TGF Topical Studies

Praying after Paul

Trinity Grace Fellowship
James Hilston, 14 February 1999

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0. Preface: My experience with prayer has been as varied and inconsistent as one can possibly imagine. However, if I may lay claim to any direct and definite supernatural response to any of my prayers, it would be in answer to those offered according to Pauline example. No other answer to prayer do I appreciate and cherish as much as those I received as the result of the prayers we will examine below. The aim of this study is not to explore all aspects of prayer or to examine the various exhortations and commands to pray found in the scriptures. Rather, the purpose is to examine the content of *actual* prayers as found in the Pauline text.

I. Pauline prayers

Eph 1:17-22 3:14-21 Php 1:9-11 Col 1:9-11 4:12 2Th 1:11-12 3:1-3 Phm 1:6

II. Examination of the content of Paul's prayer in Eph 1:17-19

A. Eph 1:17

1. "the glory" is a specific reference to the glory of the Father, which is reflected by Christ (Who is the glory of the Father).

2. "spirit" is *not* THE Holy Spirit, but rather "the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul ... the efficient source of any power, affection, emotion, desire, etc. or the rational spirit, the power by which the human being feels, thinks, decides. [Thayer's, Online Bible CD-ROM] "... the sentient element in man, that by which he perceives, reflects, feels, desires [Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words].

3. "of wisdom and revelation" is a hendiadys, a figure of speech used for emphasis, and may be rendered: "may give unto you-all spirit of truly revealed wisdom in the knowledge of Him." The "truly revealed wisdom" is specific to that which was directly and exclusively revealed to Paul, that is, the Mystery. Compare:

4. "knowledge" is epiginosis, detailed or super-knowledge.

5. Paul's prayer is that his audience, the Body of Christ, would be given, by the Father of the very glory in which the Body of Christ will eternally share, the spiritual driving force of the truly revealed wisdom rooted in a super-detailed knowledge of Him.

B. Eph 1:18

1. "eyes of understanding" Understanding refers to the mind. The idea is that the mind perceives, grasps and knows (eido) mentally ...

2. Greek words for "know":

3. "Being enlightened" to instruct, make see of understand. cf.:

Eph 3:9 And to make <5461> all men see <5461> what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

2Ti 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought <5461> life and immortality to light <5461> through the gospel:

a. Ps. 19:1-6 To the pre-Israel, pre-Mosaic-Law, Elect Gentiles, the heavens were their source of revelation about God --their source of "enlightenment."

b. Ps. 19:-7-8 For the Nation of Israel, (beginning at verse 7), the Law is described as perfect, sure, right, pure and "enlightening the eyes."

c. Eph. 1:18 For the Body of Christ, the Mystery plays the role of "enlightening" for members of the Body of Christ.

4. "what is THE hope of his [THE] calling" "Calling" is klesis, from which we get ekklesia, or "called-out ones". This particular calling is to members of the Body of Christ exclusively and pertains to our Hope *only*.

5. "the riches of the glory" This is a Pauline distinctive. Outside of Paul, the usage of the word "riches" is secular and in a negative sense (with only one exception). Only Paul uses the word with such frequency, in a positive sense, and only referring to the Body of Christ. Full concordance:

a. "the riches" tis o plautos (4149): riches, wealth, fulness, abundance, plenitude

(1) Non-Pauline usage: Mt 13:22 Mr 4:19 Lu 8:14 Heb 11:26 Jas 5:2

Re 5:12 Re 18:17

(2) Pauline usage: Ro 2:4 9:23 11:12,33 2Co 8:2 Eph 1:7,18

Eph 2:7 3:8,16 Php 4:19 Col 1:27 2:2 1Ti 6:17

Ro 9:23 And that he might make known the riches <4149> of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

Ro 11:33 O the depth of the riches <4149> both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments (cf. Eph. 3:8), and his ways past finding out!

2Co 8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches <4149> of their liberality.

Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches <4149> of his grace;

Eph 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches <4149> of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Eph 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches <4149> of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Eph 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches <4149> of Christ;

Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches <4149> of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

Php 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches <4149> in glory by Christ Jesus.

Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches <4149> of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Col 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches <4149> of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

b."the glory", tes doxes (1391), the meaning of which will depend upon context. Among its various meaning: splendour, brightness, magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, grace, majesty, a thing belonging to God, the absolutely perfect inward or personal excellency of Christ; a most glorious condition, most exalted state; of that condition with God the Father in heaven to which Christ was raised after he had achieved his work on earth, the glorious condition of blessedness into which is appointed and promised the Elect [from Online Bible CD-ROM]

5. "of His inheritance". Members of the Body of Christ are joint-heirs with Christ (Ro 8:17 Eph 3:6).

6. "in the saints". 2Th 1:10; See discussion in DS7.

C. Eph 1:19

1. "exceeding" 5235 huperballo, surpassing, going way beyond

a. Usage: 2Co 3:10 9:14 Eph 1:19 2:7 3:19

b. Compare usage of 5236 huperbole

[Ro 7:13 1Co 12:31 2Co 1:8 4:7,17 12:7 Ga 1:13]

c. Both of these Greek words are used exclusively by Paul in the scriptures.

2. "greatness" 3174 megathos. The only occurrence. Its root word is 3173 megas, which has a variety of meanings in over 200 occurrences. Megas basically means "great" in the sense "of the external form or sensible appearance of things (or of persons) in particular, of space and its dimensions, as respects mass and weight (great), compass and extent (large), spacious measure and height (long), stature and age (great, old). Cf. Eph 3:18,19:

(Paul prays) ... [that ye] May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth [huperballo] knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

3. "of his power" (dunamis 1411)

4. "to us-ward who believe, according to the working" (energeia 1753)

5. "of his mighty" (ischus 2479)

6. "power" (kratos 2904)

7. Greek words for "power"

8. "And what is the exceeding greatness of his inherent power (out of His nature) toward us who believe, according to the operative power of his strongly and powerfully manifested might." The very power that raised Christ to the third heaven is the same power that works in us to enable us to believe the Mystery.

9. "Power" combinations.

a. Only Paul uses these words in combinations such as we see below, particularly with such a direct connection between God's power and the saints:

  • Eph 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power <1411> to us-ward who believe, according to the working <1753> of his mighty power <2904>,
  • Eph 3:7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working <1753> of his power <1411>.
  • Col 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working <1753>, which worketh in me mightily <1411>.
  • Col 1:11 Strengthened with all might <1411>, according to his glorious power <2904>, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
  • Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power <2904> of his might <2479>.

b. The only comparable occurrence (in Peter) doesn't come close to the frequency or emphases in Paul.

  • 1Pe 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability <2479> which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion <2904> for ever and ever. Amen.

c. The distinction between the usage of these words in Paul vs. Peter and other NT authors demonstrates and describes the direct, unmediated relationship the Body of Christ has with Christ, who is our Head.

10. Each noted item in this passage, (1) the "enlightenment" (through a spirit of the truly revealed wisdom), (2) knowing in precise detail *what is* the Hope of His calling, (3) *what are* the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the Holy of Holies, and (4) *what is* the exceeding greatness of his power toward us, are all in the context of and relate directly to the Mystery, the gospel given exclusively to the Body of Christ.

III. Examination of the content of Paul's prayer in Eph. 3:14-21

A. Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

1. "Riches of glory", see above, a Pauline distinctive.

2. "strengthened" (2901) is related to "manifested power" [kratos, 2904] above. "might" (1411) is dunamis. See above also.

B. Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by [through] [the] [F]aith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

1. Rooted (4492), or strengthened as with roots, used only twice in NT, both times by Paul. Cf. Col. 2:7

2. Grounded (2311), stabilized, established, founded. Cf. Col. 1:23.

C. Eph 3:18 [in love, en agape] May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

Comprehend (2638) to lay hold of so as to make one's own, to obtain, attain to, to make one's own, to take into one's self, appropriate, to lay hold of with the mind, to understand, perceive, learn, comprehend.

D. Eph 3:19 And to know [1097, ginosko] the love [26, agape] of Christ, which passeth [5235, huperballo] knowledge [1108, gnosis], that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Such apparently extreme and emphasized phrases as "knowing that which surpasses knowledge" and "be filled with all the fulness" are typical of Paul's language regarding the relationship of the Body of Christ with Christ.

E. Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able [1410, dunameno] to do exceeding abundantly [ek perissou, out of excess, 4053, see below] above all that we ask or think, according to the power [1411, dunamis] that worketh [1754, energeo] in us, or "Now unto him that is inherently powerful to, beyond all, do beyond, out of and beyond excess [4053, perissou] ..."

IV. Examination of the content of Paul's prayer in Php. 1:9,10

A. Php. 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound [4052, perisseue] yet more and more [eti mallon kai mallon] in knowledge [1922, epiginosko] and in all judgment;

B. Php. 1:10,11 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11 Being filled [4137, pleroo, filled up to the full] with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

V. Examination of the content of Paul's prayer in Col. 1:9-11

A. Col. 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled [4137, pleroo, filled up to the full] with the knowledge [1922, epiginosko] of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

B. Col 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge [1922, epiginosko] of God;

C. Col 1:11 Strengthened [1412, dunamao] with all might [1411, dunamis], according to his glorious power [2904, kratos], unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; or "That ye might [be] ... made inherently powerful with all inherent power, according to the manifested power of the Glory ..."

VI. Examination of the content of Paul's prayer in Col 4:12

Col. 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete [4137, pleroo, filled up to the full] in all the will of God (see Col. 1:9, above, epiginosis of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding).

VII. Examination of the content of Paul's prayer in 2Th 1:11

A. 2Th 1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil [4137, pleroo, fill up to the full] all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power [1411, dunamis]:

VIII. Comparison with non-Pauline prayers:

Prayers outside of Pauline scripture are widely different in content, purpose, and manner. They often appeal to God for deliverance, vindication, fulfillment of God's promises, the consummation of the Kingdom, the safety of Israel as a nation dwelling in the Land, and are offered at particular times of the day, month, or year, according to the Jewish festal calendar.

IX. Praying after Paul:

A. From Eph 1:17ff 17 [We pray] That [You] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto [us] the spirit of truly revealed wisdom in the knowledge of [You]: 18 The eyes of [our] understanding being enlightened; that [we] may know what is the hope of [Your] calling, and what the riches of the glory of [Your] inheritance in the [holy of holies], 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of [Your] power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of [Your] mighty power, 20 Which [You] wrought in Christ, when [You] raised him from the dead, and set him at [Your] own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

B. From Eph 3:14ff 14 For this cause I bow my knees unto [You], the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That [You] would grant [us], according to the riches of [Your] glory, to be strengthened with might by [Your] Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in [our] hearts by faith; that [w]e, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that [w]e might be filled with all the fulness of God. [See vv. 20,21 under VIII.I, below]

C. From Php 1:9ff 9 And this [we] pray, that [our] love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That [we] may approve things that are excellent; that [we] may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of [You], God.

D. From Col 1:9ff 9 ... [We] pray ..., and to desire that [we] might be filled with the knowledge of [Your] will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 That [we] might walk worthy of [You] unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of [You]; 11 Strengthened with all might, according to [Your] glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 12 Giving thanks unto the [You, Father], Who hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the [holy of holies] in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of [Your] dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

E. From Col 4:12 ... that we may stand perfect and complete in all [of Your will].

F. From 2Th 1:11,12 11[We pray] ..., that [You,] God would count [us] worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of [Your] goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in [us], and [we] in him, according to [Your grace] and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

G. From 2Th 3:1ff 1 [We] pray ..., that [Your] word ... may have free course, and be glorified, ...: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 3 But [You] Lord [are] faithful, [and You] shall [e]stablish [us], and keep [us] from evil.

H. From Phm 1:6 [We pray] That the communication of [our] faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in [us] in Christ Jesus.

I. From Eph. 3:20,21 (again): 20 Now unto [You, who are] able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to [Your] power that worketh in us, 21 Unto [You] be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

X. Conclusion: The prayers of Paul in behalf of the saints of the Body of Christ are inspired and therefore, reflect the intent of God toward His elect of this dispensation. With great excess and emphasis in his language, Paul's desires for the Elect in his audience expressed in his prayers indicate a direct and intimate relationship with the Godhead found nowhere else in scripture. Paul's prayers will certainly be answered "yes," and we may pray them with confidence, knowing that, as members of the Body of Christ, these things will certainly come to pass, although the degree of our progress, both individually and collectively (the assembly) is unknown.

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