Ephesians 3:14-21

19 So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you are also being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.

Ephesians 3:3–6 CSB

3 The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. 4 By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. 5 This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Isaiah 56:7 CSB

7 I will bring them to my holy mountain and let them rejoice in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on my altar, for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”

Amos 9:11–12 CSB

11 In that day I will restore the fallen shelter of David: I will repair its gaps, restore its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old, 12 so that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear my name— this is the declaration of the Lord; he will do this.

John 2:19 CSB

19 Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it up in three days.”

What is the mystery that is revealed? Paul explains for 3 chapters.

First, some questions.

How far back can you go in your family tree?

Do you love America?

Are your prayers thoughtful? Are you annoyed by long prayers.

Ephesians 3:14–21 CSB

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. 16 I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, 19 and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

For this reason I kneel before the father

from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.

Paul roots his prayer in the creating and sustaining power of God.

Ephesians 3:16–19 CSB

16 I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, 19 and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

How could we possibly “be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love”?

The new Temple goes to every tribe and tongue, to all God has called to the ends of the earth.

Yet, Christ’s love surpasses knowledge!

What is the chief end of man?

Ephesians 3:20–21 CSB

20 Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Application

What does this section teach us about worship?

What does this section teach us about prayer?

What does this section teach us about the Father, Son, and Spirit?

Love dominates the next section of the letter. What about here?

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