Eph 3:10 | JFB | STEP | 10. The design of God in giving Paul grace to proclaim to the Gentiles the mystery of salvation heretofore hidden. now —first: opposed to "hidden from the beginning of the world" ( ). unto the principalities and — Greek adds "the" powers —unto the various orders of good angels primarily, as these dwell "in the heavenly places" in the highest sense; "known" to their adoring joy ( ). Secondarily, God's wisdom in redemption is made known to evil angels, who dwell "in heavenly places" in a lower sense, namely, the air (compare ); "known" to their dismay ( ). might be known —Translate, "may be known." by the church —"by means of," or "through the Church," which is the "theater" for the display of God's manifold wisdom ( ): "a spectacle ( Greek, 'theater') to angels." Hence, angels are but our "fellow servants" ( ). manifold wisdom —though essentially one, as Christ is one, yet varying the economy in respect to places, times, and persons ( ). Compare , "stewards of the manifold grace of God." Man cannot understand aright its single acts till he can survey them as a connected whole ( ). The call of the Church is no haphazard remedy, or afterthought, but part of the eternal scheme, which, amidst manifold varieties of dispensation, is one in its end.

Ephesians 3:10

10. The design of God in giving Paul grace to proclaim to the Gentiles the mystery of salvation heretofore hidden.

now—first: opposed to "hidden from the beginning of the world" (Eph 3:5).

unto the principalities and—Greek adds "the"

powers—unto the various orders of good angels primarily, as these dwell "in the heavenly places" in the highest sense; "known" to their adoring joy (1Ti 3:16; 1Pe 1:12). Secondarily, God's wisdom in redemption is made known to evil angels, who dwell "in heavenly places" in a lower sense, namely, the air (compare Eph 2:2 with Eph 6:12); "known" to their dismay (1Co 15:24; Col 2:15).

might be known—Translate, "may be known."

by the church—"by means of," or "through the Church," which is the "theater" for the display of God's manifold wisdom (Lu 15:10; 1Co 4:9): "a spectacle (Greek, 'theater') to angels." Hence, angels are but our "fellow servants" (Re 19:10).

manifold wisdom—though essentially one, as Christ is one, yet varying the economy in respect to places, times, and persons (Isa 55:8, 9; Heb 1:1). Compare 1Pe 4:10, "stewards of the manifold grace of God." Man cannot understand aright its single acts till he can survey them as a connected whole (1Co 13:12). The call of the Church is no haphazard remedy, or afterthought, but part of the eternal scheme, which, amidst manifold varieties of dispensation, is one in its end.