“in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith”
Introduction
Ephesians 3:1-6 is a passage where the Apostle Paul speaks about a mystery that had been hidden throughout the ages but is now revealed through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul explains how this mystery, which was made known to him by revelation, is that both Jews and Gentiles are united as one in Christ, sharing equally in the promises of God. This message was particularly groundbreaking at the time because it broke down long-standing cultural and religious barriers, showing that God’s plan of salvation is for all people, regardless of ethnicity or background.
For today’s believers, this passage is a powerful reminder of God’s inclusive love and the unity that the Gospel brings. It calls Christians to embrace the truth that in Christ, there is no division; all are welcomed into God’s family through faith. This understanding should inspire believers to live out unity, love, and grace in their interactions with others, reflecting the all-encompassing nature of God's plan.
Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!
Ephesians 3:1-6 (AMP): "For this reason [because I preached that you and believing Gentiles are joint heirs], I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was entrusted to me [to share with you] for your benefit; and that by [divine] revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I have already written in brief. By referring to this, when you read it you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not disclosed to mankind as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the [Holy] Spirit; [It is this:] that the Gentiles are now joint heirs (with the Jews) and members of the same body, and joint partakers sharing in the same divine promise in Christ Jesus through [their faith in] the good news [of salvation]."
Context of Ephesians 3:1-6
The book of Ephesians was written by Paul while he was in prison, likely in Rome. Throughout the letter, Paul discusses themes of unity, grace, and the new identity that believers have in Christ. In chapter 2, Paul speaks about how Christ has broken down the dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles, creating one new humanity. Ephesians 3 continues this thought by revealing the mystery that God had kept hidden for ages but was now being made known: that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Jews, united in one body through Christ.
Paul’s use of the term “mystery" refers to a truth that was previously hidden but has now been revealed. The revelation of this mystery signifies a turning point in God’s plan of salvation, showing that His grace and promises extend to all people, not just to one ethnic group.
Detailed Exploration of Ephesians 3:1-6
Paul, the Messenger of God's Grace
Key Phrase: "I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles"
Paul begins this passage by identifying himself as a “prisoner of Christ Jesus” on behalf of the Gentiles. Even though he was physically a prisoner of Rome, Paul understood that his imprisonment was part of God’s plan to spread the Gospel. His willingness to endure suffering for the sake of the Gospel demonstrated his commitment to God’s calling and his love for the Gentile believers.
Paul’s description of himself as a prisoner “on behalf of you Gentiles” underscores that his mission was to share the message of salvation with all people, regardless of their background. His imprisonment was not a hindrance but a part of his ministry, showing that God can work through any circumstance to accomplish His purposes.
Philippians 1:12-13 (AMP): "Now I want you to know, believers, that what has happened to me [this imprisonment] has actually served to advance the spread of the good news [regarding salvation]."
In Philippians 1:12-13, Paul explains that his imprisonment has actually helped further the Gospel, showing that God can use any situation for His glory and to fulfill His purposes.
Relevance to Today’s Believers: For modern Christians, Paul’s example teaches that God’s plans can prevail even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Whether facing trials, opposition, or personal setbacks, believers can be encouraged that God can use every situation to advance His kingdom. It also reminds believers of the importance of being willing to share the Gospel, even when it may be inconvenient or costly.
The Mystery Revealed by Divine Revelation
Key Phrase: "By [divine] revelation the mystery was made known to me"
Paul emphasizes that the message he preached was not something he came up with on his own; it was revealed to him by God. This revelation was a divine act where God made known the mystery that had been hidden for ages. The mystery refers to God’s plan to unite both Jews and Gentiles into one body through Christ.
The concept of a mystery in biblical terms is not about something that cannot be understood but about something that was previously hidden and is now disclosed. Through Jesus, God revealed His plan to bring salvation to all people, not just to the nation of Israel. This was a radical idea at the time, as it challenged long-standing cultural and religious barriers.
Colossians 1:26-27 (AMP): "that is, the mystery which was hidden [from angels and mankind] for ages and generations, but has now been revealed to His saints (God’s people). God [in His eternal plan] chose to make known to them how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in and among you, the hope and guarantee of [realizing the] glory."
Colossians 1:26-27 reinforces the idea that this mystery has been revealed and that it includes the hope of salvation for the Gentiles, making them co-heirs with the Jewish believers.
Relevance to Today’s Believers: For today’s believers, the revelation of this “mystery” is a reminder of God’s inclusivity and grace. It demonstrates that God’s love is not limited to a specific group of people but is extended to all who believe in Christ. This truth should inspire believers to embrace unity and reject any form of discrimination, knowing that in Christ, all are equal and share in the same promises.
Unity Through the Gospel
Key Phrase: "The Gentiles are now joint heirs (with the Jews) and members of the same body"
Paul declares that the “mystery” revealed through the Gospel is that Gentiles are now “joint heirs” with Jews, sharing equally in the promises of God. This was a revolutionary message because, under the Old Covenant, the promises of God were primarily seen as belonging to Israel. But through Christ, all who believe, regardless of their background, are welcomed into God’s family as equal heirs.
The unity that Paul speaks of goes beyond mere association; it means being members of the same body. This concept illustrates that all believers are interconnected and united in Christ, with no distinctions based on ethnicity, culture, or social status. The Gospel has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, making all believers one in Christ.
Galatians 3:28 (AMP): "There is [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who believe] are all one in Christ Jesus."
Galatians 3:28 affirms that through Christ, all distinctions are removed, and believers are united as one body. This unity is a key aspect of the Gospel’s message.
Relevance to Today’s Believers: For modern Christians, this teaching is crucial in promoting unity within the church. The divisions that exist in society based on race, culture, or socioeconomic status should not have any place within the body of Christ. Believers are called to live out the unity that Christ has established, treating one another as equal heirs of God’s promises. This unity is also a testimony to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel, which can bring together people from all walks of life.
Summary
Ephesians 3:1-6 reveals the mystery of God’s plan, which was hidden for ages but has now been made known through the Gospel. Paul begins by identifying himself as a prisoner of Christ for the sake of the Gentiles, highlighting his dedication to spreading the message of salvation to all people. Despite being imprisoned, Paul saw his situation as an opportunity to fulfill God’s purpose and advance the Gospel.
The mystery that Paul speaks of was a divine revelation that God’s plan of salvation extended beyond the Jewish people to include the Gentiles. This was a radical departure from the traditional understanding of God’s promises and demonstrated God’s inclusive love for all humanity. Through Christ, Gentiles were made joint heirs with Jews, sharing equally in the blessings and promises of God. This unity was not just a theological concept but a practical reality, as all believers, regardless of background, were united as members of the same body.
For today’s believers, Ephesians 3:1-6 serves as a reminder of the inclusive and unifying nature of the Gospel, not the divisiveness that seems to be prevalent today! It challenges Christians to embrace unity, reject division, and celebrate the diversity within the body of Christ. The passage also encourages believers to trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that His plans are greater than any cultural or social barriers. Just as God revealed His plan to Paul, He continues to reveal His purposes to those who seek Him and are willing to follow His call.
In conclusion, Ephesians 3:1-6 teaches that the mystery of God’s plan has been revealed through the Gospel, showing that both Jews and Gentiles are united in Christ as equal heirs of God’s promises. For modern believers, this truth is a call to unity, love, and acceptance, recognizing that in Christ, all are one. It also encourages Christians to trust in God’s sovereignty and to be willing vessels for His purposes, just as Paul was. Through this unity, the church can be a powerful testimony of God’s love and grace to a divided world.
If You Have Ears To Hear, Then Hear It!