The Mystery Revealed (Ephesians 3:1-19)

Introduction

Bible History

Paul continues to preach the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire throughout Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Greece.

Paul would then organize the Believers into churches that would continue the Ministry locally and encouragement and growth of believers.

Epistles are 1st century letters. Paul wrote 13 letters that have been added to the Bible.

Ephesians

This is a letter Paul wrote to address the incredible Spiritual Blessings we have in Christ, the unity between Jews and Gentiles in Christ, and the practical application in our lives and relationships because we are in Christ.

“In Christ…, In Him…, In Christ Jesus...” - “The phrase “in Christ Jesus” is used twenty-seven times in this letter! It describes the spiritual position of the believer: he is identified with Christ, he is in Christ, and therefore is able to draw on the wealth of Christ for his own daily living.” (Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Vol. 2. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996. Print.)

Unity in Christ is a big part of the plan of God and the Gospel.

Ephesians 2:18–22 (ESV)

18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Paul’s calling to proclaim the mystery of God (Ephesians 3:1-6)

Paul is the steward of the Mystery to the Gentiles (3:1-3)

Ephesians 3:1–3 (ESV)

1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.

“For this reason...” - same as vs. 14.

"All that Paul has described leads him into what he will say next, so he says For this reason … The idea, however, breaks off into a long parenthesis, and only emerges as a prayer for them in verse 14. The repetition of ‘For this reason’ in verse 14 shows the resumption into prayer.” (Bock, Darrell L. Ephesians: An Introduction and Commentary. Ed. Eckhard J. Schnabel. Vol. 10. London: Inter-Varsity Press, 2019. Print. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries.)

Stewardship

“① responsibility of management, management of a household, direction, office ⓑ Paul applies the idea of administration to the office of an apostle” (Arndt, William et al. A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature 2000: 697. Print.)

Paul sees his calling as an Apostles to the Gentiles as a responsibility given to him as a part of God’s grace. The responsibility is in the proclamation of the Gospel/mystery of God.

Mystery made known - “the mystery was made known to me by revelation...” (3)

Mystery - the unmanifested or private counsel of God, (God’s) secret, the secret thoughts and plans of God (Arndt, William et al. A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature 2000: 662. Print.)

Revelation - (figurative extensions of meaning of ἀποκαλύπτω and ἀποκάλυψις ‘to uncover, to take out of hiding,’ not occurring in the NT) to cause something to be fully known—‘to reveal, to disclose, to make fully known, revelation.’ (Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains 1996: 338. Print.)

The mystery of God’s plan has been hidden in the history of the OT and is now made known through God revealing it to the Apostles to be proclaimed.

Mystery of God (3:4-6)

The Revelation of this mystery of God is given to this Generation through the Spirit to the Apostles and Prophets.

Ephesians 3:4–5 (ESV)

4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.

The Mystery Revealed

Ephesians 3:6 (ESV)

6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

“Certainly the Old Testament clearly states that God will save the Gentiles through Israel, but nowhere are we told that both Jews and Gentiles will form a new creation, the church, the body of Christ. It was this mystery that the Spirit revealed to Paul and other leaders in the early church, and that was so difficult for the Jews to accept.” (Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Vol. 2. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996. Print.)

The Mystery revealed is that “In Christ”, both Jews and Gentiles are a part of the Kingdom and family of God.

Ephesians 2:18–22 (ESV)

18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets (3:5), Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

"fellow heirs, members of the same body...” (3:6)

“As God’s chosen people, the Jews were heirs of the blessings promised to Abraham (Gen 17:4–8; Rom 9:4–5). Through Christ, non-Jews also become heirs of God’s promise (see note on Eph 3:4; Gal 3:29).” (Barry, John D. et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016. Print.)

Galatians 3:16–18 (ESV)

16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. 17 This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.

Galatians 3:23–29 (ESV)

23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.

Paul’s explanation of the Mystery of God (Ephesians 3:7-13)

Wisdom of God (3:7-10)

God’s grace to Paul restated (7-8a)

Ephesians 3:7–8a (ESV)

7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given,…

Paul’s Ministry (8b-9)

Ephesians 3:8b–9 (ESV)

8b … to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things,

To Preach - to communicate good news concerning something (in the NT a particular reference to the gospel message about Jesus)—‘to tell the good news, to announce the gospel.’ (Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains 1996: 411. Print.)

“unsearchable riches of Christ…” (3:8b)

Ephesians 1:3 (ESV)

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,

Ephesians 1:3-14 is an incredible text showing the blessings we receive from God because we are in Christ. This is the “Unsearchable riches of Christ” that he is called to proclaim to the Gentiles.

To Enlighten - to cause light to shine upon some object, in the sense of illuminating it—‘to illuminate, to shine upon.’ (Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains 1996: 172. Print.)

“to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God” (3:9)

Through the proclamation of the Gospel, Paul is bringing light to the plan of God to bring Gentiles into the kingdom of God.

God’s Manifold Witness (10)

Ephesians 3:10 (ESV)

10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

Manifold Wisdom

Manifold (multifaceted wisdom) - to being diversified, (very) many-sided (Arndt, William et al. A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature 2000: 847. Print.)

Wisdom - knowledge which makes possible skillful activity or performance—‘specialized knowledge, skill.’ (Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains 1996: 334. Print.)

Through God’s redemptive plan in Christ in which both Jews and Gentiles are forgiven and entered into the Kingdom of God is a display of the wisdom of God in the world.

“Rulers and Authorities in the Heavenly places.”

“This phrase seems to refer to angelic or evil forces of power in the heavenly places.” (Barry, John D. et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016. Print.)

Angels

Angels are watching God’s plan unfolding in Human history. They are in awe of God’s wisdom. Jesus said that the Angels rejoice in the salvation of one.

1 Peter 1:10–12 (ESV)

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

Satan

“What are the evil angels learning from God’s “mystery”? That their leader, Satan, does not have any wisdom! Satan knows the Bible, and he understood from the Old Testament Scriptures that the Saviour would come, when He would come, how He would come, and where He would come. Satan also understood why He would come, as far as redemption is concerned. But nowhere in the Old Testament would Satan find any prophecies concerning the church, “the mystery” of Jews and Gentiles united in one body! Satan could see unbelieving Jews rejecting their Messiah, and he could see Gentiles trusting the Messiah, but he could not see both believing Jews and Gentiles united in one body, seated with Christ in the heavenlies, and completely victorious over Satan! Had Satan known the far-reaching results of the Cross, no doubt he would have altered his plans accordingly. God hid this great plan “from the beginning of the world,” but now He wants “the mystery” to be known by His church. And this is why He made Paul a “steward” of this great truth. Ephesians 3:9 should read, “And to make all men see what is the stewardship of the mystery.” Here is an amazing truth: Now all believers are to be faithful stewards of this great truth! This “sacred secret” that was so important to Paul, and to the Gentiles, and to angels, is now in our hands!” (Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Vol. 2. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996. Print.)

My interpretation

When God created the universe and Mankind, He was in close relationship with them. Satan, as the serpent, deceived mankind into trusting him and themselves over the command of God. Mankind turned away from God in sin and were separated from Him.

However, God was not done with Mankind and promised to redeem them. Genesis 3:15 “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.””

The Jewish people in the OT, were in a covenant relationship with God, but were not able to enter the very presence of God (Holy of Holies). The whole time Satan was trying to thwart the plan of God, by trying to destroy the Jewish people and the one that was to come from their line.

In one incredible act of God in Christ, He simultaneously redeemed mankind and defeated Satan. Through Jesus Christ, the church (Jews and Gentiles), have a closer relationship with God than anyone in human history. We are brought into a relationship with Christ that the Holy Spirit is living with and in us. We are heir of God, coheirs with Christ. We are adopted Sons and Daughters of God. We are given an inheritance and are a part of God’s eternal Kingdom.

Eternal Purpose (3:11-13)

Ephesians 3:11–13 (ESV)

11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

Paul’s Prayer for the Church (Ephesians 3:14-19)

In regard to the Spirit of God (3:14–16): He prays that the Spirit will strengthen their inner beings.

Ephesians 3:14–16 (ESV)

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

In light of the revelation of the mystery of God, Paul is praying for them as a benediction to what he has just been saying.

He prays that they would be strengthened in their understanding and ministry through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

In regard to the Son of God (3:17): He prays that Christ might be more and more at home in their hearts.

Ephesians 3:17 (ESV)

17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

Dwell - to live or dwell in a place in an established or settled manner—‘to live, to dwell, to reside.’ (Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains 1996: 730. Print.)

Christ would be settled in their lives through Faith. That relying/trusting in the Lordship of Christ would be a steady part of their lives.

In regard to the love of God (3:18–19): He prays that they might be able to grasp the full dimensions of God’s love.

Ephesians 3:18–19 (ESV)

18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Lessons from Paul

Paul revealed the mystery of God, that both Jews and Gentiles, are united in the Kingdom of God in Christ.

Those in the church have a closer relationship with God than all of human history before Christ. God, in His grace and through Christ, has invited all to come to Him through faith and His very presence will be with them.

We are strengthened by the very presence of God to live/grow in Christ and proclaim the good news of the Gospel.

Benediction

Ephesians 3:20–21 (ESV)

20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.