Ephesians - Chapter 3

Ephesians 3.1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, Ephesians 3.2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: Ephesians 3.3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Ephesians 3.4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Ephesians 3.5 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 3.6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Ephesians 3.7 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 3.8 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 3.9 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: Ephesians 3.10 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 3.11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: Ephesians 3.12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Ephesians 3.13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. Ephesians 3.14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 3.15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, Ephesians 3.16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; Ephesians 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, Ephesians 3.18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; Ephesians 3.19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Ephesians 3.20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Ephesians 3.21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Ephesians : Chapter 3

The Mystery of God's Plan for the Nations

Chapter 3 of the letter to the Ephesians reveals to us the mystery of God's plan for the nations. This profound passage invites us to reflect on the essential role of the Apostle Paul in this great divine plan. His apostolic mission to the Gentiles sheds light on the mystery of their inclusion in the body of Christ.

The Many-sided Wisdom of God

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the many-sided wisdom of God and His eternal purpose in Christ. He reminds us that this wisdom transcends our human understanding and is manifested through the Church. The chapter concludes with a sublime prayer, asking for spiritual strengthening and understanding of Christ's love, a love that surpasses all knowledge.

Five Related Bible Passages

We invite you to consider five biblical passages that resonate with the universal themes of this revelatory chapter.

Colossians 1:26-27

"This mystery has been hidden for ages and generations, but now it has been made manifest to his saints. God wanted to make known to the Gentiles the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." This passage reflects the theme of the mystery revealed discussed in Ephesians 3:3-6.

Romans 11:25

"Brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, lest you become conceited. Israel has been blinded in part until the fullness of the Gentiles comes." This verse relates to the concept of mystery in Ephesians 3, particularly in the context of the inclusion of Gentiles.

1 Peter 1:10-12

"Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was coming to you studied and examined, seeking to know the time and circumstances indicated by the Spirit of Christ who was in them, when he announced to them the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been announced to them by those who have preached the gospel to them by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things that even angels long to observe." This passage echoes the theme of the progressive revelation of God's plan mentioned in Ephesians 3:5.

Philippians 4:19

"My God will supply all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." This verse reflects the theme of the riches of Christ mentioned in Ephesians 3:8, emphasizing God's provision for His children.

John 14:23

"Jesus answered, 'If anyone loves me, he will obey my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.'" This passage relates to the concept of Christ dwelling in the hearts of believers, as mentioned in Ephesians 3:17.

By meditating on these passages, we are called to deepen our understanding of the mystery of God's love and His plan for humanity, by fully living our faith in Christ.