What does Ephesians 3:15 mean?

The Father (Ephesians 3:14) is the one "from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named." Paul's scope includes God as the perfect model of Father for believers and unbelievers, since He is the creator of all. Paul's words may include those who have died in the past: "every family in heaven." Some have also suggested "in heaven" may include angels. However, it is possible Paul intended this simply as a reference to all living things, similar to his wording earlier in verse 9. Paul's wording here is also similar to Philippians 2:10 and Colossians 1:16.

In using "in heaven and on earth," Paul echoes references from Old Testament passages such as Psalm 135:6 and Daniel 6:27. Jesus also said in the Great Commission that, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18). Revelation 5:13 refers to praise to God from "every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them." The apostle's prayer is not new, but rather fits with God's teachings past, present, and future in addressing the Lord in prayer.