Chap 3: (Forgive this author, he is still looking for his APA manual)

Outline:

Eph 3: 1 – 6

1. The mystery of Gentile’s salvation and being brought into the body of Christ along with the Israelites is revealed.
   • It was not made known to people in the past
   • It has now, “been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.” ¹
2. Through the Gospel (Gospel – the message concerning Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation.) ² Gentiles are heirs along with Israel, both are members of the body and share in the promise of Christ.

The great mystery of the Gospel is revealed here, that God’s true plan was always to bring Gentiles and Israelites together into one body under Christ after Christ fulfilled in His death the law. Further revealed in later chapters of Ephesians we will find that Christ not only ascended to Heaven but also descended to Hell in order to proclaim His rule of all kingdoms and realms.

Eph 3: 7 – 13

1. Paul explains his position of authority and equality as a brother in Christ by his salvation through God’s power. He further explains that it was this grace he was given to preach to the Gentiles the fertile promises of Christ.
2. Paul also further explains how it is God’s intent he preach plainly the administration of the mystery of Gentiles being brought into the body.
3. God’s intent is that the wisdom of the church be made known to all authorities in the heavenly realms (Authors Study: the authorities in heaven are Angels according to Matthew Henry.)³
4. God’s purpose was fulfilled in the death of Christ on the cross, fulfilling the law.
5. It is through Christ in faith that we may approach God with freedom.
6. Verse 13 is extremely interesting because we often ask ourselves about suffering and why God allows suffering. Here we are exposed to a little bit of how Paul suffered to bring the gospel to the Gentiles: illness, imprisonment, harassments, & finally martyrdom. It is through Paul’s suffering and sacrifice that he pushed forward and preached the Gospel in order to promote salvation and teach the truth of God’s promises to all that would and will listen.

During the time that the letters were being distributed there was much debate among Christians, both Jewish and Gentile who had the correct Gospel. Many ideas floated around and is an interesting topic for a later blog. It was important for the people of Ephesus to recognize Paul’s authority to preach the Gospel and that it was God’s authority and wisdom that made Paul into a Saint.

Eph 3: 14 – 21

1. Paul closes this chapter with a prayer.
   • He prays for: everyone who comes who is in the family of God (all God’s creation) both in Heaven and on Earth.
   • That God’s riches may strengthen believers with power through God’s Spirit.
   • Christ may dwell in the hearts of all who have faith
   • That all believers may grasp this mystery
   • For believers to understand that this love surpasses knowledge
   • That believers, “be filled to the measure of all the fulness of God.”
2. He askes all the believers in the church to do more than is asked of him/her in accordance to the power and gifts of God in each believer.

The only comment this author has about this prayer is that is a strong, powerful, mighty prayer filled with love and care that all believers may bask in the promises and love of God.

1. “NIV Study Bible (Red Letter Edition) – Kindle Version” (Eph 3: 5, 13)
2. “merriam-webster” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gospel
3. “Matthew Henry, The Bestselling Unabridged 6 Volume Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible (Special Complete Edition): All 6 Volumes of the Bestselling… Exposition for Kindle Matthew Henry)” Location 277782 of 298477