Book of Ephesians - Chapter 3 - Verse 21
Meaning
At the end of Ephesians chapter 3, the apostle Paul concludes with a powerful declaration of glory and praise being given to God through the Church by Christ Jesus for all time. The phrase "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen" signifies the eternal and unchanging nature of God's glory and the continuous worship that is due to Him. The Church, as the body of believers, is called to give honor and praise to God through Jesus Christ, who is the foundation and head of the Church. This verse emphasizes the eternal significance of God's glory being proclaimed by the Church not just for a specific time period, but for all ages and into eternity. It serves as a reminder to believers of their ultimate purpose to glorify God and to exalt Him above all else. The word "Amen" at the end signifies affirmation and agreement with the declaration of praise, solidifying the truth of God's everlasting glory. Overall, this verse highlights the central role of the Church in giving glory to God through Jesus Christ, both now and for all time to come.
Theological Overview
When considering the theological interpretation of Ephesians 3:21, it is important to note that the verse emphasizes the ultimate purpose of all things: the glory of God. The phrase "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages" highlights the central role of the church in bringing glory to God through Jesus Christ. This indicates that the church, as the body of believers, has a key role in magnifying God's glory. Additionally, the phrase "world without end" underscores the eternal nature of God's glory, which transcends time and space. The word "glory" itself carries significant weight in the Bible, representing the splendor, majesty, and honor due to God alone. In essence, this verse serves as a reminder of the central purpose of the church and all believers: to bring glory to God through Christ for all eternity. As believers meditate on this verse, they are encouraged to live their lives in a manner that reflects the glory of God, both individually and as a community of faith.