1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
9 And to make all [men] see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what [is] the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Overview of Ephesians Chapter 3
Ephesians Chapter 3 is a pivotal section of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, where he delves into the mystery of the Gospel and the role of the Church in God’s plan. This chapter emphasizes the inclusivity of the Gospel, the significance of Paul’s ministry, and the importance of spiritual strength and understanding among believers.
Key Themes
- The Mystery of the Gospel: Paul reveals the previously hidden truth that Gentiles are co-heirs with Israel in Christ.
- Paul’s Ministry: Paul discusses his role as a servant of the Gospel, emphasizing the grace given to him to preach to the Gentiles.
- The Church’s Role: The Church is portrayed as a vital instrument in God’s plan to reveal His wisdom to the world.
- Spiritual Strength: Paul prays for believers to be strengthened in their inner being through the Spirit.
- God’s Glory: The chapter concludes with a doxology that emphasizes God’s glory in the Church and in Christ.
Detailed Analysis
The Mystery Revealed (Verses 1-6)
Paul begins by identifying himself as a prisoner for Christ, which sets a tone of humility and dedication. He explains that the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to previous generations, is now revealed to the apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ through the Gospel.
Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles (Verses 7-13)
In these verses, Paul emphasizes his role as a servant of the Gospel, highlighting that it is by God’s grace that he has been entrusted with this task. He expresses the enormity of his calling and the privilege of sharing the unsearchable riches of Christ with the Gentiles. Paul also reassures the Ephesians not to lose heart over his sufferings, as they serve to advance the Gospel.
The Purpose of the Church (Verses 14-21)
Paul transitions into a prayer for the Ephesians, asking that they be strengthened with power through the Spirit in their inner being. He emphasizes the importance of Christ dwelling in their hearts through faith and being rooted and grounded in love. This leads to a profound understanding of the breadth, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love, which surpasses knowledge. The chapter culminates in a doxology, as Paul praises God for His ability to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.
Conclusion
Ephesians Chapter 3 serves as a powerful reminder of the inclusivity of the Gospel and the transformative power of Christ’s love. Paul’s reflections on his ministry and his prayer for the Ephesians highlight the essential role of the Church in God’s redemptive plan. The chapter encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ and to seek spiritual strength, ultimately bringing glory to God through the Church and in Christ Jesus.
