1:15-16 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints
Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers
Paul often reflected on his thankfulness for the testimonies and faiths of other believers. This is a pattern within the writings of the Apostle Paul. This pattern is shown to be conducted by Paul here and the pattern is likewise encouraged in Philippians 4:6 and 1st Corinthians 11:1.
Chapter 1 can be divided into two portions. The 1st portion we have already discussed pertaining to the Spiritual blessings (v.1-14). The 2nd half pertains to the blessings impact on the Church. It is notable that obtaining the blessings is not Paul’s prayer, but rather realizing that as saints we already have them.
Not realizing this truth leaves Christians seeking and in a constant state of Spiritual fear and turmoil.
Additionally, the two prayers within chapter 1 are about Spiritual knowledge of truth and the realization of the truth we possess in Christ.
1:17-19 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints
And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power
Paul’s prayer is addressed to the “God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of glory”. This address denotes God as the originator of glory.
The word for “glory” here being “doxa” in the original Greek writing. Vine’s Expository Dictionary defines the term in various ways; however, essentially represents God’s self-manifestation of Himself, which is divine, splendorous, and perfect. God is the origin of such traits.
As in 17, it is only by God that we obtain wisdom and truth about Him. This makes perfect sense, as no one would know God better. This knowledge is revealed by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:1-16).
God graciously supplies the believer with understanding and knowledge of the blessings we receive in Christ. The question is, will we believe them also?
Nonetheless, as ministers of the Gospel, it is not our job to know ourselves better; however, rather know Him better. With this task, we can not be steered wrong considering our identity is in Him (Philiphians 3:10; Romans 8:1).
There is hope in the calling of Christ. This is essentially the hope of the saint because the Body of Christ is a called-out collection of individuals. We as the Church have the hope of the inheritance of Heaven through the Gospel of Christ (Titus 2:13)!
1:20-23 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church
Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Once again, Paul sets the believers’ sight on “heavenly places” rather than the broken, fragile promises of the World (v.20).
The mighty power of Christ is, has been eternal, and was worked in Christ through His resurrection which allowed the justification and intercession of man (Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:13-15).
Importantly, Christ’s authority surpasses all power and ruler-ship in the physical and spiritual realms. This is what we proclaim when announcing that “Jesus is Lord”. He is the highest power.
As the Church and the Body of Christ, Jesus is the head of operations. His mighty power is manifested in us Spiritually and we possess His resurrection power (Romans 6:3-4).