The Mystery of Grace Revealed

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Ephesians 3 follows Paul’s opening prayers and teachings about unity in Christ found in chapters 1 and 2. Previously, Paul emphasized the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, setting the stage for this chapter’s focus on the mystery of the gospel. Historically, Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned, highlighting the cost and commitment involved in his ministry. Understanding the cultural divide between Jews and Gentiles helps us grasp why revealing this mystery was revolutionary and central to God’s redemptive plan.

What You'll Learn

• How Paul’s imprisonment relates to his mission of preaching grace to the Gentiles.
• The significance of the 'mystery' now revealed through the Spirit to apostles and prophets.
• Why Gentiles are included as fellowheirs and partakers of God’s promises in Christ.
• The purpose of the church in displaying God’s manifold wisdom to spiritual powers.
• The source of boldness and confidence believers have through faith in Christ.
• Paul’s prayer for believers to be strengthened inwardly and rooted in Christ’s love.

God’s eternal purpose includes Gentiles as equal heirs in Christ, revealed through the mystery of grace and empowered by the Spirit.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Ephesians 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

Ephesians 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward:

Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

Ephesians 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

Ephesians 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

Ephesians 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

Ephesians 3:7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

Ephesians 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

Ephesians 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

Ephesians 3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

Ephesians 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Ephesians 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

Ephesians 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

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

Ephesians 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Ephesians 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Ephesians 3:1

For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

Study: Paul identifies himself as a prisoner of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that his suffering is directly connected to his mission to the Gentiles. This highlights the cost of ministry and God’s sovereign use of hardship to advance the gospel among those once excluded from covenant promises.

Ephesians 3:2

If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward:

Study: Paul refers to the 'dispensation of the grace of God' entrusted to him for the Gentiles, showing that God’s plan unfolds in distinct eras. This grace administration marks a new phase where Gentiles receive unmerited favor, underscoring God’s sovereign timing and purpose in salvation history.

Ephesians 3:3

How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

Study: The mystery revealed to Paul by divine revelation underscores that this truth was not discovered by human wisdom but given by God. The phrase 'as I wrote afore in few words' connects this revelation to earlier teachings, emphasizing continuity and divine authority in Paul’s message.

Ephesians 3:4

Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

Study: Paul encourages readers to understand his insight into the mystery of Christ, inviting them to grasp the depth of God’s plan. This verse highlights the importance of Scripture reading for spiritual understanding, showing that revelation is meant to be shared and comprehended by the church.

Ephesians 3:5

Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

Study: The mystery was hidden in previous ages but is now revealed by the Spirit to apostles and prophets, indicating a progressive unfolding of God’s plan. This shows God’s faithfulness in gradually disclosing His redemptive purposes, culminating in the New Covenant through Christ.

Ephesians 3:6

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

Study: Gentiles are declared fellowheirs and partakers of God’s promises, breaking longstanding ethnic and religious barriers. This verse reveals the inclusive nature of the gospel and the unity of all believers as one body, fulfilling God’s eternal purpose in Christ.

Ephesians 3:7

Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

Study: Paul describes his ministry as a gift of grace empowered by God’s effective power, emphasizing that his work is divinely enabled. This underlines the dependence on God’s strength rather than human ability in proclaiming the gospel.

Ephesians 3:8

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Study: Despite considering himself the least of all saints, Paul received grace to preach the 'unsearchable riches of Christ' to Gentiles. This humility paired with divine empowerment teaches that God’s calling transcends human limitations and highlights Christ’s infinite value.

Ephesians 3:9

And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Study: Paul’s mission includes making known the fellowship of the mystery hidden since creation, affirming God’s sovereign plan through Jesus Christ. This verse connects creation with redemption, showing that God’s wisdom is displayed through the church’s unity in Christ.

Ephesians 3:10

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

Study: The church’s existence reveals God’s manifold wisdom to heavenly principalities and powers, indicating a cosmic dimension to the gospel. This teaches that spiritual realities are impacted by the church’s faithfulness and unity, glorifying God’s eternal purpose.

Ephesians 3:11

According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

Study: God’s eternal purpose, established in Christ Jesus, is the foundation for all that Paul describes. This verse anchors the mystery and ministry in God’s sovereign plan, assuring believers that their faith participation aligns with divine intent.

Ephesians 3:12

In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

Study: Believers have boldness and confident access to God through faith in Christ, highlighting the New Covenant privilege of intimacy with God. This access contrasts with the former separation under the law, showing the transformative power of faith.

Ephesians 3:13

Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

Study: Paul encourages believers not to be discouraged by his sufferings, framing his trials as their glory. This perspective teaches that suffering for the gospel is honorable and contributes to the church’s spiritual growth and witness.

Ephesians 3:14

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Study: Paul’s posture of bowing his knees to the Father reflects deep reverence and dependence in prayer. Addressing God as the Father of Jesus Christ connects the prayer to the New Covenant relationship established through Christ.

Ephesians 3:15

Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

Study: God is described as the source of all family in heaven and earth, emphasizing His sovereign authority and relational nature. This image reinforces the unity of all believers as members of God’s household.

Ephesians 3:16

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

Study: Paul prays for believers to be strengthened inwardly by the Spirit, highlighting the necessity of spiritual power for enduring faith. This inner strengthening equips believers to live out their calling in a hostile world.

Ephesians 3:17

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

Study: Christ dwelling in believers’ hearts by faith is the foundation for being rooted and grounded in love, showing that spiritual growth depends on intimate union with Christ. This union enables believers to withstand trials and grow in maturity.

Ephesians 3:18

May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

Study: Paul desires believers to comprehend the vast dimensions of Christ’s love, using spatial imagery to express its immeasurable scope. This encourages believers to pursue deeper understanding of God’s love beyond intellectual knowledge.

Ephesians 3:19

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Study: Knowing Christ’s love surpasses human knowledge and results in being filled with God’s fullness, pointing to the transformative power of divine love. This fullness is the goal of Christian maturity and spiritual satisfaction.

Ephesians 3:20

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Study: God’s ability to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all requests or thoughts underscores His limitless power working within believers. This verse encourages trust in God’s supernatural provision and strength in every circumstance.

Ephesians 3:21

Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Study: The doxology glorifies God in the church through Christ Jesus forever, affirming the eternal purpose of worship and God’s presence among His people. This closing verse connects the entire chapter’s themes to eternal praise and the church’s mission.

Ephesians 3 reveals the mystery of God’s grace that includes Gentiles as equal heirs in Christ, a truth once hidden but now revealed by the Spirit. Paul explains his divinely empowered ministry to proclaim this gospel, highlighting the church’s role in displaying God’s wisdom to spiritual powers. He prays for believers to be strengthened inwardly, rooted in love, and filled with the fullness of God. The chapter culminates in a doxology praising God’s eternal purpose and power working through the church.

Father, thank You for revealing Your glorious mystery through Christ and including us in Your eternal purpose. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to live rooted in Your love, boldly proclaiming Your grace to the world. Fill us with Your fullness and empower us to display Your wisdom and glory in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

• Memorize Ephesians 3:6 to remind yourself of your place in God’s family.
• Spend daily time praying for inner strength and spiritual growth.
• Read about Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles in Acts to understand his mission context.
• Journal how God’s grace has included you in His promises.
• Practice bold prayer, approaching God with confidence in Christ.
• Share with a friend how the gospel unites believers from different backgrounds.
• Worship God for His unsearchable riches and eternal purpose.

Ephesians 3 unveils the mystery of God’s grace that unites Jews and Gentiles as one body in Christ. Paul’s ministry, empowered by God’s Spirit, reveals this truth to the church, which displays God’s wisdom to the spiritual realm. Believers are encouraged to be strengthened inwardly, rooted in love, and filled with God’s fullness, living confidently in the access granted through faith. This chapter calls us to embrace our identity in Christ and the immeasurable riches of His love.

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