Ephesians 3

Ephesians 3, part of Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church, written around AD 60–62 from Rome during his imprisonment, delves into the mystery of the gospel, which unites Jews and Gentiles in Christ. Paul explains his role as a steward of this mystery, prays for the Ephesians’ spiritual strength, and marvels at God’s plan to display His wisdom through the church.
Key Sections
The Mystery of the Gospel (3:1–6): Paul, a prisoner for Christ on behalf of Gentiles, reveals the mystery entrusted to him: through the gospel, Gentiles are co-heirs, members of one body, and partakers of God’s promise with Jews, a truth hidden in past ages but now revealed by the Spirit to apostles and prophets.
Paul’s Ministry to Gentiles (3:7–13): By God’s grace, Paul, the “least of all saints,” was made a minister to preach Christ’s unsearchable riches to Gentiles and reveal God’s plan. This manifold wisdom, purposed from eternity, is now displayed through the church to heavenly powers. Paul’s sufferings for the Ephesians’ glory embolden them to approach God confidently.
Prayer for Spiritual Strength (3:14–19): Paul prays that the Ephesians be strengthened by the Spirit, with Christ dwelling in their hearts through faith. He asks they grasp the vast dimensions of Christ’s love, surpassing knowledge, and be filled with God’s fullness.
Doxology to God’s Power (3:20–21): Paul praises God, who can do far beyond what we ask or think through His power working in us. Glory belongs to Him in the church and in Christ forever.
Cross-References
Mystery of the Gospel: 
Colossians 1:26–27: Mystery revealed.

Romans 16:25–26: Hidden, now disclosed.

Acts 15:7–9: Gentiles in God’s plan.
Gentiles as Co-Heirs: 
Romans 11:17–18: Grafted in.

Galatians 3:28–29: One in Christ.

Isaiah 49:6: Light to nations.
Paul’s Ministry: 
Acts 9:15: Chosen for Gentiles.

1 Timothy 1:12–16: Least of sinners.

Romans 15:16: Minister to Gentiles.
God’s Wisdom Displayed: 
1 Corinthians 2:7–8: Hidden wisdom.

1 Peter 1:12: Angels long to see.

Colossians 2:2–3: Wisdom in Christ.
Prayer for Strength: 
Colossians 1:9–11: Spiritual wisdom.

Philippians 1:9–11: Abound in love.

John 17:23: Unity in love.
Doxology: 
Romans 16:27: Glory to God.

Jude 1:24–25: Able to keep you.

Hebrews 13:20–21: Equip for good.
Theological Meaning
Gospel’s Mystery: God’s plan unites Jews and Gentiles in one body through Christ, fulfilling His eternal purpose (3:6; Romans 10:12).

Paul’s Stewardship: Grace empowers Paul to proclaim salvation to Gentiles, despite his unworthiness (3:8; 1 Corinthians 15:9–10).

Church’s Role: The church showcases God’s wisdom to spiritual realms, revealing His plan (3:10; 1 Peter 4:10).

Access to God: Christ grants bold access to God, undeterred by earthly trials (3:12; Hebrews 4:16).

Spiritual Growth: The Spirit strengthens believers to know Christ’s boundless love, filling them with God’s fullness (3:16–19; Colossians 2:9–10).

God’s Power: God’s limitless ability works through believers, deserving eternal glory (3:20; Philippians 4:13).
Questions and Answers
What is the “mystery” (3:3–4)?
Gentiles and Jews are co-heirs in Christ, united as one body through the gospel (3:6; Colossians 1:27).

Why call Paul the “least of saints” (3:8)?
Humility for his past persecution, emphasizing God’s grace in his calling (3:8; 1 Timothy 1:13–15).

Who sees God’s wisdom (3:10)?
Heavenly powers (angels, demons) witness God’s plan through the church (3:10; 1 Corinthians 4:9).

Why Paul’s suffering (3:13)?
His imprisonment for preaching to Gentiles brings glory to the church (3:13; Acts 21:28–30).

What is Christ’s love’s “dimensions” (3:18)?
Its vastness—breadth, length, height, depth—surpasses human grasp (3:18; Romans 8:38–39).

What can God do beyond imagination (3:20)?
Work powerfully in believers, exceeding their prayers or thoughts (3:20; Jeremiah 32:17).

How does this apply today?
Embrace gospel unity, trust God’s power, grow in Christ’s love, and display His wisdom (3:10; 1 Peter 2:9).
Additional Notes for Readers
Historical Context: Written during Paul’s Roman imprisonment (Acts 28:16–31), this chapter addresses Ephesus’s diverse church (Acts 19:10), uniting Jewish and Gentile believers (Ephesians 2:14). Ephesus’s pagan culture (Acts 19:24–27) and Jewish influences (Acts 19:8–9) made the mystery’s inclusivity vital. Paul’s imprisonment (3:1) stemmed from Gentile ministry (Acts 22:21–22).

Cultural Questions: “Mystery” (3:3) uses Jewish apocalyptic language for hidden plans (Daniel 2:28). “Co-heirs” (3:6) challenges Jewish exclusivity, resonant in Ephesus’s mixed church (Romans 11:13). “Heavenly powers” (3:10) reflect Jewish cosmology, common in Ephesus’s spiritual climate (Ephesians 6:12). “Least of saints” (3:8) counters Greco-Roman pride (1 Corinthians 1:26–28). “Abba” (3:14, implied) evokes Jewish intimacy with God (Galatians 4:6). Doxology (3:20–21) mirrors Jewish praise (Psalm 150:2).

Application: Ephesians 3 calls believers to celebrate gospel inclusivity, rely on God’s power, and grow in Christ’s love. It challenges division and self-reliance, urging the church to reflect God’s wisdom in a fragmented world (Romans 12:4–5; Colossians 3:11).