Bullet Point Bible - Ephesians 3

Paul's Stewardship of the Mystery

¹ For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles² if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you,³ that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before briefly.⁴ When reading this, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ⁵ (which was not disclosed to people in former generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit),⁶ namely, that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.

Paul identifies his imprisonment not merely as Roman confinement, but as being "of Christ Jesus," undertaken for the benefit of the Gentiles.
"Stewardship" (Greek: *oikonomia*) refers to Paul's divinely assigned responsibility to manage and dispense God's grace, specifically the gospel message.
The "mystery" is the central theme: God's previously hidden plan to unite Jews and Gentiles into one body, the Church, through Christ.
This revelation was not discovered by human wisdom but directly "made known" to Paul by God (cf. Galatians 1:11-12).
Paul refers back to earlier parts of his letter (e.g., Eph 1:9-10, 2:11-22) where he touched upon this mystery.
The revelation of this mystery marks a new era in salvation history, distinct from previous "generations."
The core of the mystery: Gentiles are now equal participants with Jews – "fellow heirs," "fellow members," and "fellow partakers" – in God's promises through the gospel.
This equality is solely "in Christ Jesus," emphasizing His centrality in breaking down the dividing wall (Eph 2:14).
The revelation came via the Holy Spirit to the apostles and prophets, grounding it in divine authority.

Paul's Ministry of Unfathomable Riches

⁷ I became a servant of this gospel according to the gift of God's grace that was given to me by the exercise of his power.⁸ To me-less than the least of all the saints -this grace was given, to proclaim to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ⁹ and to enlighten everyone about God's secret plan -the mystery that has been hidden for ages in God who has created all things.

Paul views his ministry not as a career choice but as a divine calling, empowered by God's grace and "power" (*energeia*).
He became a "servant" (Greek: *diakonos*), emphasizing humble service rather than status.
Paul expresses profound humility, calling himself "less than the least of all the saints," highlighting the magnitude of God's grace in choosing him.
His specific commission was twofold: preach to the Gentiles and clarify the mystery's administration.
The "unfathomable riches of Christ" points to the inexhaustible, immeasurable blessings and divine fullness found in Jesus.
"Administration" (Greek: *oikonomia*, same root as "stewardship" in v. 2) here refers to the outworking or plan of this mystery.
The mystery was hidden "for ages in God," emphasizing its origin in God's eternal counsel before creation.
Mentioning God as the creator of "all things" underscores His sovereign authority to enact this plan.
Paul's ministry aimed to bring universal understanding ("make plain to everyone") of God's inclusive plan.

God's Wisdom Displayed Through the Church

¹⁰ The purpose of this enlightenment is that through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms.¹¹ This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,¹² in whom we have boldness and confident access to God by way of Christ's faithfulness.¹³ For this reason I ask you not to lose heart because of what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

God's grand purpose extends beyond humanity; it includes demonstrating His wisdom to angelic beings ("rulers and authorities in the heavenly places").
The *church*, the unified body of Jews and Gentiles, is the primary vehicle through which this wisdom is displayed.
God's wisdom is described as "multifaceted" or "manifold" (Greek: *polypoikilos*), suggesting intricate, diverse, and colorful complexity.
This cosmic display fulfills God's "eternal purpose," planned before time and executed "in Christ Jesus."
Christ is the means by which believers gain "boldness" (Greek: *parrhesia*, freedom of speech) and confident "access" to God.
Faith in Christ is the key that unlocks this direct relationship with the Father.
Paul connects his personal suffering directly to the Ephesians' benefit ("my sufferings for you").
He reframes his hardships not as cause for discouragement, but as contributing to their "glory," possibly referring to their share in God's glorious plan.
This section reveals the cosmic significance of the church in God's redemptive plan.

Paul's Prayer for Inner Strength and Love

¹⁴ For this reason I kneel before the Father,¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.¹⁶ I pray that according to the wealth of his glory he will grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person,¹⁷ that Christ will dwell in your hearts through faith, so that, because you have been rooted and grounded in love,¹⁸ you will be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,¹⁹ and thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you will be filled up to all the fullness of God.

Paul transitions into a profound prayer, marked by the posture of reverence: "I bow my knees."
He addresses God as "the Father," emphasizing the relational aspect and His role as the originator of all families, both heavenly (angelic) and earthly.
The prayer's source is God's own "riches of his glory," implying an abundant, inexhaustible supply.
Petition 1: Inner strengthening by the Holy Spirit in the "inner being," focusing on spiritual vitality and resilience.
Petition 2: That Christ might "dwell" (Greek: *katoikeō*, settle down and be at home) in their hearts, signifying a deep, abiding presence, accessed "through faith."
Petition 3: That they be "rooted and firmly established in love," using agricultural and architectural metaphors for stability and foundation.
The goal is communal ("with all the saints") comprehension of the vast dimensions ("breadth and length and height and depth") of something unstated but implied – likely God's plan or Christ's love.
Paradoxically, Paul prays they might "know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge," suggesting experiential knowledge beyond mere intellectual grasp.
The ultimate aim: being "filled up to all the fullness of God," signifying spiritual maturity and conformity to God's character.

Doxology: Glory to God

²⁰ Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think,²¹ to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

The chapter concludes with a doxology, an eruption of praise to God.
God's power is highlighted: He is able to exceed our highest requests and imaginations ("far more abundantly beyond").
This immense power is not distant but actively "working within us," the believers.
All glory is directed "to him" (God the Father).
The spheres where God is glorified are specified: "in the church" (His redeemed community) and "in Christ Jesus" (the head of the church and mediator).
The duration of this glory is eternal: "to all generations, forever and ever."
"Amen" signifies solemn affirmation and agreement.
This doxology serves as a powerful affirmation of faith in God's limitless ability and eternal reign, grounding the preceding theological exposition and prayer in worship.

The Bullet Point Bible

Ephesians 3