Ephesians Part 14

Paul’s words in Ephesians 3:14–21 are a powerful prayer of thanksgiving and awe—a moment where the apostle pauses to reflect on the greatness of God’s calling and the depth of His purpose for His people. He writes in verses 14-15, 

“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.” 

Paul is drawing a conclusion from everything he has been building up to in the first half of his letter. He has spent three chapters unfolding the mystery of God’s plan, a truly awesome plan that reveals His grace, His redemption and His purpose to bring humanity into His spiritual family.

Now, with this understanding, Paul bows his knees before the Father. His posture reflects not only reverence, but complete submission to the Almighty God, the One who sits upon His throne in majesty. Scripture tells us in Hebrews 4:15–16 that we can come boldly before the throne of grace, not with arrogance, but with confidence in the mercy of our High Priest, Jesus Christ. The priests of old were careful even in their garments to show respect before God, and in Revelation 5 we are given a vision of the heavenly throne room where the Lamb and the elders worship before Him. Paul’s act of kneeling acknowledges that same reverence and awe.

When he acknowledges that “the whole family in heaven and earth is named” after the Father, he reveals something profound about identity (Ephesians 3:15). The Greek words patēr (father) and patria (family) show a shared root—the very idea that family derives its name and existence from the father. Those who are in Christ carry the name of God. They are the children of God, part of the Church of God, belonging to the household of God, which is the temple of God. As Romans 9:25–26 reminds us, God calls those who were once “not My people” to become “sons of the living God.” This is our spiritual identity—not physical descent, but divine adoption.

Paul continues his prayer in Ephesians 3:16: 

“That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man.” 

God’s riches are not material; they are spiritual and inexhaustible. His glory is revealed in the transformation He brings within us. The Spirit is the power of God working in our inner being, giving us strength to overcome weakness and faith to endure. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Through the Spirit, we are renewed daily, being transformed “from glory to glory,” as 2 Corinthians 3:17–18 says, into the image of Christ.

Through faith, Christ dwells in our hearts, establishing His presence within us. This allows us to be “rooted and grounded in love,” because love is the foundation of everything God is doing (Ephesians 3:17). God’s entire plan of salvation rests upon His love. 

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). 

Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for her. 

“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). 

This love defines the relationship between God and His people—a love that is patient, kind, selfless and eternal.

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org 

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.