PAUL: SERVANT OF THE MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL

“Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.”Ephesians 3:8-9 (NIV)

Background

Today’s video, “What is the Mystery in Ephesians?” discussed the meaning of “mystery” in the 1st century AD; for Greeks, “mystery” referred to secret knowledge only accessible to certain people after performing certain rituals. For Jews, “mystery” described God’s divine plan for humanity, which he revealed to the prophets at appointed times.

Observation

In Ephesians 3, Paul presents himself as a servant of the gospel called to bring clarity to all regarding its mystery (3:6-9). The meaning of the mystery is simply this: God had a master plan to bring Jews and Gentiles together in Christ (3:6). He explained this in greater detail in Ephesians 2:11-21. Through faith, people from all walks of life became God’s heirs who could boldly approach him (3:12) and on whom he lavished his love (3:14-21).

Interpretation

When you read Ephesians 3, consider what this chapter reveals about Paul’s life and ministry. His passion was to bring as many people as possible into a knowledge of the mystery of the gospel. He even viewed it as a debt he owed to all Gentiles, whether they were of high or low status (see Romans 1:14-15). What an encouragement this must have been to the new Gentile believers at Ephesus who were still learning about the fullness of their identity in Christ and growing in its implications for their lives.

Application

If you have accepted a new identity through faith in Christ, you are initiated into the mystery of the gospel. Further, you have been invited to grow in your awareness of the wisdom of this mystery and its revelation of God’s love. This is what Paul prays for in 3:14-21. Pray these verses for yourself and make his prayer your own.