving to Him and to keep their financial needs private. He then tells the story of J.B. Earl, a preacher who initially struggled to see people respond to his sermons until he experienced a transformation and began preaching with the love of Jesus Christ.
What Is Spiritual Fullness
By Stephen Kaung8171:21:44MAT 11:27JHN 1:18ROM 11:33EPH 1:23EPH 3:19EPH 4:13COL 1:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the fullness of God's grace and truth through Jesus Christ. He highlights how Jesus demonstrated mercy, love, grace, and truth during his time on earth, forgiving sinners and performing miracles. The preacher also warns about the increasing sinfulness and rebellion in the world, suggesting that judgment may be imminent. He references biblical stories such as the flood and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as examples of God's judgment on sinful cities. The sermon concludes with a reminder to be prepared for the coming redemption and to trust in God's love and mercy.
Believe His Offer of Love
By Basilea Schlink67104:35Radio ShowPSA 24:7MAT 22:37JHN 21:151CO 2:9EPH 3:191PE 1:8REV 3:20In this sermon, Basil E. Shlink emphasizes the importance of believing in God's love and accepting His offer of love. He references Revelation 3:20, where Jesus is portrayed as standing at the door of our hearts, seeking admission and desiring to be loved. Shlink highlights that Jesus' desire for our love is the most precious thing to Him, and it is the question He asks all believers. He explains that loving Jesus is not just about obedience, but about fervent love and a deep relationship with Him. Shlink encourages listeners to understand that Jesus' love is more wonderful and real than any human relationship, and that by accepting His love, we can enter into a covenant of love with Him for eternity.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge - It is only by the love of Christ that we can know the love of God: the love of God to man induced him to give Christ for his redemption; Christ's love to man induced him to give his life's blood for his salvation. The gift of Christ to man is the measure of God's love; the death of Christ for man is the measure of Christ's love. God so loved the world, etc. Christ loved us, and gave himself for us. But how can the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, be known? Many have labored to reconcile this seeming contradiction. If we take the verb γνωναι in a sense in which it is frequently used in the New Testament, to approve, acknowledge, or acknowledge with approbation, and γνωσις to signify comprehension, then the difficulty will be partly removed: "That ye may acknowledge, approve, and publicly acknowledge, that love of God which surpasseth knowledge." We can acknowledge and approve of that which surpasses our comprehension. We cannot comprehend God; yet we can know that he is; approve of, love, adore, and serve him. In like manner, though we cannot comprehend, the immensity of the love of Christ, yet we know that he has loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood; and we approve of, and acknowledge, him as our only Lord and Savior. In this sense we may be said to know the love of Christ that passeth knowledge. But it is more likely that the word γνωσις, which we translate knowledge, signifies here science in general, and particularly that science of which the rabbins boasted, and that in which the Greeks greatly exulted. The former professed to have the key of knowledge; the secret of all Divine mysteries; the latter considered their philosophers, and their systems of philosophy, superior to every thing that had ever been known among men, and reputed on this account all other nations as barbarians. When the apostle prays that they may know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, he may refer to all the boasted knowledge of the Jewish doctors, and to all the greatly extolled science of the Greek philosophers. To know the love of Christ, infinitely surpasseth all other science. This gives a clear and satisfactory sense. That ye might be filled with all the fullness of God - Among all the great sayings in this prayer, this is the greatest. To be Filled with God is a great thing; to be filled with the Fulness of God is still greater; but to be filled with All the fullness of God, παν το πληρωμα του Θεου, utterly bewilders the sense and confounds the understanding. Most people, in quoting these words, endeavor to correct or explain the apostle, by adding the word communicable; but this is as idle as it is useless and impertinent. The apostle means what he says, and would be understood in his own meaning. By the fullness of God, we are to understand all those gifts and graces which he has promised to bestow on man, and which he dispenses to the Church. To be filled with all the fullness of God, is to have the whole soul filled with meekness, gentleness, goodness, love, justice, holiness, mercy, and truth. And as what God fills, neither sin nor Satan can fill; consequently, it implies that the soul shall be emptied of sin, that sin shall neither have dominion over it, nor a being in it. It is impossible for us to understand these words in a lower sense than this. But how much more they imply, (for more they do imply), I cannot tell. As there is no end to the merits of Christ, no bounds to the mercy and love of God, no limits to the improvability of the human soul, so there can be no bounds set to the saving influence which God will dispense to the heart of every believer. We may ask, and we shall receive, and our joy shall be full.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
passeth--surpasseth, exceeds. The paradox "to know . . . which passeth knowledge," implies that when he says "know," he does not mean that we can adequately know; all we know is, that His love exceeds far our knowledge of it, and with even our fresh accessions of knowledge hereafter, will still exceed them. Even as God's power exceeds our thoughts (Eph 3:20). filled with--rather, as Greek, "filled even unto all the fulness of God" (this is the grand goal), that is, filled, each according to your capacity, with the divine wisdom, knowledge, and love; "even as God is full," and as Christ who dwells in your hearts, hath "all the fulness of the Godhead dwelling in Him bodily" (Col 2:9).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly,.... This is the conclusion of the apostle's prayer, in which the power of God is celebrated, a perfection which is essential unto God, and is very large and extensive; it reaches to all things, to every thing that he wills, which is his actual or ordinative power; and to more things than he has willed, which is his absolute power; and to all things that have been, are, or shall be, and to things impossible with men; though there are some things which God cannot do, such as are contrary to his nature, inconsistent with his will, his decrees and purposes, which imply a contradiction, and are foreign to truth, which to do would be to deny himself: but then he can do above all that we ask or think; he can do more than men ask for, as he did for Solomon: God knows what we want before we ask, and he has made provisions for his people before they ask for them; some of which things we never could, and others we never should have asked for, if he had not provided them; and without the Spirit of God we know not what to ask for, nor how to ask aright; this affords great encouragement to go to God, and ask such things of him as we want, and he has provided; and who also can do more than we can think, imagine, or conceive in our minds. According to the power that worketh in us: either in believers in common, meaning the Spirit of God, who is the finger and power of God, who begins, and carries on, and will finish the work of grace in them, and which is an evidence of the exceeding greatness of the power of God; or in the apostles in particular, in fitting and furnishing them for their work, and succeeding them in it; which is another proof and demonstration of the abundant power of God, and shows what he can do if he pleases.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:19 May you experience (literally know) the love of Christ: The whole Christian life is based on the experience and personal knowledge of God’s grace and love in Jesus Christ (see Rom 12:1). • it is too great to understand fully: Christ’s love is much greater than ordinary human love (see Rom 5:6-8). • The believer’s life is made complete when it is filled with all the fullness of life and power by the presence of Christ within (see Eph 1:23; Gal 2:20; Col 1:27). The believer then is conformed to his image and reflects God (see Eph 4:14, 24; 5:1-2; Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 3:16-18).