![]() |
Chapter 3 |
Bible Text | Notes and thoughts |
1 ¶ For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 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; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 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. 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; 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: 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, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. 14 ¶ For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 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; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 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, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. |
v1-13 Paul’s mission to the Non Jews (The world Nations). Paul, who was a prisoner of the Romans was also a slave or prisoner of Jesus, but it is more the fact that he was a Roman prisoner for Christ sake and the Gentile nations, Rom 15:16. God’s promises had normally been to the Jews, the fact He also wanted all the world had been a secret, (Eph 3:3 Mystery). But Paul had been told by God to take the message of grace and salvation to the world, they were to be made one in Christ. v3 Paul points out that he had received the message directly from Jesus not via man, Gal 1:11,12; Acts 9:15. v3-6 "Mystery." This does not mean ‘magical,’ it is referring to ‘a sacred secret,’ which had not been known of before, in this case, when the ‘mystery’ was revealed only those who are saved can understand the meaning, 2 Peter 1:20,21. ‘The mystery’ was not that the Gentiles would be saved but they would be joined, with the Jews, to be only one body in Christ. v7 the Greek word for "minister" indicates "deacon," ‘one who serves or waits at the tables,’ Paul was very humble when referring to his position, 1 Cor 15:9,10; 1 Tim 1:15. v8,9 Paul remembers what he had been before Christ found him. God gave Paul the specific task of preaching to the Gentiles through God’s Grace to him. v10 Good and evil heavenly beings are shown God’s plan through the Church. v11 The eternal purpose Rom 8 29; Eph 1:11. v12 Due to faith through Jesus we can enter the presence of God. v13 See Acts 20:18-35 where Paul talks about his time in Ephesus. v14-21 Paul prays again. Paul prays that they are full of love and let Christ take control of their lives. v14 "Bow the knees" true reverence attitude in prayer. The Bible does not indicate that there is a requirement for any bodily position for prayer. v15 probably referring to whole family of redeemed - those who have passed on and those still alive here on earth, all under the Father of Jesus. v16 "riches of His glory" reference to what we can get from God, His power, given by His Spirit, Phil 4:19; Eph 2:4. v17 "That Christ dwell" not just live, but be at home with you. This is what all Christians should pray for, Christ fully at home in your heart. v18,19,20 A knowledge that every believer should have, and be filled with all of God, God who is infinite, filling us who are finite. "Exceeding abundantly all we ask or think," God is able to do far more than we think or ask. v21 God’s glory being shown through the Church for eternity. |
Easy English Translation
Back to previous page | Return to Home Page |
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians |
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 |
Chapter 6 | Introduction Page |