Ephesians 3:20–21

Ephesians 3:20-21: 

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21, NKJV) 

Commentary: 

These verses are a doxology, a hymn of praise to God, that concludes the first half of the letter to the Ephesians. 

In verse 20, Paul acknowledges the omnipotence of God (“Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think”). This is a reminder of the limitless power of God, which is not only able to exceed our requests, but also our imagination. This power is not distant or abstract but is at work within us (“according to the power that works in us”). This is a key tenet of Reformed Evangelical Christianity, which emphasises the transformative power of God’s grace in the life of the believer. 

Verse 21 is a declaration of praise (“to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen”). Here, Paul affirms that the ultimate purpose of the church and of all generations is to glorify God. This reflects the first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, a foundational document of Reformed Christianity, which states that “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” 

Application to Modern Christian Living: 

These verses encourage Christians to have a big view of God. In our prayers and in our dreams, we should not limit ourselves to what we think is possible but remember that we serve a God who is able to do far more than we can ask or imagine. 

Moreover, these verses remind us that the ultimate purpose of our lives is to glorify God. In all that we do, whether in our personal lives, in our work, or in our service to the church, our aim should be to bring glory to God. 

Bibliography: 

1. The Holy Bible, New King James Version. Online 

2. The Westminster Shorter Catechism. Online 

3. Calvin, John. Commentaries on the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians. Online 

4. Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn. An Exposition of Ephesians. Banner of Truth, 1978. 

5. Stott, John. The Message of Ephesians. InterVarsity Press, 1979.