Ephesians 3
Ephesians 3 is developed around the apostle Paul’s prayer for his calling and for the church. First, Paul, as an apostle to the Gentiles, explains the mystery (secret) of God entrusted to him. Next, he urges the Ephesian believers not to be discouraged by the reasons he has suffered and by the fact of his sufferings. In the latter part, he closes the chapter with fervent prayer that the saints may come to know God’s great love and fullness, and with praise that gives glory to God.
1verseFor this cause I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles,
2verseif it is so that you have heard of the administration of that grace of God which was given me toward you,
3versehow that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words,
4verseby which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ,
5versewhich 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,
6versethat the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News,
7verseof 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.
8verseTo me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
9verseand 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,
10verseto 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,
11verseaccording to the eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
12verseIn him we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him.
13verseTherefore I ask that you may not lose heart at my troubles for you, which are your glory.
14verseFor this cause, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15versefrom whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
16versethat he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person,
17versethat Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18versemay be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth,
19verseand to know Christ’s love which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20verseNow to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
21verseto him be the glory in the assembly and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Verses 1-13: Paul’s Calling and the Mystery of the Gospel
In verses 1-13, Paul confesses that he was called as an 'apostle to the Gentiles.' He explains the mystery that God had kept hidden for a long time—namely, that the Gentiles and the Jews are made to share in the same promise through the gospel. Paul also states that the sufferings he endures in carrying out this mission are, in fact, the church’s glory, and he asks that those who hear this news not lose heart.
Verses 14-21: God’s Love and Paul’s Prayer
Paul kneels and prays for the church. He asks that the saints experience the love of Christ and the fullness of God. Paul’s prayer focuses on strengthening the inner person, taking root in faith, and enabling the saints to understand God’s wide, long, high, and deep love. Finally, he concludes by praising God, who works among us, so that he may receive glory forever in the church and in Jesus Christ.
Points to Ponder
- What response do I have to the mystery of the gospel—that is, the church’s picture of Gentiles and Jews becoming one and forming one body?
- How practically and personally am I and my faith community experiencing God’s love—how wide and long that love is?
- Reflect on whether my prayers and my life of faith are leading to a life that gives 'glory to God.'
Try Applying It to Me
- Practice inclusion and love toward the various people around me.
- Strive in the Word and in prayer every day so I can experience God’s love more deeply and more widely.
- Even suffering and hardships in life should be interpreted within the calling God has given. And whenever fear or discouragement comes, ask again for God’s courage and strength.
