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Ephesians 3

ScriptureDepth's study of Ephesians 3

“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,”

Ephesians 3:20

Paul writes to the Ephesians, assuring them that God's power can exceed their understanding and expectations, which is significant as it culminates in the chapter's prayer for strength.

What Ephesians 3 is about

Paul identifies himself as a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of the Gentiles (v. 1). He mentions the grace of God given to him and refers to a mystery revealed to him (vv. 2-3). This mystery is that Gentiles are fellow heirs and partakers of the promise in Christ (vv. 5-6). Paul describes his mission to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ (vv. 7-9). He states that God's wisdom is now revealed through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places (vv. 10-11). Paul encourages the Ephesians not to lose heart over his suffering (v. 13). He prays to the Father for strength through the Spirit (vv. 14-16). Paul asks that Christ dwell in their hearts through faith, so they may know the fullness of God's love (vv. 17-19). He concludes with praise to God who can do more than they ask (vv. 20-21).

Paul prays for strength and understanding so that the Ephesians may be filled with God's fullness.

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Ephesians 3 at a glance

  1. Ephesians 3:1Paul identifies as a prisoner
  2. Ephesians 3:2–6Revelation of the mystery
  3. Ephesians 3:7–9Paul's role and mission
  4. Ephesians 3:10–13God's wisdom revealed
  5. Ephesians 3:14–19Paul's prayer for strength
  6. Ephesians 3:20–21Doxology of praise

Key verse: Ephesians 3:20

Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.

Chapter text

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Paul identifies as a prisoner Ephesians 3:1

Verse 1. For this cause I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles,

Revelation of the mystery Ephesians 3:2–6

Verse 2. if it is so that you have heard of the administration of that grace of God which was given me toward you; Verse 3. how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words, Verse 4. by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ; Verse 5. which 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; Verse 6. that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News,

Paul's role and mission Ephesians 3:7–9

Verse 7. of 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. Verse 8. To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, Verse 9. and 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;

God's wisdom revealed Ephesians 3:10–13

Verse 10. to 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, Verse 11. according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord; Verse 12. in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him. Verse 13. Therefore I ask that you may not lose heart at my troubles for you, which are your glory.

Paul's prayer for strength Ephesians 3:14–19

Verse 14. For this cause, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Verse 15. from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, Verse 16. that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man; Verse 17. that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love, Verse 18. may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth, Verse 19. and to know Christ’s love which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Doxology of praise Ephesians 3:20–21

Verse 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, Verse 21. to him be the glory in the assembly and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

World English Bible (public domain)

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Main themes in Ephesians 3

mystery of the Gospel

In vv. 3-5, Paul speaks of the revelation of the mystery that was made known to him by revelation. This mystery, which was hidden in previous generations, is now unveiled to the apostles and prophets through the Spirit. The text indicates that this mystery includes the inclusion of Gentiles as fellow heirs and members of the body of Christ, shaping the mission of the early church.

unity of Jews and Gentiles

The unity of Jews and Gentiles is central in verses 6-7, where Paul declares that the Gentiles are 'fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News.' This inclusion signifies a new understanding of community within the church. The chapter establishes this unity as a foundational aspect of the church's identity and mission.

God's grace and power

God's grace and power are highlighted particularly in vv. 7-8, where Paul describes himself as 'the very least of all saints' who received grace to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. Furthermore, in v. 20, Paul concludes with a doxology that celebrates God's ability to do 'exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think', affirming the transformative power of God's grace in the life of believers.

the love of Christ

In verses 17-19, Paul prays that believers may be 'rooted and grounded in love' and equipped to grasp the breadth, length, height, and depth of Christ's love. He describes this love as surpassing knowledge, inviting believers to engage with its vast dimensions. The chapter connects understanding Christ's love with the experience of being filled with all the fullness of God.

Chapter outline

How Ephesians 3 unfolds

  1. Ephesians 3:1 Paul identifies as a prisoner

    Paul states, 'For this cause I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles' (v. 1), revealing his identity and role as a messenger to the Gentiles.

  2. Ephesians 3:2–6 Revelation of the mystery

    Paul reveals that he has received a revelation about a mystery, previously unknown, which concerns the inclusion of Gentiles in God's promises (vv. 2-6).

  3. Ephesians 3:7–9 Paul's role and mission

    In this section, Paul describes his mission as a servant tasked with preaching 'the unsearchable riches of Christ' to the Gentiles (v. 8) and clarifies his role in making the divine mystery known (v. 9).

  4. Ephesians 3:10–13 God's wisdom revealed

    Paul states that God's manifold wisdom is revealed through the church, aiming to impact spiritual authorities in heavenly realms (vv. 10-13), highlighting the purpose of God's eternal plan.

  5. Ephesians 3:14–19 Paul's prayer for strength

    Paul prays, 'I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ' (v. 14) and asks God to grant strength through the Spirit, that Christ may dwell in their hearts and that they may know His love (vv. 16-19).

  6. Ephesians 3:20–21 Doxology of praise

    Paul offers a doxology, declaring, 'Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think' (v. 20), and ascribes glory to God in the assembly and through Christ (v. 21).

Key verses

  • Ephesians 3:20Paul writes to the Ephesians, assuring them that God's power can exceed their understanding and expectations, which is significant as it culminates in the chapter's prayer for strength.

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Study questions

Questions for studying Ephesians 3

SummarizeObserveInterpretApply

Uses your daily Ask questions.

  1. observeIn v6, what does Paul mean by 'fellow heirs' in relation to the Gentiles?
  2. observeIn v12, what is meant by 'boldness and access in confidence' through faith?
  3. interpretPaul's statement about the 'mystery' in vv. 3-5: how does this concept challenge previous Jewish understanding?
  4. interpretIn v19, what does it mean to be 'filled with all the fullness of God'?
  5. applyWhen have you felt strengthened to comprehend love that 'surpasses knowledge' in your life?

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Ephesians 3: frequently asked questions

What is Ephesians 3 about?+
Paul identifies himself as a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of the Gentiles (v. 1).
What is the key verse in Ephesians 3?+
Ephesians 3:20: “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,”
What are the main themes of Ephesians 3?+
The main themes of Ephesians 3 are mystery of the Gospel, unity of Jews and Gentiles, God's grace and power, the love of Christ.

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Study Notes