What is the meaning of Ephesians 3:3? That is Paul links this phrase to the previous verse, tying the “stewardship of God’s grace” (Ephesians 3:2) to what follows. He is clarifying: “Here’s what I mean.” • The connection points back to his God-given task of taking the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 22:21; Galatians 2:7). • It echoes how he often pauses to explain or expand a thought (cf. Romans 1:12–13). the mystery “Mystery” does not mean something unknowable, but something once hidden and now revealed. • Colossians 1:26–27 speaks of “the mystery that was hidden for ages…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” • Romans 16:25-26 calls it “the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages but now revealed.” • In Ephesians Paul has already identified the mystery as Jew and Gentile being “fellow heirs…in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Ephesians 3:6). made known to me God personally entrusted this truth to Paul. • On the Damascus road Jesus told him, “I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and witness” (Acts 26:16). • Galatians 1:15-16 affirms he did not receive the gospel from man “but by a revelation of Jesus Christ.” • This underscores divine initiative—God chooses, reveals, and commissions. by revelation The source is supernatural, not human insight. • 2 Corinthians 12:1 speaks of “visions and revelations of the Lord.” • Ephesians 1:17 prays believers would receive “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.” • Revelation assures accuracy; what Paul teaches carries the authority of Christ Himself (1 Thessalonians 4:2). as I have already written briefly Paul reminds readers he has touched on this earlier in the letter. • Ephesians 1:9-10: God “made known to us the mystery of His will…to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ.” • Ephesians 2:11-22: Gentiles, once “far off,” are now “brought near by the blood of Christ,” forming “one new man.” • The brief mention sets the stage for the fuller explanation that follows in Ephesians 3:4-13. summary Ephesians 3:3 highlights that the gospel’s inclusion of Gentiles was once hidden but is now openly declared. God Himself unveiled this plan to Paul, entrusting him to proclaim it. The verse underscores divine revelation, Paul’s authority, and God’s unfolding purpose to unite all believers in Christ. |
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