John Calvin Commentary Ephesians 1:18

"having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints," — Ephesians 1:18 (ASV)

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened. The eyes of your heart is the rendering of the Vulgate, supported by some Greek manuscripts. The difference is immaterial, for the Hebrews frequently use "heart" to denote the rational powers of the soul. Though more strictly, as the seat of the affections, it means the will or desire; but I have preferred the ordinary translation.

And what the riches. A comparison, suggested by its excellence, reminds us how unfit we are to receive this elevated knowledge, for the power of God is no small matter. This great power, he tells us, had been exerted—and in a very extraordinary manner—towards the Ephesians, who were thus placed under constant obligation to follow His calling.

By extolling the grace of God toward them in this way, he intended to check every tendency to despise or dislike the duties of the Christian life. But the splendid encomiums he pronounces on faith also convey to us this instruction: that faith is so admirable a work and gift of God that no language can do justice to its excellence.

Paul is not in the habit of throwing out hyperboles without discrimination; but when he comes to discuss a matter that is so far beyond this world as faith is, he raises our minds to the admiration of heavenly power.