Enlightening the Eyes of the Heart (12/21/2025)

Second in a Series of Studies on Ephesians 1:15-23

“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints”

(Ephesians 1:18).

This wonderful verse occurs in the middle of the Apostle Paul’s earnest prayer on behalf of the Ephesian brethren. He has heard of their great faith, and he gives thanks for it; however, he does not stop with the giving of thanks. He further prays they will have a deeper realization of the final result of true Christian commitment: the riches of the inheritance.

The word “understanding” is translated as “heart” in the Revised Version, saying “having the eyes of your heart enlightened.” This metaphor is tied with the previous verse in which Paul prays they will be given wisdom to use with their knowledge of Jesus. So, with the eyes of their hearts enlightened, the Ephesians can have a deeper appreciation for their hope and for the riches of the eternity that awaits them.

As Christians, we should never be satisfied with where we are in our Christian development but should pray that we will reach a deeper understanding of the “riches” of God. We should strive to be a people who are enlightened Christians—that is, those who strive for a clear, distinct understanding of what Christianity is all about and of the reward that awaits those who are faithful.