Ephesians 3:18 Explained

Ephesians 3:18 states, "May be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;" This verse is part of a profound prayer by the Apostle Paul, wherein he desires that believers grasp the vast dimensions of God's love.

Understanding the Verse

This verse highlights the importance of comprehending the fullness of God's love and presence. Through various public domain commentaries, we can glean deeper insights into its meaning:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Henry draws attention to the spiritual comprehension of God's love. He emphasizes that the "breadth, length, depth, and height" refer not only to the vastness of God's love but also to its mysterious qualities that surpass human understanding.

• Albert Barnes' Notes:

  Barnes elaborates on how this request for comprehension reflects the unity among believers. The "saints" are to collectively understand the dimensions of God's love, illustrating that faith is not merely an individual experience but a communal one.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Clarke suggests that this verse calls the believer to a profound relationship with God. He interprets the dimensions not as physical measures but as spiritual realities that demonstrate the encompassing nature of divine love.

Cross-References

To further understand Ephesians 3:18, several other Bible verses resonate with its themes. Here are key cross-references:

• Romans 8:39: "Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God."
• 1 John 4:9-10: "In this was manifested the love of God toward us... God is love."
• John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son."
• Psalm 103:11: "For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him."
• 2 Corinthians 5:14: "For the love of Christ constraineth us."
• Matthew 5:14: "You are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden."
• John 15:13: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Thematic Connections

The discussion of dimensions in Ephesians 3:18 evokes several theological themes within the Bible:

• The Greatness of God's Love: Both Romans 8:39 and 1 John 4:9-10 emphasize the depth and all-encompassing nature of divine love.
• The Community of Believers: Ephesians 3:18 highlights the communal understanding of God’s love, connected to John 15:13 on sacrificial love.
• The Assurance of Believers: Similar to Psalm 103:11, which speaks of divine mercy, Ephesians 3:18 reassures believers of God’s unwavering love.

Tools for Cross-Referencing Bible Verses

Engaging with Ephesians 3:18 invites the use of resources for deeper study. Some helpful tools include:

• Bible Concordance: A guide to finding relevant verses and themes.
• Cross-Reference Bible Study: A method for exploring connections between scriptures.
• Bible Reference Resources: Helpful for sermon preparation and in-depth studies.

Conclusion

Ephesians 3:18 calls believers to a deeper understanding of God's love, encapsulated in its many dimensions. By exploring accompanying scriptures and utilizing helpful study tools, one can better comprehend and appreciate the richness of this profound biblical truth, fostering both individual and communal faith experiences.