Bible Studies

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This is Part 3 of the verse-by-verse study of Ephesians chapter 1. We will start with Eph. 1:18.

(18) I pray that [These three words are in italics in the NASB because they are not included in the Greek. The Greek continues with the participle "being enlightened."] the eyes of your heart [With "heart" here, compare "spirit" in 1:17.] may be enlightened [cf. Acts 26:18; 2 Cor. 4:6; and Heb. 6:4], so that you may know what is the hope of His calling [[Compare Eph. 4:4. "His calling" refers to our call from God the Father. The NIV has, "the hope to which he has called you." We are called to holiness, etc. for this age (cf., e.g., Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2; Eph. 1:4; 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 1:9; and 1 Pet. 1:15, 16), but since Paul uses the word "hope" here, he is zeroing in on the future glory to which we are called, the glory of the age to come (cf., e.g., Eph. 2:7; Rom. 5:2 ; Col. 1:5 ["the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you have previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel"]; Col. 1:27 ["Christ in you, the hope of glory"]; Titus 3:7; and 1 Pet. 1:13).

For one thing, this hope, which is based on our knowledge of the extreme glory of the age to come, will help stabilize our hearts now (in things like love for God, commitment, steadfastness, right priorities, praise, and thankfulness) and will help motivate us now (cf., e.g., Heb. 6:17-20), enabling us to be strong in faith as we face the difficulties of this present age. The things we hope for are yet future (though they are certain, according to plan and power of God), but the hope is in our hearts now.]], what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance [This speaks of the "inheritance" that comes from God the Father.] in the saints [[Compare Col. 1:12. Instead of "in," the Greek could be translated "in the case of," or "among." This inheritance is given to the saints. "The riches of the glory of [our] inheritance" looks to the future; however, "the pledge [down payment] of our inheritance" (Eph. 1:14) enables us to participate in some of this "glory" now (sufficient glory for us to live in the will of God in His truth, righteousness, and holiness). (Cf., e.g., Rom. 6:4; Eph. 1:1-14 [Note, for example, that we are called and enabled to be "saints/holy" now.]; Eph. 3:14-21 [Especially note 3:16, "that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man."]; John 17:22; and 2 Cor. 3:18.) On the "inheritance in/in the case of/among the saints," cf. Acts 20:32; 26:18; and Col. 1:12.]], (19) and what is the surpassing greatness of His [God the Father's] power [Greek "dunamis

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