18. May be able--even still further. Greek, "May be
fully able."
breadth . . . length . . . depth . . . height--namely, the full
dimensions of the spiritual temple, answering to "the fulness of God"
(Eph 3:19),
to which the Church, according to its capacity, ought to correspond
(compare
Eph 4:10, 13)
as to "the fulness of Christ." The "breadth" implies Christ's
world-wide love, embracing all men: the "length," its being extended
through all ages
(Eph 3:21);
the "depth," its profound wisdom which no creature can fathom
(Ro 11:33);
the "height," its being beyond the reach of any foe to deprive us of
(Eph 4:8)
[BENGEL]. I prefer to understand "the breadth,"
&c., to refer to the whole of the vast mystery of free salvation in
Christ for all, Gentile and Jew alike, of which Paul had been
speaking
(Eph 3:3-9),
and of which he now prays they may have a fuller comprehension. As
subsidiary to this, and the most essential part of it, he adds, "and to
know the love of Christ"
(Eph 3:19).
GROTIUS understands depth and height
of God's goodness raising us from the lowest depression to the greatest
height.
JFB.
Picture Study Bible