“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints…” – Ephesians 1:17–18 (ESV)
👁️ A Prayer for Spiritual Sight
In these verses, Paul continues the prayer he began in verse 15—not for material blessings or outward success, but for something far greater: that believers would truly see what God has done for them in Christ.
This is a prayer for deepened spiritual understanding. Not just knowledge about God, but knowledge of God—relational, experiential, and life-altering.
📜 Word Study: Revelation (ἀποκάλυψις, *apokalypsis*)
Paul prays for “a spirit of wisdom and revelation.” The word “revelation” (*apokalypsis*) means an unveiling—something previously hidden now made clear. He’s not praying for new doctrine, but for deeper discernment of what has already been revealed in Christ.
Paul doesn’t want believers to live in the dark. He wants them to grasp the glorious truths of salvation with “the eyes of their hearts enlightened.”
📜 Word Study: Knowledge (ἐπίγνωσις, *epignōsis*)
This is not casual awareness—it’s a full, thorough, growing recognition of who God is. The prefix “epi” intensifies the word: Paul wants believers to not just know about God, but to grow in intimate, personal knowledge of Him.
🕯️ The Eyes of the Heart
Paul’s imagery here is beautiful. Our physical eyes see the visible world, but it’s the “eyes of the heart” that perceive spiritual truth. This inner seeing is a work of the Holy Spirit—He turns on the light so we can understand the eternal things of God.
Without the Spirit, we can’t see the riches we’ve been given. With Him, we begin to understand the hope we have, the inheritance we are, and the power we live under.
🔍 What Does Paul Want Believers to Know?
Paul’s prayer zooms in on three great spiritual realities (verses 18–19, split here across two posts):
- The hope of His calling – What God has called us to, and the certainty of His promises.
- The riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints – The immeasurable value God places on His people.
- The immeasurable greatness of His power toward us – (covered in the next post, verse 19)
🔑 1. The Hope of His Calling
This “hope” isn’t wishful thinking—it’s confident expectation. God has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. Paul wants us to see how secure that calling is. It’s rooted in His grace, guaranteed by His will, and revealed through His Word.
When we see the hope of our calling clearly, we stop living small, discouraged lives. We remember that we’ve been called to a heavenly inheritance, a holy purpose, and a glorious future.
👑 2. The Riches of His Glorious Inheritance in the Saints
This is one of the most breathtaking phrases in the Bible. Paul doesn’t say we simply have an inheritance (though we do); he says we are God’s inheritance.
In other words, God treasures His people. He looks at the redeemed—flawed, struggling, growing believers—and calls us His glorious inheritance. Just as Israel was His portion in the Old Testament, the church is His treasured possession in the new (Deuteronomy 32:9).
This truth humbles us and exalts God’s grace. We are not just saved—we are valued, cherished, and eternally significant to our Father.
📣 What This Means for Us Today
1. We Need Spiritual Illumination
Knowledge of God doesn’t come from human effort—it comes by divine revelation. Are you asking God to open your heart? The greatest need of your day is not more information, but clearer vision of Him.
2. Your Calling Is Full of Hope
When life feels chaotic or meaningless, remember this: God has called you to something eternal. You are not random. You are chosen. You have hope that cannot be shaken because it is rooted in His calling, not your circumstance.
3. You Are God’s Inheritance
Let this truth sink in: You matter to God—not just as someone He saved, but as someone He desires. He delights in His saints. You are precious to Him. You are His joy and His treasure.
📣 Reflection and Application
- 🧠 What’s one area of spiritual truth you’ve struggled to see clearly?
- 🕯️ Are you regularly asking God to enlighten the eyes of your heart?
- 👑 How would your confidence change if you truly believed you were God’s inheritance?
🛐 Prayer
Father, open the eyes of my heart. Let me see the hope You’ve given me. Let me grasp how deeply I am loved and valued in Your sight. Don’t let me live in spiritual blindness—let Your Spirit give me wisdom, clarity, and joy in knowing You more. In Jesus’ name, amen.
📌 Coming Up Next
Ephesians 1:19–21 — What Kind of Power Is at Work in Us?
Paul now moves from inheritance to empowerment. Get ready for one of the boldest claims in the New Testament: the same power that raised Christ from the dead is alive in us today.