What does Ephesians 3:14 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 3:14 is a powerful verse in which the Apostle Paul indicates a posture of deep reverence and supplication before God.

When Paul writes, "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," he is talking about his prayerful response to the revelations and the mystery that has been made known to him by God, which he discusses earlier in the chapter.

The "cause" may refer to the uniting of Jews and Gentiles into one body through Christ.

Paul's act of bowing his knees is a sign of humility and devotion.

It signifies the depth of his passion and commitment to God's purpose and the profound respect he has for the Father.

There is also a deeper meaning associated with submission to God's will, recognizing His sovereignty and embracing His plan for the church and humanity as a whole.

Historical Context

Ephesians was written by Paul during his imprisonment, which most scholars date around 60-62 AD.

During this time, early Christian communities were grappling with issues of unity and identity, especially concerning the relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers.

The letter to the Ephesians addresses these communities, concentrating on the mystery of the gospel which is the inclusion of Gentiles into God's plan of salvation.

The bowing of knees was a common practice of prayer in Jewish tradition but less common in Greco-Roman practices, leading to it being a distinctive mark of humility and devotion in this context.

Theological Insights

From various theological perspectives, Ephesians 3:14 highlights different insights:

Orthodox Christian Theology: Emphasizes the mystical aspect of communion with God, as seen in Paul's deep worship. 2.

Protestant Theology: Often views this verse as demonstrating the personal relationship one can have with God through prayer. 3.

Catholic Theology: May see this verse reflecting the tradition of venerating God through physical acts of worship, akin to liturgical kneeling. 4.

Liberation Theology: Could interpret Paul’s prayer as an act expressing solidarity with marginalized believers (Gentiles in this context).

Each of these viewpoints shines light on the multifaceted significance of prayer and unity in the Christian faith.

Practical Applications

Practically, Ephesians 3:14 teaches on prayerfulness and humility. Believers are encouraged to:

1. Adopt a posture of reverence in prayer, recognizing God's authority.
2. Pray for the church's unity and for one another's spiritual strength.
3. Approach the Christian faith with a heart of humility and devotion.
4. Use times of difficulty, as Paul did in prison, to deepen spiritual practices.

Cross-References

Philippians 2:10 - "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;" 2.

Romans 14:11 - "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." 3.

Luke 22:41 - "And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed," 4.

Acts 9:40 - "But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise.

And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up."

Language Study

The original Greek language of the New Testament provides additional insight:

1. "bow" (κάμπτω or kamptō): literally means to bend or bow the knee; figuratively, to show reverence or submission.
2. "knees" (γόνυ or gony): referring to the physical knee, it signifies a position taken in earnest prayer.

"Father" (πατήρ or patēr): denoting God as the progenitor and protector, which was a radical concept for Gentiles understanding their relationship to the Jewish God through Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this verse to ancient myths and religious interpretations:

Greek and Roman practices often involved standing for prayer; bowing or kneeling could be reserved for supplication or deep reverence. 2.

In Judaism, bowing is often synonymous with worship and surrender to God's will, such as Abraham's servant bowing in Genesis 24:26. 3.

In the ancient Near East, bending the knee was also a common act before kings or deities, symbolizing submission to a higher authority.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific investigation does not typically intersect with the actions of prayer.

However, some studies on body language suggest that physical postures can influence one’s psychological state, potentially deepening the feeling of reverence or humility as Paul suggests with his act of bowing.

Commentaries

Various experts and biblical commentators have provided their insights on this verse:

John Stott, an Anglican cleric, considers Paul's action a natural expression of wonder at the divine plan for all humanity. 2.

Matthew Henry, a non-conformist minister, emphasizes that in the act of prayer, the soul must be employed, and the affections poured out before God. 3.

N.T.

Wright, a New Testament scholar, discusses how this verse opens a window into Paul's spirituality and shows us the kind of heart posture that undergirds Paul’s ministry and theology.