The Prayer That Defies Logic
Have you ever been told to “know what you cannot know”? It sounds like a contradiction, yet that’s exactly what Paul prays for in Ephesians 3:19. He asks believers to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. But how do you grasp something that is, by definition, beyond comprehension? And why does Paul link this impossible pursuit to being filled with all the fullness of God?
This prayer is not just poetic—it is revolutionary. It challenges the very way we think about faith, knowledge, and spiritual transformation. In this deep-dive study, we will strip away assumptions and uncover the core truths behind Paul’s words. By the end, you will see why this verse is far more radical—and life-changing—than most people realize.
Why Paul Prayed This Prayer
Paul wrote the book of Ephesians while imprisoned in Rome (Ephesians 3:1). This was a time of deep reflection, where he was concerned with one thing: that believers grasp the full implications of the Gospel. In chapter 3, he builds toward an astonishing request.
Instead of praying for physical needs, success, or deliverance, Paul prays that believers:
- Be strengthened with power through the Spirit (v. 16)
- Allow Christ to dwell in their hearts (v. 17)
- Comprehend the immeasurable dimensions of Christ’s love (v. 18)
- And finally, be filled with all the fullness of God (v. 19)
The structure of this prayer is like ascending a staircase, leading to the most shocking request of all: that we, finite human beings, could somehow experience the fullness of God.
This is not just about knowledge; it is about transformation. Paul is not asking for an intellectual awareness of Christ’s love but an experiential encounter so profound that it reshapes our entire being.
What Does “Knowing the Unknowable” Mean?
To understand what Paul is saying, let’s examine the key phrase: “to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge” (Ephesians 3:19).
- “To know” (γινώσκω, ginóskō) – This word in Greek refers to experiential knowledge, not just intellectual understanding. It is the difference between reading about the ocean and actually swimming in it.
- “Surpasses knowledge” (ὑπερβάλλουσαν τῆς γνώσεως, hyperballousan tēs gnōseōs) – This phrase means to exceed, go beyond, or transcend ordinary knowledge.
Paul is deliberately setting up a paradox. He wants believers to experience something that is beyond intellectual comprehension.
The Limits of Human Understanding
This theme of surpassing knowledge is seen throughout Scripture:
- Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord.”
- Romans 11:33 – “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments and His paths beyond tracing out!”
- Job 42:5 – “My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You.”
Paul is pointing to a deeper form of knowledge—one that is relational and transformative, not just informational.
What Is “The Fullness of God”?
Paul’s final request is astonishing: that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. What does that mean? Does it imply that humans become divine? Not exactly.
In biblical terms, “fullness” (πλήρωμα, plērōma) means completion, maturity, or being filled with the presence of God. This word is used elsewhere to describe Christ:
- Colossians 2:9 – “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.”
- John 1:16 – “From His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”
This fullness does not mean we become God but that we are so immersed in His presence that His character, love, and power transform us.
To grasp this, think of:
- A sponge in water – The sponge is full of water, yet distinct from it.
- A lightbulb and electricity – The bulb does not become electricity but is filled with it and shines.
Similarly, believers do not become God, but they are filled with His presence in a way that changes everything about them.
How This Points to Jesus
At its core, this verse directs us to Christ as the embodiment of divine fullness. Paul is not giving a self-improvement formula but pointing to Jesus as the source and means of transformation.
Jesus Fulfills This Prayer
- He is the love that surpasses knowledge – His sacrificial death (John 15:13) is beyond human comprehension.
- He is the fullness of God in bodily form (Colossians 1:19).
- Through Him, we are filled (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Living in the Fullness of God
1. Stop Settling for Secondhand Faith
Many believers stop at knowing about Christ without actually encountering Him. Paul’s prayer calls us to move from knowledge to experience.
How to Apply:
- Spend time in prayer and meditation, not just reading but experiencing His presence.
- Engage in acts of love to manifest Christ’s presence in daily life (1 John 4:12).
- Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Christ’s love personally.
2. Pursue Transformation, Not Just Information
It is easy to accumulate biblical knowledge without letting it change us. Being “filled with the fullness of God” means allowing Him to reshape your heart and mind.
How to Apply:
- View challenges as opportunities for spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4).
- Cultivate gratitude and worship, reflecting the fullness of God (Colossians 3:16-17).
- Ask: “Does my life look more like Jesus today than it did a year ago?”
A Prayer That Changes Everything
Ephesians 3:19 is not just a theological statement—it is an invitation. Paul prays that we know Christ’s love beyond intellectual limits so that we may be filled with God’s fullness. This is not about doing more but being transformed.
And ultimately, this verse points to Jesus—the only One who can fill us with the fullness of God. So, are you ready to move beyond knowledge and into experience?
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