Matthew Henry Commentary Ephesians 3:13-19

"Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be strong to apprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled unto all the fulness of God." — Ephesians 3:13-19 (ASV)

The apostle seems to be more anxious that the believers should not be discouraged and faint because of his tribulations, than for what he himself had to endure. He asks for spiritual blessings, which are the best blessings: strength from the Spirit of God in the inner man; strength in the soul; the strength of faith, to serve God, and to do our duty.

If the law of Christ is written in our hearts, and the love of Christ is shed abroad there, then Christ dwells there. Where his Spirit dwells, there he dwells. We should desire that good affections may be firmly established in us. And how desirable it is to have a steadfast sense of the love of God in Christ for our souls!

How powerfully the apostle speaks of the love of Christ! The breadth shows its extent to all nations and ranks; the length, that it continues from everlasting to everlasting; the depth, its saving those who are sunk into the depths of sin and misery; the height, its raising them up to heavenly happiness and glory. Those who receive grace for grace from Christ's fullness, may be said to be filled with the fullness of God.

Should not this satisfy man? Must he indeed fill himself with a thousand trifles, imagining that by these he can complete his happiness?