Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Ephesians 3:17

"that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love," — Ephesians 3:17 (ASV)

The result will be that Christ takes up his residence in the hearts of believers. As the Christian keeps trusting (i.e., “through faith”), Christ continues to indwell. No static condition is in view here but a maintained experience. The “heart” is the focus of mind, feeling, and will; it stands for the whole personality. “In love” properly belongs with “being rooted and established.” Love will result from Christ’s indwelling presence. Paul mixes biological and architectural metaphors (1 Corinthians 3:9), conjuring up two pictures. One is of a tree with deep roots in the soil of love (Colossians 2:7); the other is of a building with strong foundations laid on the rock of love (Colossians 1:23; 1 Peter 5:10). Jesus himself spoke about trees and buildings (Matthew 7:15–20, 24–27).