Ephesians 3:1-6

Ephesians 3:1-6

For this purpose, I, Paul – a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you all, the Gentiles, if indeed you all heard the arrangements in the plan of the grace of God which was being given to me for you all.  According to a revelation, He made the mystery known to me, just as I briefly wrote before.  In accordance with that, while reading, you all are powerful enough to understand my insight in the mystery of Christ.  This was not being made known to another generation – to the sons of mankind – as it was now being disclosed to His holy apostles and the prophets in the Spirit.  The Gentiles are to be fellow heirs and co-members of the group and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul uses a very interesting word in the opening verse of this passage.  He uses the word prisoner when he speaks about his calling.  It is the same word used in Matthew 27:15 to describe Barabbas’ condition under Pontius Pilate.  It is also the word that Luke uses in Acts 27:1 to describe Paul’s condition as he heads towards Rome.  There shouldn’t be any confusion with respect to what Paul means here.  Paul is in custody to His calling from God.  I know what that feels like.  When one is in custody, one loses their freedom.  I’m not saying Paul didn’t enjoy being called.  I’m saying that Paul’s calling was tough and there were days he’d have rather walked away and chosen an easier life.  But he didn’t, because he couldn’t.  To walk away from God’s calling would imply getting his identity from somewhere else.  God’s people may occasionally feel like prisoners to their calling, but it is way better to be a prisoner under God’s calling than free to the whims of our own will – if you can even call that freedom.

Do you ever see yourself as a prisoner to God?  If so, how does that feel?  If not, what does that say?

Second Thought:

Paul talks about the mystery of God in Jesus Christ and the fact that the Ephesians are powerful enough to hear the message.  Notice what it is that makes them powerful enough.  What makes it possible for any of us to understand the mystery of God in Christ Jesus is the Holy Spirit.  We cannot come to understanding on our own.  We do not understand the mysteries of God because we are brilliant or deserving.  The Holy Spirit is within us and that gives us the power to know the mysteries of God.  Once more we have evidence in the scripture that it is not we who are chosen out of our greatness but rather we who respond to God’s greater work.

Why is there such a temptation to think of ourselves as better than those who don’t believe?  Why do you think it is so important to Paul to continually talk about the role of the Holy Spirit?

Third Thought:

Look at the three descriptions that Paul gives regarding the Gentiles and their place in God’s Kingdom: fellow heirs, co-members of the group, and partners.  “Fellow heirs” is a word that demonstrates inclusion into salvation.  “Co-members” is a word that demonstrates equality.  “Partners” is a word that expresses a shared responsibility in God’s calling.  Again, remember that Paul is a former Pharisee.  Here in this letter Paul is opening the door wide open to the Gentiles, inviting in any who will respond to God.  But notice the condition that Paul gave us in the first sentence of this section: “If you all heard.”  Paul isn’t talking about universal salvation for Jew and Gentile alike.  Rather, Paul is saying that God is open to including anyone who desires to be included.  But we must hear and respond.  We are not included by default.  There is a response that we need to have.

Are you a Gentile included in the promise?  Have you heard?  How have you responded?

Passage for Tomorrow: Ephesians 3:7-13