Ephesians: His Glorious RichesSample

We’ve already seen that Jesus has abolished the barrier between Jews and Gentiles and united them in one body – a ‘new humanity’ (2:15). God’s presence is now manifested in the spiritual temple of the church (2:21–22). Paul prepares to pray for the church (v. 1), but before he does so, a thought occurs to him. Paul is in prison (v. 1). There are some who may be questioning this. Is Paul’s imprisonment a sign of God’s displeasure? Does it mean that the devil is winning, and that the gospel will fail? This is potentially discouraging (v. 13). We all face adverse circumstances in our lives. How do we interpret them? 

Paul therefore pauses from recording his prayer for the church – he will return to it in verse 14. Ephesians 3:2–13 is an aside in which Paul tells his readers that he is in prison for the sake of the Gentiles (v. 1) and is suffering for them (v. 13). It is his commitment to the gospel of grace which has caused his imprisonment. It is not an accident or a mistake. 

Paul describes the gospel of grace as a ‘mystery’ (vv. 3–4, 6, 9). It is not something which is obscure or hard to grasp; it is a truth which is unknown until it is revealed. Paul did not make it up; it was given to him (v. 2) when God revealed it to him (v. 3). This message has been made known as never before (vv. 4–5; Gal. 1:11–16). 

It focuses on Christ (v. 4; Col. 1:26–27; 2:2; 1 Tim. 3:16). He is the one to whom the Spirit testifies in the words of the apostles and prophets. Paul was sent to preach Christ (Acts 9:15–16; 1 Cor. 2:1–5). 

The mystery is manifest in the amazing unity which God has established between Jews and Gentiles in the church: ‘that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus’ (v. 6). They are co-heirs (Rom. 8:17) and they share in the promises of God. The Old Testament anticipated Gentile blessings (Gen. 12: 1–3), but what it did not foresee was their fullness and freeness. 

How should what we have learned today shape the way in which you share the gospel? What is the cost you may have to pay for doing so?

Reflection

Suffering for the gospel is a real possibility if we are faithful (Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12). What do we learn about Paul’s attitude to suffering (see Phil. 1:12–18)?