Tag: abound

Romans 15:13 – Hopeful Expectation

Posted on by Will

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Truth to Learn

Christians can have joy, peace, and hopeful expectation.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “hope” in this verse is a form of the Greek word elpis, which means, “the desire of something good with full expectation of obtaining it.” It is different than the English word “hope,” which implies simply a desire for something but not knowing whether it will happen or not. Paul calls our God the God of hope because we know that His promises will definitely come true.

“Fill” is from the verb plēroō, which means “to fill.” Actually, it means more than just filling something; it means to cram it as full as possible. It is expressed here in the Optative mood, indicating a wish, or desire on the part of the Apostle Paul.

The word translated “all” is the Greek word pas, which means “all, the whole, completely, with nothing missing.”

“Joy” is translated from the Greek noun chara, meaning “cheerfulness” or “calm delight.”

The noun “peace” is from eirēnē, which means “peace or tranquility.” It is a state in which there is no perceived threat or cause for worry present.

The word translated “abound” is the Greek word perisseuō, which means “to be in excess in number or measure.”

 

Meaning Explained

Having finished his treatise on the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ, Paul closes this section with a benediction. He starts off invoking the benediction from the “God of hope.” In all that Paul has been teaching us since the first verse of chapter fourteen, it is hope which, among other things, unites us. It is to both the Jew and Gentile the hope of the return of the Messiah, and it is also to both the Jew and the Gentile the hope of the resurrection and salvation that He promised. Not just empty hope, but expectant hope.

In this benediction Paul asks that God will fill us “with all joy and peace” in our believing faith. That is, Paul is asking that God cram us completely full with all possible joy and peace. Not just a lot of it, but all of it, with nothing missing!

And, as a result of that joy and peace that we have in our saving faith, we can thus abound in hope. Because of the joy and peace that we have in our faith, we can be filled to overflowing with expectant hope.

Our salvation is not a salvation of worry or fear (worrying or being afraid that we might lose it), but a salvation of hope, with full expectation and assurance that God will deliver on His promises.

 

Application

If you have submitted yourself to the lordship of Jesus Christ and have accepted the sacrificial offering of His blood as full payment for your sins, then God will save you according to His promises! This is the greatest truth ever proclaimed to man. Even though none of us is righteous, all of us are sinners, and even though God demands righteousness, we can avoid the penalty of our sinfulness through the blood of the Lamb of God who was sacrificed to pay the penalty of our sins! Praise God!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 5:20 – More Than Plenty

Posted on by Will

And law entered that the offense might increase. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much much more,

Truth to Learn

God’s grace easily covers the glaring presence of our sin.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “entered” is the Greek word pareiserchomai. This is a double compound word made up of para, meaning “alongside,” eis, meaning “into,” and erchomai, which means “to come or to go.” Hence, it means “to come in alongside.”

“Abound” is from the word pleonadzō, which means “to make more or to increase.”

The words “abounded much more” are translated from the Greek word huperperisseuō, which is a compound of huper (or hyper), meaning “over or above” and perisseuō, meaning “to be in excess or to superabound.” Hence hyperperisseuō means “to be more than in excess,” that is, “to more than superabound” or abounded much much more.

 

Meaning Explained

In these two final verses in the fifth chapter of Romans, Paul seems to anticipate an objection that might be raised against the argument he has been making. The objection would be, “If sin was already in the world and man was already condemned, then what purpose did the Law serve?” That is the question that Paul is going to answer here.

From the word that Paul used we can see that the Law came in alongside. You see, God did not deliver the Law as something new or to replace something else. It was delivered to stand alongside the sin guilt that already existed in man.

The real question is, “Why?” According to Paul, the Law was delivered so that the offense might “abound” or “increase.” Did it actually create more sin? No, it simply made it more obvious. It’s like turning-on a light in a dirty, dusty room. With the light off, the filth is there but it can’t be seen. When the light is turned on, the dirt and dust become obvious and undeniable. That was the purpose of the Law, to make our sinfulness obvious.

The greatest news in this verse, is that where sin was in abundance as a result of having had the light turned on, the grace of God did not simply more abound, it more than superabounded. When God bestows His grace to us, it is not just barely enough to cover our sin guilt, it is way more than enough. There is no question that it is more than sufficient. It was necessary for us to see our sinfulness in the light of God’s presence so that we could not deny it and so that God’s grace would be even more evident when He saved us from that sinfulness.

Once again, we see that God did not leave us out in the dark but provided us a way to freely come into the light!

 

Application

Anyone who has honestly faced the fact of their own sinfulness knows that they are not just a little bit of a sinner. We know how great our own personal sinfulness really is. But God’s grace is more than enough to cover all of our filthy sinfulness. Praise God!

And law entered that the offense might increase. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much much more,

Truth to Learn

God’s grace easily covers the glaring presence of our sin.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “entered” is the Greek word pareiserchomai. This is a double compound word made up of para, meaning “alongside,” eis, meaning “into,” and erchomai, which means “to come or to go.” Hence, it means “to come in alongside.”

“Abound” is from the word pleonadzō, which means “to make more or to increase.”

The words “abounded much more” are translated from the Greek word huperperisseuō, which is a compound of huper (or hyper), meaning “over or above” and perisseuō, meaning “to be in excess or to superabound.” Hence hyperperisseuō means “to be more than in excess,” that is, “to more than superabound” or abounded much much more.

 

Meaning Explained

In these two final verses in the fifth chapter of Romans, Paul seems to anticipate an objection that might be raised against the argument he has been making. The objection would be, “If sin was already in the world and man was already condemned, then what purpose did the Law serve?” That is the question that Paul is going to answer here.

From the word that Paul used we can see that the Law came in alongside. You see, God did not deliver the Law as something new or to replace something else. It was delivered to stand alongside the sin guilt that already existed in man.

The real question is, “Why?” According to Paul, the Law was delivered so that the offense might “abound” or “increase.” Did it actually create more sin? No, it simply made it more obvious. It’s like turning-on a light in a dirty, dusty room. With the light off, the filth is there but it can’t be seen. When the light is turned on, the dirt and dust become obvious and undeniable. That was the purpose of the Law, to make our sinfulness obvious.

The greatest news in this verse, is that where sin was in abundance as a result of having had the light turned on, the grace of God did not simply more abound, it more than superabounded. When God bestows His grace to us, it is not just barely enough to cover our sin guilt, it is way more than enough. There is no question that it is more than sufficient. It was necessary for us to see our sinfulness in the light of God’s presence so that we could not deny it and so that God’s grace would be even more evident when He saved us from that sinfulness.

Once again, we see that God did not leave us out in the dark but provided us a way to freely come into the light!

 

Application

Anyone who has honestly faced the fact of their own sinfulness knows that they are not just a little bit of a sinner. We know how great our own personal sinfulness really is. But God’s grace is more than enough to cover all of our filthy sinfulness. Praise God!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 3:7 – The Truth Judge

Posted on by Will

For if in my lie the truth of God has abounded to His glory, why am I still being judged as a sinner?

Truth to Learn

We are sinners and God will judge sinners.

 

Behind the Words

The word “lie” is translated from the Greek word pseusma, which is based on the verb pseudomai, meaning “to speak an untruth” or “to attempt to deceive by falsehood.” Therefore, pseusma refers to “a lie” or “a falsehood.”

 “Abounded” is from the Greek word perisseuō, which is based on the preposition peri, meaning “around, through, or over.” Perisseuō, means “to be in excess,” “to be overly abundant,” or “to have more than enough.”

 

Meaning Explained

Paul now states another rhetorical question that could be asked by those who argue against his line of reasoning. The argument could be stated like this: “Hey, Paul, if God is shown to be true by judging my sin and He receives glory for it, then my sin really isn’t bad, is it? If it glorifies God, it must be OK!”

The fallacy of that argument is that the act of sin does not glorify God any more than someone committing murder glorifies the court system. It is the fact that God judges the act of sin just as He said He would (God is shown to be true to His word) that glorifies Him. In the same manner, punishing a murderer glorifies the court system because the court has fulfilled its stated purpose and responsibility.

Some might claim that in the current verse Paul is confessing to be a liar, but that is not the case. You will recall back in verse five he said:

God is true but every man a liar.

That is to say, there is no one who tells the truth all the time, except God. Therefore, every man is a liar. And, if every man is a liar, then that includes Paul.

In effect, what Paul was saying back in verse 4 is, “God is true! And every man is a liar. Therefore man cannot nullify the faithfulness of God.” It is the fact that God is true, i.e. He always does just what He said He would do which brings glory to Him, not our sinfulness.

Also, God’s truth is what separates Christians from the rest of mankind. In John’s gospel he related the prayer that Jesus prayed for his disciples after the Last Supper. In that prayer Jesus said:

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. (John 17:17)

We have been set apart … from sin and to God (that’s what “sanctify” means). Believing the gospel message is what sets us apart because that message is truth.

 

Application

Once again, we are brought face to face with how holy our God is and how sinful we are. And, it is absolutely amazing that a Holy God who judges sin manages to find a way for sinners like us to avoid His judgment. He sent His Son to sacrifice His perfect life so that my sins and yours could be forgiven. How great is His love and how marvelous is His grace!

I am as grateful as I am unworthy! And that’s the truth!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 1:3 – Growing Difficulties

Posted on by Will

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,

Truth to Learn

Difficult times help our faith to grow.

 

Behind the Words

The words “we are bound” are translated from the Greek verb opheilō. This word means “to be indebted to someone” or “to owe a debt to someone.”

“Always” is from the Greek word pantote, which is made up of pas, meaning “all” and tote, meaning “at the time” or “the when.” Thus, pantote means “all the time.”

Axion is the word translated “fitting.” This Greek word is based on the verb agō, meaning “to lead” or “to bring.” Axion is a picture of a weight being placed on a set of scales, bringing it to a level position. Thus, axion is a reference to the value or worth of something.

The words “grows exceedingly” are from the verb huperauxanō, which is made up of huper (hyper), meaning “above” or “over” and auxanō, meaning “to grow” or “to increase.” Thus, huperauxanō means “to increase greatly.”

“Abounds” is translated from the verb pleonadzō, which means “to cause to have much, or more than enough.”

 

Meaning Explained

Why do you think the Apostle Paul felt compelled to thank God for the Thessalonian Christians? Could it be because God had answered his previous prayers? In 1 Thessalonians 3:12 he prayed:

And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love unto one another and unto all, just as we do unto you, (1 Thessalonians 3:12)

As evidenced by Paul’s comments in today’s verse, God had answered his prayer, specifically regarding their growth in love. Apparently, the person who had delivered Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians had returned and informed him, among other things, that the Christians there were growing in their love for one another. And, notice that it is not just a few of them; Paul says that “the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other.”

Notice that it was not just their love which made Paul thankful. He says that their faith was growing exceedingly. So, how does a Christian grow in faith? Faith doesn’t grow all by itself just because you’re a Christian. In fact, there are many Christians whose faith is not very strong at all. Our faith grows when we see God at work in our lives. That usually means that we have to go through times of trials and testing. These are the things that cause us to fall on our knees seeking God’s help.

The Thessalonian Christians were under attack from the Jews and from their fellow countrymen as we learned from 1 Thessalonians 2:14. However, they didn’t just give up; instead, they stood up. They endured the difficult times, bowing before our Lord and seeking His face.

 

Application

Are you undergoing difficulties in your life right now? If so, you should be thankful to God for loving you enough to bring things into your life that will make your faith grow. Take some time to thank God for helping your faith to get stronger.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 4:1 – Love Others!

Posted on by Will

As for the rest then, brothers, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you need to walk and to please God that you should abound more;

Truth to Learn

Being more loving is our responsibility.

 

Behind the Words

“As for the rest” is translated from the Greek word loipon, which refers to “something remaining.” In regard to time, it can be translated as “henceforth” In regard to other things, it can be translated “as to the rest” of “for the remainder.”

The word translated “request” is erotaō, which means “to ask, to inquire, or to urge.”

The word “exhort” is from parakaleō, which is made up of para, meaning “near, beside, or alongside” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” Thus parakaleō literally means “to call near” or “to call alongside.” Metaphorically, it means “to encourage, to challenge, or to coach.”

 “You received” is from paralambanō. This word means “to take near” or “to receive to oneself.”

“Need” is translated from the Greek word dei, which means to have a necessity or a need.

The word “walk” is translated from peripateō, which literally means “to walk around.” Metaphorically, it refers to the manner in which one lives one’s life.

“Please” is from areskō, meaning “to soften one’s heart toward another” or “to please.”

Perisueuō is the word translated “should abound.” It means “to be in excess” or “to have more than enough.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of something happening. So, we see that it means “you may abound” or “you might abound.”

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous chapter Paul explained why he sent Timothy to the Thessalonian church: to strengthen and encourage them. His concern was that the afflictions and suffering that Paul and his companions were enduring, as well as what the Thessalonians themselves were enduring,  might have caused their faith to grow weak. Having learned that their faith remained strong, Paul then offered up a prayer for them.

Paul now switches gears and goes into preaching mode in this chapter and most of the next. He has been expressing his love and concern for the Thessalonians, but now he needs to get down to some serious teaching. Therefore, he starts out his sermon with “As for the rest then, brothers, we request and exhort …” His challenge is that the Christians there might abound even more. But what are they supposed to abound in? If we look back two verses, we see that Paul prayed that God would cause them to increase and abound in love for others. Now Paul is telling the Thessalonian Christians that they need to abound (in love) even more. On the surface, this may sound contradictory. Is it God who causes us to abound in love, or is it our responsibility to actively pursue being more loving of others? The answer is both. We can’t understand the Trinity (how God can be one and still be three persons.) We also can’t understand how we have the responsibility for being more loving toward others and yet God is the one who enables such love.

 

Application

God is all powerful, but Christians can’t just sit back and let Him make us more loving of others. We have to put effort into demonstrating the love of God to everyone around us.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 3:12 – Growing, Overflowing Love

Posted on by Will

And may the Lord make you to increase and abound in love unto one another and unto all, just as we do unto you,

Truth to Learn

All Christians need to grow in our love for others.

 

Behind the Words

Kurios is the Greek word translated “Lord.” It is derived from kuros, meaning “might” or “power.” Thus, kurios refers to “someone who has legal power or supreme authority over you.” When accompanied by the definite article (the) as it is here, it is a reference to “the Lord,” that is to God, who has supreme authority over us. He is our King, our owner, our Lord, and our Master.

The words “may … make you increase” are translated from the Greek verb pleonadzō, which means “to have, or to cause to have a lot, or more than enough.” The verb is expressed here in the rare optative mood, which is used to express a wish or a desire as used in a prayer to God.

“Abound” is from the Greek verb perisseuō, which means “to be in excess in number or measure.” The meaning of this word is really more than just “to abound.” It means to super abound. It, too, is expressed in the optative mood, indicating a wish or a prayer request.

 

Meaning Explained

In the New Testament we are instructed more than thirty times either to do something or not to do something to one another. In virtually all cases it is a reference to how we are to treat our brothers and sisters in Christ. And, by far the most frequent of these is for us to love one another. (1Thessalonians 4:9; Romans 12:10; Romand13:8; 2Thessalonians 1:3; 1Peter 1:22; 1John 3:11, 1John 3:23; 1John 4:7, 1Jn_4:11; 2John 1:5)

Paul’s prayer request here does not just include an increase in, and abundance of, love for the brothers, he prays that Christian love might abound to all people.

In yesterday’s verse we noted that Paul expressed this prayer to the Father and the Son. There are some scholars who believe that “the Lord” expressed in this verse is a reference to the Holy Spirit. If that is the case, then this is the only prayer in the Bible addressed to the third person of the Trinity. In this case, it might be appropriate, since Paul tells us in Romans 15:13 that it is the Holy Spirit who causes us to abound in hope, and he tells us in Romans 15:16 that it is the Holy Spirit who sanctifies us (makes us holy, as in the next verse). Other scholars, however, point out that the instructions that we have been given in the New Testament are to pray “to the Father, through the Son, in (or by) the Spirit,” not to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

One more thing to note here: Paul has written this letter to a church undergoing severe persecution. Under such difficult circumstances, it is easy to take our eyes off those around us and focus instead on ourselves and our fears. Therefore, it is significant that he should pray for an increasing and overflowing love for the Thessalonian Christians. Do you recall what John said in his first epistle? “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear …” (1 John 4:18a)

 

Application

Let us all commit ourselves to exercising love for others, both within and outside the church. Doing so will make the persecutions we face easier to bear.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 1:8 – Abundant Grace

Posted on by Will

which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and understanding,

Truth to Learn

God gives us an abundant supply of His grace.

 

Behind the Words

“Made to abound” is translated from perisseuō, which is built upon the preposition peri, meaning “over” or “above.” Perisseuō means “to cause to have much (over and above).” It means that there is an exceedingly great amount of something. Some translations use the words “super abound” to express the meaning of this word.

The word “wisdom” is from the Greek noun sophia. This word refers to “skills in the affairs of life, deep knowledge, natural and moral insight, or practical wisdom.”

“Understanding” is from phronēsis, which is based on the verb phroneō, meaning “to think” or “to have a mindset.” Phronēsis refers to “intellectual, moral insight, or understanding.” This understanding is a direct result of exercising wisdom (sophia).

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that because of the grace of God we have both redemption and forgiveness. That is, through God’s grace we have been set free because the ransom has been paid, and we remain free because He has sent our sins far, far away.

In today’s verse we learn that God did not simply show us a tiny, little piece of His grace, He gave us a super abundant amount of His grace. You might say that God made our “grace cup” overflow, and He did so “in all wisdom and understanding.” As to the meaning of this phrase there are two schools of thought. The first is that two of the products of His abundant grace are wisdom and understanding, which He has given to us. The other is that this grace is a result of His wisdom and understanding.

If the first of these is true, it means that when God caused His grace to be abundantly extended to us, He also imbued us with wisdom (both spiritual and common) and insight as He makes known to us the mystery (see next verse) of His will. Those who hold to this view would say that this is a reference to what Paul says later in verse eighteen:

the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, (Ephesians 1:18)

But if this is the case, then why does Paul pray that we might yet receive this blessing:

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the full knowledge of Him, (Ephesians 1:17).

If, on the other hand, Paul is telling us that God made His grace to super abound to us as a result of all His wisdom and understanding, then it tells us that His grace was not simply an afterthought. It means that in eternity past when the Godhead determined the plan for mankind, He determined by all His wisdom and understanding that grace should be an integral part of that plan. This seems to me to be a better explanation for today’s verse.

 

Application

God’s grace is a central character of his overall plan of salvation for mankind. Were it not for His grace we could not be saved. Part of His plan for the ages was not just to show us a little of His grace, but to heap it on us in an abundant supply. For this reason alone, every Christian alive should thank God for his amazing grace!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 4:1 – Love Others!

Posted on by Will

Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God;

Truth to Learn

Being more loving is our responsibility.

Behind the Words

“Finally” is translated from the Greek word loipon, which refers to “something remaining.” In regard to time, it can be translated as “henceforth” In regard to other things, it can be translated “as to the rest” of “for the remainder.”

The word translated “urge” is erotaō, which means “to ask, to inquire, or to urge.”

The word “exhort” is from parakaleō, which is made up of para, meaning “near, beside, or alongside” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” Thus parakaleō literally means “to call near” or “to call alongside.” Metaphorically, it means “to encourage, to challenge, or to coach.”

Perisueuō is the word translated “should abound.” It means “to be in excess” or “to have more than enough.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of something happening. So, we see that it means “you may abound” or “you might abound.”

“You received” is from paralambanō. This word means “to take near” or “to receive.”

The word “walk” is translated from peripateō, which literally means “to walk around.” Metaphorically, it refers to the manner in which one lives one’s life.

“Please” is from areskō, meaning “to soften one’s heart toward another” or “to please.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous chapter Paul explained why he sent Timothy to the Thessalonian church: to strengthen and encourage them. His concern was that the afflictions and suffering that Paul and his companions were enduring might have caused the faith of the Thessalonians to grow weak. Having learned that their faith remained strong, Paul then offered up a prayer for them.

Paul now switches gears and goes into preaching mode in this chapter and most of the next. He has been expressing his love and concern for the Thessalonians, but now he needs to get down to some serious teaching. Therefore, he starts out his sermon with “Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort …” His challenge is that the Christians there might abound even more. But what are they supposed to abound in? If we look back two verses, we see that Paul prayed that God would cause them to increase and abound in love for others. Now Paul is telling the Thessalonian Christians that they need to abound (in love) more and more. On the surface, this may sound contradictory. Is it God who causes us to abound in love, or is it our responsibility to actively pursue being more loving of others? The answer is both. We can’t understand the Trinity (how God can be one and still be three persons.) We also can’t understand how we have the responsibility for being more loving toward others and yet God is the one who enables such love.

Application

God is all powerful, but Christians can’t just sit back and let Him make us more loving of others. We have to put effort into demonstrating the love of God to everyone around us.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 3:12 – Growing, Overflowing Love

Posted on by Will

And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you,

Truth to Learn

All Christians need to grow in our love for others.

Behind the Words

Kurios is the Greek word translated “Lord.” It is derived from kuros, meaning “might” or “power.” Thus, kurios refers to “someone who has legal power or supreme authority over you.” When accompanied by the definite article as it is here, it is a reference to “the Lord,” that is to God, who has supreme authority over us. He is our King, our Lord, and our Master.

The words “may … make you increase” are translated from the Greek verb pleonadzō, which means “to have, or to cause to have a lot, or more than enough.” The verb is expressed here in the rare optative mood, which is used to express a wish or a desire as used in a prayer to God.

“Abound” is from the Greek verb perisseuō, which means “to be in excess in number or measure.” The meaning of this word is really more than just “to abound.” It means to super abound. It, too, is expressed in the optative mood, indicating a wish or a prayer request.

Meaning Explained

In the New Testament we are instructed more than thirty times either to do something or not to do something to one another. In virtually all cases it is a reference to how we are to treat our brothers and sisters in Christ. And, by far the most frequent of these is for us to love one another. (1Thessalonians 4:9; Romans 12:10; Romand13:8; 2Thessalonians 1:3; 1Peter 1:22; 1John 3:11, 1John 3:23; 1John 4:7, 1Jn_4:11; 2John 1:5)

Paul’s prayer request here does not just include an increase in, and abundance of, love for the brethren, he prays that Christian love might abound to all people.

In yesterday’s verse we noted that Paul expressed this prayer to the Father and the Son. There are some scholars who believe that “the Lord” expressed in this verse is a reference to the Holy Spirit. If that is the case, then this is the only prayer in the Bible addressed to the third person of the Trinity. In this case, it might be appropriate, since Paul tells us in Romans 15:13 that it is the Holy Spirit who causes us to abound in hope, and he tells us in Romans 15:16 that it is the Holy Spirit who sanctifies us (makes us holy, as in the next verse). Other scholars, however, point out that the instructions that we have been given in the New Testament are to pray “to the Father, through the Son, in the Spirit,” not to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

One more thing to note here: Paul has written this letter to a church undergoing severe persecution. Under such difficult circumstances, it is easy to take our eyes off those around us and focus instead on our fears. Therefore, it is significant that he should pray for an increasing and overflowing love for the Thessalonian Christians. Do you recall what John said in his first epistle? “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear …” (1 John 4:18a)

Application

Let us all commit ourselves to exercising love for others, both within and outside the church. Doing so will make the persecutions we face easier to bear.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 1:8 – Abundant Grace

Posted on by Will

Ephesians 1:8  – Abundant Grace

which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,

Truth to Learn

God gives us an abundant supply of His grace.

Behind the Words

“Made to abound” is translated from perisseuō, which is built upon the preposition peri, meaning “over” or “above.” Perisseuō means “to cause to have much (over and above).” It means that there is an exceedingly great amount of something. Some translations use the words “super abound” to express the meaning of this word.

The word “wisdom” is from the Greek noun sophia. This word refers to “skills in the affairs of life, deep knowledge, natural and moral insight, or practical wisdom.”

“Prudence” is from phronēsis, which is based on the verb phroneō, meaning “to think” or “to have a mindset.” Phronēsis refers to “intellectual or moral insight.” This insight is a direct result of exercising wisdom (sophia).

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that because of the grace of God we have both redemption and forgiveness. That is, through God’s grace we have been set free because the ransom has been paid, and we remain free because He has sent our sins far, far away.

In today’s verse we learn that God did not simply show us a tiny, little piece of His grace, He gave us a super abundant amount of His grace. You might say that God made our “grace cup” overflow, and He did so “in all wisdom and prudence.” As to the meaning of this phrase there are two schools of thought. The first is that two of the products of His abundant grace are wisdom and prudence, which He has given to us. The other is that this grace is a result of His wisdom and prudence.

If the first of these is true, it means that when God caused His grace to be abundantly extended to us, He also imbued us with wisdom (both spiritual and common) and insight as He makes known to us the mystery (see next verse) of His will. Those who hold to this view would say that this is a reference to what is said in verse eighteen:

the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, (Ephesians 1:18)

But if this is the case, then why does Paul pray that we might yet receive this blessing (see verse seventeen).

If, on the other hand, Paul is telling us that God made His grace to super abound to us as a result of all His wisdom and insight, then it tells us that His grace was not simply an afterthought. It means that in eternity past when the Godhead determined the plan for mankind, He determined by all His wisdom and intellect that grace should be an integral part of that plan. This seems to me to be a better explanation for today’s verse.

Application

God’s grace is a central character of his overall plan of salvation for mankind. Were it not for His grace we could not be saved. Part of His plan for the ages was not just to show us a little of His grace, but to heap it on us in an abundant supply. Thank you God, for your amazing grace!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to: