What does Ephesians 3:16 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 3:16 is a part of the Apostle Paul's prayer for the Ephesian believers.

In this verse, Paul is asking God to strengthen the Christians in Ephesus with power through His Spirit in their inner being.

The "riches of his glory" refers to the abundant resources that God has at His disposal.

Paul is emphasizing that God's ability to strengthen believers is not limited by any means.

The phrase "to be strengthened with might" suggests a divinely imparted vigor or power.

The "inner man" is a way of referring to the innermost part of a person, their soul or spirit, where true spiritual strength resides.

This prayer highlights the need for God's empowerment for living a Christian life that is not merely outward but also inward, marked by spiritual vitality and resilience.

Historical Context

When Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians, he was likely under house arrest in Rome around AD 60-62.

Ephesus was an influential city in the Roman province of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) and culturally diverse.

The new Christian church there faced challenges from both Jewish and pagan influences.

Paul's letter is a mix of doctrinal teaching and practical advice, written to encourage and strengthen believers in their faith amid these external pressures.

This particular verse falls within a segment of the letter where Paul prays for the spiritual growth and empowerment of the Ephesian believers.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse outlines the role of the Holy Spirit in Christian sanctification.

It touches on the themes of:

• God's omnipotence and generosity ("the riches of his glory").
• The Holy Spirit's work in strengthening believers ("strengthened with might by his Spirit").
• The internal nature of Christian maturation ("in the inner man").

Different theological viewpoints might emphasize the cooperative process between divine enablement and human responsibility in spiritual growth, the nature and accessibility of God's power, and the implications of spiritual strength in the face of adversity and moral challenges.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Ephesians 3:16 can be a source of great encouragement to believers today.

It teaches:

• God is willing and able to empower us for the Christian journey.
• True strength and resilience come from an inward, spiritual renewal.
• The Holy Spirit is a key agent in our continuous growth and spiritual empowerment.

Christians can apply this verse by regularly seeking spiritual strength through prayer, recognizing their dependency on the Holy Spirit for such strength, and being open to experiencing the transformative work of God within their hearts and minds.

Cross-References

• 2 Corinthians 4:16 - "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day."
• Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
• Colossians 1:11 - "Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;"
• Romans 7:22 - "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:"

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek text of this verse are:

• "Strengthened" (στηριχθῆναι): which means to make stable, place firmly, set fast, fix.
• "Might" (δυνάμει): often denotes power, strength, or ability.

It suggests not just inherent ability but power in action.

• "Spirit" (πνεύματι): refers here to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity.
• "Inner man" (ἔσω ἄνθρωπος): the spiritual center or moral-spiritual self as distinct from the physical body.

Analyzing these key terms provides insight into the verse's emphasis on the spiritual strengthening that comes from God's power working within believers.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient religious beliefs, the Christian concept of an indwelling divine presence (the Holy Spirit) empowering believers is unique.

Many ancient myths emphasize the need for appeasing gods or performing certain rituals to gain favor or strength.

In contrast, Paul's prayer in Ephesians reveals a personal relationship with a God who strengthens His followers from within, which is a concept not commonly found in other ancient religious systems.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, its focus on "the inner man" could be thought of in relation to psychological concepts such as resilience, emotional strength, and the subconscious.

Psychological research into inner resilience and well-being may offer some parallels to the notion of spiritual strength described in this verse, although from a non-spiritual perspective.

Commentaries

Commentators on the Book of Ephesians offer varied insights on this verse:

• John Stott, an English Christian leader and theologian, sees this verse as integral to understanding the work of the Holy Spirit in empowering the believer's personal spiritual experience.
• Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the inexhaustible nature of God's glory and the continual need for spiritual power to grow in faith.
• The Expositor's Bible Commentary notes that Paul's prayer for inner strength is crucial for understanding how the spiritual life is nourished and attended to, not by human effort alone, but by the power of God.