Ephesians 3:21
Verse
Context
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Unto him - Thus possessed of power and goodness, be glory in the Church - be unceasing praises ascribed in all the assemblies of the people of God, wherever these glad tidings are preached, and wherever this glorious doctrine shall be credited. By Christ Jesus - Through whom, and for whom, all these miracles of mercy and power are wrought. Throughout all ages - Εις πασας τας γενεας· Through all succeeding generations - while the race of human beings continues to exist on the face of the earth. World without end - Του αιωνος των αιωνων· Throughout eternity - in the coming world as well as in this. The song of praise, begun upon earth, and protracted through all the generations of men, shall be continued in heaven, by all that are redeemed from the earth, where eras, limits, and periods are no more for ever. Amen - So be it. So let it be! and so it will be; for all the counsels of God are faithfulness and truth; and not one jot or tittle of his promise has failed, from the foundation of the world to the present day; nor can fail, till mortality is swallowed up of life. Therefore, to the Father, Son, and holy Ghost, be glory, dominion, power, and thanksgiving, now, henceforth, and for ever. - Amen and Amen. 1. For the great importance of the matter contained in this chapter, and the sublimity of the language and conceptions, there is no portion of the New Testament equal to this. The apostle was now shut up in prison, but the word of the Lord was not bound; and the kingdom of God seems to have been opened to him in a most astonishing manner. There seems to have been exhibited to him a plan of the Divine counsels and conduct relative to the salvation of man, before and from the foundation of the world to the end of time; and while, with the eye of his mind, he contemplates this plan, he describes it in language at once the most elevated that can be conceived, and every where dignified and appropriate to the subject; so that he may with safety be compared with the finest of the Grecian writers. In the notes I have already observed how hard it is to give any literal translation of the many compound epithets which the apostle uses. Indeed his own nervous language seems to bend and tremble under the weight of the Divine ideas which it endeavors to express. This is most observable in the prayer and doxology which are contained in Eph 3:14-21. A passage in Thucydides, lib. vii. cap. lxxxvii, in fine, where he gives an account of the total overthrow of the Athenian general, Nicias, and his whole army, by the Sicilians, has been compared with this of the apostle; it is truly a grand piece, and no reader can be displeased with its introduction here: ξυνεβη τε εργον τουτο Ἑλληνικον των κατα τον πολεμον τονδε μεγιστον γενεσθαι - και τοις τε κρατησασι λαμπροτατον, και τοις διαφθαρεισι δυστυχεστατον· κατα παντα γαρ παντως νικηθεντες, και ουδεν ολιγον ες ουδεν κακοπαθησαντες, πανωλεθριᾳ δη, το λεγομενον, και πεζος και νηες, και ουδεν ὁ, τι ουκ απωλετο· και ολιγοι απο πολλων επ' οικου απενοστησαν· "This was the greatest discomfiture which the Greeks sustained during the whole war, and was as brilliant to the conquerors as it was calamitous to the vanquished. In every respect they were totally defeated; and they suffered no small evil in every particular: the destruction was universal, both of army and navy; there was nothing that did not perish; and scarcely any, out of vast multitudes, returned to their own homes. The learned may compare the two passages; and while due credit is given to the splendid Greek historian, no critic will deny the palm to the inspired writer. 2. With such portions of the word of God before us, how is it that we can he said conscientiously to credit the doctrines of Christianity, and live satisfied with such slender attainments in the divine life? Can any man that pleads for the necessary and degrading continuance of indwelling sin, believe what the apostle has written? Can we, who profess to believe it, be excusable, and live under the influence of any temper or passion that does not belong to the mind of Christ? Will it be said in answer, that "this is only a prayer of the apostle, and contains his wish from the overflowings of his heart for the spiritual prosperity of the Ephesians?" Was the apostle inspired or not when he penned this prayer? If he were not inspired, the prayer makes no part of Divine revelation; if he were inspired, every petition is tantamount to a positive promise; for what God inspires the heart to pray for, that God purposes to bestow. Then it is his will that all these blessings should be enjoyed by his true followers, that Christ should inhabit their hearts, and that they should be filled with all the fullness of God; yea, and that God should do for them more abundantly than they can ask or think. This necessarily implies that they should be saved from all sin, inward and outward, in this life; that the thoughts of their hearts should be cleansed by the inspiration of God's Holy Spirit, that they might perfectly love him, and worthily magnify his holy name. As sin is the cause of the ruin of mankind, the Gospel system, which is its cure, is called good news, or glad tidings; and it is good news because it proclaims him who saves his people from their sins. It would be dishonorable to the grace of Christ to suppose that sin had made wounds which that could not heal.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate, "Unto Him be the glory (that is, the whole glory of the gracious dispensation of salvation just spoken of) in the Church (as the theater for the manifestation of the glory, Eph 3:10) in Christ Jesus (as in Him all the glory centers, Zac 6:13) to all the generations of eternal ages," literally, "of the age of the ages." Eternity is conceived as consisting of "ages" (these again consisting of "generations") endlessly succeeding one another. Next: Ephesians Chapter 4
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:21 The church—the community of believers, both Jews and Gentiles—is to be the reflection and full expression of the glory of God.
Ephesians 3:21
Paul’s Prayer for the Ephesians
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
Arab-03 the Principalities & Powers
By Art Katz3.2K1:08:10PrincipalitiesISA 19:25JHN 11:21JHN 11:40EPH 3:8EPH 3:21HEB 11:2HEB 11:39In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the glory of God through our actions. He uses the example of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead to illustrate the power of demonstrating God's glory even in the face of opposition. The speaker also highlights the role of the church in displaying the wisdom of God and embracing His purposes, even if it goes against our self-interest. He encourages believers to consider their connection to the historical church and to strive for a deeper understanding of God's mysteries.
Span-04 Apostolic & Prophetic Foundations 1 of 8
By Art Katz1.7K1:30:26Prophetic Foundations1SA 3:101KI 17:11KI 18:21MAT 6:33EPH 3:212TI 2:151PE 4:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting for the word of God before speaking, acting, or confronting others. They challenge the conventional wisdom of success in the church and encourage deep intercession and prayer for those who have a calling to bring forth the word of God. The speaker identifies those who may have a calling but have not recognized it yet, urging them to walk in it for the benefit of their nation and church. They also discuss the significance of the Elijah ministry and the need for reconciliation between fathers and sons. The sermon concludes with the speaker expressing the profound impact of this message and its potential to reach beyond the audience to many nations worldwide.
Ger-07 Ezekiel 37
By Art Katz1.6K1:04:43GermanEZK 3:14EZK 3:17LUK 15:25ROM 11:33EPH 3:21EPH 4:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the need for believers to have a deeper understanding of the mystery of Israel and the Church. He emphasizes that many Christians have not yet been called to truly comprehend this mystery and have not experienced the hand of the Lord bringing them out of their comfort zones. The speaker highlights the importance of recognizing the valley of dry bones as a place of depression and the need for believers to be willing to confront the challenges and sufferings that come with aligning with God's purposes. He also mentions the current troubles faced by the nation of Israel and the need for divine intervention in dealing with the complex issues they face.
Arab-03 the Two Wisdoms
By Art Katz1.4K1:07:00ArabicEPH 1:10EPH 3:8EPH 3:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holding steady and passing tests in order to reach a place of greater maturity in faith. He highlights how our minds are trained to seek immediate answers, but living in the tension of faith requires patience. The speaker references the book of Hebrews, where it is mentioned that the great heroes of faith did not receive the promise in their lifetime, but they lived with the expectation that it would be fulfilled in the life to come. The sermon emphasizes that the ultimate requirement is not about living better or solving personal problems, but about bringing glory to God. The speaker encourages the church to prioritize God's glory and demonstrate His wisdom, which can break the influence of the powers of the air and release captives for ministry.
Fren-14 Apostolic Foundations - the Church
By Art Katz1.4K1:14:49ChurchMAT 6:33ACT 4:33EPH 3:2EPH 3:8EPH 3:21In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the church in God's plan. He highlights that God has created all things, including the Earth, the universe, and its resources, for the sake of the church. The preacher challenges the notion that the church is just a secondary or insignificant part of God's creation. He encourages ministers to have a vision of God's purpose and to be motivated by it, even in the face of discouragement. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace the eternal purpose of God and to be transformed by it.
The Consummation of the Ages
By Albert Leckie1.4K56:16ConsummationISA 66:8ACT 1:9EPH 3:21COL 3:4TIT 2:13HEB 1:6HEB 6:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the millennial reign of Christ as God's final test to humanity. He explains that during this time, there will be no false religions and all people will have knowledge of God. However, despite this, there will still be those who do not believe. The preacher also highlights that the millennial reign will serve as God's conclusive proof that He has not lost anything due to the entry of sin, thanks to the sacrifice of Calvary. The sermon concludes by discussing the future manifestation of Christ and how believers will be glorified with Him, bringing an end to the reproach they face in the world.
The Church in Revival
By Don Courville45029:17RevivalSpiritual GrowthISA 53:5LUK 2:14ROM 5:81CO 3:1EPH 3:21COL 2:101TI 1:172PE 3:181JN 1:7REV 21:23Don Courville emphasizes the necessity of a personal walk with God for true revival in the church, urging believers to rely on the Holy Spirit rather than human efforts or organizational structures. He reflects on the importance of humility, transparency, and spiritual growth, highlighting that true revival comes from a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Courville shares testimonies of revival in Africa, illustrating how the Holy Spirit can transform lives when believers unite in Christ. He encourages the congregation to seek spiritual growth by glorifying God in all aspects of life, as this is the key to experiencing true revival.
The Glory of God
By Andrew Murray0Spiritual PreparationGod's GloryPSA 62:5HAB 2:20MAT 5:8EPH 3:21Andrew Murray emphasizes that the glory of God can only be revealed to us through divine revelation, urging believers to prepare their hearts like imaging sensors to receive this glory. He draws a parallel between the vastness of the starry heavens and the need for a still and pure heart to perceive God's presence. By silencing our own thoughts and waiting upon God, we open ourselves to His transformative glory, which can bless both ourselves and others. Murray encourages a humble offering of our spirits to God, trusting that He will manifest His love and glory in our lives.
The Church
By F.B. Meyer0The Nature of the ChurchUnity in ChristGEN 2:18JHN 17:221CO 12:12EPH 1:22EPH 2:21EPH 3:10EPH 3:21EPH 4:4EPH 5:23EPH 5:32F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound nature of the Church as depicted in Ephesians, portraying it as the mystical body of Christ, where He is the head and believers are the members. He illustrates that the Church is not merely a collection of congregations but a unified entity destined for glory, reflecting God's wisdom and purpose. Meyer highlights the Church's role as a building for God, constructed on the foundation of Christ, and stresses the importance of obedience to Christ's commands. He concludes by affirming the Church's ultimate purpose is to glorify God, united in love and purpose, akin to the relationship between Christ and His bride.
Epistle 203
By George Fox0GEN 12:2PSA 23:2PSA 145:13ISA 40:31LUK 1:33JHN 10:201CO 4:8EPH 3:21HEB 7:16REV 19:16George Fox preaches about reigning as kings in the Father's hand, following the King of kings who gives abundant life, and experiencing the endless kingdom and dominion with joy and comfort. He encourages dwelling in the light, minding the seed of God, and being diligent in serving the Lord to be a blessing and sweet savour unto Him. Fox emphasizes feeling and knowing the power of an endless life, a kingdom with no end, and a dominion over all dominions, leading to possessing everlasting life and meeting together to wait upon the Lord.
"By My Spirit" (Zechariah 4)
By T. Austin-Sparks0God's GloryThe Role of the Holy SpiritEZR 1:3ZEC 4:6MAT 5:16JHN 14:13ROM 8:301CO 3:162CO 4:6EPH 3:211PE 4:14REV 21:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the divine testimony of God's glory is central to the purpose of creation and the Church, as illustrated in Zechariah 4. He explains that throughout history, individuals and nations have been called to bear witness to God's glory, ultimately culminating in the Church, which must rely on the Holy Spirit to fulfill this mission. The sermon highlights that true glory is not achieved through human strength or power, but solely by the Spirit of God, which empowers believers to reflect His glory. Sparks encourages the Church to embrace its role as a vessel for God's glory, reminding that even in small beginnings, God's Spirit can accomplish great things. The message concludes with the assurance that the presence of the Holy Spirit is essential for the Church to be a true testimony of God's glory.
Let God Be God!
By Miles J. Stanford0PSA 29:2EPH 3:21PHP 1:11COL 3:17HEB 13:15Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the importance of having a vertical relationship with God, focusing on offering continual praise as a sacrifice to God. He delves into the concept of grace, highlighting that it is not solely based on man's needs but is ultimately for God's glory. Stanford explains that true devotedness is found when one rests in the Lord Jesus and makes Him the object of their heart, leading to joy and strength. He warns against letting the gifts of grace overshadow the Giver, stressing the need to always give glory to the Father and see things from His perspective.
In the Letter to the Ephesians
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual WarfareThe ChurchISA 55:8LUK 17:20JHN 12:242CO 4:18EPH 1:3EPH 2:6EPH 3:21EPH 4:82TI 1:15REV 2:1T. Austin-Sparks explores the profound themes of the Letter to the Ephesians, emphasizing the historical context of the Apostle Paul's ministry and the subsequent spiritual decline in Ephesus. He reflects on the Church's divine unity, its eternal purpose, and the challenges it faces in maintaining its spiritual vitality amidst institutionalization. Sparks raises critical questions about the authenticity of the Church's expression today, urging believers to seek Christ as the true foundation of their faith and community. He asserts that the Letter is not merely idealistic but offers a realistic and comprehensive view of the Church's role in God's eternal plan, centered on the Cross and the presence of Christ.
The Shining of the Light
By T. Austin-Sparks0Resurrection PowerLight of the ChurchISA 60:1ROM 11:33EPH 1:18EPH 2:1EPH 2:6EPH 3:8EPH 3:21T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the light and glory that has come through the Apostle Paul's ministry, particularly in his final letters, which reveal the Church's calling as a vessel of resurrection, light, wealth, and government. He highlights that the Church is meant to embody the resurrection power of Christ and to be a source of light for all nations, enriching others spiritually. Sparks encourages believers to recognize their role in sharing this light universally, warning against exclusivity and urging openness to all who seek the truth. He reassures that God's intention for the Church is to be filled with glory and power, as it stands as a beacon of hope and wealth in a world often shrouded in darkness.
The Greatness of the Church
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Purpose of the ChurchDivine RevelationMAT 7:22MAT 11:27MAT 13:46MAT 16:17MAT 18:20EPH 1:4EPH 1:12EPH 2:7EPH 3:10EPH 3:21T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound purpose of the Church, urging Christians to recognize their high calling beyond mere salvation. He highlights that the Church, as the Body of Christ, is meant to embody His glory and greatness, serving as a vessel through which God's revelation is made known. Sparks laments the loss of vision among believers, who often remain bound by tradition and fail to grasp the Church's eternal significance and stability rooted in Christ. He calls for a divine revelation to understand the true nature of the Church, which is not merely a human institution but a living expression of Christ's presence. Ultimately, the Church is called to fulfill a great vocation, serving God throughout the ages in close relationship with His Throne.
Epistle 277
By George Fox0MAT 18:20LUK 1:33JHN 8:44JHN 17:3ACT 4:12GAL 4:28EPH 3:21EPH 6:6COL 3:21TI 4:12TIT 2:7HEB 1:14HEB 3:1JAS 3:171PE 2:6George Fox preaches about the importance of living out the truth of God in our daily lives, emphasizing the need to bring our families along to worship and guide them in the wisdom and understanding of God. He urges believers to be diligent in serving the Lord and to set their minds on heavenly things, so that they may be heirs of salvation and children of the promise. Fox encourages families to be good examples to one another, glorifying God in all aspects of their lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Unto him - Thus possessed of power and goodness, be glory in the Church - be unceasing praises ascribed in all the assemblies of the people of God, wherever these glad tidings are preached, and wherever this glorious doctrine shall be credited. By Christ Jesus - Through whom, and for whom, all these miracles of mercy and power are wrought. Throughout all ages - Εις πασας τας γενεας· Through all succeeding generations - while the race of human beings continues to exist on the face of the earth. World without end - Του αιωνος των αιωνων· Throughout eternity - in the coming world as well as in this. The song of praise, begun upon earth, and protracted through all the generations of men, shall be continued in heaven, by all that are redeemed from the earth, where eras, limits, and periods are no more for ever. Amen - So be it. So let it be! and so it will be; for all the counsels of God are faithfulness and truth; and not one jot or tittle of his promise has failed, from the foundation of the world to the present day; nor can fail, till mortality is swallowed up of life. Therefore, to the Father, Son, and holy Ghost, be glory, dominion, power, and thanksgiving, now, henceforth, and for ever. - Amen and Amen. 1. For the great importance of the matter contained in this chapter, and the sublimity of the language and conceptions, there is no portion of the New Testament equal to this. The apostle was now shut up in prison, but the word of the Lord was not bound; and the kingdom of God seems to have been opened to him in a most astonishing manner. There seems to have been exhibited to him a plan of the Divine counsels and conduct relative to the salvation of man, before and from the foundation of the world to the end of time; and while, with the eye of his mind, he contemplates this plan, he describes it in language at once the most elevated that can be conceived, and every where dignified and appropriate to the subject; so that he may with safety be compared with the finest of the Grecian writers. In the notes I have already observed how hard it is to give any literal translation of the many compound epithets which the apostle uses. Indeed his own nervous language seems to bend and tremble under the weight of the Divine ideas which it endeavors to express. This is most observable in the prayer and doxology which are contained in Eph 3:14-21. A passage in Thucydides, lib. vii. cap. lxxxvii, in fine, where he gives an account of the total overthrow of the Athenian general, Nicias, and his whole army, by the Sicilians, has been compared with this of the apostle; it is truly a grand piece, and no reader can be displeased with its introduction here: ξυνεβη τε εργον τουτο Ἑλληνικον των κατα τον πολεμον τονδε μεγιστον γενεσθαι - και τοις τε κρατησασι λαμπροτατον, και τοις διαφθαρεισι δυστυχεστατον· κατα παντα γαρ παντως νικηθεντες, και ουδεν ολιγον ες ουδεν κακοπαθησαντες, πανωλεθριᾳ δη, το λεγομενον, και πεζος και νηες, και ουδεν ὁ, τι ουκ απωλετο· και ολιγοι απο πολλων επ' οικου απενοστησαν· "This was the greatest discomfiture which the Greeks sustained during the whole war, and was as brilliant to the conquerors as it was calamitous to the vanquished. In every respect they were totally defeated; and they suffered no small evil in every particular: the destruction was universal, both of army and navy; there was nothing that did not perish; and scarcely any, out of vast multitudes, returned to their own homes. The learned may compare the two passages; and while due credit is given to the splendid Greek historian, no critic will deny the palm to the inspired writer. 2. With such portions of the word of God before us, how is it that we can he said conscientiously to credit the doctrines of Christianity, and live satisfied with such slender attainments in the divine life? Can any man that pleads for the necessary and degrading continuance of indwelling sin, believe what the apostle has written? Can we, who profess to believe it, be excusable, and live under the influence of any temper or passion that does not belong to the mind of Christ? Will it be said in answer, that "this is only a prayer of the apostle, and contains his wish from the overflowings of his heart for the spiritual prosperity of the Ephesians?" Was the apostle inspired or not when he penned this prayer? If he were not inspired, the prayer makes no part of Divine revelation; if he were inspired, every petition is tantamount to a positive promise; for what God inspires the heart to pray for, that God purposes to bestow. Then it is his will that all these blessings should be enjoyed by his true followers, that Christ should inhabit their hearts, and that they should be filled with all the fullness of God; yea, and that God should do for them more abundantly than they can ask or think. This necessarily implies that they should be saved from all sin, inward and outward, in this life; that the thoughts of their hearts should be cleansed by the inspiration of God's Holy Spirit, that they might perfectly love him, and worthily magnify his holy name. As sin is the cause of the ruin of mankind, the Gospel system, which is its cure, is called good news, or glad tidings; and it is good news because it proclaims him who saves his people from their sins. It would be dishonorable to the grace of Christ to suppose that sin had made wounds which that could not heal.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate, "Unto Him be the glory (that is, the whole glory of the gracious dispensation of salvation just spoken of) in the Church (as the theater for the manifestation of the glory, Eph 3:10) in Christ Jesus (as in Him all the glory centers, Zac 6:13) to all the generations of eternal ages," literally, "of the age of the ages." Eternity is conceived as consisting of "ages" (these again consisting of "generations") endlessly succeeding one another. Next: Ephesians Chapter 4
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:21 The church—the community of believers, both Jews and Gentiles—is to be the reflection and full expression of the glory of God.