What is the meaning of Ephesians 3:4? In reading this Paul expects his readers to spend time actually reading—and rereading—his letter. Scripture is meant to be opened, not shelved (cf. “I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers,” 1 Thessalonians 5:27). Like the Bereans who “received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day” (Acts 17:11), believers gain benefit only when eyes and hearts are on the text. Practical take-away: set aside focused moments with the Word so that what follows in the verse can become reality. then The little connective signals sequence and certainty. If the church will read, then results will follow—no guesswork. Scripture consistently ties obedient action to promised outcome: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). Paul’s “then” echoes his earlier “For this reason” (Ephesians 1:15; 3:1), showing how one truth builds upon another. you will be able to understand God’s Word is not an indecipherable code. Reading with faith opens understanding: “Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45). The Spirit bridges the gap between ink on a page and light in the heart (1 Corinthians 2:12). Notice Paul’s confidence—“you will be able”—mirroring his assurance in 2 Corinthians 1:13 that believers can grasp what he writes. my insight Paul is sharing something personally revealed to him by Christ: “For I did not receive it from man… but by revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12). His apostleship lends authority yet remains humble; he offers his Spirit-given insight so the whole body can grow. Peter affirms the value of Paul’s wisdom (2 Peter 3:15), underscoring its reliability. into the mystery A “mystery” in Scripture is a truth once hidden but now unveiled. Earlier Paul wrote, “the mystery was made known to me by revelation” (Ephesians 3:3). The veil is lifted; the plan is out in the open (Romans 16:25-26; Colossians 1:26). Reading Scripture is therefore an act of discovery, stepping into light God is eager to share. of Christ The centerpiece of the mystery is Jesus Himself—His person, work, and the uniting of Jew and Gentile into one body through the gospel (Ephesians 3:6). Every secret God reveals points to His Son: “In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Paul’s life purpose was to make Christ known: “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). Understanding the mystery means knowing Christ more deeply and living in the unity He secured. summary Ephesians 3:4 promises that intentional reading of Scripture brings Spirit-enabled understanding of the once-hidden, now-revealed mystery centered in Jesus. Paul offers his God-given insight so believers, through consistent engagement with the Word, can see Christ’s glorious plan and walk in its light. |
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