Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or think.
Paul's doxology — God exceeds every expectation, including yours.
The episode in a glance.
- 01'Able to do' — ability is not the question.
- 02'Immeasurably more' — the excess is the point.
- 03'Than all we ask or think' — he outpaces your imagination.
- 04'According to the power at work within us' — it's already inside you.
Read along.
Ephesians 3:20 — 'Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.' This is how Paul ends a prayer about God's love — by admitting he can't imagine how big it is.
'Able to do.' Ability isn't the issue. God can. He has the power, the resources, the creativity, and the will. The question is never 'can God?' The question is 'will he?' And Paul's answer is yes.
'Far more abundantly.' This is stacked language. More. Abundantly. Far more abundantly. Paul is piling words because normal words aren't enough. God doesn't just answer prayers. He exceeds them.
'Than all that we ask or think.' Your biggest prayer is smaller than his smallest answer. Your wildest imagination is a shadow of what he's actually planning. That's not an insult to your faith. It's a compliment to his.
And the power that does this is 'at work within us.' It's not distant. It's inside you. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is the power working in you right now. That's why Paul says amen with confidence.