Letter to the Ephesians – Chapter 3
Ephesians 3 focuses on Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles and the profound mystery of God’s grace in uniting all people in Christ, focusing on the “mystery” revealed through divine revelation. Paul emphasizes God’s plan to reconcile humanity through Christ, the role of the Church in revealing this mystery, and the empowerment of believers to live into this calling through God’s love and the Holy Spirit.
Paul’s use of the word mystērion (“mystery”) offers insight into the theological richness of the text. In the Greco-Roman world, mystērion often referred to hidden or sacred truths. Paul redefines it here as the previously hidden truth of God’s inclusive plan for salvation, now revealed in Christ.
Verses 1–13: The Mystery of Christ Revealed
Paul’s Ministry by Grace (vv. 1–7): Paul describes his calling to proclaim the mystery of Christ—a truth previously hidden but now revealed by the Spirit. This mystery is that Gentiles are co-heirs with Jews, sharing in the promises of Christ. The universal availability of grace means that God’s grace knows no boundaries.
The Church as the Vessel of God’s Wisdom (vv. 8–10): Paul marvels at the privilege of preaching to the Gentiles and revealing God’s “unsearchable riches” in Christ. The Church is portrayed as the means through which God’s wisdom is made known to the “rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.” These spiritual powers are not only evil forces but also structures of authority that oppose God’s purposes. The Church is to demonstrate God’s victory over every power by being a community of grace, nurturing each other in faith and love which serves as a beacon of hope to the world.
Confidence Through Faith (vv. 11–13): In light of the forces that would oppose the purposes of God, Paul reassures believers of their bold access to God through faith in Christ. Paul prays that this confidence will produce both endurance and glory, even in the face of suffering.
Verses 14–21: Paul’s Prayer for Strength and Love
Strengthened by the Spirit (vv. 14–16): Paul prays for believers to be strengthened in their inner being through the Holy Spirit. He prays for Christ to dwell in their hearts through faith, the implying a permanent and transformative presence. It reflects the already-not-yet tension of salvation: believers are being filled with God’s fullness, a process that will culminate in eternity.
Rooted in Love (vv. 17–19): Paul’s prayer continues with a focus on being “rooted and grounded in love.” Paul uses expansive language to describe the love of Christ: its breadth, length, height, and depth (v. 18). This multidimensional metaphor underscores the immeasurable nature of God’s love— a love that surpasses knowledge and fills believers with the fullness of God.
God’s Abundant Power (vv. 20–21): The chapter concludes with a doxology, praising God’s power at work within believers to accomplish far more than they can imagine. God’s power can transform individuals and communities in extraordinary ways – shaping relationships, decisions, and engagement with the world.
General Discussion Questions
Use any or all of the following questions, depending how much time you have:
How familiar were you with this week’s reading? Was there anything that surprised you
What did you learn about God and/or human nature from the reading?
What aspects of the reading give you comfort or assurance? What aspects of the reading do you find difficult to accept?
Which verses stood out to you as significant in this chapter?
Discussion Questions
How does the revelation of the “mystery” in Ephesians 3:6 challenge or expand your understanding of God’s inclusivity? How can you apply this in building unity in your own community?
In verse 12, Paul speaks of approaching God with freedom and confidence. When is it hard for you to approach God with confidence? How can remembering this verse change the way that you pray and lean on God?
In verse 17, Paul speaks of being rooted and established in love. What are some things that you are rooted in (hobbies, work, habits, etc.)? How would it change you to be deeply rooted in love above all things?
Paul’s doxology in verses 20–21 emphasizes God’s power to do the unimaginable – a power “at work within us.” Where in your life do you need to trust God’s power to bring transformation or renewal?
Closing Prayer
O Lord, we give you our lives. May our heart, our minds, and our desires be yours. May our hands and feet and voices move as you would choose. May our moments and days flow in endless praise. Amen.