Ephesians 3
In Ephesians 3, Paul shifts focus to reveal the mystery of Christ, which was hidden in past ages but is now revealed through the Gospel. This chapter highlights Paul's special role in proclaiming this mystery to the Gentiles, emphasizing the unifying power of the Gospel. Paul prays for the Ephesians, desiring that they be strengthened by God’s Spirit and fully comprehend the love of Christ.
Ephesians 3:1 (NKJV)
"For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles—"
Paul, a prisoner for the sake of the Gentiles, introduces his letter by emphasizing his dedication to spreading the Gospel among them. He views his imprisonment not as a misfortune, but as part of his mission in Christ. His sufferings are for the benefit of Gentiles, as he willingly submits to Christ's purpose.
Ephesians 3:2 (NKJV)
"if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,"
Paul reminds the Ephesians of the special mission God entrusted to him—to bring the message of salvation to the Gentiles. The "dispensation" refers to God's specific plan or stewardship that Paul was entrusted with, highlighting the grace extended to him for the benefit of the Gentiles.
Ephesians 3:3-4 (NKJV)
"how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),"
Paul explains that God revealed the mystery of Christ to him directly. This mystery, which he had mentioned before, can be understood as they read his writings. The “mystery” refers to God’s plan of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles, which had been hidden in previous generations.
Ephesians 3:5 (NKJV)
"which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:"
Paul points out that this mystery of salvation was not fully disclosed in past ages but has now been revealed by the Holy Spirit to the apostles and prophets. This shows the progressive nature of God's revelation, where truths hidden in the past are now made clear.
Ephesians 3:6 (NKJV)
"that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,"
The mystery that Paul speaks of is that Gentiles are now fellow heirs with the Jews, united as one body in Christ. Through the Gospel, all believers, regardless of their background, share in the promises made by God, receiving salvation and becoming part of the same spiritual family.
Ephesians 3:7 (NKJV)
"of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power."
Paul declares that his role as a minister was not due to his own merit but was a result of God's grace and power working through him. This highlights Paul's humility and acknowledgment that his ministry is sustained by divine empowerment, not by his own abilities.
Ephesians 3:8 (NKJV)
"To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,"
Despite considering himself unworthy, Paul recognizes the immense grace given to him to preach to the Gentiles. The “unsearchable riches of Christ” refer to the boundless, immeasurable blessings and truths found in Christ, which Paul is tasked with proclaiming.
Ephesians 3:9 (NKJV)
"and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;"
Paul’s mission is to reveal to everyone the fellowship or partnership in the mystery of salvation, which had been hidden in God from the beginning of time. God, through Jesus Christ, created all things, and now His eternal plan is being fully unveiled.
Ephesians 3:10 (NKJV)
"to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,"
The church is God's instrument to reveal His multifaceted wisdom to spiritual rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. This shows the cosmic significance of the church’s role in God's eternal plan, as even heavenly beings observe God’s wisdom through His work in the church.
Ephesians 3:11 (NKJV)
"according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,"
All of this is in line with God’s eternal purpose, which was fulfilled through Jesus Christ. God’s plan for salvation was not an afterthought but was established from the beginning, and Christ’s life, death, and resurrection brought it to completion.
Ephesians 3:12 (NKJV)
"in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him."
Through Jesus, believers now have bold and confident access to God. This access is based on faith, and it is a privilege that enables believers to approach God without fear or hesitation, knowing that they are accepted because of Christ.
Ephesians 3:13 (NKJV)
"Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory."
Paul encourages the Ephesians not to be discouraged by his sufferings. His tribulations, though difficult, are ultimately for their benefit and glory, as they are a result of his work in bringing the Gospel to them.
Ephesians 3:14-15 (NKJV)
"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,"
Paul transitions into a prayer, bowing before the Father, who is the source of all life and identity for believers in heaven and on earth. This emphasizes God's fatherhood over the entire family of faith, uniting both Jews and Gentiles.
Ephesians 3:16 (NKJV)
"that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,"
Paul prays that God, out of His glorious riches, would strengthen the believers through His Spirit. This inner strength refers to the spiritual empowerment that enables believers to live in faith and withstand trials.
Ephesians 3:17 (NKJV)
"that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,"
Paul desires that Christ may reside in the hearts of believers through faith. This dwelling suggests a permanent, intimate relationship with Christ. He also prays that they be firmly established in love, which serves as the foundation for their lives.
Ephesians 3:18-19 (NKJV)
"may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Paul prays that the believers, together with all the saints, would grasp the vast dimensions of Christ's love, which surpasses human understanding. His ultimate desire is for them to be filled with the fullness of God, experiencing His complete presence and power in their lives.
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NKJV)
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Paul concludes with a doxology, praising God, who is able to do far more than anyone can imagine through His power at work within believers. All glory belongs to Him, especially within the church, through Christ Jesus, for all generations to come.