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Ephesians 3

World English Bible

WEB

1For this cause I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles, 2if it is so that you have heard of the administration of that grace of God which was given me toward you, 3how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words, 4by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ, 5which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit, 6that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News, 7of which I was made a servant according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power. 8To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to make all men see what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ, 10to the intent that now through the assembly the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places, 11according to the eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12In him we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him. 13Therefore I ask that you may not lose heart at my troubles for you, which are your glory. 14For this cause, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person, 17that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth, 19and to know Christ’s love which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21to him be the glory in the assembly and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Ephesians Chapter 3 reveals the profound mystery of the Gospel and the role of the Apostle Paul as a steward of this divine revelation. Paul begins by explaining that he is a prisoner for Christ Jesus, emphasizing his commitment to the mission of spreading the message of salvation to the Gentiles. He describes how the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to previous generations, has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel (Ephesians3:1-6). This inclusion of the Gentiles highlights God's plan for unity among all believers, breaking down the barriers that once separated them.

Paul continues by expressing his deep prayer for the Ephesians, asking that they may be strengthened with power through the Spirit in their inner being. He desires that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith, leading them to comprehend the breadth, length, height, and depth of Christ's love, which surpasses knowledge (Ephesians3:14-19). This prayer emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and understanding in the life of a believer. Paul concludes the chapter with a doxology, praising God for His ability to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us (Ephesians3:20-21). This chapter beautifully encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith, which is rooted in the love of Christ and the unity of all believers in Him.

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Referenced by

  1. Romans 16:25-27v9Romans 16:25-27 speaks of the mystery of the gospel revealed, which is also discussed in Ephesians 3:9-11, emphasizing God's eternal purpose and the revelation of the mystery through Christ.
  2. Hebrews 4:16v12Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to approach the throne of grace with confidence, similar to Ephesians 3:12 which speaks of having boldness and access through faith in Christ.

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