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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - Ephesians 1:17 - 1:17
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
God of our Lord Jesus Christ
Compare Joh 20:17; Mat 27:46, and see on Eph 1:3.
Father of glory (ὁ πατὴρ τῆς δόξης)
The Father to whom the glory belongs. Note the article, the glory, preeminently. Compare Act 7:2; 1Co 2:8. See Psa 18:3, “who is worthy to be praised;” where the Hebrew is is praised. The exact phrase has no parallel in Scripture.
The Spirit of wisdom and revelation
Spirit has not the article, but the reference is to the Holy Spirit. Compare Mat 12:28; Luk 1:15, Luk 1:35, Luk 1:41; Rom 1:4; 1Pe 1:2. Wisdom and revelation are special forms of the Spirit's operation. He imparts general illumination (wisdom) and special revelations of divine mysteries. The combination of two words with an advance in thought from the general to the special is characteristic of Paul. Compare grace and apostleship, Rom 1:5; gifts and calling, Rom 11:29; wisdom and prudence, Eph 1:8, wisdom and knowledge, Col 2:3.
In the knowledge of Him (ἐν ἐπιγνώσει αὐτοῦ)
The sphere in which they will receive God's gift of wisdom and revelation. To know God is to be wise. The condition is not merely acknowledgment, but knowledge. Ἑπίγνωσις knowledge is never ascribed to God in the New Testament. Of Him refers to God.