Meaning of Ephesians 1:19

This verse in Ephesians 1:19 speaks of the incomparably great power that God exerts on behalf of believers, equating it to the mighty strength He demonstrated in raising Jesus from the dead. This is not a passive or minimal power, but an overwhelming, transcendent force that is fundamentally available to those who place their faith in Christ. The apostle Paul is emphasizing the immense resources God has made accessible to the church, highlighting that the same divine energy that conquered death is now at work within them for their spiritual life and growth. The Greek word for "power" here is dunamis, which signifies inherent ability, inherent strength, or miraculous power, while "strength" (kratos) suggests dominion and might.

Context and Background

Ephesians 1:15-23 is a prayer of thanksgiving and supplication by Paul for the Ephesian believers. Following his declaration of God's blessings in Christ (verses 3-14), Paul now prays that they might understand the true nature and scope of these blessings. Verse 19 directly follows Paul's prayer for them to know the "surpassing greatness of his power that is at work in us who believe" (v. 19a, ESV). This power is then defined by its supreme demonstration: the resurrection of Christ. The epistle itself was written to the church at Ephesus, a significant Gentile center, and focuses on the unity of believers in Christ and the cosmic scope of God's redemptive plan.

Key Themes and Messages

• God's Supreme Power: The central theme is the immense, unparalleled power of God. It is "incomparably great" (huperballō), a term indicating that it exceeds all measure or comparison.
• Power for Believers: This power is not abstract; it is specifically directed and made available "for us who believe." Faith is the conduit through which this divine energy is accessed.
• Resurrection as the Benchmark: The ultimate demonstration of this power is God's resurrection of Jesus from the dead. This event is presented as the pinnacle of God's mighty acts, proving His absolute authority over sin and death.
• Empowerment for Spiritual Life: This power is not just for historical demonstration but is actively at work in believers, enabling their spiritual transformation, perseverance, and participation in God's purposes.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance of Ephesians 1:19 is profound. It assures believers that they are not alone in their struggles, nor are they equipped with merely human strength. The same God who orchestrated the resurrection of His Son has infused believers with His dynamic power. This power is the source of their ability to live a life pleasing to God, to overcome sin, to endure trials, and to participate in God's ongoing work of redemption in the world. Application involves actively relying on and accessing this power through prayer, scripture, and fellowship, recognizing that our spiritual victories are not by our own might but by God's.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse fits seamlessly within the overarching biblical narrative of God's power displayed in creation, salvation, and redemption. From the Genesis account of creation by God's word, through the Exodus and the parting of the Red Sea, to the ultimate triumph over death in the resurrection of Jesus, the Bible consistently portrays God as the supreme and all-powerful Creator and Redeemer. Ephesians 1:19 connects the historical, redemptive act of the resurrection to the ongoing spiritual experience of believers, demonstrating that God's power is not confined to the past but is a present reality for His people.

Analogies

To understand this "incomparably great power," consider an analogy: Imagine a tiny seedling possessing within it the inherent potential to grow into a mighty oak tree, capable of withstanding storms and providing shelter. This potential is not self-generated but is a gift of life and growth from the very soil and sun. Similarly, believers, though seemingly small in the face of life's challenges, possess within them the dunamis of God, the very life-giving and resurrecting power that can transform them and enable them to stand firm. Another analogy might be a small battery capable of powering a city; the potential is immense, but it requires connection to the source.

Relation to Other Verses

• Philippians 3:10: Paul expresses a desire "to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, and to share in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death." This echoes the sentiment of Ephesians 1:19, highlighting the resurrection power as central to the Christian experience.
• Romans 6:4: "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." This verse directly links the resurrection of Christ to the new life believers receive.
• Colossians 2:12: "having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead." This verse also connects baptism and faith to the power of God's resurrection.
• 1 Corinthians 6:14: "And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power." This verse explicitly states that God's power will raise believers, underscoring the ongoing efficacy of the resurrection power.