Eph 3 | MHM | STEP | The Mystery of Christ Revealed In this section, Paul explains that he is a prisoner because of his mission to share the message of Christ with the Gentiles. He describes how God revealed a special mystery to him, namely, that Gentiles are included in God’s promises through the gospel. Paul shares how this mystery was not known in previous generations, but is now made clear by the Spirit. He also talks about his own calling to preach this message and prays for the spiritual growth of the believers. v. 1 : Paul starts by calling himself “a prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles.” He is reminding the Ephesians that he is suffering in prison because he preached the gospel to the Gentiles ( For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles ; Ephesians 3:1 ).

‏ Ephesians 3

The Mystery of Christ Revealed

In this section, Paul explains that he is a prisoner because of his mission to share the message of Christ with the Gentiles. He describes how God revealed a special mystery to him, namely, that Gentiles are included in God’s promises through the gospel. Paul shares how this mystery was not known in previous generations, but is now made clear by the Spirit. He also talks about his own calling to preach this message and prays for the spiritual growth of the believers.

v. 1: Paul starts by calling himself “a prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles.” He is reminding the Ephesians that he is suffering in prison because he preached the gospel to the Gentiles (For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles; Ephesians 3:1 ^a).

v. 2: He tells them that they have probably heard about the special responsibility God gave him to share the gospel with them. God’s grace made Paul a minister to the Gentiles (If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward; Ephesians 3:2 ^b).

v. 3: Paul explains that God revealed a mystery to him by revelation. This mystery is something Paul had already written about briefly (How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; Ephesians 3:3 ^c).

v. 4: When the Ephesians read what he wrote, they can understand his insight into the mystery of Christ (Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ; Ephesians 3:4 ^d).

v. 5: Paul says that in previous generations, people did not know this mystery. Now, however, the Holy Spirit has revealed it to Christ’s apostles and prophets (Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; Ephesians 3:5 ^e).

v. 6: The mystery is that Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and share in the promise in Christ through the gospel (That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel; Ephesians 3:6 ^f).

v. 7: Paul says that he became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given to him through God’s power (Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power; Ephesians 3:7 ^g).

v. 8: He describes himself as “less than the least of all saints,” but God gave him the privilege to preach to the Gentiles about the unsearchable riches of Christ (Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; Ephesians 3:8 ^h).

v. 9: Paul’s mission is to reveal to everyone how God’s mysterious plan, hidden for ages, is now brought to light through Jesus Christ (And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ;.

v. 10: The purpose is that, through the church, God’s wisdom will now be made known to rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms (To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God; Ephesians 3:10 ⁱ).

v. 11: This was God’s eternal plan, which he accomplished in Jesus Christ (According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord; Ephesians 3:11 ^j).

v. 12: Because of Christ, believers can approach God with freedom and confidence through faith (In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him; Ephesians 3:12 ^k).

v. 13: Paul asks them not to be discouraged by his sufferings for their sake, because his troubles are for their glory (Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory; Ephesians 3:13 ^l).

The Apostle's Prayer

In this section, Paul prays earnestly for the Ephesians, asking God to bless them with spiritual strength and a deeper understanding of Christ's love. He encourages them to grow in faith, love, and knowledge, reminding them of God’s infinite power and glory. This prayer reflects Paul’s heartfelt concern for their spiritual growth and unity in Christ.

v. 14: Paul begins his prayer by saying, For this cause, referring back to his earlier thoughts about their faith and the great blessings they have in Christ (Ephesians 3:14 ^m). He humbly says, I bow my knees, showing the reverence and respect we should have when approaching God in prayer. Paul addresses God as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, emphasizing the relationship believers have with God through Jesus.

v. 15: He describes God as the one of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named (Ephesians 3:15 ⁿ). This means all believers—those in heaven and those on earth—are part of one family under Christ. The name "Christian" links them to Christ, showing their dependence on Him and their unity as His people.

v. 16: Paul prays that they would be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man (Ephesians 3:16 ^o). This refers to spiritual strength for their souls, provided by the Holy Spirit. He asks for this strength to be given according to the riches of his glory, reminding them of God’s abundant grace and power. This strength helps believers to live faithfully, resist temptation, and face challenges with courage.

v. 17: Paul prays that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith (Ephesians 3:17 ^p). When we trust in Jesus, He lives in us, influencing our thoughts and actions. Faith opens the door of our hearts for Christ to enter. Paul adds that they should be rooted and grounded in love, meaning their love for God and others should be solid and unshakable, just like a tree with deep roots or a building with a strong foundation.

v. 18–19: Paul desires that they may be able to comprehend with all saints the great love of Christ . He speaks of the breadth, length, depth, and height of Christ’s love, showing how immeasurable and infinite it is. He prays that they would know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge (Ephesians 3:19 ^q). While we can never fully understand Christ’s love, we can experience it and grow in our appreciation of it. This love is higher, deeper, and greater than anything we can imagine.

Paul also asks that they may be filled with all the fulness of God. This means being filled with God’s presence, His grace, and His blessings. It is not about becoming like God in His divine nature but being filled with everything He desires to give His people, so they can reflect His character and grow in holiness.

v. 20–21: Paul ends his prayer with a doxology, giving praise to God. He describes God as one who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20 ^r). God’s power and grace are limitless, far beyond what we can imagine or request in prayer. Paul says this power works in us, strengthening believers and transforming their lives. Finally, Paul gives glory to God, saying, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages (Ephesians 3:21 ^s). God is glorified in the church through Jesus, and this praise will continue forever. Paul ends with Amen, affirming his confidence that God will accomplish His purposes.