Ephesians Chapter 3

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Introduction

THIS chapter consists, properly, of three parts : --

I. A statement that the Gentiles were to be made partakers of the gospel, and that the work of proclaiming this was especially entrusted to Paul, Eph 3:1ff. In illustrating this, Paul observes: --

(1.) That he was the prisoner of Jesus Christ in behalf of the Gentiles, Eph 3:1. He was in bonds for maintaining that the gospel was to be preached to the Gentiles, and for endeavouring to convey it to them.

(2.) He reminds them all of the fact that he was called, by special revelation, to make known this truth, and to convey to the Gentiles this gospel -- supposing that they had heard of the manner of his conversion, Eph 3:2, Eph 3:3.

(3.) He refers them to what he had said before in few words on this point as proof of his acquaintance with this great plan of the gospel, Eph 3:3, Eph 3:4.

(4.) He speaks of this great truth as a "mystery" -- the "mystery of Christ;" the great and important truth which was concealed until Christ came, and which was fully made known by him, Eph 3:4ff. This had been hidden for ages. But now it had been fully revealed by the Spirit of God to the apostles and prophets in the Christian church, that the great wall of partition was to be broken down, and the gospel proclaimed alike to all.

(5.) The apostle says, that to him especially was this office committed, to proclaim among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, Eph 3:8, Eph 3:9.

(6.) The design of this was to illustrate, in view of all worlds, the great wisdom of God in the plan of salvation, Eph 3:10ff. It was intended to show to other intelligent beings the glory of the Divine perfections, and to make manifestations of the Divine character which could be perceived nowhere else.

II. Paul expresses an earnest wish that they should comprehend the glory of this plan of salvation, Eph 3:13ff. Particularly he desires them not to faint on account of his afflictions in their behalf; declares that he bows his knees in prayer before the great Father of the redeemed family, that God would be pleased to strengthen them, and enlighten them, and give them clear views of the glorious plan.

III. The chapter concludes with an ascription of praise to God, in view of the great goodness which he had manifested, and of the glory of the plan of salvation, Eph 3:20, Eph 3:21.

Text

1: For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, edit

2: If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: edit

3: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, edit

4: Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) edit

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; edit

6: That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: edit

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. edit

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; edit

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: edit

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, edit

11: According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: edit

12: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. edit

13: Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. edit

14: For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, edit

15: Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, edit

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; edit

17: That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, edit

18: May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; edit

19: And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. edit

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, edit

21: Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. edit