The Authorised Version reads "that ye may be filled with all the fullness of God". It

seems to be impossible that we should be capable of being filled with "all the fullness of

God" and the Revised Version is a literal and correct translation. We have seen in

previous studies that grace is given according to the measure of the gift of Christ

(Eph.4:7), and the growth of the Body is "according to the effectual working in the

measure of every part". The capacity of each member differs; we are all like vessels of

various shapes and sizes. So we are filled with the fullness of God according to the

measure he has seen fit to give u. Stuart Allen has well expressed it by writing that we

can be filled "to the brim".

As we come to the wonderful doxology, may we pause, and go back to review again

the threefold petition, which is linked so emphatically and increasingly with strength and

power. The prayer leads us to such spiritual heights that we cannot contemplate them

without the help of the Spirit of God, and we cannot experience those blessings unless

resurrection power is granted us.

We have already commented that in verses 16 and 17, Paul prays that the Father

would grant, according to the riches of His glory, that they may be strengthened with

power through His Spirit in the inward man, and this strengthening is the essential

preparation for the dwelling of Christ in our hearts. Then, as Paul proceeds in the prayer

that they may apprehend the extent, and to know, the love of Christ, he prays that they

may be strong. In C.H.Welch's structure he uses a different translation, "may have

strength enough". The literal translation is "they ye may be fully able to comprehend". It

appears that to know how great and extensive is the love of Christ, we need extra

Then we have the prayer that we may be filled unto all fullness of God, and

immediately afterwards, in the doxology, we find the expression "according to the power

that worketh in us". He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.

What more could be said! How great is His power and how great is the power that is

working in us! We certainly need that power if we are to be filled unto all the fullness of

God. Let us join with Paul and ascribe to Him the glory: "To Him be the glory in the

church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations for ever and ever. Amen" (3:21).

For the benefit of those readers who do not possess Hymns of Praise, we would like

to share hymn No.16, which was written by "A Friend" on Ephesians 3:19:

Filled with all the fullness, can it be

For Gentile strangers such as we?

We who the paths of sin have trod,

As aliens from the life of God.