Note 7 at Eph. 1:18: The phrase, "eyes of your understanding" is a metaphor referring to the ability to perceive with the mind. Just as a person can't see with his physical eyes if he has his eyes closed, so no one can see with his understanding if his mind is closed. We have to have our understanding opened by the Lord to perceive spiritual truth (Lk. 24:45; see the notes at Eph. 4:17 and note 3 at Mk. 8:17, p. 258).

Note 8 at Eph. 1:18: Wisdom and revelation can only be received as the eyes of our heart are enlightened. Several modern translations have translated the English word "understanding" in this verse as "heart" (NIV; RSV). The actual Greek word for "understanding" is DIANOIA and is translated in the King James Version as mind, understanding, and imagination. Our way of thinking has to be illuminated in order to come to a more accurate and thorough knowledge of God. In fact, spiritual mindedness is the only way to true life and peace (Rom. 8:5-6; Isa. 26:3), and the renewing of the mind is the way to knowing the perfect will of God (Rom. 12:2).

Note 9 at Eph. 1:18: The end result of this wisdom and revelation is that the Ephesians might know (1) "the hope of his calling"; (2) "the riches of the glory of his inheritance"; and (3) "the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward." Without a revelation from God, no one can realize these blessings.

Someone might ask, "Didn't the Ephesians already know these things?" There are several Greek words in the New Testament for the word "knowledge." This particular Greek word is EPIGNOSIS and is related to its verb counterpart EPIGINOSKO which carries the idea of full, accurate, expert knowledge. It's one thing to know about car engines, it's quite another thing to have the expert knowledge of a mechanic. Paul's prayer is that, through a spirit of wisdom and revelation, the Ephesians may come to know the Father in a deeper, more perfect way than they had before.

Note 10 at Eph. 1:18: Notice that Paul said, "the hope of HIS calling," not OUR calling. Through our faith in Christ we have become partakers of everything that Christ deserves (see note 4 at Gal. 3:29, p. 1071). It takes a divine revelation to understand this, and that is exactly what Paul is praying for in this verse.

Note 11 at Eph. 1:18: Once again, it is important to notice that the inheritance which is within us is HIS inheritance. Everything we have is all through Christ. It came through His holiness, not ours, and it remains because of His faithfulness, not ours. That's good news!

Note 12 at Eph. 1:18: Notice that "the riches of the glory of his inheritance" are IN the saints. Most people picture the streets of gold and the wonders of heaven when they think of the glories of God's riches. But the treasures that are within every believer right now would "bankrupt heaven" (see note 1 at Rom. 8:18, p. 797).