The Rabbi’s Prayer for Godly Wisdom
1: 15-23
Insight comes from understanding the relationship between cause and effect. Scientists propose theories based on cycles and predictable observed patterns. Sir Isaac Newton posed the theory of gravity based on an apple falling straight down to the ground. The effect revealed the cause. In our lives as believers, we see the realities of cause and effect. Rabbi Sha’ul prayed that the Ephesian believers would realize the effect salvation through faith in Messiah had in their daily lives. It is generally understood by Bible commentators that Paul wrote Ephesians to both the church in that city as well as to other churches within the vicinity and influence. Therefore, when he referenced a report he heard about their faith (1:15), this applied to both those believers with whom he was familiar (Acts 20:17-18), but also to others whom he did not know personally. So, with a pastoral concern for some of his audience with whom he was not familiar, it was entirely appropriate for Sha’ul to pray that they would be enlightened in their faith.
In writing this letter, Paul followed a fairly standard approach to letter writing in the Greek-speaking world. The writer would begin with some type of thanksgiving and then follow with a prayer. However, the content of Paul’s thanksgiving was not typical, but as he counted the great blessings of ADONAI (to see link click An – The Basis of Spiritual Blessing in Messiah), a single sentence made up 203 Greek words. Following his anthem of praise to the Lord for His spiritual blessings, the rabbi shared his prayer for those to whom he wrote. This was a logical spiritual progression. The apostle prayed for his hearers that God might grant them the realization of Messiah’s great work on their behalf. Paul never got over the amazing grace of YHVH that was revealed to him. He was amazed at God’s greatness as well as the riches of His goodness.80
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