knowledge of future events, nor the prophetic gift, nor inspiration. It is something which all believers need and for which they should pray. It is that manifesta- tion of the nature or excellence of the things of God, which the Spirit makes to all who are spiritually en- lightened, and of which our Saviour spoke, when he said in reference to believers, They shall all be taught of God.
In the knowledge of him. The pronoun him refers not to Christ, but to God the immediate subject in this context. The word ἐπίγνωσις here rendered know- ledge means accurate and certain, and especially, ex- perimental knowledge; as in Rom. 3, 20, “ By the law is the knowledge (the conviction) of sin.” Eph. 4, 13. Phil. 1,9. 1 Tim. 2,4. The word expresses ade- quate and proper knowledge, the precise nature of which depends on the object known. The phrase is ἐν ἐπυγνώσει, Which some render as though εἰς with the accusative were used—unto knowledge, i. e. so as to know. Others connect these words with those which precede, and translate, ‘ wisdom in knowledge,’ i.e. wisdom consisting in knowledge. Others again connect them with the following clause, ‘ Through knowledge your eyes being enlightened.’ The simplest method is to refer them to what precedes. ‘ May give you wisdom together with the knowledge of himself.’ Comp. v. 8, and Phil. 1, 9, “ That your love may abound in, 1. 6. together with, knowledge.” The apos- tle’s prayer is for the Holy Spirit to dwell in them, as the author of divine wisdom, and as the revealer of the