Ephesians 1:18

18. A series of three whats now, in order of climax, unfold the grandeur which it is Paul’s prayer that the Ephesians may know. The climax is indicated by the terms hope, riches, power. They are to realize how cheering their present hope, how rich their future inheritance, and how stupendous the power exerted by God in executing the vast work of preparing and securing that inheritance.

Hope of his calling That is, the hope of that to the enjoyment of which God calls you. See note, Romans 1:1 and Romans 8:30; 1 Corinthians 7:20-22. Eadie mistakenly says: “Man’s calling is often slighted, but God’s is effectual calling.” Scripture frequently declares, in very intense language, that God’s call “is often slighted.” Proverbs 1:24. In increasing vigour St. Paul adds, the riches of the glory of his inheritance For the inheritance, consult notes on Ephesians 1:14; Ephesians 1:7. Of this inheritance they should realize not only the glory, but the unbounded affluence, the riches of that glory. They must enlarge their understandings to conceive how rich is the glory of the inheritance.

His God’s to bestow on us. Note on Ephesians 1:14.

In the saints As this glory is to take place in the great day of accomplished reconciliation of Ephesians 1:10, namely, at the advent, and is a reconciliation of all in holiness, we might render this, among the holy ones. Nevertheless, since it is plain that it is the Church (Ephesians 1:22) particularly whose share in this glory is now in Paul’s view, saints may be the true rendering.