Ephesians 3:20-21 — New Living Translation (NLT) (2026-07-31)

Historical lead-up

In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, a community facing various challenges and uncertainties. Paul has been discussing the mystery of the Gospel and how it unites both Jews and Gentiles into one body through Christ. He emphasizes the importance of faith, love, and unity among believers, setting the stage for a powerful reminder of God’s ability to work in their lives.

Why this verse was written

This verse was written to encourage the believers in Ephesus, reminding them of God’s incredible power and His desire to work through them. Paul aims to inspire hope and confidence in God’s ability to do more than they could ever imagine. His audience is the church, which needed reassurance that God was actively involved in their lives and capable of fulfilling His promises.

True meaning

In this passage, Paul declares that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. This emphasizes God’s limitless power and creativity. The key words here are “able,” “exceedingly abundantly,” and “ask or think,” which highlight that God’s capabilities far surpass human understanding and expectations. Paul is speaking to the church, encouraging them to trust in God’s provision and to recognize that He can accomplish great things through them, ultimately for His glory.

Living it today

This verse can shape our daily lives by reminding us to approach God with boldness in our prayers, believing that He can do more than we can imagine. It encourages us to dream big in our faith and to trust that God has a plan for our lives that goes beyond our current circumstances. In relationships, we can extend grace and love, knowing that God is at work in others as well. Obedience to His calling can lead to unexpected blessings and opportunities to witness His power in action.

What follows

Following this passage, Paul continues to emphasize the importance of glorifying God in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations. This reinforces the idea that our lives and actions should reflect His glory, encouraging us to live in a way that honors Him.