Ephesians 3:20
Verse
Context
Paul’s Prayer for the Ephesians
19of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.20Now to Him who is able to do so much more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,21to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now unto him - Having finished his short, but most wonderfully comprehensive and energetic prayer, the apostle brings in his doxology, giving praise to Him from whom all blessings come, and to whom all thanks are due. That is able to do exceeding abundantly - It is impossible to express the full meaning of these words, God is omnipotent, therefore he is able to do all things, and able to do ὑπερ εκ περισσου, superabundantly above the greatest abundance. And who can doubt this, who has any rational or Scriptural views of his power or his love? All that we ask or think - We can ask every good of which we have heard, every good which God has promised in his word; and we can think of, or imagine, goods and blessings beyond all that we have either read of or seen: yea, we can imagine good things to which it is impossible for us to give a name; we can go beyond the limits of all human descriptions; we can imagine more than even God has specified in his word; and can feel no bounds to our imagination of good, but impossibility and eternity: and after all, God is able to do more for us than we can ask or think; and his ability here is so necessarily connected with his willingness, that the one indisputably implies the other; for, of what consequence would it be to tell the Church of God that he had power to do so and so, if there were not implied an assurance that he will do what his power can, and what the soul of man needs to have done? According to the power that worketh in us - All that he can do, and all that he has promised to do, will be done according to what he has done, by that power of the holy Ghost την ενεργουμενην, which worketh strongly in us - acts with energy in our hearts, expelling evil, purifying and refining the affections and desires, and implanting good.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
unto him--contrasted with ourselves and our needs. Translate, "that is able above all things (what is above all things) to do exceeding abundantly above what we ask or (even) think": thought takes a wider range than prayers. The word, above, occurs thrice as often in Paul's writings, as in all the rest of the New Testament, showing the warm exuberance of Paul's spirit. according to the power--the indwelling Spirit (Rom 8:26). He appeals to their and his experience.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus,.... This is a doxology, or an ascription of glory to God, with which the apostle concludes his prayer; glory is to be given to God on account of his perfections, which are to be celebrated; and on account of the works of creation and Providence, which are to be commended and acquiesced in; and on account of temporal mercies, for which thanks should be given; and especially for spiritual mercies, and above all for Jesus Christ: the glory of salvation, from first to last, is to be ascribed to his free grace; and his worship is to be regarded and constantly attended on; faith is to be exercised on him, as a promising and covenant keeping God; and our lives and conversations are to be ordered aright according to his word; and we are cheerfully and patiently to suffer for his cause and interest, in all which instances he is glorified: and the place where this glory is to be given, is the "church"; for the church, and true believers, only know the blessings and mysteries of divine grace; and they only know how to glorify God aright; and besides, glory must be given to God by believers, not only separately and apart, but conjunctly and together, in a church state; because there the Lord appears glorious, grants his presence, and displays his mighty grace: and this is to be done by "Christ Jesus", or "in" him; and may refer either to the church, which is in Christ; or to him as the medium by whom praise and glory are to be given to God; for all blessings are in Christ, and come to us through him, and he is the only way of access to God; nor can our praises and thanksgivings be acceptable unto God, but through him: and this glory is to be given throughout all ages, world without end, Amen; for the church will abide for ever, in which it is to be given; the blessings of grace will be for ever dispensing, for which it is to be given; and Jesus Christ, the Mediator, will continue for evermore, by whom it is given: to all which is added the word "Amen", signifying his wish, that so it might be, and his faith, that so it would be. Next: Ephesians Chapter 4
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:20-21 This doxology concludes the first section of the letter (see also Rom 16:25-27; Gal 1:5; 1 Tim 1:17; 2 Tim 4:18; Jude 1:24-25). 3:20 all glory to God: Because of the grace God has shown in Jesus Christ, he deserves nothing less. • The mighty power at work within us is the power of the living God that raised Christ from the dead (see 1:19-20). By that power, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think, because God is at work in the lives of his children (see Rom 8:31-39; Phil 4:13; Col 1:29).
Ephesians 3:20
Paul’s Prayer for the Ephesians
19of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.20Now to Him who is able to do so much more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,21to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Coming Persecution
By David Wilkerson6.3K51:15MAT 10:23MAT 10:42MAT 13:30MRK 13:10ACT 2:17EPH 3:20In this sermon, the preacher shares a vision he had about five calamities that will come to America and the world. The first calamity is a worldwide recession caused by economic confusion, which will greatly impact the lifestyle of every wage earner. The preacher emphasizes that these events are signs of the end times and urges the audience to open their eyes and recognize the coming of Jesus Christ. Despite the fear and uncertainty, the preacher reassures the audience that God has everything under control, bringing hope and faith.
Finishing the Course Well
By J. Oswald Sanders6.3K1:04:36Finishing WellISA 54:2JHN 1:14JHN 1:50ACT 2:41CO 9:24EPH 3:201TI 4:72TI 4:6HEB 12:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being active participants in our faith rather than passive observers. He compares our tendency to be "TV athletes" who watch sports without actually participating, to how many of us approach our spiritual lives. The speaker encourages us to have a single-minded focus on our relationship with God and to pour all of our energy and effort into it. He gives examples of individuals who achieved great things by dedicating themselves to a specific goal, and challenges us to have the same ambition in our Christian walk.
Hearing His Voice
By B.H. Clendennen6.2K1:02:45Voice Of GodMAT 13:9JHN 14:17EPH 3:20HEB 3:7HEB 3:15HEB 4:1HEB 4:12In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the changes in worship and preaching over time. He shares an experience in an English church where singing took up a significant portion of the service, leaving little time for preaching. The speaker emphasizes the importance of giving equal time to the preaching of the word of God. He then discusses the story of Joseph from the Bible as an example of someone who heard from God and was greatly used by Him. The speaker concludes by highlighting the memory left by those who preached the word of God, emphasizing that Christ is everything and that we should follow their example in sharing this message.
In Tribute to Kathryn Kuhlman - Part 2
By Kathryn Kuhlman5.7K30:05TributePSA 95:6ISA 53:5MRK 11:24ROM 11:29EPH 3:20PHP 2:91TH 5:17In this video, a woman from Milton, Massachusetts shares her testimony of experiencing a miraculous healing. She had been in pain for many years but during a church service, she felt a warm sensation on the side of her face that she had never felt before. She also discovered that she could open and close her hands without pain. The preacher emphasizes that these spiritual experiences cannot be fully described or understood, but they are evidence of the power of God. The video also highlights the importance of giving glory to God and recognizing Jesus as our great high priest who intercedes for us.
Our God Can Fix Anything
By David Wilkerson5.6K52:39ImpossibilitiesJER 32:27MAT 17:20MAT 19:26MRK 9:17LUK 18:27EPH 3:20PHP 4:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that no matter how far gone someone may seem, they are never too far gone for God to fix. He shares a story of a father who went to great lengths to reach his son who was caught up in a life of addiction and despair. The preacher highlights the father's love and determination to save his son, drawing parallels to God's love for us. He also references the story of Abraham and Sarah, where God asks if anything is too hard for Him, emphasizing that there is nothing beyond God's ability to fix.
Fresh Power Book Reading Clip
By Jim Cymbala5.1K02:16Book ReadingMAT 6:33LUK 11:13JHN 14:26ACT 1:8ROM 8:262CO 12:9EPH 3:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in empowering ordinary people to work for Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit enables believers to fulfill God's will, overcome Satan's devices, and extend the kingdom of Christ on earth. The speaker highlights the neglected truth that many Christians do not know how to pray and rely on their own abilities rather than seeking the Holy Spirit's assistance. The speaker shares a personal experience of the Holy Spirit helping him in a moment of weakness and providing the boldness needed to overcome a challenging situation.
The Challenge of Every Christian - Part 5
By Alan Redpath5.0K59:34Challenge1CH 4:23MAT 6:33ROM 8:282CO 9:10EPH 3:20PHP 4:131PE 3:15The sermon transcript is focused on the theme of communicating Christ and the challenges faced by Christians in doing so. The speaker emphasizes the need for revival and the love of Christ as the motive for sharing the message. The importance of discipline and seeking God's face is highlighted, along with the need to examine one's actions and sowing. The speaker also emphasizes the consequences of sowing to the flesh versus sowing to the Spirit, and the importance of showing God that one means business in order to receive His abundant grace. The sermon concludes with the reminder that there are no shortcuts to holiness.
Childlike Faith (4 of 4)
By Paul Washer5.0K1:09:19FaithGEN 17:8MAT 6:33MAT 18:3JHN 3:16EPH 3:20HEB 11:13In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of facing disruptions while preaching. He talks about being tested by a group of people and feeling uncertain about how to handle the situation. Despite the challenges, he emphasizes the importance of following God's calling and trusting that He will provide the means to fulfill it. The preacher also highlights the compassionate nature of Jesus, who works in gentle and transformative ways, never breaking a bruised cane or extinguishing a smoking wick.
All Fulness in Christ
By C.H. Spurgeon4.8K54:23EXO 20:2PSA 16:5MAT 6:331CO 2:92CO 12:9EPH 3:20COL 1:19In this sermon, the preacher calls upon angels and redeemed spirits to sing praises to the Lamb that was slain. The preacher emphasizes that all fullness and grace is found in Jesus, and encourages sinners to be reconciled to God through Him. The preacher highlights the sovereignty of God and the pleasure of the Father in having all fullness dwell in Jesus. The sermon concludes with an invitation for sinners to come to Jesus and find salvation, emphasizing the mediatorial fullness and the ability of Jesus to save to the uttermost.
Is It Wrong to Be Like Oprah?
By Francis Chan4.7K46:50OprahMAT 6:33ACT 20:35ROM 2:11EPH 3:201TI 5:3JAS 2:11PE 1:16In the video, the speaker shares about their experience in Mexico where they went to serve and give to those in need. They describe how the church was alive and worshiped differently because they were focused on giving rather than receiving. The speaker expresses their desire to maintain this attitude even when they return to their home church. They also share an example of testing the friendliness of their church by observing how they interact with someone who looks different, highlighting the importance of not showing favoritism.
(Godly Home) Part 4 - a Vision That Motivates
By Denny Kenaston4.3K40:00Godly Home SeriesGEN 18:19PRO 29:18MAT 6:33ACT 20:24EPH 3:20COL 1:29HEB 11:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision that sustains and motivates us in our spiritual journey. He highlights the encouraging words found in Ephesians 3:20, which remind us that God is full of power and able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think. The speaker urges listeners to personally experience this power working within them, just as Paul did, so that they can reach their full potential. He also discusses the consequences of not having a spiritual vision, which can lead to a cooling of the heart, a distancing from God, and a degeneration of society. The speaker encourages listeners to pass on their spiritual vision to future generations, as seen in the example of godly fathers in Israel.
Prayer
By J. Sidlow Baxter3.9K48:53The Power of PrayerSpiritual GrowthPrayerEPH 3:20J. Sidlow Baxter emphasizes the vital role of prayer in the Christian life, highlighting that true spiritual development and revival in churches depend on persistent and united prayer. He explains that prayer should be approached with faith, free from emotional distractions, and focused on interceding for others rather than self-centered requests. Baxter encourages believers to establish a consistent prayer life, utilizing anticipatory prayer and structured times of prayer to deepen their relationship with God. He concludes by asserting that making prayer the central focus of life will lead to divine order and greater effectiveness in all areas.
Brother Andrew and Dan Wooding Interview
By Brother Andrew3.6K20:01InterviewMAT 28:19MRK 10:27LUK 1:37ACT 1:8ROM 8:31EPH 3:20PHP 4:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the church growing, being encouraged, trained, and prayed for in order to fulfill its role in the end-time scenario. The speaker also discusses the need to understand and reach out to terrorists, putting a human face on them rather than simply labeling them as such. The speaker shares a personal experience of meeting with a leader of the Islamist jihad and emphasizes the importance of reaching out to individuals like him. The sermon concludes with a call for self-reflection and deep spiritual involvement of the Church of Jesus Christ in order to bring about change and shine light in the darkness.
Habitation!
By Leonard Ravenhill3.2K51:59PSA 96:1PSA 100:4MAT 6:33MAT 17:21JHN 1:1ACT 2:4ACT 3:8ACT 4:18EPH 1:17EPH 3:201TI 2:1JAS 4:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the structure of a church service and the different elements that make up the first three hours and the second three hours. The first three hours are dedicated to praise, adoration, and thanksgiving, while the second three hours focus on preparation, supplication, and intercession. The speaker emphasizes the importance of each individual's contribution to the service, whether it be through singing a psalm or hymn, sharing a personal experience, or gaining new insights from the Word of God. The sermon also touches on the concept of abiding in Christ and the need for Christians to seek help and support from their Heavenly Father.
To Love the Word of God (Part 4)
By Paul Washer3.1K39:33DEU 6:4DEU 6:6PSA 119:11PRO 3:12MAT 6:33EPH 3:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. He highlights that many people desire to escape hell and go to heaven, but very few truly desire a relationship with God. The preacher encourages the practice of memorizing, meditating on, and obeying Scripture. He shares anecdotes about the power of the spoken word and the need for obedience to what we hear. The sermon emphasizes the need for genuine love and obedience towards God rather than just seeking to escape judgment.
The Cosmic Setting
By Art Katz3.1K1:21:46FaithJOS 6:1ISA 1:18ZEC 12:10EPH 3:1EPH 3:9EPH 3:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and opposing the spirit power realm that seeks to manipulate and possess individuals and societies. The church is presented as the agency given by God to discern and confront this power. The speaker also highlights the need for unity and authentic prayer in order to break through in the spiritual realm. The sermon concludes with a call for believers to embrace the costliness of the real thing and to respond to opposition with grace and love, just as Stephen did in the Bible.
(Godly Home) Part 23 - Fighting Battles for the Next Generation
By Denny Kenaston3.0K42:27Godly Home SeriesNUM 14:11DEU 6:61SA 17:29MAT 6:33EPH 3:20In this sermon, Brother Denny encourages his audience to have faith and confidence in God, believing that He will do exceedingly and abundantly more than they can ask or think. He references the story of David slaying the giant and asks if there is not a cause for them to rise up and fight the battles that lie ahead for the sake of the next generation. He emphasizes the importance of a disciplined Christian life and the need to pass on a strong foundation to the children. Brother Denny also shares personal experiences of how God has blessed their ministry and encourages the audience to support the ministry through free will offerings.
K-053 Come Up and Be There
By Art Katz3.0K1:21:24RaptureEXO 24:15ISA 29:13MAT 27:35ACT 17:281CO 11:1EPH 3:20In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the power and wealth of the world compared to the power and reality found in the Word of God. He shares a personal experience of a ten-day fast and twenty-four hours of prayer, emphasizing the importance of waiting upon the Lord. The preacher highlights the brevity of God's words in the New Testament, particularly in the crucifixion of Jesus, and emphasizes the inseparability of the man and his message in the Gospel. The sermon also references the story of Moses going up into the mountain of God and the manifestation of God's glory in the cloud.
God Is Able
By Hans R. Waldvogel2.9K19:00Ability Of GodJHN 20:29ROM 4:171CO 10:132CO 5:72CO 9:8EPH 3:20PHP 3:21In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing God and His ability to fulfill His promises. He encourages the audience to have faith and trust in God, even when they may not feel like it. The preacher highlights the power of Jesus and the wonders of the faith life. He reminds the listeners that God is able to keep them from stumbling and present them spotless before His glory. The sermon emphasizes the abundance of God's grace and His ability to meet all their needs.
The Infinite God
By A.W. Tozer2.7K38:04Character Of GodISA 55:8MAT 6:33ROM 8:91CO 2:9EPH 3:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a big vision of God and thinking big about Him. He criticizes the modern church for having a low concept of God, comparing Him to a movie star. The preacher highlights the infinite and boundless grace of God, stating that even one drop of Jesus' blood is enough to atone for the sins of all humanity. He concludes by emphasizing that God's love and mercy have no limits, and that His grace is big enough for everyone.
It Is Finished
By Manley Beasley2.6K29:04Finished Work Of ChristMAT 6:33JHN 5:19ROM 8:28GAL 2:20EPH 3:20HEB 11:1JAS 2:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life of submission to God's will, using Jesus Christ as an example. Jesus said that his meat, or desire, was to do the will of the Father. He taught that he only did what he saw the Father doing in heaven, and encouraged his followers to do the same. The preacher challenges believers to renounce themselves, submit to God, and have faith in His ability to meet every need. He concludes by urging listeners to be the ones that God can use to help others in this time of need.
Passing Over the Smitten Waters
By Carter Conlon2.5K1:01:33Elijah2KI 2:1ISA 55:8MAT 6:33MAT 20:22LUK 4:18ROM 12:1EPH 3:20In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of losing hope and dreams. He reminds the audience of the promise of Jesus Christ in Hebrews 13:5, that He will never leave or forsake them. The speaker also references the story of Elisha in 2 Kings 4, where he prays and brings a dead child back to life. The message encourages listeners to seek God, distance themselves from worldly distractions, and surrender their lives to be used by Him. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the anointing of God and the need for more laborers in His harvest.
Necessity of Reforming the Church 1 of 4 (1544)
By John Calvin2.5K1:27:02EPH 3:20In this sermon, the speaker addresses the current state of divine worship in the Christian world. They argue that while people claim to give glory to God, they actually divide his perfections among the saints, robbing God of his rightful glory. The speaker also criticizes the government of the church, describing it as a form of tyranny. They mention the controversies surrounding the changes they have made and explain that they are necessary remedies for the evils they have observed. The sermon emphasizes the importance of the sacrament and warns against its misuse and profanation. The speaker also highlights the need for true repentance and obedience to God.
Crucified to Live
By Paris Reidhead2.5K26:48Death To SelfMAT 9:2JHN 5:8JHN 9:1JHN 14:12ROM 12:1EPH 3:20In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of receiving a car to explain the concept of surrendering oneself to God. He emphasizes that just as receiving a car involves handing over the keys, title, and registration, surrendering to God requires giving up control of our bodies and plans. The speaker highlights that young people often have their own agendas and plans, which can hinder them from fully surrendering to God. He encourages the audience to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to God, acknowledging that they need their bodies to carry out His work. The sermon references Romans 12 and Ephesians 3 to support the idea of surrendering to God's agenda rather than our own.
(Through the Bible) Ephesians 1
By Chuck Smith2.2K1:16:521CO 6:19EPH 1:3EPH 2:10EPH 3:20EPH 4:30JUD 1:24In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the spiritual blessings that believers have in Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that the church often emphasizes what believers should be doing for God, but the Bible actually emphasizes what God has done for them. The preacher spends the first three chapters of Ephesians enumerating these spiritual blessings, highlighting the richness and blessings of being a child of God. He also emphasizes that as believers grow strong and healthy in their faith, they will naturally become witnesses and share the love of Christ with others, leading to the growth and blessing of the church.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now unto him - Having finished his short, but most wonderfully comprehensive and energetic prayer, the apostle brings in his doxology, giving praise to Him from whom all blessings come, and to whom all thanks are due. That is able to do exceeding abundantly - It is impossible to express the full meaning of these words, God is omnipotent, therefore he is able to do all things, and able to do ὑπερ εκ περισσου, superabundantly above the greatest abundance. And who can doubt this, who has any rational or Scriptural views of his power or his love? All that we ask or think - We can ask every good of which we have heard, every good which God has promised in his word; and we can think of, or imagine, goods and blessings beyond all that we have either read of or seen: yea, we can imagine good things to which it is impossible for us to give a name; we can go beyond the limits of all human descriptions; we can imagine more than even God has specified in his word; and can feel no bounds to our imagination of good, but impossibility and eternity: and after all, God is able to do more for us than we can ask or think; and his ability here is so necessarily connected with his willingness, that the one indisputably implies the other; for, of what consequence would it be to tell the Church of God that he had power to do so and so, if there were not implied an assurance that he will do what his power can, and what the soul of man needs to have done? According to the power that worketh in us - All that he can do, and all that he has promised to do, will be done according to what he has done, by that power of the holy Ghost την ενεργουμενην, which worketh strongly in us - acts with energy in our hearts, expelling evil, purifying and refining the affections and desires, and implanting good.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
unto him--contrasted with ourselves and our needs. Translate, "that is able above all things (what is above all things) to do exceeding abundantly above what we ask or (even) think": thought takes a wider range than prayers. The word, above, occurs thrice as often in Paul's writings, as in all the rest of the New Testament, showing the warm exuberance of Paul's spirit. according to the power--the indwelling Spirit (Rom 8:26). He appeals to their and his experience.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus,.... This is a doxology, or an ascription of glory to God, with which the apostle concludes his prayer; glory is to be given to God on account of his perfections, which are to be celebrated; and on account of the works of creation and Providence, which are to be commended and acquiesced in; and on account of temporal mercies, for which thanks should be given; and especially for spiritual mercies, and above all for Jesus Christ: the glory of salvation, from first to last, is to be ascribed to his free grace; and his worship is to be regarded and constantly attended on; faith is to be exercised on him, as a promising and covenant keeping God; and our lives and conversations are to be ordered aright according to his word; and we are cheerfully and patiently to suffer for his cause and interest, in all which instances he is glorified: and the place where this glory is to be given, is the "church"; for the church, and true believers, only know the blessings and mysteries of divine grace; and they only know how to glorify God aright; and besides, glory must be given to God by believers, not only separately and apart, but conjunctly and together, in a church state; because there the Lord appears glorious, grants his presence, and displays his mighty grace: and this is to be done by "Christ Jesus", or "in" him; and may refer either to the church, which is in Christ; or to him as the medium by whom praise and glory are to be given to God; for all blessings are in Christ, and come to us through him, and he is the only way of access to God; nor can our praises and thanksgivings be acceptable unto God, but through him: and this glory is to be given throughout all ages, world without end, Amen; for the church will abide for ever, in which it is to be given; the blessings of grace will be for ever dispensing, for which it is to be given; and Jesus Christ, the Mediator, will continue for evermore, by whom it is given: to all which is added the word "Amen", signifying his wish, that so it might be, and his faith, that so it would be. Next: Ephesians Chapter 4
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:20-21 This doxology concludes the first section of the letter (see also Rom 16:25-27; Gal 1:5; 1 Tim 1:17; 2 Tim 4:18; Jude 1:24-25). 3:20 all glory to God: Because of the grace God has shown in Jesus Christ, he deserves nothing less. • The mighty power at work within us is the power of the living God that raised Christ from the dead (see 1:19-20). By that power, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think, because God is at work in the lives of his children (see Rom 8:31-39; Phil 4:13; Col 1:29).