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Ephesians
Chapter Three
Ephesians 3
The whole of chapter 3 is a parenthesis unfolding the
mystery; and presenting at the same time
in the prayer that concludes it
the
second character of God set before us at the beginning of the epistle
namely
that of Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; and this is the way in which it is
here introduced. Chapter 1 gives the counsels of God as they are in themselves
adding His raising Christ and setting Him above all on high at the end. Chapter
2
His work in quickening others with Him and forming the whole assembly of
those who are risen in Christ
taken by grace from among Jews and Gentiles;
these are God's thoughts and work. Chapter 3 is Paul's administration of it; it
speaks especially of the bringing in of the Gentiles on the same footing as the
Jews. This was the entirely new part of the ways of God.
Paul was a prisoner for having preached the gospel to the Gentiles-a
circumstance that brought out his particular ministry very clearly. Thus
ministry in the main is presented as in Colossians 1. Only in the latter
epistle the whole subject is treated more briefly
and the essential principle
and character of the mystery according to its place in the counsels of God is
less explained
is viewed only on a special side of it
suited to the purpose
of the epistle
that is
Christ and the Gentiles. Here the apostle assures us
that he had received it by a special revelation
as he had already taught them
in words which
though few
were suited to give a clear understanding of his
knowledge of the mystery of Christ-a mystery never made known in the past ages
but now revealed by the Spirit to the apostles and prophets. Here it will be
observed that the prophets are most evidently those of the New Testament
since
the communications made to them are put in contrast with the degree of light
granted in the previous ages. Now the mystery had been hidden in all former
times; and in fact it needed so to be; for to have put the Gentiles on the same
footing as the Jews would have been to demolish Judaism
such as God had
Himself established it. In it He had carefully raised a middle wall of
partition. The duty of the Jew was to respect this separation; he sinned
if he
did not strictly observe it. The mystery set it aside. The Old Testament
prophets
and Moses himself
had indeed shewn that the Gentiles should one day
rejoice with the people: but the people remained a separate people. That they
should be co-heirs
and of the same body
all distinction being lost
had
indeed been entirely hid in God (part of His eternal purpose before the world
was)
but formed no part of the history of the world
nor of the ways of God
respecting it
nor of the revealed promises of God.
It is a marvellous purpose of God which
uniting redeemed
ones to Christ in heaven as a body to its head
gave them a place in heaven.
For
although we are journeying on the earth
and although we are the
habitation of God by the Spirit on the earth
yet in the mind of God our place
is in heaven.
In the age to come the Gentiles will be blessed; but
Israel will be a special and separate people.
In the assembly all earthly distinction is lost; we are
all one in Christ
as risen with Him.
Thus the gospel of the apostle was addressed to the Gentiles
to
announce thus good news to them according to the gift of God
which had been
granted to Paul by the operation of His power
to proclaim to them not merely a
Messiah according to the promises made to the fathers
a Jewish Christ
but a
Christ whose riches were unsearchable. No one could trace to the end
and in
all its development in Him
the accomplishment of the counsels
and the
revelation of the nature of God. They are the incomprehensible riches of a
Christ in whom God reveals Himself
and in whom all God's thoughts are accomplished
and displayed. These purposes of God with regard to a Christ
the Head of His
body the assembly
Head over all things in heaven and earth
Christ
God
manifest in the flesh
were now made known and being accomplished
so far as
gathering the joint-heirs in one body went. Saul
the inveterate enemy of Jesus
proclaimed as Messiah
even if by the Holy Ghost from heaven-the worst
therefore of all men-becomes by grace Paul
the instrument and witness of that
grace to announce these incomprehensible riches to the Gentiles This was his
apostolic function with regard to the Gentiles There was another-to enlighten
all with regard to this mystery
which
from the beginning of the world
had
been hidden in God. This answers to the two parts of the apostle's ministry
pointed out in Colossians 1:23-25: as verse 27 in that chapter corresponds with
verse 17 here. God
who created all things
had this thought
this purpose
before creation
in order that
when He should subject all creation to His Son
become a man and glorified
that Son should have companions in His glory
who
should be like Himself
members of His body spiritual
living of His life.
He made known to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of
Christ
which gave them a portion in the counsels of God in grace. He
enlightened all with regard
not precisely
to the mystery
[1] of the mystery; that is to say
not only the
counsel of God
but the accomplishment in time of that counsel by bringing the
assembly together under Christ its head. He who had created all things
as the
sphere of the development of His glory
had kept this secret in His own
possession
in order that the administration of the mystery
now revealed by
the establishment of the assembly on earth
should be in its time the means of
making known to the most exalted of created beings the manifold and various
wisdom of God. They had seen creation arise and expand before their eyes; they
had seen the government of God
His providence
His judgment; His intervention
in lovingkindness on the earth in Christ. Here was a kind of wisdom altogether
new; a thing outside the world
hitherto shut up in the mind of God
hid in
Himself so that there was no promise or prophecy of it
but the special object
of His eternal purpose; connected in a peculiar way with the One who is the
centre and the fulness of the mystery of godliness; which had its own place in
union with Him; which
although it was manifested on earth and set with Christ
at the head of creation
formed properly no part of it. It was a new part of
it. It was a new creation
a distinct manifestation of the wisdom of God; a
part of His thoughts which until then had been reserved in the secret of His
counsels; the actual administration of which
on the earth in time by the
apostle's work
made known the wisdom of God according to His settled purpose
according to His eternal purpose in Christ Jesus. "In whom
" the
apostle adds
"we draw nigh with all boldness by faith in him": and
it is according to this relationship that we do so.
Therefore these Gentile believers were not to be
discouraged on account of the imprisonment of him who had proclaimed to them
this mystery; for it was the proof and the fruit of the glorious position which
God had granted them
and of which the Jews were jealous.
This revelation of the ways of God does not
as the first
chapter
present Christ to us as man raised up by God from the dead
in order
that we should be raised up also to have part with Him
and that the
administration of the counsels of God should thus be accomplished. It presents
Him as the centre of all the ways of God
the Son of the Father
the Heir of
all things as the Creator Son
and the centre of the counsels of God. It is to the
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ that the apostle now addresses himself; as in
chapter 1 it was to the God of our Lord Jesus Christ. Every family (not
"the whole family") ranges itself under this name of Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ. Under the name of Jehovah there were only the Jews.
"You only have I known of all the families of the earth
" had Jehovah
said to the Jews in Amos
"therefore will I punish you for your
iniquities"; but under the name of Father of Jesus Christ all families-the
assembly
angels
Jews
Gentiles
all-range themselves. All the ways of God in
that which He had arranged for His glory were co-ordained under this name
and
were in relation with it; and that which the apostle asked for the saints to
whom he addressed himself was
that they should be enabled to apprehend the
whole import of those counsels
and the love of Christ which formed the assured
centre for their hearts.
For this purpose he desires that they should be
strengthened with all might by the Spirit of the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ
and that the Christ
who is the centre of all these things in the
counsels of God the Father
should dwell also in their hearts
and thus be the
intelligent centre of affection to all their knowledge-a centre which found no
circle to limit the view that lost itself in infinitude which God alone
filled-length
breadth
height
depth. [2] But this centre gave them at the same time a
sure place
a support immovable and well known
in a love which was as infinite
as the unknown extent of the glory of God in its display around Himself.
"That Christ
" says the apostle
"may dwell in your
hearts." Thus He
who fills all things with His glory
fills the heart Himself
with a love more powerful than all the glory of which He is the centre. He is
to us the strength which enables us in peace and love to contemplate all that
He has done
the wisdom of His ways
and the universal glory of which He is the
centre.
I repeat it-He who fills all things fills above all our
hearts. God strengthens us according to the riches of that glory which He
displays before our wondering eyes as rightly belonging to Christ. He does it
in that Christ dwells in us
with tenderest affection
and He is the strength
of our heart. It is as rooted and grounded in love; and thus embracing as the
first circle of our affections and thoughts
those who are so to Christ-all the
saints the objects of His love: it is as being filled with Him
and ourselves
as the centre of all His affections
and thinking His thoughts
that we throw
ourselves into the whole extent of God's glory; for it is the glory of Him whom
we love. And what is its limit? It has none; it is the fulness of God. We find
it in this revelation of Himself. In Christ He reveals Himself in all His
glory. He is God over all things
blessed for ever.
But dwelling in love we dwell in God and God in us: and
that in connection with the display of His glory
as He develops it in all that
He has formed around Himself
to exhibit Himself in it
in order that Christ
and Christ in the assembly
His body
should be the centre of it
and the whole
the manifestation of Himself in His entire glory. We are filled unto all the
fulness of God; and it is in the assembly that He dwells for this purpose. He
works in us by His Spirit with this object. Therefore Paul's desire and prayer
is that glory may be unto God in the assembly throughout all ages by Jesus
Christ: Amen. And note
it is here realisation of what is spoken of that is
desired. It is not
as chapter 1
objective
that they may know what is
certainly true
but that it may be true for them
they being strengthened with
might by His Spirit. It is very beautiful to see how
after launching us into the
infinitude of God's glory
he brings us back to a known centre in Christ-to
know the love of Christ
but not to narrow us. It is more properly divine
though familiar to us
than theglory. It passes knowledge.
Observe too here
that the apostle does not now ask that
God should act by a power
as it is often expressed
which works for us
but by
a power that works in us. [3] He is able to do above all that we can ask
or think according to His power that works in us. What a portion for us! What a
place is this which is given us in Christ! But he returns thus to the thesis
proposed at the end of chapter 2
God dwelling in the assembly by the Spirit
and Christians
whether Jews or Gentiles
united in one. He desires that the
Ephesian Christians (and all of us) should walk worthy of this vocation. Their
vocation was to be one
the body of Christ; but this body in fact manifested on
earth in its true unity by the presence of the Holy Ghost. We have seen (chap.
1) the Christian brought into the presence of God Himself; but the fact that
these Christians formed the body of Christ
and that they were the
dwelling-place of God here below
the house of God on the earth-in a word
their
whole position-is comprised in the expression
"their vocation."
Chapter 1
note
gives the saints before God; the prayer of chapter 3
Christ
in them.
Chapter 4. Now the apostle was in prison for the
testimony which he had borne to this truth
for having maintained and preached
the privileges that God had granted to the Gentiles
and in particular that of
forming by faith
together with the believing Jews
one body united to Christ.
In his exhortation he makes use of this fact as a touching motive. Now the
first thing that he looked for on the part of his beloved children in the
faith
as befitting this unity and as a means of maintaining it in practice
was the spirit of humility and meekness
forbearance with one another in love.
This is the individual state which he desired to be realised among the
Ephesians. It is the true fruit of nearness to God
and of the possession of
privileges; if they are enjoyed in His presence.
At the end of chapter 2 the apostle had unfolded the
result of the work of Christ in uniting the Jew and the Gentile
in making
peace
and in thus forming the dwelling-place of God on the earth; Jew and
Gentile having access to God by one Spirit through the mediation of Christ
both being reconciled to God in one body. To have access to God; to be the
dwelling-place of God through His presence by the Holy Ghost; to be one body
reconciled to God-such is the vocation of Christians. Chapter 3 had developed
this in its whole extent. The apostle applies it in chapter 4.
[1] This
appears to me to be the true word
and not "the fellowship."
[2]
Christ is the centre of all the display of divine glory
but He thus dwells in
our hearts so as to set them
so to speak
in this centre
and make them look
out thence on all the glory displayed. Here we might lose ourselves; but he
brings them back to the well-known love of Christ
yet not as anything
narrower
for He is God
and it passes knowledge
so that we are filled up to
all the fulness of God.
[3] This
fully distinguishes the prayer of chapter I and this. There the calling and
inheritance were in the sure purpose of God
and his prayer is that they may
know them
and the power that brought them there. Here it is what is in us
and
he prays that it may exist
and that as present power in the church.
── John Darby《Synopsis of Ephesians》
Ephesians 3
Chapter Contents
The apostle sets forth his office
and his qualifications
for it
and his call to it. (1-7) Also the noble purposes answered by it.
(8-12) He prays for the Ephesians. (13-19) And adds a thanksgiving. (20
21)
Commentary on Ephesians 3:1-7
(Read Ephesians 3:1-7)
For having preached the doctrine of truth
the apostle
was a prisoner
but a prisoner of Jesus Christ; the object of special
protection and care
while thus suffering for him. All the gracious offers of
the gospel
and the joyful tidings it contains
come from the rich grace of
God; it is the great means by which the Spirit works grace in the souls of men.
The mystery
is that secret
hidden purpose of salvation through Christ. This
was not so fully and clearly shown in the ages before Christ
as unto the
prophets of the New Testament. This was the great truth made known to the
apostle
that God would call the Gentiles to salvation by faith in Christ. An
effectual working of Divine power attends the gifts of Divine grace. As God
appointed Paul to the office
so he qualified him for it.
Commentary on Ephesians 3:8-12
(Read Ephesians 3:8-12)
Those whom God advances to honourable employments
he
makes low in their own eyes; and where God gives grace to be humble
there he
gives all other needful grace. How highly he speaks of Jesus Christ; the
unsearchable riches of Christ! Though many are not enriched with these riches;
yet how great a favour to have them preached among us
and to have an offer of
them! And if we are not enriched with them it is our own fault. The first
creation
when God made all things out of nothing
and the new creation
whereby sinners are made new creatures by converting grace
are of God by Jesus
Christ. His riches are as unsearchable and as sure as ever
yet while angels
adore the wisdom of God in the redemption of his church
the ignorance of
self-wise and carnal men deems the whole to be foolishness.
Commentary on Ephesians 3:13-19
(Read Ephesians 3:13-19)
The apostle seems to be more anxious lest the believers
should be discouraged and faint upon his tribulations
than for what he himself
had to bear. He asks for spiritual blessings
which are the best blessings.
Strength from the Spirit of God in the inner man; strength in the soul; the
strength of faith
to serve God
and to do our duty. If the law of Christ is
written in our hearts
and the love of Christ is shed abroad there
then Christ
dwells there. Where his Spirit dwells
there he dwells. We should desire that
good affections may be fixed in us. And how desirable to have a fixed sense of
the love of God in Christ to our souls! How powerfully the apostle speaks of
the love of Christ! The breadth shows its extent to all nations and ranks; the
length
that it continues from everlasting to everlasting; the depth
its
saving those who are sunk into the depths of sin and misery; the height
its
raising them up to heavenly happiness and glory. Those who receive grace for
grace from Christ's fulness
may be said to be filled with the fulness of God.
Should not this satisfy man? Must he needs fill himself with a thousand
trifles
fancying thereby to complete his happiness?
Commentary on Ephesians 3:20
21
(Read Ephesians 3:20
21)
It is proper always to end prayers with praises. Let us
expect more
and ask for more
encouraged by what Christ has already done for
our souls
being assured that the conversion of sinners
and the comfort of
believers
will be to his glory
for ever and ever.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on Ephesians》
Ephesians 3
Verse 1
[1] For
this cause I Paul
the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles
For this cause —
That ye may be so "built together
" I am a prisoner for you gentiles
- For your advantage
and for asserting your right to these blessings. This it
was which so enraged the Jews against him.
Verse 2
[2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me
to you-ward:
The dispensation of the grace of God given me
in your behalf — That is
the commission to dispense the
gracious gospel; to you gentiles in particular. This they had heard from his
own mouth.
Verse 3
[3] How
that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few
words
The mystery — Of
salvation by Christ alone
and that both to Jews and gentiles.
As I wrote before —
Namely
Ephesians 1:9
10; the very words of which
passage he here repeats.
Verse 5
[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;
Which in other — In
former
ages was not so clearly or fully made known to the sons of men - To any
man
no
not to Ezekiel
so often styled
"son of man;" nor to any of
the ancient prophets. Those here spoken of are New Testament prophets.
Verse 6
[6] That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs
and of the same body
and
partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
That the gentiles are joint-heirs — Of God.
And of the same body — Under Christ the head.
And joint-partakers of his promise — The communion of the Holy Ghost.
Verse 7
[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.
According to the gift of the grace of God — That is
the apostle - ship which he hath graciously given me
and which
he hath qualified me for.
By the effectual working of his power — In me and by me.
Verse 8
[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;
Unto me
who am less than the least of all
saints
is this grace given — Here are the noblest strains of eloquence
to paint the exceeding low opinion the apostle had of himself
and the fulness
of unfathomable blessings which are treasured up in Christ.
Verse 9
[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:
What is the fellowship of the mystery — What those mysterious blessings are whereof all believers jointly
partake. Which was
in a great measure
hidden from eternity by God
who
to
make way for the free exercise of his love
created all things - This is the
foundation of all his dispensations.
Verse 10
[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
That the manifold wisdom of God might be made
known by the church — By what is done in the church
which is
the theatre of the divine wisdom.
Verse 12
[12] In
whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
By whom we have free access — Such as those petitioners have
who are introduced to the royal presence
by some distinguished favourite.
And boldness —
Unrestrained liberty of speech
such as children use in addressing an indulgent
father
when
without fear of offending
they disclose all their wants
and
make known all their requests.
Verse 13
[13]
Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you
which is your
glory.
The not fainting is your glory.
Verse 15
[15] Of
whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named
Of whom —
The Father. The whole family of angels in heaven
saints in paradise
and
believers on earth is named. Being the "children of God
" (a more
honourable title than "children of Abraham
") and depending on him as
the Father of the family.
Verse 16
[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;
The riches of his glory — The immense fulness of his glorious wisdom
power
and mercy.
The inner man —
The soul.
Verse 17
[17] That
Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye
being rooted and grounded in
love
Dwell —
That is
constantly and sensibly abide.
Verse 18
[18] May
be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth
and length
and
depth
and height;
That being rooted and grounded — That is
deeply fixed and firmly established
in love. Ye may comprehend
- So far as an human mind is capable.
What is the breadth of the love of Christ — Embracing all mankind.
And length —
From everlasting to everlasting.
And depth —
Not to be fathomed by any creature.
And height —
Not to be reached by any enemy.
Verse 19
[19] And
to know the love of Christ
which passeth knowledge
that ye might be filled
with all the fulness of God.
And to know —
But the apostle corrects himself
and immediately observes
it cannot be fully
known. This only we know
that the love of Christ surpasses all knowledge. That
ye may be filled - Which is the sum of all.
With all the fulness of God — With all his light
love
wisdom
holiness
power
and glory. A
perfection far beyond a bare freedom from sin.
Verse 20
[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
Now to him —
This doxology is admirably adapted to strengthen our faith
that we may not
stagger at the great things the apostle has been praying for
as if they were
too much for God to give
or for us to expect from him.
That is able —
Here is a most beautiful gradation. When he has given us exceeding
yea
abundant
blessings
still we may ask for more. And he is able to do it. But we may think
of more than we have asked. He is able to do this also. Yea
and above all
this.
Above all we ask —
Above all we can think. Nay
exceedingly
abundantly above all that we can
either ask or think.
Verse 21
[21] Unto
him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages
world without
end. Amen.
In the church — On
earth and in heaven.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on Ephesians》
Eph. 3:19
To be “filled to the measure of all the fullness of
God” is like filling a thimble(针) to its brim with water from the ocean. The
thimble is filled with the ocean
but the ocean is not fully in the thimble
since the thimbleful of water does not diminish the ocean. Yet
the thimble has
the “fullness” of the ocean in the sense that it contains every ingredient that
makes up the ocean. All the essential characteristics of the ocean are in the
thimble.
Chapter 3. Get Christ
Immeasurably
All We Ask or Imagine
I. Insight in
to the Mystery of Gospel
II. Be a
Servant of the Gospel
III. Pray for
Strengthening Spirit
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》
Chapter Three General Review
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THE CHAPTER
1) To understand the "mystery" so long hidden that is now revealed
and the role of the church 2) To examine Paul's prayer for the Ephesians' enablement
what it means for us today SUMMARY
In this chapter Paul reminds his readers of God's grace that has beenshown him regarding the revelation of the "mystery". By reading whathe had written earlier
they would understand how the "mystery"pertained to Gentiles becoming fellow heirs in Christ
and Paul feltprivileged to preach among the Gentiles what for ages had been hidden.Knowing that what he did was part of God's eternal purpose in Christ tomake His manifold wisdom known by the church
he asked his brethren notto be discouraged by any tribulations he experienced on their behalf (1-13). The chapter also contains Paul's second prayer for the Ephesians. He prays for their enablement
that the Father would strengthen them by His Spirit
that Christ might dwell in their hearts through faith
thatthey be able to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge
and so be filled with all the fullness of God. He concludes his prayer and this chapter by ascribing that glory be given to God in the church by Jesus Christ for all eternity (14-21). OUTLINE
I. THE REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY (1-13)
A. A MYSTERY ONCE HIDDEN
NOW REVEALED (1-7) 1. Interrupting himself
Paul makes mention of God's grace (1-2) a. A measure of grace given to him b. Given for the benefit of his readers 2. That by revelation God made known to Paul the "mystery" (3-4) a. Concerning which he wrote previously b. Which as they read
they will understand his knowledge in the mystery of Christ 3. A "mystery" once hidden
but now revealed (5) a. In other ages it was not made known to men b. But has now been revealed 1) By the Spirit 2) To God's holy apostles and prophets 4. The "mystery" involved the Gentiles (6) a. That they should be fellow heirs
of the same body b. That they should be partakers of God's promise through the gospel 5. Paul's role as a minister of this "mystery" was a gift from God (7) a. A gift of God's grace b. A gift given to him by the effective working of God's power B. PAUL'S TASK AS A MINISTER OF THIS "MYSTERY" (8-13) 1. To preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ (8) a. Even though he was "less than the least of all the saints" b. Yet this grace was given to him 2. To make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery (9-13) a. Which from the beginning was hidden in God who created all things b. But with the intention of now making God's wisdom known 1) Made known by the church 2) Made known to principalities and powers in heavenly places c. According to God's eternal purpose which He fulfilled in Christ Jesus 1) In whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him 2) For which Paul does not want them to lose heart over his tribulations in their behalf
which was for their glory II. PAUL'S SECOND PRAYER: FOR THEIR ENABLEMENT (14-21)
A. HIS INVOCATION (14-15) 1. In view of God's grace to the Gentiles
Paul bows his knees in prayer (14a ) 2. He addresses the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named (14b-15) B. HIS PETITION (16-19) 1. That they would be strengthened by the Spirit of God (16-17) a. According to the riches of His glory b. With might through His Spirit in the inner man c. So Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith 2. That they might comprehend the love of Christ (18-19a ) a. Being rooted and grounded in love b. To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge 3. That they might be filled with all the fullness of God (19b) C. HIS DOXOLOGY (20-21) 1. Glory to God
for what He is able to do! (20) a. Able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think b. According to the power that works in us 2. Glory to God
in the church! (21) a. By Christ Jesus b. Throughout all ages
world without end REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- The revelation of the mystery (1-13) - Paul's second prayer: for their enablement (14-21) 2) How does Paul identify himself as he begins this chapter? (1)
- As the prisoner of Jesus Christ for the Gentiles 3) What dispensation
or measure
of grace was shown by God towardPaul? (2-3)
- That by revelation God made known to him the "mystery" 4) What did Paul say we can have by reading what he had written? (3-4)
- We can understand his knowledge in the mystery of Christ 5) What does Paul reveal concerning the revelation of this mystery? (5)
- In other ages it was not made known
but has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets 6) What is the "mystery" that has now been revealed? (6)
- That Gentiles should be fellow heirs
of the same body
and partakers of His promise through the gospel 7) Though viewing himself as "less than the least of all the saints"
what gracious task was given to Paul? (8-9)
- To preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ - To make all see with is the fellowship of the mystery which was hidden from the beginning 8) What was the intent for proclaiming the revelation of this mystery?(10)
- That the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to principalities and powers in the heavenly places 9) According to what was all this being done? (11)
- The eternal purpose or plan which God accomplished in Christ Jesus 10) What has Christ therefore made possible for us? (12)
- Boldness and access to God with confidence through faith in Him 11) In view of God's grace given to Paul
what does he therefore ask?(14)
- For them not to lose heart over his tribulations on their behalf 12) In Paul's second prayer for the Ephesians
for what does he ask?(14-19)
- That they would be strengthened by the Spirit of God - That they might comprehend the love of Christ - That they might be filled with all the fullness of God 13) What does Paul say God is able to do? How? (20)
- Exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think - According to the power that works in us 14) In what entity does Paul seek to ascribe glory to God? How? Forhow long? (21)
- In the church - By Christ Jesus - Throughout all ages
world without end The Revelation Of The Mystery (3:1-13)
INTRODUCTION
1. In the last half of the second chapter... a. Paul expounded upon "How The Gentiles Became Fellow Heirs" (Ep2:11-22)
b. In which those who once were "far off" are now "made near" by the blood of Christ - Ep 2:13 2. As a result of the work of Christ on the cross
Gentiles can now become "one body" with the Jews in Christ (Ep 2:14-18)
and therefore can be: a. "Fellow citizens with the saints" - Ep 2:19a b. "Members of the household of God" - Ep 2:19b c. "A holy temple in the Lord...a habitation of God in the Spirit" - Ep 2:20-22 3. When you compare Ep 3:1 with Ep 3:14
it becomes clear in verse one that Paul was about to express a prayer in behalf of the Ephesians 4. But the mention of himself as "the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles" prompts Paul to interrupt himself... a. From Ep 3:13
where Paul concludes his brief interruption
it appears Paul is concerned that his reference to his imprisonment (i.e.
his tribulations) should not be taken as a call for pity b. For Paul considers that all he endured for the sake of the Gentiles (including his present imprisonment in Rome of the wonderful grace of God that had been shown to him
"who am less than the least of all the saints" (Ep 3:8) 5. What was this wonderful grace of God that was shown to Paul? a. It pertains to the revelation of a mystery that for ages had been hidden b. But was now being revealed through apostles and prophets
including Paul 6. In this lesson
we shall examine Paul's "interruption"
and answer the following questions... a. What is this mystery that had been hidden? b. How was it being revealed? [Our second question is actually answered first
for before Paul defines"the mystery" he speaks of God's grace towards him and...] I. THE REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY (1-5)
A. A MYSTERY NOW REVEALED... (1-4) 1. By the grace of God
this "mystery" was made known to Paul - Ep 3:2-3a 2. Paul
in turn
made known the "mystery" through his writings - Ep 3:3b 3. The Ephesians
by reading Paul's words
could then have his understanding of this "mystery of Christ" - Ep 3:4 4. This passage tells us several things: a. How "we" come to know this "mystery" 1) It is not through direct revelation
though Paul may have received it this way 2) It is through reading his words
i.e.
through reading the Word of God! b. The Word of God is understandable! 1) Some people say it is not
or that it is too hard to be understood 2) But clearly Paul intended for people to understand his "knowledge in the mystery of Christ"! 3) The problem some people have is that they misunderstand Paul's use of the term "mystery" and think the Bible is still a mystery; but notice... B. CALLED A "MYSTERY"
BECAUSE IT WAS ONCE "HIDDEN"... (5) 1. It is important to appreciate this fact: this "mystery" is called such
not because it REMAINS a mystery
but because that is what it was for so long in times past! 2. Just as certain novels are still called "mysteries"... a. Even though you may have read them and know the ending
you still refer tothose novels as "mysteries" b. So it is with the "mystery of Christ"
it is called such because it had been one for so long
though now we know the "ending" (or what had been a "secret") 3. That such is the case here
consider these passages: a. "...according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world began but now has been made manifest
" - Ro 16:25-26 b. "having made known to us the mystery of His will..." - Ep 1:9
c. "which in other ages was not made known...as it has been revealed" - Ep 3:5 d. "the mystery which as been hidden from ages and from generations
but now has been revealed to His saints." - Co1:26-27
[So we know that this "mystery" has now been revealed
but WHAT
exactly
is the "mystery"? Paul explained it earlier in this epistle (cf. Ep 3:3b-4a )
but now he summarizes...] II. THE "REVEALED" MYSTERY EXPLAINED (6-12)
A. IT INVOLVES THE "GENTILES"... (6) 1. I.e.
those that we saw in chapter two
who at one time were: a. "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel b. "strangers from the covenants of promise" c. "having no hope and without God in the world" 2. The mystery now revealed is that these Gentiles can be: a. "fellow heirs" b. "of the same body" c. "partakers of His (God's) promise in Christ" 3. This is what Paul wrote about in Ep 2:11-22
and to which he refers in Ep 3:b-4a a. That Gentiles
who for ages were not included in God's special dealings with the Israelites... b. ...could now become part of God's spiritual family and heirs to the wonderful blessings that God makes available through Jesus Christ! B. AS 1. "to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" - Ep 3:7-8 a. This Paul did
even in letters like this one to the Ephesians b. As we saw in Ep 1:3-14 2. "to make all people see what is the fellowship of the mystery" - Ep 3:9 a. Again
Paul used epistles like Ephesians
and also Colossians b. As we saw in Ep 2:11-22 3. "to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be known" - Ep 3:10-12 - Here Paul expands his thoughts... a. This wisdom of God is being made known "by the church" 1) Paul
of course
was doing his part as an apostle 2) But the whole church
as "the pillar and ground of the truth"
is involved in proclaiming the wisdom of God - cf. 1 Ti 3:15 3) The church does this
both by what it "is" and by what it "teaches" a) It's very "existence" proclaims the wisdom of God b) As well as the "message" it proclaims b. This wisdom of God is being made known to "principalities and powers in the heavenly places" 1) Not just to "the Gentiles" (Ep 3:8) and to "all people" (Ep 3:9) 2) But as the church carries out its mission
even spiritual entities are being enlightened - cf. 1 Pe 1:10-12 (where even angels were once "in the dark" about the salvation now being offered in Christ) c. Making known the wisdom of God "by the church" was part of God's "eternal purpose" 1) The church was not an afterthought
but part of God's plan for eternity! 2) From the beginning
it was to play an important role in God's scheme of redemption for mankind! 3) This verse has serious ramifications for some a) For there are those who say the church was an "afterthought"
established only after Christ and His kingdom were rejected b) But this verse clearly indicates that the church was part of God's plan from the beginning! CONCLUSION
1. Knowing that his work as an apostle
and the work of the church
was all part of God's "eternal purpose" being carried out in Christ Jesus
Paul had great boldness and confidence of continued access to God - Ep 3:12 2. Therefore
he did not want his mention of imprisonment to be a source of concern... a. For even the tribulations it might have caused him was glory for the Gentiles! - Ep 3:13 b. How? Because in imprisonment Paul was "an ambassador in chains" - Ep 6:19-20 1) As such he could "make known the mystery of the gospel" 2) And whenever the "mystery" is made known
the exalted position God now has for Gentiles is also known! 3. We
too
should have "boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him"
knowing that... a. We are part of God's "eternal purpose" being carried out! b. We who are Gentiles are but a demonstration of that wonderful "mystery of Christ"
in which Gentiles can be: 1) "fellow heirs" 2) "of the same body" 3) "partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel" -- with the faithful of Israel (such as Peter
Paul
and many others who have accepted Jesus as the Messiah) Are you in this "body"
which we learn in Ep 1:22-23 is the church of Jesus Christ? The Lord adds the saved to His church (cf. Ac 2:47).How can one be saved and thus "added" by the Lord to His church?Consider carefully Ac 2:36-41...
Paul's Second Prayer For The Ephesians (3:14-21)
INTRODUCTION
1. In the previous lesson we saw where Paul was about to start his second prayer for the Ephesians in Ep 3:1... a. However
he interrupts himself when describing himself as "the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles" b. Lest they be troubled at whatever tribulations he endured as a prisoner (Ep 3:13)
Paul stresses the fact that: 1) His apostleship to the Gentiles (even with its tribulations) was a gift to him through the wonderful grace of God - Ep3:2-7
2) His purpose was to "preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" - Ep 3:8-11 3) That in Christ he had "boldness and access with confidence through faith" in Christ - Ep 3:12 2. Having completed his brief interruption
in Ep 3:14-21 Paul now continues with his second prayer for the Ephesians (the first having been in Ep 1:15-23) 3. The phrase "For this reason..." (Ep 3:14; also 3:1) indicates that Paul expresses his prayer in response to those things mentioned earlier
such as: a. The wonderful salvation by grace through faith - Ep 2:1-10 b. The work by Christ on the cross whereby Gentiles can now become "fellow heirs
of the same body
and partakers of His promise" - Ep 2:11-22; 3:6 [With gratitude in his heart for God's grace toward the Gentiles
Paul now prays in their behalf
starting with...] I. THE "INVOCATION" (14-15)
A. POSTURE IN PRAYER... 1. In this prayer
Paul "bows the knee"
a posture in prayer commonly found throughout the Scriptures - cf. Lk 22:41; Ac 9:40; 20:36; 21:5
2. However
there does not appear to be an "official posture" when it comes to prayer... a. Solomon "stood" when he prayed to dedicate the temple - 1Kin 8:22
b. David "sat" before the Lord when he prayed about the future of his kingdom - 1 Chron 17:16 c. Jesus "fell on His face" when He prayed in Gethsemane - Mt 26:39
B. THE ADDRESSEE IN PRAYER... 1. The pattern and example of prayer in the New Testament church was: a. "To" the Father - Ep 3:14; 5:20 b. "In the name of" or "through" the Lord Jesus Christ - Ep 5:20; Co 3:17
c. And "in" the Spirit - Ep 6:18; Ju 20; cf. Ro 8:26-27 2. There is little evidence of anyone praying "to" Jesus
and even less of praying "to" the Holy Spirit; clearly it is the Father to whom we are to address our prayers - cf. Mt 6:9 [To the Father
then
Paul addresses his prayer. The prayer itself isdivided into three parts (indicated in the Greek by the word "hina")
and is like a staircase with three steps
each step leading to thenext...] II. THE "PETITION" (16-19)
A. TO BE STRENGTHENED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD... (16-17) 1. Paul had mentioned earlier about God's power "toward us who believe" - Ep 1:19 2. Now he prays that the Ephesians might be "strengthened with might" 3. Such strength is "according to the riches of His glory" 4. God's strength is administered "through His Spirit in (lit.
into) the inner man" a. A Christian's body is "the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you" - cf. 1 Co 6:19 b. One design of the indwelling Spirit is to help one "put to death the deeds of the body" - cf. Ro 8:11-13 5. But the purpose of such "strengthening" by the Spirit in our text is for a different purpose
first hinted at in verse17...
a. First
that "Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith" 1) To the degree God strengthens (by the Spirit) the believer's "inner man"
so it is said that Christ Himself indwells the heart of the believer 2) Thus the Spirit is the instrumental agent by which Christ indwells the believer
just as Ep 2:22 suggests the Spirit is instrumental agent by which God inhabits His church b. Second
that they may be "rooted and grounded in love" 1) One work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer is to instill the love of God in the heart - cf. Ro 5:5;Ga 5:22
2) When strengthened by God through the Spirit in the inner man
one becomes "rooted and grounded in love" [Strengthened by God through His Spirit
so that Christ is dwelling in our hearts and we are well-established "in love"
the next step is ... B. TO COMPREHEND THE LOVE OF CHRIST... (18-19a ) 1. "may be ABLE..." a. The word "able" means "to be eminently able; to have full strength" b. Thus the prayer for strength in the first part of the prayer - Ep 3:16 2. "...to comprehend" a. I.e.
to understand
to grasp b. As Paul says later in verse 19
"to know..." 3. It is the "love of Christ" that Paul is praying that we be strong to grasp... a. He wants us to know everything about this wonderful love ("width and length...") b. But this love of Christ is something which "passes knowledge"! 1) How is it possible for us to "know" the love of Christ
if it "passes knowledge"? 2) Only in the sense that no matter how much we learn about Christ's love
even with the strength God's Spirit provides
there is always much more to grasp! 3) "...there is a real knowledge of Christ's love possible to us
a knowledge that is capable of increase as we are the more strengthened by power in the inner man
while a complete or exhaustive knowledge must ever remain beyond our capacity." (The Expositor's Greek Testament
W. Robertson Nicoll
editor
vol. 3
p. 316) [It is only as we begin to know the love of Christ that passes knowledge that we are beginning to experience the last step for which Paul is praying...] C. TO BE FILLED WITH ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD... (19b) 1. This is the objective
the goal
of all that was said previously 2. One begins to be filled with "all the fullness of God"... a. As they are strengthened by God (i.e.
the Father) b. Which is through His Spirit (i.e.
the Holy Spirit) c. Whereby in their hearts may dwell the Christ (i.e.
the Son) 3. With the help of the all members of the Godhead
then
one is "filled" the more they begin to comprehend the wonderful "love of Christ" ("For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" - cf. Co 2:9) [Such is the petition that Paul makes on behalf of the Ephesians... 1. That they be strengthened by the Spirit of God 2. So they can comprehend the love of Christ 3. And thus be filled with all the fullness of God Is God "able" to fulfill this petition? There is no doubt in Paul'smind
as we see how he closes the prayer...] III. THE "DOXOLOGY" (20-21)
A. GLORY TO GOD
FOR WHAT HE IS ABLE TO DO! (20) 1. As Paul ascribes praise to God
he does so for what he confident God is able to do 2. As expressed by Paul
God's "ability to do" is... a. "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (far beyond our imagination!) b. "according to the power that works in us" - cf. Ep 1:19; 3:16
B. GLORY TO GOD
IN THE CHURCH BY CHRIST JESUS FOREVER! (21) 1. Paul sees "the church" as the means by which much glory can be given to God 2. Certainly if Paul's prayer is answered... a. That "all the saints" may be able to comprehend the love of Christ - Ep 3:18 b. That they may all be 'filled with all the fullness of God" - Ep 3:19 ...the church will have the potential to bring much glory to God! - cf. 2 Th 1:11-12 3. Of course
such potential is to come only "by Christ Jesus"; but if it does
then it will be "throughout all ages
world without end"! CONCLUSION
1. Do we desire to give God glory throughout all ages
world without end? a. We ought to
in view of all things we have considered in Ep 1-3 b. If so
then it must be "by Jesus Christ"
and that can be only as we... 1) Come to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge 2) Allow ourselves to "be filled with all the fullness of God" 2. How can we be sure to be filled with all the fullness of God? a. For one who is already a Christian
we should follow Paul's example and start with prayer (such as the one in our text)... b. For one who is not a Christian
then one needs first to become a child of God - cf. Ga 3:26-27 In our next lesson
we will begin to consider how we can "walk" so as tobring glory to God...
－－《Executable
Outlines》