Ephesians 3:14-15 (The Father of all)

            Summary: Paul begins here by stating that because of the confidence that comes through Christ, he bows before the Father and eventually (in verses 16) beg him to grant the church in Ephesus strength in Christ.  His grounds, as revealed in v.11-13, is the fact that we can have confidence before the Father who is above every family on heaven and earth or that is named. 

Note:  It should be noted that this is Paul returning to the same thought that he began in v.1.

            Note:  The Greek word patria in verse 15 has the idea of being a lineage

Note:  Another translation of v.14 is “from whom every family in heaven on earth derives its name” (NASB)

Note: The Greek word for Father as used in v.14 is pater which literally means “male ancestor, generator, father”

Timeless Principle: Paul’s response to the Picture of the mystery of the Gospel that he has painted in the previous verses causes us to bow his knee to the Father once more.   This is really the only response to any picture of God in any of his attributes, being an out falling in reverence to the father.

Paul, in v.14, adores the Father of everyone who is named.  In Greek this is that he is the Pater and we are his Patria. Literally this means that he is our Father and we are his children as Paul describes in chapter one, calling us sons and daughters who are loved by a Holy God, whom through His plan of redemption destined us to be his adopted people.  This is amazing.  Think about it, the Creator that drives the greatest men of the Bible and history alike cannot do anything but hit their faces before Him.  Any description of God and his attributes should drive us to the point of the people that are described anytime heaven or physical manifestation of God in His full glory is mentioned, being a people who cannot help but scream that god is “Holy, Holy, Holy.”  A title that can only be held by him who is the “Author of life” (Acts 3:15).

Our number one application from this text should simply be simply to adore the Godhead and his triune glory and be reminded of our wickedness and His love for us.  May we never forget that God is before all things and is both the beginning and the end, the “firstborn of the dead so, that in everything he might be preeminent.” (Col. 1: 18).  Christ was first and remains there still and in our filth we attempt to remove him from his throne and try to make ourselves the Father of all instead of glorifying the Father of lights above.  Give him the glory.