What is the context?
Paul continues describing his labor for believers, including those in Laodicea and others who have not met him. His distance from them does not diminish his concern.
He wants their hearts encouraged and their lives knit together in love, with the understanding that leads to knowing Christ. In Christ are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. The knowledge Paul seeks is joined to love and confidence in Him.
This prepares the warning in verse 4: persuasive speech can deceive. Paul wants their understanding of Christ to help them recognize that danger. He rejoices in the order and firmness of their faith, even while writing to strengthen it.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly read this as concern for a community to be strengthened in love, understanding and faith in Christ. Wesley’s notes on verses 1–2 emphasize Paul’s prayerful concern and fuller understanding of the gospel. The warning concerns teaching that draws them away from the Christ in whom wisdom is found.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Ephesians 3:8–12 describes God’s wisdom being made known through the church according to His eternal purpose in Christ. It also connects Christ with confident access to God. The understanding and love Paul desires here serve that wider work of a people brought near to God together.
The goal is a growing community, as Ephesians 4:11–16 explains: believers grow toward maturity in Christ and become less vulnerable to deceptive teaching. This is a close parallel to the combination of love, knowledge and stability in these verses.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.