Question: What was the object of thought before the mind of the apostle when he wrote the words, “Able to comprehend... what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height,” in Ephesians 3:1818May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (Ephesians 3:18)?
Answer: Some who have studied this passage long and closely have suggested that “the mystery” is before the mind of the Spirit. The mystery, or church, is clearly the grand theme of the epistle. It includes Christ in His heavenly and earthly glory, and the church associated with Him. She will then be, as His associate, high above all others, above every family in heaven and earth. That which God kept so long a secret in His own mind, may still be left in part so. And there we can happily leave it.
Who could define the glory that is due unto the Son, the Son whom the Father delights to honor? But that which is the foundation of the mystery, as well as its joy and glory, has been fully revealed, as the Apostle goes on to say,
“And to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge.”
We can never know His love perfectly, but we shall know it more and more. It has been fully revealed, and yet it must remain forever unfathomed. The Apostle is dealing with infinitudes, which to us now are divine paradoxes. It is of His love he speaks. That precious love is the spring of all blessing. It fills all, “all saints,” characterizes all, strengthens all, perfects all. The sons of God, as morning stars, shall shine forever, to the delight of His eye and His heart, in the eternal heavens of His love and glory. They will be the unfading luster of His throne, the immediate companions of His joys, and the perfect delight of His heart.
Answer: In this chapter we have laborers in the assembly of God on earth. Paul laid the foundation, and others built on it, but everyone was to take heed how he built. Here we get responsibility. We have three samples of builders.
Verse 14 is a good builder, who builds according to the Great Architect’s plan, and he gets his reward.
Verse 15 is one who loses his work, though he is a saved man.
Verse 17 is an unsaved man, he and his work merit and receive destruction. Unsaved priests, ministers, class-leaders and all kinds of teachers are included in this.