Strengthened Through the Spirit

Verse 16 contains the beginning of Paul's prayer that he had begun in verse 1. He starts at the highest place with God the Father. Paul prays that the Ephesians would have strength. Paul prayed this way because he experienced his own weakness and limitations with being imprisoned and suffering afflictions. The Holy Spirit is the Agent with which believers are strengthened. Further, the Spirit works on the inner man unlike the world who looks to the outward appearance. This text brings home the sending of the Spirit by the Father to the glory of Jesus Christ where Paul will go in verse 17 onward.