Ephesians 3:7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace, given me through the working of His power.

◄ Ephesians 3:7 ►

New International Version
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.

New Living Translation
By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.

English Standard Version
Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power.

Berean Standard Bible
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power.

Berean Literal Bible
of which I became servant according to the gift of God's grace, having been given to me according to the working of His power.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.

New American Standard Bible
of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power.

NASB 1995
of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power.

NASB 1977
of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power.

Legacy Standard Bible
of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power.

Amplified Bible
Of this [gospel] I was made a minister by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power.

Christian Standard Bible
I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of His power.

American Standard Version
whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power.

Contemporary English Version
God treated me with kindness. His power worked in me, and it became my job to spread the good news.

English Revised Version
whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I became a servant of this Good News through God's kindness freely given to me when his power worked [in me].

Good News Translation
I was made a servant of the gospel by God's special gift, which he gave me through the working of his power.

International Standard Version
I have become a servant of this gospel according to the gift of God's grace that was given me by the working of his power.

Majority Standard Bible
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power.

NET Bible
I became a servant of this gospel according to the gift of God's grace that was given to me by the exercise of his power.

New Heart English Bible
of 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.

Webster's Bible Translation
Of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effectual working of his power.

Weymouth New Testament
in which I have been appointed to serve, in virtue of the work which God, in the exercise of His power within me, has graciously entrusted to me.

World English Bible
of 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.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
of which I became a servant, according to the gift of the grace of God that was given to me, according to the working of His power;

Berean Literal Bible
of which I became servant according to the gift of God's grace, having been given to me according to the working of His power.

Young's Literal Translation
of which I became a ministrant, according to the gift of the grace of God that was given to me, according to the working of His power;

Smith's Literal Translation
Of which I Became a servant, according to the gift of the grace of God given to me according to the energy of his power.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Of which I am made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God, which is given to me according to the operation of his power:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Of this Gospel, I have been made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God, which has been given to me by means of the operation of his virtue.

New American Bible
Of this I became a minister by the gift of God’s grace that was granted me in accord with the exercise of his power.

New Revised Standard Version
Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Of that very gospel, I have been a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effectual working of his power.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
That of which I have been a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God which is given to me by the action of his power;

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
of which I was made a minister according to the gift of the grace of God which was given to me, in proportion to the energy of his power:

Godbey New Testament
whose minister I became, according to the gift of the grace of God which was given unto me; according to the working of his power.

Haweis New Testament
of which I am made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God, which was given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

Mace New Testament
of this I was made a minister, according to the gracious gift God bestowed on me, by the effectual operation of his influence:

Weymouth New Testament
in which I have been appointed to serve, in virtue of the work which God, in the exercise of His power within me, has graciously entrusted to me.

Worrell New Testament
of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God which was given to me according to the working of His power.

Worsley New Testament
of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God conferred on me by the effectual operation of his power.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Mystery of the Gospel
…6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus. 7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power. 8Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Colossians 1:25
I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God,

1 Timothy 1:12-14
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service. / I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy. / And the grace of our Lord overflowed to me, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 15:15-16
However, I have written you a bold reminder on some points, because of the grace God has given me / to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:5-6
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God. / And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Galatians 1:15-16
But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased / to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood,

Acts 26:16-18
‘But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen from Me and what I will show you. / I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them / to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’

1 Corinthians 3:5-9
What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role. / I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. / So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. ...

2 Timothy 1:11
to which I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher.

Romans 12:6-7
We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; / if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;

1 Peter 4:10-11
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. / If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Acts 20:24
But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

2 Corinthians 4:1
Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this ministry, we do not lose heart.

Philippians 1:7
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11
There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. / There are different ministries, but the same Lord. / There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. ...

Treasury of Scripture

Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effectual working of his power.

Ephesians 3:2
If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

Romans 15:16
That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

2 Corinthians 3:6
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

according.

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;

Romans 1:5
By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

by.

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 1:19
And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

Ephesians 4:16
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

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Ephesians 3

1. The hidden mystery that the Gentiles should be saved was made known to Paul by revelation;
8. and to him was that grace given, that he should preach it.
13. He desires them not to be discouraged over his tribulation;
14. and prays that they may perceive the great love of Christ toward them.

Berean Study Bible

I became a servant
The phrase "I became a servant" reflects the Greek word "διάκονος" (diakonos), which is often translated as "servant" or "minister." In the early Christian context, this term denotes one who serves others, emphasizing humility and dedication. Paul, the author of Ephesians, identifies himself as a servant, highlighting his role in spreading the gospel. This servanthood is not self-imposed but a divine calling, underscoring the Christian belief that true leadership in the faith is marked by service and humility, following the example of Christ Himself.

of this gospel
The "gospel" refers to the "good news" of Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection for the salvation of humanity. The Greek word "εὐαγγέλιον" (euangelion) conveys a message of joy and hope. In the historical context of the early church, the gospel was revolutionary, offering a new covenant and relationship with God. Paul's dedication to this gospel signifies its centrality in Christian doctrine and life, as it is the foundation of faith and the message that believers are called to share with the world.

by the gift of God’s grace
"Grace" in Greek is "χάρις" (charis), meaning unmerited favor or kindness. The phrase emphasizes that Paul's role as a servant of the gospel is not due to his own merit or effort but is a result of God's generous and unearned favor. This grace is a recurring theme in Paul's writings, highlighting the transformative power of God's love and mercy. It serves as a reminder to believers that their calling and abilities are gifts from God, meant to be used for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

given me
The phrase "given me" underscores the personal nature of God's grace. It is not a generic or abstract concept but a specific and intentional act by God towards Paul. This personal aspect of grace is crucial in understanding the relational nature of Christianity, where God interacts with individuals, calling them to specific purposes and empowering them for His work.

through the working of His power
The "working of His power" refers to the divine energy and strength that enables Paul to fulfill his ministry. The Greek word for "power" is "δύναμις" (dynamis), which implies dynamic force and capability. This power is not human but divine, indicating that the effectiveness of Paul's ministry is rooted in God's strength, not his own. Historically, this reflects the early church's reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower their mission. For contemporary believers, it serves as a reminder that their efforts in serving God are sustained and made fruitful by His power, not by human effort alone.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(7) According to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.--The words "given by" should be rendered given according to. The working of God's power is described, not as the means, but as the measure of the gift of His grace. In fact, what is a "gift" in its source, is "effectual working" in its actual nature. On the phrase "effectual working of power"--a divine force in the soul, not latent but energetic--see Ephesians 1:19. In the whole of this passage, however, the chief emphasis is laid, not on the spiritual power, but on the freedom of God's gift to the Apostle of this high privilege of preaching the mystery of the gospel.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 7. - Of which I became a minister; did not gradually grow up to the office, but became, at a given time and place, a minister, a διάκονος, a servant. According to the gift of the grace of God. The office of serving Christ was a gift, most undeserved on Paul's part, who had been a persecutor and injurious, but flowing from the free grace of God, his sovereign, unmerited mercy. Which was given me according to the working of his power. This denotes the manner of the gift; the gift itself, apostleship to the Gentiles, would have been little had it not been accompanied with Divine power. Spiritual office without spiritual power is miserable; but in Paul's case there was the power as well as the office; not merely the power of working miracles, as some have held, but besides this, the power of spiritual insight into the meaning of Scripture - power of exposition, power of demonstration, power of persuasion (comp. 1 Thessalonians 1:5; Acts 14:1; 1 Corinthians 4:7, etc.). Paul gratefully acknowledged that all the power of his ministry was God's, not his own (1 Corinthians 3:6, 7).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

I became
ἐγενήθην (egenēthēn)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

a servant
διάκονος (diakonos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1249: Probably from an obsolete diako; an attendant, i.e. a waiter; specially, a Christian teacher and pastor.

of [this gospel]
οὗ (hou)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

by
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

gift
δωρεὰν (dōrean)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1431: A (free) gift, a gift (without repayment). From doron; a gratuity.

of God’s
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

grace,
χάριτος (charitos)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5485: From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.

given
δοθείσης (dotheisēs)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

me
μοι (moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

through
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

working
ἐνέργειαν (energeian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1753: Working, action, productive work, activity; in the NT, confined to superhuman activity. From energes; efficiency.

of
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

power.
δυνάμεως (dynameōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.

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NT Letters: Ephesians 3:7 Of which I was made a servant (Ephes. Eph. Ep)