I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:16-17

In each of Paul’s letters, he includes prayers for the churches he was involved in developing. This message of thanksgiving and Paul’s sharing of his prayerful request for the Ephesians is similar to the others. 

However, Paul’s thankfulness for the church at Ephesus and his prayer suggests a maturity in the members of the church at Ephesus than is generally found in Paul’s other letters. Paul’s words, “remembering you in my prayers” indicates his leading by example in showing love and concern for fellow believers.

Without feeling compelled to address any pressing issues in the Ephesian church, Paul either addresses the Ephesians as devoid of major internal matters or he chooses to focus on encouraging the Ephesians without contention. 

Spirit of Revelation

Whatever the cause, verse seventeen reveals Paul’s belief that church members were mature enough to receive the Spirit of wisdom. In addition, Paul prays that church members receive revelation from God. The particular type of revelation Paul refers to is knowing God’s specific plan for each of their lives. This differs from the general revelation of God seen in creation or specific revelation such as prophecy or the holy scriptures. 

Notably, Paul mentions all three aspects of God in these verses. Calling Jesus Lord, Paul reveals that his prayer is directly to God the Father. His request that our heavenly Father give the Spirit of wisdom is more likely than not Paul’s desire that church members receive the Holy Spirit for guidance, wisdom, and spiritual growth in understanding our holy God. 

Yesterday’s Devotional: In the Holy Spirit