Commssion of God's Mystery

Ephesians 3:1–13 CSB

For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you. The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power. This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ, and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens. This is according to his eternal purpose accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him we have boldness and confident access through faith in him. So, then, I ask you not to be discouraged over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.

A Great Mystery Revealed!

Ephesians 3:1–5 (CSB)

For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you. The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:

What is this Great Mystery?

Ephesians 3:6 CSB

The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Revealed also in:

1 Corinthians 2:6–7 CSB

We do, however, speak a wisdom among the mature, but not a wisdom of this age, or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. On the contrary, we speak God’s hidden wisdom in a mystery, a wisdom God predestined before the ages for our glory.

and in:

Colossians 1:25–27 CSB

I have become its servant, according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

God reveals this mystery: that the Gospel is not just for Jew, but for Gentile - not just for the decendents of Abraham, but

Genesis 12:1–3 (CSB)

The Lord said to Abram:

Go from your land,

your relatives,

and your father’s house

to the land that I will show you.

I will make you into a great nation,

I will bless you,

I will make your name great,

and you will be a blessing.

I will bless those who bless you,

I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt,

and all the peoples on earth

will be blessed through you.

Paul reveals to all who are reading this letter that the Gospel is not just for Jew, but for gentile! Not just for the people of GOD, but for the entire world!

Ephesians 3:7 CSB

I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power.

Paul say’s he was made a servant of the Gospel. It is by the grace of God! By the working of God’s power.

Ephesians 3:8–9 CSB

This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ, and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things.

Ephesians 3:10 CSB

This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.

Ephesians 3:11 CSB

This is according to his eternal purpose accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesians 3:12–13 (CSB)

In him we have boldness and confident access through faith in him.

So, then, I ask you not to be discouraged over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.