Ephesians 3:

• v.1-13 Paul’s Ministry & the Mystery of Christ
• v.14-21 A Prayer for the Ephesians

[Chapter Synopsis: Paul’s position in prison isn’t to be a source of anxiety; just remember he had the wonder of revealing the mystery about Christ bringing Jew and Gentile into the family of God, thus revealing God’s wisdom in bringing us close. This should evoke prayer in us for one another that we will continue to grow ‘in Christ’ and in the Spirit, filled with His love, and then praise and worship for what He has achieved.]

v.1-13 Paul’s Ministry & the Mystery of Christ

[Passage Synopsis: Although he’s in prison that doesn’t detract from the fact that Paul had the privilege of revealing the long-standing mystery about Christ, that through him both Jew & Gentile are one as believers, so they shouldn’t be discouraged about his present position.]

v.1-6 Paul now the administrator because of a new insight

v.1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

v.2,3 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.

v.4,5 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.

v.6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

[Note: It’s because of all this that I’m a prisoner at the present time. I expect you know all about my ministry, given by God to reveal the mystery which, although previous generations couldn’t see it, has now been revealed to His leaders. The mystery is that Jew & Gentile share in the salvation that comes through Christ.]

v.7-13 Paul a changed man with a new purpose

v.7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.

v.8,9 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

v.10,11 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

v.12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

v.13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

[Note: I too became His servant by His grace and power, although I consider myself a nobody, His grace called me to preach and share this mystery. God wants the church to reveal to all spiritual worlds His wisdom, what he has been able to achieve through Christ, for it’s only by Christ that we can approach God confidently. So don’t be discouraged by my situation; it’s all part of the plan.]

v.14-21 A Prayer for the Ephesians

[Passage Synopsis: He now prays that they will all be strengthened by the Spirit’s power and experience the fulness of God’s love and become a source of praise and worship of Him.]

v.14,15 For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.

v.16-19 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

v.20,21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

[Note: It’s because of all this that I bow before our God and pray that, strengthened in Christ, you will be established (immovable) in love and power, understanding it and filled with the presence of God. To Him who is working powerfully in us, to Him be glory in and through the Church and Christ.]

For those who may wish to make a study of this chapter, to perhaps think some more about what you have been reading, use the link below: