Ephesians 3 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Ephesians 3

The Epistle to the Ephesians is believed to have been written by the Apostle Paul, a former persecutor of the early Christian church who experienced a dramatic conversion and became one of the most influential figures in the spread of Christianity. Paul addresses the Gentile believers in Ephesus in this chapter, sharing his understanding of the mystery of Christ and the unity of the church.

Paul’s message in this chapter is one of hope and unity. He speaks of the “mystery” that has been revealed, that through the gospel, the Gentiles are now fellow heirs with the Jews, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:6). This was a radical concept at the time, as the early church struggled with the inclusion of Gentiles and the breaking down of the dividing wall between Jews and non-Jews (Ephesians 2:14).

Paul’s personal experience as a former persecutor of the church gives him a unique perspective on the power of God’s grace and the transformative nature of the gospel. He speaks of his own role as a “steward of God’s grace” (Ephesians 3:2), called to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ to the Gentiles. This theme of God’s eternal purpose and the unity of the church will continue to be developed throughout the chapter, providing encouragement and guidance to the believers in Ephesus.

Ephesians 3:1-6

The apostle Paul begins by referring to himself as a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of the Gentiles in Ephesians 3:1-6. Paul emphasizes his willingness to suffer for the sake of spreading the Gospel to non-Jewish believers. This willingness to endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel reflects Paul’s deep commitment to his mission and his belief in the transformative power of the message of Christ.

Paul goes on to explain that the mystery of Christ was made known to him through revelation. The concept of a mystery in the New Testament often refers to a truth that was previously hidden but has now been revealed by God. Paul revealed that the mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.

This revelation was not made known to previous generations but has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. The unity of Jews and Gentiles as fellow heirs and partakers of God’s promise through Christ was a profound revelation that reshaped the early Christian understanding of God’s plan for salvation. This inclusivity and unity among believers, regardless of their background, is a central theme in Ephesians and in Paul’s teachings throughout his epistles.

The implications of this revelation of the mystery of Christ are significant. Paul challenges traditional divisions and exclusions present in religious practices of his time by including Gentiles as full participants in God’s plan of salvation through faith in Christ. This message of unity and inclusion is a powerful reminder of God’s desire for all people to be reconciled to Him through Christ, irrespective of cultural or ethnic differences. The theme of God’s plan for salvation extending to all nations and peoples is evident throughout both the Old and New Testaments in the broader context of the Bible. For instance, in Genesis 12:3, God promises Abraham that through his offspring, all nations of the earth will be blessed. This promise of blessing for all nations finds fulfillment in the person of Christ, who brings salvation to both Jews and Gentiles, fulfilling God’s redemptive plan for all humanity. Paul’s revelation of the mystery of Christ’s inclusivity further emphasizes the continuity of God’s plan throughout history and the fulfillment of His promises in Christ.

Ephesians 3:7-13

The apostle Paul delves into the concept of the grace given to him to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ to the Gentiles in Ephesians 3:7-13. Let’s break down this significant passage verse by verse to understand its profound meaning.

Verse 7: “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.”
Here, Paul acknowledges that the ability and calling to be a minister of the gospel were not attained through any merit of his own but were a gift of God’s grace. This emphasizes the sovereignty of God in choosing Paul for this purpose and illuminates the vital aspect of grace in the life of a believer. The idea of being a servant of the gospel underscores the humility and submission required in spreading the message of Christ.

Verse 8: “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”
Paul’s humility shines through as he refers to himself as the least of all the Lord’s people, recognizing his past as a persecutor of Christians (1 Corinthians 15:9). Despite his past, he highlights that God’s grace was bestowed upon him for a specific purpose – to bring the message of Christ’s incomprehensible riches to the Gentiles. This showcases God’s redemptive power and His desire for all people to be included in His salvation plan, not just the Jews (Romans 1:16).

Verse 9: “and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things”
Paul elucidates that part of his calling was to unveil the mystery that was concealed in God for ages. The mystery he refers to is the inclusion of the Gentiles in the plan of salvation, a concept that was not fully understood in previous times. Through Christ, God’s plan of salvation was made clear not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles, emphasizing the universality of the gospel and God’s wisdom in orchestrating His redemptive plan (Colossians 1:26-27).

Verse 10: “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”
This verse underscores God’s divine purpose in using the church as a vessel to display His wisdom and glory to the heavenly realms, including angels and spiritual authorities. The unity and diversity within the body of Christ, comprising both Jews and Gentiles, serve as a testimony to God’s all-encompassing plan of redemption. This verse accentuates the importance of the church in fulfilling God’s purposes on earth and in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:22-23).

Verse 11-13: “according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. We may approach God with freedom and confidence in him and through faith in him. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.”
These final verses reaffirm that God’s eternal purpose, which was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, enables believers to approach God boldly with confidence through faith. The sufferings that Paul endured for the sake of the gospel were not to discourage the believers but rather to demonstrate the glory that comes from standing firm in the faith despite challenges. This serves as an encouragement for the Ephesian believers to remain steadfast and united in their faith, knowing that through Christ, they have the freedom to come before God with boldness (Hebrews 4:16). Ephesians 3:7-13 illuminates the profound mystery of God’s all-encompassing plan of salvation through Christ, the inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles in this plan, the role of the church in displaying God’s wisdom, and the freedom believers have in approaching God with confidence. Paul’s message in these verses underscores the transformative power of God’s grace and the importance of unity and faith in fulfilling God’s purposes on earth.

Ephesians 3:14-21

The Apostle Paul offers a powerful prayer for the Ephesian believers in Ephesians 3:14-21. Let’s break down this verse into important sections and provide commentary on each:

1. “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father”: Paul begins by expressing his humility before God, emphasizing the significance of prayer and the posture of submission. This sets the tone for a prayer that is earnest and deeply rooted in a relationship with God the Father.

2. “From whom every family in heaven and on earth is named”: Here, Paul acknowledges the ultimate authority and fatherhood of God over all creation, both in heaven and on earth. This highlights the unity and interconnectedness of all believers as part of God’s family, emphasizing the importance of unity in the body of Christ.

3. “That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being”: Paul’s prayer shifts to a request for spiritual strength and empowerment through the Holy Spirit. This inner strengthening is essential for believers to navigate the challenges and trials of the Christian life, and it emphasizes the need for reliance on God’s power rather than mere human effort.

4. “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith”: The indwelling of Christ in the hearts of believers through faith is a central theme in Paul’s writings. It highlights the intimate relationship believers have with Christ and the transformative power of His presence in their lives. This emphasizes the importance of faith as the doorway through which Christ enters and resides in the hearts of believers.

5. “Being rooted and grounded in love”: Paul emphasizes the importance of love as the foundation upon which believers are to be rooted and grounded. Love is central to the Christian faith, as Jesus Himself declared that the greatest commandments are to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-39). This highlights the transformative power of love in shaping believers’ lives and relationships.

6. “May have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth”: Paul’s prayer involves a desire for believers to have a deep understanding of the vastness and magnitude of God’s love. This goes beyond mere intellectual comprehension to a profound experiential knowledge that shapes believers’ relationship with God and with one another.

7. “And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge”: The love of Christ is portrayed as a love that surpasses human understanding and knowledge. It is a divine love that is limitless, unfathomable, and unconditional. This challenges believers to go beyond mere intellectual knowledge to a deeply personal and experiential knowledge of Christ’s love that transforms their lives.

8. “That you may be filled with all the fullness of God”: Paul’s ultimate desire in this prayer is for believers to be filled with the fullness of God. This encompasses a complete transformation of believers’ character, attitudes, and actions to reflect the image of God fully. It signifies a state of spiritual maturity and completeness that comes from being fully rooted and established in God’s love and power. Paul’s profound prayer for the Ephesian believers to be rooted in God’s love, empowered by His Spirit, and filled with the fullness of God encapsulates Ephesians 3:14-21. It underscores the importance of intimate communion with God, the transformative power of Christ’s love, and the essential role of the Holy Spirit in strengthening believers in their inner being. Through this prayer, Paul emphasizes the depth of God’s love and the transformative impact it can have on the lives of believers who surrender to Him wholeheartedly.

After Ephesians 3

The Apostle Paul’s deep desire for the Ephesians to understand the boundless love of Christ and to be filled with the fullness of God is evident in this chapter. He reminds them of the mystery of the Gospel, that through Christ, both Jews and Gentiles are heirs together, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise of Jesus Christ. Paul encourages them to stand firm in their faith, rooted and established in love, so that they may grasp the incomprehensible love of Christ. Reflecting on the teachings of Paul in Ephesians 3 can inspire us to seek a deeper understanding of God’s love and live in unity with our fellow believers. May we be strengthened in our faith and rooted in the love of Christ, so that we may be filled with the fullness of God’s grace and continue to grow in our spiritual journey. We will now turn to the next chapter with open hearts and minds, ready to receive the wisdom and guidance that God has in store for us.