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Ephesians 3
Our plain-language guide next to the Bible text. Each row lines up one section with the verses it explains.
Section 1: The Mystery RevealedVerses 1 to 6
Paul is in prison because he preached to Gentiles, people who aren't Jewish.
God showed him a mystery, hidden for generations.
"This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus" (3:6).
Everyone who trusts Jesus shares fully in God's family and his promises.
1For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles... 2Surely you have heard about the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.
Section 2: Less Than the LeastVerses 7 to 13
Paul became a servant of this good news by God's grace.
"Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" (3:8).
Unsearchable means too great to measure.
Through the church, God shows his wisdom even to the powers in heaven.
"In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God's presence with boldness and confidence" (3:12).
7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power. 8Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11according to the eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence. 13So I ask you not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
Section 3: Paul's PrayerVerses 14 to 19
"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father" (3:14).
Paul prays that God will strengthen them by his Spirit, "so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith" (3:17).
He prays that they will be "rooted and grounded in love" (3:17), like a tree with deep roots.
He prays they will understand "the length and width and height and depth of the love of Christ" (3:18-19).
And to "know this love that surpasses knowledge" (3:19). Christ's love is bigger than anyone can fully understand.
14... for this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth 19of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Section 4: Immeasurably MoreVerses 20 to 21
Paul ends with praise.
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us" (3:20).
"To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen" (3:21).
20Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, 21to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
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