1:18 enlightened. The spiritual eyes of the natural man have been blinded by Satan, the god of this world (II Corinthians 4:4), and the saving gospel of Christ is beyond his comprehension. In answer to prayer (Ephesians 1:16), the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, whose ministry is to convict unbelievers “of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8)—may bring light to his spiritual eyes, and an understanding faith in Christ. The same Spirit will then continue to enlighten his understanding through the Word.

1:21 not only in this world. When Christ defeated sin and death and arose from the dead, He ascended far above all heavens (Ephesians 4:10), including all the angelic hosts and their stellar habitations. The risen, glorified Lord Jesus is now King of all creation (Matthew 28:18; Philippians 2:9-11), and will be so forever.