Ephesians 3

Ephesians: Chapter 3 - Paul’s Prayer for Power

Introduction: Unveiling the Hidden Plan

Have you ever been entrusted with a secret, a profound truth that was once hidden but now revealed? In Ephesians Chapter 3, Paul unveils such a secret – a "mystery" that God kept hidden for ages but has now made known through Christ and His apostles. This mystery is nothing less than the radical inclusion of Gentiles alongside Jews into the unified body of Christ, the Church.

This chapter is unique because Paul actually begins a prayer, then interrupts himself with a lengthy parenthetical explanation of his own apostleship and the revelation of this mystery. He then returns to his prayer, which is a powerful intercession for the Ephesian believers (and us) to grasp the immeasurable dimensions of God's love and to be filled with His fullness.

As we delve into Ephesians 3, we will discover the breathtaking scope of God's eternal plan, marvel at the privilege of being part of this "mystery," and be challenged to pray for a deeper spiritual strengthening that enables us to comprehend the incomprehensible love of Christ. This chapter will remind us that our spiritual growth is not just about personal piety, but about experiencing the fullness of God for the glory of His Church.

Segment 1: The Revealed Mystery – Gentiles Included (Ephesians 3:1-7)

Title: Paul's Stewardship of God's Unveiled Plan

Introductory Commentary:

Paul begins this chapter by stating his purpose for writing – to pray for the Ephesian believers. However, he immediately pauses to explain his unique role in God's unfolding plan. He reveals that God has directly made known to him a profound "mystery" – a truth previously hidden but now disclosed. This mystery is the astonishing reality that Gentiles are now full and equal co-heirs, co-members, and co-partakers with Jewish believers in the body of Christ. Paul sees his imprisonment not as a setback, but as part of his divine commission to proclaim these "unfathomable riches of Christ" to the Gentile world.

Verse-by-Verse Commentary and Key Discussion Points:

● Ephesians 3:1: "For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—"

○ Commentary: "For this reason" connects back to the glorious truths of Chapter 2 – the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ. Paul identifies himself as "the prisoner of Christ Jesus," emphasizing that his imprisonment in Rome is not a result of human injustice primarily, but a sovereign act of God for the advancement of the gospel. He is a prisoner "for the sake of you Gentiles," highlighting his specific calling as the apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13). His suffering is not a sign of God's displeasure, but a means to fulfill God's purpose.

○ Discussion Points:

■ How does Paul's perspective on his imprisonment as "for the sake of you Gentiles" challenge our view of suffering in ministry?

■ In what ways can our circumstances, even difficult ones, be seen as part of God's purpose for others?

● Ephesians 3:2: "if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you;"

○ Commentary: Paul assumes they have heard of his "stewardship" (Greek: oikonomia – "administration," "commission," or "plan") of "God's grace." This refers to the special responsibility entrusted to him to administer the gospel, particularly to the Gentiles. This stewardship was "given to me for you," emphasizing that his mission directly benefited them as Gentile believers. It highlights that his ministry is a divine gift, not a human achievement.

○ Discussion Points:

■ What does it mean to have a "stewardship of God's grace"? How might this apply to every believer?

■ How does God's grace empower individuals for specific ministries?

● Ephesians 3:3: "that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief."

○ Commentary: The core of Paul's stewardship is the "mystery" that was "made known to me by revelation." This "revelation" (Greek: apokalypsis – "unveiling") signifies a direct, divine disclosure, not something Paul learned from human sources. He briefly mentioned this mystery in Chapter 1 (1:9) and Chapter 2 (2:15-16), but here he elaborates on its specific content.

○ Discussion Points:

■ What is the significance of the "mystery" being revealed directly by God to Paul?

■ How does divine revelation differ from human discovery or reasoning?

● Ephesians 3:4: "By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,"

○ Commentary: Paul states that by reading what he has already written (and will write in this chapter), the Ephesians can "understand my insight into the mystery of Christ." This implies that the mystery is now understandable and accessible through Paul's inspired teaching. His "insight" (Greek: synesis – "understanding" or "comprehension") is divinely given, enabling him to articulate this profound truth.

○ Discussion Points:

■ How does Scripture enable us to gain "insight" into God's mysteries?

■ What is our responsibility in "reading" and "understanding" God's revealed truth?

● Ephesians 3:5: "which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;"

○ Commentary: This mystery "in other generations was not made known to the sons of men." While there were Old Testament hints of Gentile inclusion (e.g., Isaiah 49:6), the full scope and nature of their co-equality in the Church was not explicitly revealed. It "has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit." This refers to New Testament apostles and prophets, who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, received and proclaimed this new understanding of God's unified people.

○ Discussion Points:

■ Why do you think God chose to keep this mystery hidden for "other generations" and reveal it "now"?

■ What does the phrase "in the Spirit" imply about how the apostles and prophets received this revelation?

● Ephesians 3:6: "to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,"

○ Commentary: This verse explicitly defines the mystery: "that the Gentiles are fellow heirs" (Greek: synklēronomos – sharing the same inheritance as Jews), "and fellow members of the body" (Greek: syssōmos – a unique term emphasizing their organic unity in Christ's body, the Church), "and fellow partakers of the promise" (Greek: symmetochos– sharing equally in God's promises, previously given to Israel). All this is "in Christ Jesus through the gospel," highlighting Christ as the sphere of this unity and the gospel as the means of its realization. This was a radical concept, challenging centuries of Jewish-Gentile division.

○ Discussion Points:

■ How does the concept of "fellow heirs, fellow members, and fellow partakers" challenge any sense of superiority or inferiority among believers today?

■ What are the implications of this unity for the Church's mission and witness in a diverse world?

● Ephesians 3:7: "of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power."

○ Commentary: Paul reiterates his role: "of which I was made a minister" (Greek: diakonos – "servant"). His ministry is not self-appointed but "according to the gift of God's grace," emphasizing its divine origin and undeserved nature. This gift was given to him "according to the working of His power," highlighting that God's omnipotence enabled Paul's ministry, despite his perceived unworthiness (3:8).

○ Discussion Points:

■ How does recognizing our ministry as a "gift of God's grace" prevent pride and foster humility?

■ In what ways do we see "the working of His power" in our own ministries or service?

Segment 2: Paul's Mission – Proclaiming God's Wisdom (Ephesians 3:8-13)

Title: Proclaiming Unfathomable Riches and Eternal Purpose

Introductory Commentary:

Paul continues to elaborate on his unique commission. Despite considering himself the "very least of all saints," he was given the extraordinary privilege of proclaiming the "unfathomable riches of Christ" to the Gentiles. His mission also included bringing to light God's eternal plan, hidden for ages, which reveals His "manifold wisdom" through the Church to cosmic powers. Paul then encourages the Ephesians not to be discouraged by his sufferings, for they are part of God's glorious plan for them.

Verse-by-Verse Commentary and Key Discussion Points:

● Ephesians 3:8: "To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ,"

○ Commentary: Paul's humility is striking: "To me, the very least of all saints." This reflects his deep awareness of his past as a persecutor of the church (1 Timothy 1:13). Yet, to this "least," "this grace was given" – the privilege and power – "to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ." "Unfathomable" (Greek: anexichniastos – "untraceable," "unsearchable") emphasizes the boundless, inexhaustible wealth of blessings found in Christ, which goes beyond human comprehension.

○ Discussion Points:

■ How does Paul's humility ("the very least of all saints") enhance the power of God's grace in his ministry?

■ What are some of the "unfathomable riches of Christ" that we experience as believers?

● Ephesians 3:9: "and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things;"

○ Commentary: Paul's mission has a second aspect: "to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery." "Administration" (Greek: oikonomia) here refers to the specific way God's plan (the mystery) is being managed and carried out in history. This plan "for ages has been hidden in God who created all things," emphasizing God's sovereignty and eternal wisdom as the Creator. The mystery was not an afterthought, but part of God's original, hidden design.

○ Discussion Points:

■ What does it mean for God to "bring to light" His hidden plans?

■ How does God's role as Creator connect to His eternal purposes for humanity?

● Ephesians 3:10: "so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places."

○ Commentary: The grand purpose of revealing this mystery through the Church is "so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known." "Manifold" (Greek: polypoikilos – "multi-colored," "diverse," "complex") highlights the intricate and varied nature of God's wisdom. This wisdom is revealed "through the church" – the unified body of Jew and Gentile believers. The audience for this revelation is not just humanity, but "the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places," referring to angelic beings (both good and evil, though here likely including the good who marvel at God's plan). The Church serves as a cosmic display of God's wisdom.

○ Discussion Points:

■ How does the Church, through its unity and diversity, demonstrate God's "manifold wisdom" to the spiritual realm?

■ What responsibility does this place on the Church to live in a way that reflects God's wisdom?

● Ephesians 3:11: "This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord,"

○ Commentary: This entire plan – the mystery, its administration, and its revelation through the Church – "was in accordance with the eternal purpose" of God. It's not a new idea, but part of His timeless design. This purpose was "carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord," emphasizing Christ as the central figure through whom God's eternal plan is perfectly executed in history.

○ Discussion Points:

■ How does the concept of God's "eternal purpose" provide a framework for understanding history and our place in it?

■ Why is Christ central to the fulfillment of God's eternal plan?

● Ephesians 3:12: "in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him."

○ Commentary: As a result of Christ's work in fulfilling God's eternal purpose, believers "in whom" (Christ) "have boldness" (Greek: parrēsia– "freedom of speech," "courage," "confidence") "and confident access" (Greek: prosagogē– "introduction," "approach") "through faith in Him." The cross has cleared the path, removing sin and making us holy, allowing us to enter God's presence without fear or hesitation. This is a profound privilege, contrasting with the limited access in the Old Testament temple.

○ Discussion Points:

■ What does it mean to have "boldness and confident access" to God? How does this impact our prayer life and relationship with Him?

■ How does "faith in Him" enable this access?

● Ephesians 3:13: "Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory."

○ Commentary: "Therefore" connects Paul's suffering to the glorious truth of the mystery. He urges the Ephesians "not to lose heart" (Greek: ekakēsen – "to be discouraged," "to faint") "at my tribulations" (sufferings and imprisonment) "on your behalf." He understands that his suffering might be a stumbling block for them. However, he redefines his tribulations: "for they are your glory." His suffering for the gospel, particularly for Gentile inclusion, brought honor and spiritual benefit to them, confirming the authenticity and power of the message he preached.

○ Discussion Points:

■ How can the suffering of a leader or fellow believer become "glory" for others?

■ What does it mean to "not lose heart" in the face of difficulties, especially when they are "on your behalf"?

Segment 3: Paul's Prayer for Power – Experiencing God's Fullness (Ephesians 3:14-21)

Title: Strengthened, Rooted, and Filled with All God's Fullness

Introductory Commentary:

After his extended explanation of the mystery and his role in it, Paul finally returns to the prayer he began in verse 1. This is a powerful intercession for spiritual growth and understanding. He prays that believers would be strengthened by the Spirit in their inner being, allowing Christ to dwell deeply in their hearts, leading them to comprehend the immeasurable love of Christ. The ultimate goal of this prayer is for believers to be "filled up to all the fullness of God," culminating in a magnificent doxology that exalts God's boundless power and eternal glory.

Verse-by-Verse Commentary and Key Discussion Points:

● Ephesians 3:14: "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,"

○ Commentary: "For this reason" again links back to the preceding truths of God's eternal purpose and the revealed mystery. Paul adopts a posture of humility and reverence, "I bow my knees before the Father." While standing was common for prayer, kneeling indicated deep earnestness and submission. He addresses God as "the Father," emphasizing intimacy and relationship.

○ Discussion Points:

■ How does Paul's posture in prayer (bowing knees) reflect his reverence and earnestness?

■ What does it mean to approach God as "the Father" in prayer?

● Ephesians 3:15: "from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name,"

○ Commentary: Paul magnifies the Father's sovereignty and universal fatherhood: "from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name." This means that all fatherhood, both human and angelic, originates from and depends on God the Father. He is the ultimate source and archetype of family, underscoring His authority and ability to answer prayer.

○ Discussion Points:

■ How does understanding God as the source of "every family" deepen our appreciation for His design for relationships?

■ What does this imply about God's intimate knowledge of all His creation?

● Ephesians 3:16: "that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,"

○ Commentary: This is the first of four interconnected requests. Paul prays "that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory" – meaning God's limitless resources and magnificent splendor. The request is "to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man." This is not physical or intellectual strength, but spiritual power, an inner fortification by the Holy Spirit. The "inner man" (Greek: esō anthrōpos) refers to the regenerated spiritual self, the true essence of a believer, which needs ongoing renewal and empowerment (2 Corinthians 4:16).

○ Discussion Points:

■ What does it mean to be "strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man"? How does this manifest in practical life?

■ How do we access these "riches of His glory" for spiritual strength?

● Ephesians 3:17: "so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,"

○ Commentary: The result of inner spiritual strengthening (v. 16) is "so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." While Christ indwells believers at salvation (John 14:23), "dwell" (Greek: katoikeō) here implies taking up permanent, settled residence, being "at home" in every area of one's life. This is an ongoing process of yielding to Christ's lordship, enabled "through faith." This deep indwelling leads to the next request: "that you, being rooted" (like a tree firmly planted) "and grounded" (like a building with a solid foundation) "in love." Love is the essential soil and foundation for spiritual maturity and comprehension.

○ Discussion Points:

■ What does it mean for Christ to "dwell" deeply and fully in our hearts?

■ How does being "rooted and grounded in love" provide stability and growth in our faith?

● Ephesians 3:18: "may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,"

○ Commentary: Rooted in love, believers "may be able to comprehend with all the saints" – emphasizing that this understanding is a corporate, communal experience within the Church – "what is the breadth and length and height and depth" of God's love. These are immeasurable dimensions, suggesting that Christ's love is boundless and beyond full human grasp. It encompasses all creation and all aspects of our being.

○ Discussion Points:

■ Why is comprehending Christ's love a communal experience ("with all the saints")?

■ How can we begin to grasp the "breadth and length and height and depth" of God's love?

● Ephesians 3:19: "and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God."

○ Commentary: The prayer continues: "and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge." This is an experiential knowledge (Greek: ginōskō), a personal acquaintance with Christ's love, even though it transcends mere intellectual understanding. The ultimate goal of this prayer is "that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God." This means being completely permeated and satisfied with God's presence, character, power, and life, reflecting His divine perfection as much as humanly possible. It's a state of spiritual completeness and saturation in God.

○ Discussion Points:

■ How can we "know" a love that "surpasses knowledge"?

■ What does it mean to be "filled up to all the fullness of God"? How does this relate to our ultimate purpose?

● Ephesians 3:20: "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,"

○ Commentary: Paul concludes his prayer with a magnificent doxology, a spontaneous outburst of praise. He addresses God as "Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think." This highlights God's omnipotence and limitless capacity to exceed our greatest prayers and imaginations. This power is not distant but "according to the power that works within us" – the same Holy Spirit power that strengthens our inner man (v. 16).

○ Discussion Points:

■ How does this doxology encourage us to pray boldly and with great expectation?

■ In what ways have you experienced God doing "far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think"?

● Ephesians 3:21: "to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."

○ Commentary: The ultimate purpose of God's power and all His work is "to Him be the glory." This glory is to be rendered "in the church" – the community of believers where God's wisdom is displayed – "and in Christ Jesus" – the sphere of our salvation and God's completed plan. This glory is not limited by time or space but extends "to all generations forever and ever. Amen." It's an eternal, universal ascription of praise to God.

○ Discussion Points:

■ Why is God's glory the ultimate aim of all His work, including our salvation?

■ How can our lives, both individually and corporately in the church, bring glory to God for "all generations"?

Conclusion: A Life Saturated with God

Ephesians Chapter 3 is a powerful reminder that our Christian journey is deeply intertwined with God's eternal, cosmic plan. We have been brought into a profound "mystery" – the unity of all believers in Christ, a truth once hidden but now gloriously revealed. Paul's own suffering serves as a testament to the authenticity and power of this message.

His prayer for us is not for material blessings, but for an inner spiritual strengthening that allows Christ to be fully at home in our hearts. This leads to a comprehension of God's immeasurable love and, ultimately, to being "filled up to all the fullness of God." This is a call to a life saturated with God's presence, power, and character.

As J. Wilbur Chapman's story illustrates, we often "beg for a dime" from the world when our Heavenly Father is seeking us out to give us everything He has. We are "far too easily pleased," settling for crumbs when a banquet awaits. This chapter challenges us to expand our spiritual capacity, to desire the fullness of God, and to live in a way that brings eternal glory to Him. May we, like Paul, pursue this spiritual depth, knowing that God "is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think."

Principles from Chapter 3:

● God's eternal plan includes the radical unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ, a truth previously hidden but now revealed.

● God uses individuals, like Paul, as ministers of His grace to proclaim His mysteries.

● God's "manifold wisdom" is made known through the Church to cosmic powers.

● Through Christ, believers have "boldness and confident access" to God.

● Spiritual growth involves being "strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man."

● Deep spiritual maturity leads to Christ dwelling fully in our hearts, being rooted in love, and comprehending His immeasurable love.

● The ultimate goal of spiritual growth is to be "filled up to all the fullness of God."

● God's power far exceeds our requests and imaginations, and all His work is for His eternal glory in the Church and in Christ.

Applications from Chapter 3:

● Embrace your role in God's "mystery" – the unified Church – and actively seek to break down any remaining barriers among believers.

● Pray consistently for spiritual strengthening in your "inner man" by the Holy Spirit.

● Invite Christ to "dwell" fully and deeply in every area of your heart and life through faith.

● Actively pursue a deeper, experiential "knowledge of the love of Christ," allowing it to be the foundation of your life.

● Seek to be "filled up to all the fullness of God," desiring His presence and character to permeate your entire being.

● Pray boldly and with great expectation, knowing that God is "able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think."

● Live a life that brings "glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations."