Blessed Be God

A well worn Jewish praise formula used throughout the Old Testament and even in contemporary synagogue forms of prayer is used by Paul to structure his doxology. Beginning at verse 3, which spells out the Lord's praises in general terms, Paul ranges over one massive theological theme after another in verses 4 through 14, in order to set the hearts of the Ephesians on fire as they are led to contemplate the heavenly Father's blessings which he sovereignly showered upon them. Calvin, reflecting on the purpose of Paul's exalted prose, explains that Paul intended to cause the Ephesians to overflow with gratitude and to reinforce them spiritually against false gospel's and false teaching as they reflected on the sovereign and gracious distribution of every spiritual blessing to them in Jesus Christ.