Ephesians 3: 1-12
For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles–
Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which 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. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given to me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
A Thought
What is the mystery hidden from generations that is now revealed to Paul and others by the Spirit? God’s promise had been given to Israel, but now through the gospel, “good news” of Christ, the Gentiles (everyone else) can receive the same promise of God’s gift of salvation (deliverance from sin and it’s harmful affects) as heirs together with Israel, members together of one body. The church (the body of Christ) was born where God reveals by his Spirit to his appointed ones to preach to everyone the gospel of Christ and the eternal purpose of God. When we have accepted the work of Christ by faith, we are brought back in fellowship with God and we are free to approach God with confidence.
Our Prayer
Father we pray that out of your glorious riches, you may strengthen your church with power through your Spirit in our inner being, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. We pray that we will be rooted and established in love, that we may have power, together with all your holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that we may be filled to the measure of all of your fullness. Help us to fully surrender to you. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
