Monday 22 October 2012

Background

Today's passage has been described as one of the gems of the NewTestament, and for many people verses 20 and 21 are particularlyspecial.

This whole reading brings the first part of the letter to theEphesians to an end, and if you have not been reading last week'sBible studies you might find it helpful to read the beginning ofthe letter (Ephesians 1:1 - 3:13). When the writer says:"For this reason" (v. 14), it is picking up on all that has beenwritten so far. It might be that the letter was meant to be used inworship - possibly on the occasion of a Baptism - and the readersor listeners may well have been spread across a number of newchurches in the very early years of Christianity.

It is interesting to read "for this reason I bow my knees" (v.14), because very often in Jewish worship people would stand topray. However, there are other occasions when kneeling wasappropriate, especially in homage to God. So, this passage iscertainly in the form of a prayer, celebrating the wonderful thingswhich God is doing.

In the original language, Greek, there would be a very obviouslink between "Father" and "family" (v. 14). The message is that Godis the parent of all the families on earth - the family of theChurch and indeed all people on earth and in heaven. This is amassive claim which has implications for human behaviour - towardsGod and towards each other.

This passage is about the inner strength which can beexperienced, so we can read about being "strengthened in your innerbeing" (v. 16) and "that Christ may dwell in your hearts" (v. 17).The writer has already dealt with some of the difficult bits forfollowers of Jesus, and just seems to overflow with wonder aboutGod's grace and the love of Christ.

To Ponder

• If you know that someone had prayed this prayer for you, howwould you feel, and how might it change your life?

• Are there things which you think God could accomplish in yourlife? How could you help that to happen?