Ephesians 1:17 says, “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.” This verse comes in the midst of Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian believers, where he asks God to give them spiritual wisdom and revelation so they can know God better.
The “spirit of wisdom” refers to the supernatural ability to practically apply knowledge and understanding about God and spiritual things. Wisdom is not just having head knowledge, but being able to use that knowledge in a skillful way that honors God. The spirit of wisdom comes from God (Proverbs 2:6) and helps us make wise decisions according to His will.
The “spirit of revelation” refers to the supernatural ability to perceive, discern and understand spiritual truths that we cannot grasp on our own. Without revelation from God, spiritual truth remains mysterious and hidden. But when God enlightens the eyes of our hearts, the veil is removed and we can comprehend the wonders of the gospel and the person of Christ (Ephesians 1:18).
In his prayer, Paul is asking God to give believers spiritual wisdom and revelation so they can have an accurate, intimate knowledge of God. He wants them to be discerning about spiritual matters and to understand the things of God in a profound, life-changing way. This does not come through human effort, but as an illuminating work of the Holy Spirit.
The purpose of this divine wisdom and revelation is knowing God better. The more wisdom and revelation we have about God’s character, ways and truth, the more we are able to deepen our relationship with Him. We move from just knowing about God to personally experiencing Him.
How does this spiritual wisdom and revelation come? Ephesians 1 shows us:
- It is imparted by God Himself, who gives His Spirit generously to those who ask (Luke 11:13).
- It comes through having the “eyes of your hearts enlightened” (Ephesians 1:18). God must supernaturally shine His light into our inner being.
- It is linked with knowing the hope and riches of Christ’s inheritance (Ephesians 1:18). The better we know Christ, the more wisdom and revelation we receive.
- It comes through the power of God (Ephesians 1:19). Human effort is not enough. God must exercise His mighty power.
This wisdom and revelation is available to all believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit. God wants us to keep asking, seeking and knocking in prayer to receive this spiritual insight. The more we grow in intimacy with Christ, the more God can divinely illuminate our hearts and minds to grasp His truth in a life-changing way. Even the apostle Paul continually prayed for this blessing for the churches he served (Ephesians 1:15-19).
What are the results and benefits of having this spirit of wisdom and revelation?
- We gain a deeper, experiential knowledge of God that changes how we think, feel and act (Ephesians 1:17).
- We have enlightened eyes to see spiritual realities we were previously blind to (Ephesians 1:18).
- We grasp the greatness of our hope and position in Christ (Ephesians 1:18).
- We understand the incredible power we have through Christ in us (Ephesians 1:19).
- We live in greater reverence and holiness before God (Proverbs 9:10).
- We bear spiritual fruit in our lives for God’s glory (Galatians 5:22-23).
- We walk in purity and righteousness (Proverbs 2:10-11).
- We operate in greater discernment about sin and deceit (Hebrews 5:14).
- We live according to God’s will, not foolishness (Ephesians 5:15-17).
- We shine brightly for Christ in a dark world (Daniel 12:3).
The spirit of wisdom and revelation radically changes how we view life and relate to God. With this illumination, believers gain a kingdom perspective and are able to navigate life skillfully for God’s glory. They grasp their identity in Christ more deeply and live differently as children of light (Ephesians 5:8). Therefore, every growing believer should continually seek more of this spiritual wisdom and revelation from God through prayer.
Here are some key biblical examples of those who operated in the spirit of wisdom and revelation:
Jesus Christ
Jesus was filled with the Spirit of wisdom (Isaiah 11:2; Luke 2:40). He demonstrated incredible spiritual insight and discernment. Jesus knew people’s hearts and minds (John 2:24-25) and confounded the religious leaders with His wisdom (Luke 2:46-47). His teaching perfectly combined divine truth and practical application (Matthew 7:28-29). As the embodiment of wisdom, Jesus helped His followers grasp spiritual truth about the kingdom of God in a revolutionary way.
Solomon
Early in his reign, Solomon asked for and received an “understanding mind” from God to lead Israel with wisdom (1 Kings 3:9). The rest of 1 Kings 3 and 2 Chronicles 1:7-12 record how Solomon’s request pleased God, who blessed him with immense wisdom and understanding. Solomon’s wisdom from God led him to make insightful judgments (1 Kings 3:16-28) and produce insightful writings that teach practical wisdom, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs.
Stephen
Stephen, full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miracles among people (Acts 6:8). He was filled with the Holy Spirit and given great wisdom to speak before the Sanhedrin (Acts 6:10). Luke records that Stephen’s opponents “could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking” (Acts 6:10). Stephen had spiritual revelation that his opponents did not have.
Paul
After his conversion, Paul was continually inspired by God with great spiritual insight and revelation. God opened his mind to understand and interpret the Old Testament scriptures in light of Christ (Acts 9:20; 2 Peter 3:15-16). Paul wrote extensively about the mystery of the gospel being revealed to him by God (Ephesians 3:3-6). His letters communicate deep spiritual truths with practical wisdom.
These examples showcase how God uses the spirit of wisdom and revelation to equip His people. When we have the mind of Christ through the Spirit’s illumination, we are able to discern, understand and apply spiritual truth more completely. This divine wisdom allows us to fulfill God’s purposes on earth.
Practical Ways to Grow in the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation
While this spiritual blessing ultimately comes from God, there are practical things believers can do to cultivate an environment where the spirit of wisdom and revelation can thrive:
- Pray as Paul did for the spirit of wisdom and revelation to be given to you and others (Ephesians 1:15-19).
- Study the Bible in-depth to understand God’s truth on a heart level (Psalm 119:130).
- Meditate on God’s Word constantly (Psalm 1:2).
- Ask God for insight as you read the Bible (Psalm 119:18).
- Have a teachable, humble heart before God (Proverbs 15:33).
- Obey God’s commands with a whole heart (Psalm 111:10).
- Fear the Lord and turn away from evil (Job 28:28).
- Develop your relationship with Jesus Christ through time in His presence.
- Deal with any sin that could hinder your spiritual perception (1 John 1:7).
- Cultivate the filling of the Holy Spirit in your life (Ephesians 5:18).
- Surround yourself with wise believers who can impart wisdom.
While God gives this illuminating spiritual wisdom and revelation through His grace alone, we position ourselves to receive it through pursuing intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and living in loving obedience to God’s Word. As we walk closely with the Lord, He promises to give wisdom generously to all who ask in faith (James 1:5).
Common Questions about the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation
How is this wisdom and revelation different from regular human wisdom?
Human wisdom relies on human effort and intelligence to observe life principles and gain insights. But spiritual wisdom and revelation are imparted supernaturally by God’s Spirit to give understanding of spiritual truths that we cannot perceive on our own (1 Corinthians 2:6-16). This divine wisdom comes from the mind of Christ.
Can anyone receive this blessing from God or just certain believers?
The spirit of wisdom and revelation is available to all sincere followers of Jesus Christ. God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34). All believers have access to this illuminating work of the Holy Spirit. However, we must cooperate with God through prayer, bible study, obedience, and cultivating relationship with Christ.
Why don’t more Christians seem to walk in this supernatural wisdom?
Many believers are not aware of their access to the “mind of Christ” through the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:16). Others do not nurture intimacy with God through prayer and bible meditation. Some are hindered by willful sin and ignorance of the Word. But God’s desire is for all Christians to grow in spiritual wisdom and revelation to know Him deeply and fulfill their purpose.
Can I receive too much spiritual wisdom and revelation from God?
No, there is no limit to gaining wisdom and revelation from God! The key is stewarding it well for His glory. All wisdom flows out of growing in the fear and knowledge of the Lord Himself (Proverbs 9:10). The more we fellowship with Christ, the more He can entrust His wisdom to us for others’ benefit (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).
How do I know when I’m receiving true spiritual wisdom versus my own thoughts?
Divine wisdom and revelation must align with Scripture (Isaiah 8:20). It bears good fruit in our lives (Matthew 7:15-20). It comes with God’s peace (Colossians 3:15). It is confirmed by godly counsel (Proverbs 15:22). Over time, we develop discernment between God’s voice and our own through testing what we hear against God’s Word in Scripture.
Conclusion
The spirit of wisdom and revelation is God supernaturally enlightening our hearts and minds to perceive and understand spiritual truths about Himself, the gospel, and His calling on our lives. As believers cultivate intimacy with Christ through the Word, prayer, and obedience, the Holy Spirit imparts divine perspective, discernment, and insight. God desires all Christians to grow in spiritual wisdom and revelation so we can intimately know Him and fulfill His purposes. We receive this illuminating work of the Spirit by His grace as we actively pursue Him.