The Revelation of the Great Mystery Ephesians 3:1-13
In verses 11-22 of Ephesians chapter 2, Paul had just discussed the great truth that Jews and Gentiles have been unified in Christ. Now, in Ephesian 3:1-13, Paul will discuss the subject of the mystery that was unrevealed in prior dispensations but now revealed during this Age of Grace (Church Age). Ephesians 3:1-13 may be outlined as follows: I. The Reception of the Mystery – Ephesians 3:1-4; II. The Explanation Regarding the Mystery – Ephesians 3:5-9; III. The Purpose for the Revelation of the Mystery – Ephesians 3:10-13.
- The Reception of the Mystery – Ephesians 3:1-4
Paul begins verse 1 by discussing the fact that he was a prisoner of Jesus Christ in Rome due to his service for Christ. Paul served as a faithful apostle to the Gentiles (II Timothy 1:11-12). Paul’s faithful ministry among the Gentiles created bitter opposition from the Jews that led to Paul being assailed in Jerusalem and put on trial in Caesarea and Rome. Paul is about to discuss the great mystery God revealed to him.
In verse 2, Paul reminded the Gentiles of his special ministry to them referring to – “the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward.” The word “dispensation” refers to a stewardship or administrative position. In His grace, God had given Paul a commission to preach the gospel to the Gentiles (Galatians 2:7-9). Entrusted with a great stewardship in verses 3-4, Paul wanted to convey to the Gentiles his understanding in the mystery regarding Christ.
Paul had discussed the mystery previously to the Gentiles. For example, in Ephesians 1:9-10, Paul spoke of God’s plan to draw all things together under the headship of Christ; and in Ephesians 2:11-22, Paul revealed God’s plan to make Jews and Gentiles one in Christ. Paul’s insight was not his own; God had shown him this new knowledge.
- The Explanation Regarding the Mystery – Ephesians 3:5-9
In verse 5, Paul stated that “in other ages the mystery was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.” This mystery that was once concealed is now made known! None of this mystery was understood in the past. The apostles and prophets were set apart and enlightened by the Holy Spirit to make known the great mystery.
The essence of the mystery in verse 6 was not simply that Gentiles would be included in God’s plan of redemption. That had been revealed to Abraham (Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:8) and repeated in various statements and examples throughout the Old Testament. The revelation of the mystery would be that Gentile believers would be included in His plan on an equal basis with elect Jews in a spiritual body called the church.
In explaining this new relationship, Paul revealed some great spiritual truths: consisting first, that Gentiles are “fellow heirs” (v. 6). They have an inheritance that they had no right to by birth. Second, they are “fellow members of the same body.” Gentiles are joined with Jews in the spiritual body of Christ. Third, they are fellow partakers of the “promise in Christ”, a promise from which Gentiles before were excluded. This is the new relationship that Paul had already disclosed or revealed in Ephesians 2:11-22. Nowhere did the Old Testament speak of “one body or one new man.”
The church, you remember, came into existence on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), when the baptism of the Holy Spirit first occurred (Acts 1:5; 11:15-17). Now, the Holy Spirit baptized all saints, regardless of ethnic background or societal status, into this one spiritual body (I Cor. 12:13). This great mystery is only revealed and received through the gospel.
In verses 7-8, Paul declared that he was chosen to reveal this great mystery to the Gentiles. Paul mentioned that he didn’t deserve this ministry; however, he did receive it “according to the gift of the grace of God” (v. 7). By His grace, God had gifted Paul specially for his ministry to the Gentiles. It was also a manifestation of “the effectual working of His power” (v. 7). Paul recognized in his life and ministry the operation of the same power that had raised and exalted Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:19-21; Col. 1:29).
In verse 8a, Paul revealed throughout his life a profound sense of unworthiness. He saw himself as the “least of the Apostles” (I Cor. 15:9) and “the chief of all sinners” (I Tim. 1:15) because he had persecuted the church before his conversion. Paul saw his ministry to the Gentiles as a special grace from God (vv. 8b-9). He was able to tell them of “the unsearchable riches of Christ.” Paul was also commissioned in verse 9 “to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery.” He was to enlighten men concerning the “stewardship of the mystery previously hidden.” This plan that Paul was to unfold came from the One “who created all things.” As the material world came from Him, so did His redemptive plan!
III. The Purpose for the Revelation of the Mystery – Ephesians 3:10-13
Having His mystery revealed, God’s intent is that angelic beings, including even fallen angels (Ephesians 6:12) would stand in astonishment before this Divine wisdom. Paul described the church as the manifold wisdom of God. Paul described God’s wisdom as “manifold” which means “many colored.” No wonder the angels stand amazed at it!
The multifaceted wisdom of God in His redemptive plan is being worked out as angels stand in astonishment! God’s plan to display His wisdom is according to His eternal purpose. Whatever aspect of God’s eternal purpose we observe, Jesus Christ is at its center.
In verses 12-13, as believers, we can approach God in Jesus’ righteousness and authority. In Christ Jesus, we have access! This word “access” suggests that all barriers to God have been removed and we are introduced into His presence. We can come not in fear but in assurance that He accepts us! This is all possible because of our faith in Christ.
In verse 13, Paul did not want the believers to lose heart because of his imprisonment. Paul did indeed suffer as God’s instrument in proclaiming this mystery; however, before claiming failure, Paul revealed a cause to render glory, for it was an indication that the gospel achieved its purpose (v. 13).
May God Bless!
