Ephesians 3

The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed

1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, References Christ: Colossians 1:24. References Jesus: Philemon 1:1, 1:9. References Paul: Acts 23:18, 26:29. Parallel theme: Ephesians 4:1, 6:20, Luke 21:12, Philippians 1:7, 2 Timothy 1:8 +5

2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the graceGrace: χάρις (Charis). The Greek charis (χάρις) denotes unmerited divine favor—God's kindness toward the undeserving. Salvation is 'by grace through faith' (Ephesians 2:8), not human merit. of God which is given me to you-ward: References God: Acts 13:46, 1 Corinthians 4:1, Galatians 1:13, 1 Timothy 1:11. Grace: Ephesians 4:7, Romans 1:5. Parallel theme: Ephesians 1:10, Acts 9:15, 22:21, 2 Timothy 1:11 +5

3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Creation: Ephesians 3:9. Parallel theme: Ephesians 1:17, 3:4, Acts 22:17, 22:21, 23:9, Romans 11:25, 16:25, Galatians 1:12 +4

4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) References Christ: Ephesians 5:32, 1 Corinthians 4:1, Colossians 2:2, 4:3. Parallel theme: Ephesians 1:9, 6:19, Luke 8:10, 1 Corinthians 13:2, 2 Corinthians 11:6, 1 Timothy 3:16 +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; Prophecy: Ephesians 2:20, Matthew 13:17, Luke 10:24. Holy: John 14:26, 2 Peter 3:2. Creation: Ephesians 3:9. Spirit: John 16:13. Parallel theme: Acts 10:28, Romans 16:25, Jude 1:17 +5

6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospelGospel: εὐαγγέλιον (Euangelion). The Greek euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον) means good news or gospel—the message of salvation through Christ's death and resurrection. It's 'the power of God unto salvation' (Romans 1:16).: Covenant: Galatians 3:14, 1 John 2:25. References Christ: 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 John 1:3. Parallel theme: Ephesians 5:30, Colossians 2:19

7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Kingdom: Ephesians 1:19, Colossians 1:29, Hebrews 13:21. Grace: Ephesians 3:2, Romans 1:5, 1 Corinthians 15:10. References God: Romans 15:16. Creation: 2 Corinthians 3:6. Parallel theme: Ephesians 3:20, 1 Corinthians 3:5 +5

8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this graceGrace: χάρις (Charis). The Greek charis (χάρις) denotes unmerited divine favor—God's kindness toward the undeserving. Salvation is 'by grace through faith' (Ephesians 2:8), not human merit. given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; References Christ: Colossians 1:27, 1 Timothy 2:7. Grace: Ephesians 2:7, 1 Timothy 1:13. Parallel theme: Ephesians 3:16, Acts 5:41, Romans 2:4, 11:33, 1 Corinthians 15:9, Galatians 1:16 +5

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: References Christ: Colossians 3:3. References Jesus: 2 Timothy 1:9. References God: 1 Timothy 3:16. Creation: Psalms 33:6, Colossians 1:26, Revelation 4:11. Parallel theme: Isaiah 44:24, Matthew 13:35, 25:34, 28:19 +5

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, References God: Ephesians 1:3, Romans 11:33, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 2:7, 1 Timothy 3:16. Parallel theme: Ephesians 1:8, 1:21, 6:12, Colossians 1:16, 1 Peter 1:12 +5

11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint.: References Jesus: 2 Timothy 1:9. Parallel theme: Ephesians 1:4, 1:9, 1:11, Romans 9:11

12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faithFaith: πίστις (Pistis). The Greek pistis (πίστις) denotes faith, belief, or trust—confidence in God's character and promises. It's both intellectual assent and relational trust, central to justification (Romans 5:1). of him. Faith: Romans 5:2, 2 Corinthians 3:4. Parallel theme: Ephesians 2:18, John 14:6

13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your gloryGlory: δόξα (Doxa). The Greek doxa (δόξα) means glory, splendor, or magnificence—the radiant manifestation of God's perfection. Christ revealed the Father's glory: 'we beheld his glory' (John 1:14).. Parallel theme: Ephesians 3:1, 2 Corinthians 1:6, Colossians 1:24, 2 Thessalonians 3:13

Prayer for Spiritual Strength

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, References Jesus: Ephesians 1:3, Philippians 2:10. References Lord: Ezra 9:5, Psalms 95:6. Parallel theme: 1 Kings 19:18, Isaiah 45:23, Daniel 6:10, Luke 22:41, Acts 20:36, 21:5 +5

15 Of whom the whole family in heavenHeaven: οὐρανός (Ouranos). The Greek ouranos (οὐρανός) denotes heaven—God's throne and the believer's eternal home. Jesus taught His disciples to pray 'Our Father which art in heaven' (Matthew 6:9) and promised to prepare a place there (John 14:2). and earth is named, Parallel theme: Ephesians 1:10, 1:21, Jeremiah 33:16

16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his SpiritSpirit: πνεῦμα (Pneuma). The Greek pneuma (πνεῦμα) means spirit, wind, or breath—the immaterial aspect of persons. The Holy Spirit (Pneuma Hagion) is the third person of the Trinity, dwelling in believers. in the inner man; Glory: 2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:19, Colossians 1:11. Parallel theme: Ephesians 6:10, Psalms 28:8, Isaiah 41:10, Zechariah 10:12, 2 Corinthians 4:16, Philippians 4:13, 2 Timothy 4:17 +5

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faithFaith: πίστις (Pistis). The Greek pistis (πίστις) denotes faith, belief, or trust—confidence in God's character and promises. It's both intellectual assent and relational trust, central to justification (Romans 5:1).; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, References Christ: Colossians 1:27. Faith: Galatians 2:20, Colossians 1:23, 2:7, 1 John 4:16. Love: John 14:23, Romans 5:5. Parallel theme: Isaiah 57:15, 2 Corinthians 6:16, Revelation 3:20 +5

18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; Holy: Ephesians 1:15, Psalms 145:10. Parallel theme: Ephesians 3:19, Psalms 103:17, 139:6, Isaiah 55:9, John 15:13, Galatians 2:20, 3:13, Revelation 3:21 +5

19 And to know the loveLove: ἀγάπη (Agape). The Greek agape (ἀγάπη) denotes self-sacrificial, unconditional love—the highest form of love, characterizing God's nature (1 John 4:8) and the love Christians are called to demonstrate. of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. References Christ: Philippians 4:7, 2 Peter 3:18. References God: Colossians 1:10. Love: Ephesians 5:2, 2 Corinthians 5:14, Galatians 2:20. Parallel theme: Ephesians 1:23, 3:18, Matthew 5:6, John 1:16 +5

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, Parallel theme: Ephesians 1:19, 3:7, Jeremiah 32:17, 32:27, Romans 4:21, 16:25, 1 Corinthians 2:9, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Hebrews 7:25, Jude 1:24 +5

21 Unto him be gloryGlory: δόξα (Doxa). The Greek doxa (δόξα) means glory, splendor, or magnificence—the radiant manifestation of God's perfection. Christ revealed the Father's glory: 'we beheld his glory' (John 1:14). in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Glory: 1 Chronicles 29:11, Psalms 72:19, Isaiah 6:3, 42:12, Romans 11:36, 16:27, Philippians 4:20, 1 Peter 5:11, 2 Peter 3:18, Jude 1:25 +5