Fellow Heirs

Sharers in the Promise

Ephesians 3:1–3 (NRSV)

Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles

3 This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— 2 for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, 3 and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words,

God has given Paul a part in the administration of his grace (v. 2). Through the man Paul, God has seen fit to dispense to a particular segment of humanity the message of what has been accomplished in Jesus Christ.

Erickson, R. J. (1995). Ephesians. In Evangelical Commentary on the Bible (Vol. 3, p. 1026). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

Evangelical Commentary on the Bible E. Digression: Paul, Outsiders, and God’s Glory (3:1–13)

God has revealed to Paul this mysterious grace which centers in Christ (Eph. 3:3).

I too have been given the gift that Paul talks to the Ephesians about found in verse 3. The problem that people like Paul have is helping others to see that revelation. There is a reason it is called the great mystery, because not all see it. What then is the key to revealing the mystery? It is not Paul, it is not Clint, it is not you, it is the Spirit which convicts. I prayed this prayer today before church. Father, through your Spirit, indwell the people and bring them to the revelation of the mystery of your love and grace. Convict them through your Spirit to know you in their hearts. Amen!

Ephesians 3:4–6 (NRSV)

4 a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. 5 In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Paul explains how through his earlier writings he has given them words to help them understand the mystery. But notice that he says this is his understanding. Each can have this understanding, this mystery revealed to us. So what is Paul asking the Ephesians to do here? Paul goes on to tell us that in former years this mystery was not revealed to anyone, but now, it has been revealed through his Holy Apostles, and prophets. Paul is telling the Ephesians to believe through his revelation. In other words, not all will get this mystery revealed to them but trust that Paul has been given this great revelation.

Ephesians 3:7–9 (NRSV)

7 Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power. 8 Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; Paul has been given a gift, and yet can you see how it also becomes a burden? We just came through the birth of the Christ child. We know how Mary was blessed by the Spirit, and yet we also should be able to comprehend that this blessing came with a great burden. From that day foreword Mary and Joseph lived to serve the King.

Paul is telling us that he also was blessed by the Spirit, and his life changed from that moment on. The book of Acts depicts for us the revelation of Paul, or better stated the knowledge of the Risen Lord to Paul. Once Paul received this revelation, he served the King.

Ephesians 3:7–9 (NRSV)

7 Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power. 8 Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; Paul goes on to offer hope for all the church, but his burden is also revealed; preaching. Every prophet struggled with the message because the people they were called to preach to would not receive the message.

The people that were listening to the message were always distracted by the law.

Evangelical Commentary on the Bible E. Digression: Paul, Outsiders, and God’s Glory (3:1–13)

The astonishing thing about this (Good) News from the Jewish perspective is that there is no mention of the necessity of a proper relationship to the law for such participation. It is solely a matter of being “in Christ.”

Why were they distracted? Because they still believed they could follow the law to get to the Father. Jesus said, “Matthew 5:17–20 (NRSV)

The Law and the Prophets

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. “

Ephesians 3:10–12 (NRSV)

10 so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him. Through faith!

Today as you leave this place and go into the world, may you take that faith and let it shine on the world; that they might know and believe.