S – I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, ¹⁷ that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him

Ephesians 1:16–17 ESV

O – Commentary:

The content of Paul’s request is that God may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. Though the NIV translators interpret “Spirit” (pneuma) as referring to the Holy Spirit, it is better to see it as disposition or attitude because of the two genitives following it (“of wisdom and [of] revelation”; cf. “a gentle spirit” in 1 Cor. 4:21). On the other hand one cannot obtain a spirit or attitude of wisdom and revelation apart from the Holy Spirit. As Isaiah wrote, “The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him [Messiah]—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord” (Isa. 11:2). “Wisdom” (sophia; cf. Eph. 1:8; 3:10) gives insight into the true nature of things, and “revelation” is the unveiling of the object discussed, namely, God Himself. The purpose in having this wisdom and revelation is that you may know Him, God, better. The Greek is the phrase, “in knowing of Him.” This knowing (epignōsei) refers not to abstract knowledge of God or objective facts about Him, but knowing Him personally and intimately (cf. “knowledge,” epignōseōs, in 4:13). It includes an intimate awareness of God’s character and will.

 Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 620.

A – The Holy Spirit is abides in us and seals our relationship with God when at salvation.  One of part of his qualities is Wisdom.  He enables us to understand in an intimate way.  We need to invite the Holy Spirit to work in us daily so we can continue to grow intimately closer to God.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Holy.  We invite the Holy Spirit to work in our lives today to draw us into a more intimate relationship with you.  Give us wisdom and revelation of who you are and your character.  Then, empower us to emulate that in our own lives.