Ephesians 3

Ephesians 3 delves into the mystery of Christ and its revelation to the Gentiles. Paul explains his role as a servant of this gospel through the grace given to him by God, emphasizing the unity and inclusiveness of God's plan. The chapter also includes a prayer for the Ephesians, seeking that they may fully comprehend the vastness of Christ's love and be filled with the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:1-10 (NKJV)
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles—
2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,
3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,
4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),
5 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:
6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,
7 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.
8 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,
9 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;
10 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,

This passage reveals Paul's role in sharing the "mystery of Christ"—that Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of God's promises through the gospel. Paul emphasizes that this mystery, hidden in ages past, was revealed by God to show that salvation is for all, not just the Jews. Despite his important mission, Paul humbly calls himself "less than the least of all the saints" because of his sinful past as a persecutor of Christians. Yet, God chose to transform and use him as a messenger of grace. This shows that just as God could exalt Paul, despite his flaws, He can also work through and exalt the Gentiles, who were often seen as unworthy by others. The passage demonstrates that God's grace not only forgives but elevates those whom society may overlook, using them to display His wisdom and love. The Church is called to reflect this truth by living as a unified body that reveals God's redemptive plan to the world and even to heavenly beings.

Ephesians 3:11-13 (NKJV)
11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.
13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

Paul assures the Ephesians that this revelation aligns with God’s eternal purpose fulfilled in Christ, through whom believers have confident and bold access to God. He encourages them not to be discouraged by his sufferings, as they ultimately serve to honor the believers.

Ephesians 3:14-19 (NKJV)
14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 from 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 through His Spirit in the inner man,
17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—
19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Paul prays for the spiritual strength of the Ephesians, that they might deeply understand and experience Christ’s love, which surpasses all knowledge, leading them to be filled with the fullness of God. This prayer highlights the transformative power of comprehending the dimensions of Christ's love.

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NKJV)
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,
21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

This passage is a powerful doxology that praises God for His limitless power and glory. Paul emphasizes that God is able to do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think," highlighting that His power surpasses human understanding and expectations. This power works in believers through the Holy Spirit, transforming their lives and enabling them to live victoriously. Paul points out that God’s work in our lives is not only for our benefit but for His glory, revealed in the Church and through Christ Jesus throughout all generations. This reminds believers to approach God with faith, trusting that He can achieve far more than they can imagine, and to live in a way that reflects His glory and praises His name forever. It’s a call to live with confident faith in God’s ability to accomplish His perfect will, even beyond what we can comprehend.