In Ephesians 3, Paul, while imprisoned, reflects on a profound revelation that changes everything for both Jews and Gentiles. His insights illuminate a new understanding of God's grace and the unity it brings.
The Reading: Ephesians 3
World English Bible1 For this cause I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles,
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2 if it is so that you have heard of the administration of that grace of God which was given me toward you;
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3 how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words,
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4 by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;
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5 which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;
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6 that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News,
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7 of which I was made a servant, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power.
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8 To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
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9 and to make all men see what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ;
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10 to the intent that now through the assembly the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places,
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11 according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord;
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12 in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him.
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13 Therefore I ask that you may not lose heart at my troubles for you, which are your glory.
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14 For this cause, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
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15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
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16 that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man;
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17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
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18 may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth,
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19 and to know Christ’s love which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
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20 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,
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21 to him be the glory in the assembly and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Paul's Mission
Paul begins this chapter by introducing himself as a prisoner of Christ, specifically for the Gentiles. He emphasizes that he has been entrusted with a special message about God's grace, a message that was once hidden but is now revealed. This grace extends to everyone, breaking barriers and inviting all into the family of God.
The Mystery Unfolds
What is this mystery? It's the stunning realization that Gentiles - non-Jews - are fully included in God's plan. They are not just allies but fellow heirs and members of the same body as the Jews. Paul describes himself as the least of all saints, yet he's given the monumental task of sharing the "unsearchable riches of Christ" with everyone.
A Divine Purpose
This revelation serves a larger purpose: through the church, God's wisdom is displayed not only to humans but even to spiritual beings in the heavenly realms. Paul teaches that through faith in Christ, we gain boldness and access to God. He encourages the believers not to lose heart over his suffering, as their growth and glory are intertwined with his challenges.
Strength and Love
Paul transitions into a prayer for the church, asking God to strengthen them with His Spirit. He yearns for Christ to make His home in their hearts, urging them to be rooted in love. The aim here is not just personal strength, but a communal understanding of Christ's vast love - a love that goes beyond knowledge. He concludes with a powerful reminder that God can do far more than we can ask or imagine, emphasizing His glory through the church for all generations.
Why It Matters
Embracing Inclusion
One of the key lessons from Ephesians 3 is the radical inclusion of all people in God's family. This chapter drives home the point that no one is outside the reach of God's grace. It challenges us to embrace diversity within our communities.
The Power of Prayer
Paul's prayer for strength and understanding serves as a model for us. In our lives, we often face challenges that can make us feel weak or isolated. Turning to prayer can provide us with the strength to navigate these difficulties, as well as a deeper understanding of God's love.
Finding Community
Unity is a central theme here. We are called to build connections and support one another, recognizing that we all have a part to play in the larger body of Christ. If you're looking for a church community that embodies this message, consider using Sancta to find a church near you.
Expect the Extraordinary
Finally, Paul reminds us that God is capable of exceeding our expectations. When we bring our hopes and dreams to Him, we can trust that He has the power to work beyond our understanding. This encourages us to keep our faith alive and expectant in our daily lives.
Coming Up Next: Ephesians 4
As we move into Ephesians 4, Paul shifts from theological insights to practical living. He'll explore how we can walk in unity and love, setting the stage for genuine community and growth. Stay tuned for this next part of our journey!