Fathers

Ephesians 3

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For this cause I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles, if it is so that you have heard of the administration of that grace of God which was given me toward you, how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words, by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News, of which I was made a servant according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power. To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ, to the intent that now through the assembly the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him. Therefore I ask that you may not lose heart at my troubles for you, which are your glory. For this cause, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth, and to know Christ’s love which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to him be the glory in the assembly and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

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What the Fathers say

Ephesians 3:20

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." That God hath done "abundantly above all that we ask or think," is evident from what the Apostle himself hath written. …

Homily on Ephesians 7 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

I, he says, ask, but He will do even more than what is contained in my prayer. For not only everything that one asks, but more He is able to do, and "incomparably more," that is, generously and abundantly. And he indicates the abundance twofold: "incomparably" and "more." For it is possible to do more than what is asked, but not "incomparably," which means generously and abundantly. But God can do both. …

Commentary on Ephesians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

After this, the Apostle gives thanks to God for hearing his prayer (v. 20). In reference to this he does three things: First, he mentions the power of God with which he grants petitions. Secondly, he gives an example of that power (3:20b). Thirdly, he mentions what prompts his thanksgiving (3:21). He describes the infinite power of God, saying Now to him, meaning to Christ as God and God the Father, who is able to do all things: "Almighty is his name" (Ex. 15:3). …

Commentary on Ephesians ↗

Bonaventure

Such love transcends every intellect and every science. But if it transcends every science, how can this wisdom be seen? That is why the Apostle continues: "Now, to him who is able to accomplish all things in a measure far beyond what we ask or conceive." For it does not belong to anyone, but to the man to whom God reveals it.

Collations on the Hexaemeron, Collation 2 ↗