Ephesians 3
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1For this cause I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles, 2if it is so that you have heard of the administration of that grace of God which was given me toward you; 3how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words, 4by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ; 5which 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; 6that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News, 7of 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. 8To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and 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; 10to 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, 11according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord; 12in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him. 13Therefore I ask that you may not lose heart at my troubles for you, which are your glory. 14For this cause, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16that 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; 17that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth, 19and to know Christ’s love which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21to him be the glory in the assembly and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
World English Bible (public domain)
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,”
Ephesians 3:20
Summary
In Ephesians chapter 3, Paul discusses the mystery of the Gospel revealed to him for the Gentiles. He speaks of how this mystery was not made known to previous generations but is now revealed by the Spirit to the apostles and prophets. Paul emphasizes that through the Gospel, Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, sharing in God's promise in Jesus Christ. He describes his unique role as a servant of the Gospel, which he proclaims by the gift of God's grace. Paul then prays for strength and understanding for the believers, emphasizing the vastness of Christ's love, which surpasses knowledge, and wants them to be filled with the fullness of God. The chapter concludes with a doxology, glorifying God who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us.
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Chapter outline
How Ephesians 3 unfolds
Ephesians 3:1 Paul identifies as a prisoner
Paul introduces himself as a prisoner of Christ for the Gentiles, framing his mission and suffering as part of God's purpose.
Ephesians 3:2–6 Revelation of the mystery
Paul explains the grace given to him to reveal the mystery that Gentiles are now fellow heirs through the Gospel.
Ephesians 3:7–9 Paul's role and mission
He describes his role as a servant of the Gospel, tasked with proclaiming the hidden riches of Christ to all.
Ephesians 3:10–13 God's wisdom revealed
Through the church, God's wisdom is revealed to spiritual authorities, encouraging believers not to lose heart due to Paul's suffering.
Ephesians 3:14–19 Paul's prayer for strength
Paul prays for the Ephesians to be strengthened in their inner being, rooted in love, to grasp the dimensions of Christ's love.
Ephesians 3:20–21 Doxology of praise
The chapter concludes with a doxology, praising God for His ability to do far more than we can imagine.
Key verses
Ephesians 3:20Ephesians 3:20 encapsulates the chapter's emphasis on God's limitless power at work in believers, a source of encouragement and strength.
Main themes in Ephesians 3
mystery of the Gospel
The mystery of the Gospel is introduced when Paul discusses his revelation in verses 3-5. This theme develops as he emphasizes the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's plan, highlighting a shift in God's redemptive work. Within the larger movement, it signifies the unfolding of God's purposes through Christ, reshaping community identity.
unity of Jews and Gentiles
The unity of Jews and Gentiles is a central theme in verses 6 and 9, where Paul emphasizes their shared inheritance in Christ. This unity complicates traditional boundaries, showing that God's grace extends to all regardless of background. It reflects the chapter's larger movement toward inclusivity and the unity of believers in Christ.
God's grace and power
God's grace and power are evident in Paul's calling as a servant in verse 7, showcasing his role in God's plan. The chapter develops this by illustrating how God's power works in believers, culminating in the doxology of verse 20. It highlights the transformative nature of God's grace at work within the church.
the love of Christ
The love of Christ surfaces prominently in verses 17-19, as Paul prays for believers to comprehend its vastness. This theme deepens as he connects understanding Christ's love to being filled with God's fullness. Within the chapter's larger movement, it underscores the essential nature of love in the believer's life and community.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Ephesians 3
- Philippians 4Philippians echoes the theme of God's provision and strength in times of difficulty, similar to Paul's prayer for the Ephesians.
- Ephesians 1Ephesians 1 connects by emphasizing the blessings and inheritance believers have in Christ, paralleling themes of grace and unity.
- Colossians 1Colossians 1 develops the idea of revealing the mystery of Christ, similar to Paul's mission in Ephesians.
- 2 Corinthians 92 Corinthians 9 connects through the theme of God's grace in provision, reflecting Paul's emphasis on God's ability to bless abundantly.
- Jeremiah 32Jeremiah 32 echoes themes of faith in God's promises, resonating with Paul's assurance in God’s eternal purpose.
- Jude 1Jude 1 connects by highlighting the call to perseverance and faith, aligning with Paul's encouragement to the Ephesians.
Study questions
Questions for studying Ephesians 3
- What does Paul mean by calling himself a prisoner of Christ?
- How does Paul describe the mystery of the Gospel?
- In what ways are Gentiles included in God's promises according to this chapter?
- What is the significance of Paul's prayer for strength and love?
- How does the doxology reflect the themes of God's power and glory?
- What roles do the church and spiritual authorities play in revealing God's wisdom?
Ephesians 3: frequently asked questions
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