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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadCambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - Ephesians 1:19 - 1:19
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19. καὶ τί τὸ ὑπερβάλλον μέγεθος κ.τ.λ. For the realization of this hope and the manifestation of this glory we need the constant support of a power not our own. This, too, is supplied with an abundance sufficient to overwhelm all opposing forces.
εἰς ἡμᾶς τοὺς πιστεύοντας. This power operates upon and has ‘free play’ in us who believe, our faith opening the channels along which the current can flow (ct. Mat 13:58), and being at the same time created by the Divine force liberated by the Resurrection.
κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν τοῦ κράτους τῆς ἰσχύος αὐτοῦ. ἰσχὺς ‘strength’ as contrasted with ‘weakness,’ κράτος ‘effective power’ overmastering opposition, ἐνέγεια ‘power in action’ as contrasted with power latent. The phrase qualifies both μέγεθος and πιστεύοντας. Our faith is not ‘of ourselves,’ cf. Eph 2:8. It is the result ‘of the operation of God,’ cf. Col 2:12. The same ‘operation of God’ is the measure of the surpassing greatness of the power. Note the prominence of the thought of spiritual power as a characteristic element in the Christian life throughout the Epistle, Eph 3:16; Eph 3:20, Eph 6:10.