In HimThis phrase refers to Jesus Christ, emphasizing the believer's union with Him. The concept of being "in Christ" is central to Pauline theology, signifying the believer's identity and position. This union is foundational for salvation and spiritual blessings (
Ephesians 1:3). It reflects the intimate relationship between Christ and the Church, akin to a body and its head (
Ephesians 1:22-23).
and through faith in Him
Faith is the means by which believers access the grace and promises of God. It is not merely intellectual assent but a trust and reliance on Christ's finished work on the cross. This faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9) and is essential for justification and sanctification. The phrase underscores the exclusivity of Christ as the mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).
we may enter God’s presence
The ability to enter God's presence was once restricted to the high priest under the Old Covenant, who could only enter the Holy of Holies once a year (Hebrews 9:7). Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, the veil was torn (Matthew 27:51), granting all believers direct access to God. This access is a fulfillment of the promise of a new covenant relationship (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
with boldness and confidence
Boldness and confidence reflect the assurance believers have in approaching God, not based on their own merit but on Christ's righteousness. This is a radical departure from the fear and trepidation associated with approaching a holy God under the Old Covenant.Hebrews 4:16 echoes this sentiment, encouraging believers to approach the throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy and find grace in times of need.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus to encourage and instruct them in their faith.
2.
EphesusA major city in Asia Minor, known for its diverse culture and the Temple of Artemis. The Ephesian church was a significant early Christian community.
3.
Jesus ChristThe "Him" referred to in the verse, through whom believers have access to God.
4.
God's PresenceThe ultimate place of communion and fellowship with God, which believers can approach with boldness.
5.
FaithThe means by which believers access God's presence, emphasizing trust and reliance on Jesus Christ.
Teaching Points
Boldness in PrayerBelievers are encouraged to approach God with confidence, knowing that Jesus has made a way for us to enter His presence.
Faith as the KeyOur access to God is not based on our works or merit but through faith in Jesus Christ.
Understanding Our PositionRecognizing our position in Christ helps us to live with assurance and peace, knowing we are accepted by God.
Living with ConfidenceThis boldness should translate into our daily lives, influencing how we live out our faith in the world.
Encouragement in CommunityAs a church, we should encourage one another to approach God confidently, supporting each other in faith.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 3
How is faith measured?
Why do many Christians feel distant from God even when they pray and follow His commands?
What signifies a Christian becoming a new creation?
What does the tabernacle of David refer to?(12) This verse returns to the idea of
Ephesians 2:18, as though St. Paul, after the wide sweep of thought far beyond the earth in
Ephesians 3:10-11, desired, as usual, to bring his readers back to the practical and personal aspects of their Christianity.
In whom we have (our)boldness and (our)access with confidence.--"Boldness" is, properly,boldness of speech (as inEphesians 6:19), though used in a derivative sense for confidence and frankness generally. Probably here it is suggested in its original sense by the reference in the preceding verse to the charge of proclaiming the mystery of God, and accordingly means that boldness of thought and utterance before men and angels which Christians, in virtue of that charge, ought to assume. The "access (seeEphesians 2:18) in confidence" is, on the other hand, that confidence before God, as presented to Him in the Lord Jesus Christ, which belongs to Christians as no longer servants but sons. (On this confidence see2Corinthians 3:4-6.) Both these gifts depend on "faith in Him:" in the one case, faith in His teaching and grace; in the other, faith in His atonement and His gift of the new life. . . .
Verse 12. -
In whom we have our boldness and access.Παῥῤησία literally means "boldness" or "freedom
of speech," but is used here in a more ample sense for want of restraint, ease of feeling, comfortable self-possession, in our access to God. Contrast with Adam hiding himself among the trees of the garden, and the lost calling on the mountains to fall on them, and the rocks to cover them. The "we" in this verse includes both Jews and Gentiles. The "access," or introduction (see
Ephesians 2:18), is like that of the high priest into the holy of holies - we have boldness to enter into the holiest of all (
Hebrews 10:19).
In confidence through the faith of him. The confidence of being welcomed and accepted when we go into God's presence springs from our faith in him. We believe in him as the Propitiation, as our Peace, as the Reconciler, and we go before God with confidence. The clause, "through faith in him," influences the whole verse. And, as before, we have at the beginning of the verse, "in whom" - an express-ion denoting generally our union with Christ, and at the end, "through the faith of him" - a specification of the instrument by which flint union is formed and by which it operates.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.Himᾧ(hō)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.[and] throughδιὰ(dia)Preposition
Strong's 1223:A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.faithπίστεως(pisteōs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102:Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.in Himαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.we mayἔχομεν(echomen)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.enter [ God’s ] presenceπροσαγωγὴν(prosagōgēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4318:Approach, access, admission. From prosago; admission.with boldnessπαρρησίαν(parrēsian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3954:From pas and a derivative of rheo; all out-spokenness, i.e. Frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.confidence.πεποιθήσει(pepoithēsei)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4006:Confidence, trust, reliance. From the perfect of the alternate of pascho; reliance.
Links
Ephesians 3:12 NIVEphesians 3:12 NLTEphesians 3:12 ESVEphesians 3:12 NASBEphesians 3:12 KJV
Ephesians 3:12 BibleApps.comEphesians 3:12 Biblia ParalelaEphesians 3:12 Chinese BibleEphesians 3:12 French BibleEphesians 3:12 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: Ephesians 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access (Ephes. Eph. Ep) 
