Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians
“In Christ” - Living a Missional Life
Reflections from Ephesians 3:1-21
“Insight into the Mystery of Christ:
For this Reason I Kneel Before the Father”
“Mystery” (Mysterion) is a favorite word used by Paul to sum up
the divine plan of salvation. It is virtually a synonym for
euangelion (“good news”). Paul uses the term 21 times in his
letters. It is eternal in its scope, the revelation of God himself. It is
historical in its announcement, centered and declared in the
person of the Lord Jesus Christ, through whose death God
reconciles us to himself and whom Paul was commissioned to
proclaim (Eph 3:8-9). It is spiritual in its perception, revealed to
apostles and prophets by the Spirit (Eph 3:5). The heart of the
mystery that is now being revealed is that “through the good
news the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members
together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in
Christ Jesus” (3:6). And it is eschatological in its outcome: the
mystery that has been revealed in time still awaits its divine
consummation and fulfillment in eternity. A Christian “mystery” is
a truth which, although beyond human discovery, has been
revealed by God and so now belongs openly to the whole
Church.
The Christian Church in Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians
More than any other NT writing, Ephesians underlines the role of
the Church in God’s amazing plan. In Christ, God has revealed his
desire to unite Jews and Gentiles in a new group of people, the
church (1:9; 2:14-22; 3:6). There are many biblical names for what
we call “the Church”, each drawing on the diverse images found
in Scripture. Here are a few of the most important:
Ekklesia (gathering; assembly; meeting; the normal term
translated “church” in English); People [of God]; laos; [New] Israel;
Seed of Abraham; Temple; Kingdom of Priests; Body of Christ;
Household [of God]; [God’s] Family; [God’s] Flock; [God’s] Field;
“Bride [of Christ]; The Branches; Seed. God’s intension for the
church is to bring it to spiritual maturity, to be a showcase of his
grace (3:10), a community in which his glory can be seen,
devoted to the praise of that glory.
“His holy apostles and prophets” (3:5); the reference is probably
to NT apostles and NT prophets.
3:1-13: Paul describes his role in God’s eternal plan, namely, to
proclaim God’s grace to the Gentiles. 3:10: The Church is meant
to showcase to the entire universe God’s wisdom in its rich variety.
3:12: We can come boldly and confidently into God’s presence,
not because of good deeds that we have done but because of
Christ’s all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins (see Eph 2:18; Heb 4:1416; 10:19-23; 1 Pet 3:18; 1 John 4:14).
3:14-21: Paul closes his first major section of his letter (1:3-3:21)
with a second prayer for his readers. The first was for their spiritual
understanding; and the second, for their spiritual growth and
empowerment.
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION & REFLECTION
1.
2.
What does Eph 3:1-13 tell us about Paul?
Why does he call himself “the prisoner of Christ Jesus”
when he is actually a “prisoner” of Nero (or the Roman
government)?
3. Twice Paul uses the expression “God’s grace [that was]
given [to] me” (3:2, 3:7). What two privileges had God in
unmerited favor given him (3:3, 3:7-8)?
4. What is Paul’s attitude toward his ministry to the Gentiles
(3:7-9).
5. Why do you think God would want his wisdom made
known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms
(3:10)?
6. List all the requests in Paul’s prayer (Eph 3:14-19).
7. Paul begins the passage with “For this reason.” What was
the reason for his prayer (3:16-19)?
8. How does our understanding of God influence how we
approach God in prayer (3:20-21)?
9. How accurately does the benediction in verses 20-21
communicate your perception and expectation of God?
Explain.
10. How does Paul’s prayer in Eph 3:14-19 demonstrate the
centrality of the church in God’s plan for the world?