3:15 Of whom the whole {e} family in heaven and earth is named,
(e) That entire people, who had but one household Father, and that is the Church which is adopted in Christ.
3:15 Of whom. The Father is referred to. The words Of our Lord Jesus Christ of Eph 3:14 are not found in the best manuscripts and are omitted in the Revised Version.
The whole family in heaven and earth is named. In the Revised Version, Every family. The idea is that the Father is the Father of all the families of his children, whether Jews or Gentiles on earth, or in heaven. He is Our Father in heaven (Mt 6:9 Lu 11:2) to the believer of every race, in this world or the world to come. All, as far as creation is concerned, derive their being from him, like children from a parent, and all the good are his spiritual children.
3:15 Of whom - The Father. The whole family of angels in heaven, saints in paradise, and believers on earth is named. Being the children of God, (a more honourable title than children of Abraham,) and depending on him as the Father of the family.
3:13-19 The apostle seems to be more anxious lest the believers should be discouraged and faint upon his tribulations, than for what he himself had to bear. 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 fixed in us. And how desirable to have a fixed sense of the love of God in Christ to 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 fulness, may be said to be filled with the fulness of God. Should not this satisfy man? Must he needs fill himself with a thousand trifles, fancying thereby to complete his happiness?
