Ephesians 1:16

KJV

Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

KJV (with Strong's)

Cease {G3973} not {G3756} to give thanks {G2168} for {G5228} you {G5216}, making {G4160} mention {G3417} of you {G5216} in {G1909} my {G3450} prayers {G4335};

Complete Jewish Bible

I have not stopped giving thanks for you. In my prayers I keep asking

Berean Standard Bible

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,

American Standard Version

cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 1:16 reveals the apostle Paul's deep and consistent pastoral heart, expressing his unwavering gratitude and persistent intercession for the Ephesian believers. This verse follows his profound declaration of the spiritual blessings bestowed upon them in Christ, demonstrating that his theological understanding of God's grace naturally flowed into a vibrant and disciplined prayer life characterized by continuous thanksgiving and specific remembrance of those he served.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 1:16 is situated within the opening salutation and thanksgiving section of Paul's letter to the Ephesians. Following a majestic doxology that extols God for the spiritual blessings believers have in Christ, including election, adoption, redemption, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3-14 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")), Paul transitions to expressing his personal response to their faith. Verse 15 notes his hearing of their faith in the Lord Jesus and their love for all the saints. Verse 16 then immediately follows, detailing the practical outflow of this news: his unceasing thanksgiving and specific intercessory prayer for them, setting the stage for the profound prayer requests that follow in [Ephesians 1:17-23](/ephesians/1-17-23 "Ephesians 1:17-23 - Paul's Prayer for Wisdom and Revelation"). This verse acts as a bridge, connecting Paul's theological praise to his pastoral petition.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The letter to the Ephesians was likely written by Paul during his imprisonment, possibly in Rome (c. A.D. 60-62). Ephesus was a prominent city in Asia Minor, a major port, and a center of Roman administration and pagan worship, particularly devoted to the goddess Artemis. The church there comprised both Jewish and Gentile believers, and Paul had spent a significant amount of time ministering among them, establishing a strong foundation ([Acts 19](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus")). In the ancient world, letters often began with a thanksgiving section, but Paul's are uniquely robust and theologically rich. His emphasis on persistent prayer and thanksgiving would have resonated with a community facing the pressures of a pagan society, reminding them of their spiritual unity and the ongoing divine support available through prayer, a practice central to both Jewish and early Christian life.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in Ephesians and Paul's broader theology. First, it underscores the theme of **Thanksgiving and Praise**, demonstrating that gratitude is not merely an emotion but a continuous spiritual discipline, a natural response to God's abundant grace already outlined in [Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3-14 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ"). Second, it highlights the **Importance of Intercessory Prayer**, showing that genuine pastoral care involves consistently bringing believers before God's throne, specifically "making mention" of them. This sets a precedent for the detailed prayer requests that follow, focusing on their spiritual growth and understanding. Third, it reveals Paul's **Pastoral Heart and Apostolic Concern**, showcasing his deep affection and commitment to the spiritual well-being of the churches he founded, a theme consistently seen throughout his epistles, such as in [Philippians 1:3-4](/philippians/1-3-4 "Philippians 1:3-4 - Paul's Thanksgiving and Prayer for the Philippians").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cease (Greek, _paúō'_):** This verb, often translated as "stop" or "desist," indicates a cessation of activity. The negative "not" (G3756, _ou'_) combined with "cease" emphasizes the continuous and uninterrupted nature of Paul's action. It doesn't mean he prays every single second, but that his thanksgiving is a consistent, ongoing, and habitual practice, never truly stopping or being forgotten. It conveys a sense of unwavering commitment rather than a sporadic effort.
* **give thanks (Greek, _eucharistéō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "grateful," this verb signifies the act of expressing gratitude. In this context, it refers to Paul's active and verbal expression of thanks to God specifically *for* the Ephesian believers. This highlights that his prayer life was not solely petitionary but fundamentally rooted in acknowledging and appreciating God's work in the lives of others, recognizing their faith and love as evidence of divine grace.
* **mention (Greek, _mneía'_):** This noun denotes "recollection" or "remembrance." When combined with the participle "making" (G4160, _poiéō'_), it forms the phrase "making mention," which implies a deliberate, specific, and intentional act of bringing the Ephesians to God's attention in prayer. It suggests that Paul's intercession was not vague or general but involved a conscious recall of their circumstances, needs, and spiritual journey before God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cease not to give thanks for you":** This initial clause establishes the continuous and persistent nature of Paul's gratitude. His thanksgiving for the Ephesian believers is not an occasional act but a regular, unwavering practice. This implies that despite his own circumstances (imprisonment), Paul maintained a spirit of thankfulness, specifically directed towards the evidence of God's grace in the lives of others, such as their faith and love mentioned in the preceding verse. It underscores that thanksgiving is an integral and ongoing component of a healthy spiritual life.
* **"making mention of you in my prayers;":** This second clause clarifies the specific manner in which Paul's unceasing thanksgiving is expressed: through intentional intercessory prayer. The phrase "making mention" indicates that Paul specifically and deliberately remembers the Ephesians before God. It highlights the personal and focused nature of his prayer life, where he consciously brings their names, needs, and spiritual progress before the Lord. This demonstrates a deep pastoral commitment and the discipline of regular, specific intercession on behalf of others.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 1:16 primarily employs **Parallelism** and **Intensification**. The two clauses, "Cease not to give thanks for you" and "making mention of you in my prayers," function in a complementary **Parallelism**, expressing two intertwined aspects of Paul's consistent spiritual discipline. His thanksgiving is not separate from his prayers but is an integral part of them, and his prayers are characterized by specific remembrance. The phrase "Cease not" serves as an **Intensification** or a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the unwavering and persistent nature of Paul's prayer life. While not literally praying every second of every day, it conveys a profound commitment and regularity, highlighting the depth of his pastoral care and the vital role of continuous communion with God in his ministry. This deliberate expression of ongoing spiritual activity also contributes to the overall **Pastoral Tone** of the letter, immediately establishing Paul's deep affection and concern for his readers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 1:16 profoundly illustrates the theological truth that genuine faith naturally overflows into a life of gratitude and intercession. Paul's example teaches us that our awareness of God's blessings, both for ourselves and for others, should fuel a continuous spirit of thanksgiving. Furthermore, it underscores the vital role of intercessory prayer within the Christian community, demonstrating that believers are called to actively uphold one another before God, remembering specific individuals and their spiritual journeys. This practice not only reflects a deep love for fellow saints but also acknowledges God's sovereignty and His power to work through the prayers of His people, fostering spiritual growth and unity within the body of Christ.

* [Philippians 1:3-4](/philippians/1-3-4 "Paul's Thanksgiving and Prayer for the Philippians")
* [Colossians 1:3](/colossians/1-3 "Paul's Thanksgiving for the Colossians")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:17](/1_thessalonians/5-17 "Pray Without Ceasing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's unwavering commitment to giving thanks and making mention of the Ephesians in his prayers provides a powerful model for contemporary believers. It challenges us to cultivate a prayer life that is not merely reactive to crises but is proactively rooted in gratitude for God's work in the lives of others. This verse calls us to move beyond generic prayers to specific, intentional intercession, remembering individuals by name and bringing their particular needs, joys, and struggles before God. Such a practice transforms our relationships, deepens our empathy, and strengthens the bonds of Christian community. It reminds us that our spiritual well-being is interconnected, and our prayers for one another are a tangible expression of love and faith, fostering an atmosphere where God's grace can continue to abound.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How consistently do I give thanks for other believers in my prayers, rather than just praying for their needs?**
* **In what ways can I make my intercessory prayers more specific and intentional, "making mention" of individuals by name and circumstance?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more "unceasing" spirit of prayer and thanksgiving in my daily life?**

### FAQ

**What does "cease not" truly imply about Paul's prayer life?**

Answer: The phrase "cease not" (Greek: _adialeiptos_, related to _paúō_ in this verse) does not mean that Paul literally prayed every single second without interruption. Instead, it conveys a sense of continuous habit, unwavering commitment, and regular persistence. It implies that prayer and thanksgiving were an integral, ongoing part of his life and ministry, something he returned to consistently and without fail. It's akin to how we might say someone "never stops working" or "is always thinking about" something—it highlights a dominant characteristic rather than a literal, unbroken activity. This concept is echoed in [1 Thessalonians 5:17](/1_thessalonians/5-17 "Pray Without Ceasing"), urging believers to maintain a constant attitude of prayer.

**Why is Paul giving thanks *for* the Ephesians, not just praying *for* them?**

Answer: Paul's emphasis on giving thanks *for* the Ephesians, rather than solely making petitions *for* them, highlights his recognition of God's active work in their lives. He had heard of their "faith in the Lord Jesus and their love for all the saints" ([Ephesians 1:15](/ephesians/1-15 "Ephesians 1:15 - Paul Hears of Their Faith and Love")), which he understood as evidence of God's grace and power. His thanksgiving is a response to this divine activity, acknowledging God as the source of their spiritual growth and virtues. This teaches us that a mature prayer life includes not only asking God for things but also celebrating and giving Him glory for what He has already done and is doing in the lives of others, fostering a spirit of gratitude and worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's unceasing thanksgiving and intercessory prayer in [Ephesians 1:16](/ephesians/1-16 "Ephesians 1:16 - Paul's Unceasing Thanksgiving and Prayer") find their ultimate pattern and empowerment in Christ. Jesus Himself lived a life characterized by profound gratitude to the Father ([John 11:41](/john/11-41 "John 11:41 - Jesus Gives Thanks for Lazarus")) and constant intercession for His disciples and all believers ([John 17:9-26](/john/17-9-26 "John 17:9-26 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer")). Indeed, the resurrected Christ continues His high priestly ministry in heaven, perpetually interceding for us at the right hand of God ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession") and [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Always Lives to Intercede")). Our ability to approach God in prayer and thanksgiving is entirely predicated on Christ's atoning work, which grants us access to the Father through the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). Thus, Paul's prayer life, filled with gratitude and specific mention of others, serves as a Christ-like example, demonstrating the Spirit-empowered communion with God made possible by our Lord, who is both the object of our thanks and the one who enables our unceasing approach to the Father.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 1:8

¶ First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

Romans 1:9

For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

Colossians 1:9

¶ For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Colossians 1:3

¶ We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

2 Thessalonians 1:3

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

Philippians 1:3

¶ I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

Philippians 1:4

Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,