As mentioned in my initial post for this series, I intend to blog through a number of New Testament texts where the Apostles are either praying or reflecting on their prayers. In noting how the Apostles prayed, it will help us to conform our prayers so that they are more biblical.
Today's text is Ephesians 3:14-17:
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love
Prayer Attitude: We should be reverent when we pray (Eph 3:14).
Prayer Focus: Petition that God's Spirit would exert a greater and greater controlling influence on our will.
Hendriksen writes in his New Testament Commentary, "This “inner man” is not that which is rational in man as contrasted with man’s lower appetites. Paul’s terminology is not that of Plato or of the Stoics. On the contrary, the “inner man” is the opposite of the “outer” (or: outward) man. Cf. II Cor. 4:16. The former is hidden from the public gaze. The latter is open to the public. It is in the hearts of believers that the principle of a new life has been implanted by the Holy Spirit. See on 3:17. What the writer is praying for is therefore this, that within these hearts such a controlling influence may be exerted that they may be strengthened more and more with Spirit-imparted power."
O'Brien writes in The Pillar New Testament Commentary, "It is the focal point at the centre of a persons life where the Spirit does his strengthening and renewing work. Indeed, the inner self stands in need of empowering given our struggle against sin (Rom. 7:22) and the need for daily renewal (2Cor. 4:6). When the outer person of the believer is wasting away, the inner person is being renewed day by day (2 Cor. 4:16)."
Prayer Attitude: We should be reverent when we pray (Eph 3:14).
Prayer Focus: Petition that God's Spirit would exert a greater and greater controlling influence on our will.
Hendriksen writes in his New Testament Commentary, "This “inner man” is not that which is rational in man as contrasted with man’s lower appetites. Paul’s terminology is not that of Plato or of the Stoics. On the contrary, the “inner man” is the opposite of the “outer” (or: outward) man. Cf. II Cor. 4:16. The former is hidden from the public gaze. The latter is open to the public. It is in the hearts of believers that the principle of a new life has been implanted by the Holy Spirit. See on 3:17. What the writer is praying for is therefore this, that within these hearts such a controlling influence may be exerted that they may be strengthened more and more with Spirit-imparted power."
O'Brien writes in The Pillar New Testament Commentary, "It is the focal point at the centre of a persons life where the Spirit does his strengthening and renewing work. Indeed, the inner self stands in need of empowering given our struggle against sin (Rom. 7:22) and the need for daily renewal (2Cor. 4:6). When the outer person of the believer is wasting away, the inner person is being renewed day by day (2 Cor. 4:16)."
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