Ephesians 1:18

Eyes of your understanding. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the reading “eyes of your heart.” This striking phrase occurs nowhere else in the NT. By “heart” the Hebrews represented the seat of the thoughts, will, and emotions (see on Rom. 1:21).

This seems to be Paul’s use of the expression here. “Eyes” represent insight, and enlightened eyes, spiritual awareness and moral comprehension. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard” what the spiritually opened eyes see (see on 1 Cor. 2:9, 10). A new and deep illumination takes place that affects the innermost personality. It is not a new faculty or gift; it is a new vision or insight.

May know. The apostle lists three items of knowledge that come to those whose eyes are enlightened (vs. 18, 19).

Hope. See on Rom. 5:2-5; 8:24. Some commentators believe that in this present passage Paul refers, not to the thing hoped for, but to the principle of hope in the life that is inspired by the divine calling. To have that hope is to have something precious beyond measure. Paul’s readers still did not comprehend the full meaning of their calling, and he was anxious that they should see that the Christian’s hope is based on the facts of redemption, “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27, 28). They had forgiveness of sins, they were children of God, but still their eyes were holden. He wanted them to have the hope that would suggest to them more than they had dreamed of. Hope is a mixture of faith and assurance, but it looks to the future for its completion. The believer may know that if he is called by God through the Spirit, his whole life will become suffused with the blessed hope.

Other commentators hold that by “hope” Paul refers to the end objective of the call of God — the heights of spiritual attainment to which He calls His saints, and the ultimate glorification which will see the saints restored to the estate from which man has fallen.

Calling. See on Rom. 8:30.

Inheritance. This term has been understood as referring either to the saints as God’s heritage or to the privileges enjoyed by the saints as God’s heirs. The redeemed are elsewhere spoken of as God’s treasure, wealth, or inheritance (Ex. 19:5). They are His by creation and by redemption. They have been “bought with a price” (1 Cor. 6:20), and consequently He takes pleasure in His inheritance.

Viewed as the privilege of the saints, the inheritance is glorious and rich, for “he that overcometh shall inherit all things” (Rev. 21:7). The riches of God’s grace, love, power, mercy, and kingdom are shared with His faithful children (cf. Phil. 4:19).