Ephesians 3:20-21 states:
*”Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”*
From an evangelical Christian perspective, the most likely author of the Book of Ephesians, which includes this passage, is the Apostle Paul. Paul is traditionally recognized as the writer of this epistle, and there are several reasons supporting this attribution:
1. **Historical Context**: The Apostle Paul is known for his missionary journeys and his role in establishing early Christian churches. Ephesians is believed to have been written during his imprisonment in Rome (around AD 60-62). This epistle is among the “Prison Epistles,” which also include Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.
2. **Theological Themes**: Ephesians contains rich theological themes, such as the mystery of the Gospel, the unity of the Church, and the nature of God’s grace, which align well with Paul’s teachings found in his other letters. The doxology in Ephesians 3:20-21 reflects Paul’s deep understanding of God’s power and glory.
3. **Personal Style and Vocabulary**: While some scholars debate the authorship of Ephesians due to differences in style from other Pauline letters, many evangelicals maintain that the theological depth and style are consistent with Paul’s thought. They suggest that variations in writing style can occur due to context, audience, or even a different amanuensis (scribe).
4. **Early Church Acceptance**: The early church universally accepted Ephesians as a Pauline letter, which lends credibility to traditional views of its authorship. It has been included in the New Testament canon since the early centuries of Christianity.
5. **Spiritual Implications**: Evangelical Christians often emphasize Ephesians 3:20-21 as a powerful reminder of God’s ability to surpass human understanding and requests, underscoring themes of faith, prayer, and the communal aspect of glorifying God through the Church.
In summary, from an evangelical Christian perspective, the Apostle Paul is viewed as the author of Ephesians, benefiting from robust scholarly support and theological significance, particularly in passages like Ephesians 3:20-21, which emphasize God’s greatness and the glory of Christ within the Church.