Ephesians, Chapter 3
© Copyright 1998 Darroll Evans-all rights reserved

Ephesians 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

"For this cause" refers to what has gone before. Paul was writing about the Gentiles being brought into the Family of God. For the cause of the message of the gospel, Paul became a "prisoner of Jesus Christ."

What does it mean to be a prisoner of Christ?

It verifies that Jesus is the Lord of your life. In that context, all who are Christians are prisoners of Jesus Christ. "Gentiles" is a word that has various biblical meanings. There are those who are born into non-Jewish families. They are physical Gentiles.

Then, there are those who are not believers in the one true God. They also are Gentiles, regardless of being Jewish by physical birth. Some Jews are spiritual Gentiles.

Ephesians 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

Here, Paul again refers to the dispensation of grace. We are now in the age, or dispensation of grace. Paul was the first open exponent of grace.

Peter preached the first sermon to Gentiles at Cornelius' house, but he did not understand the importance of the message until Paul came on the scene.

Grace is a unique word and concept. It may indicate our unmerited favor with God. Grace may also indicate God's power at work in our lives.

When Christ told Paul, "my grace is sufficient," He was speaking of Christ's power to overcome the adversaries who had come against Paul.

How does that correlate with reality?

We are in the Church Age of Grace. The Church Age of grace began at Pentecost.

What did Jesus tell His followers about Pentecost?

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Without God's grace/power neither you nor I could be witnesses to the glory of God. In many cases the words grace and power are interchangeable. The grace of God has empowered us to proclaim the gospel to all nations. In fact, our Savior and Paul's Savior said that we are to teach the things that He taught to all ethnic groups. Christ would not have been given the command without being giving us the power to do it.

Let's look at the concept of Christ's power. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus said, "All power (Gr. exousia-ἐξουσία/authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teach them to observe all the things I have commanded you, and, I am always with you, even unto the end of the age. Amen."

There is only one Gospel. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Grace and power are at the heart of the gospel.

Let's examine it: Jesus told His followers to, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19). "Go ye" literally means, you all go on a journey, take a trip, or get out of town. Christians are never admonished to sit within 4 walls and wait for somebody to show up.

"Therefore" is the subject the main theological question of the age, "What is 'therefore' there for?"

Before we look at "therefore," let me tell you three things every seminary student must learn.

1. Wear deodorant.

2. Use breath mints.

3. After those two basics, we finally get to the subject of the Bible and theology. If you are to study the Bible, you must learn to ask, "What is 'therefore' there for?

Why is it there?

Therefore means "consequently."

So, "What is 'therefore' there for?"

The answer is found in Matthew 28:18 Jesus said, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth... (Then it goes into verse 19). Let me say it in Modern English, going into verse 19 without the Chapter/verse demarcation.

Jesus said, "All power (authority) has been given unto me in heaven and in earth. Therefore, go and teach all nations. The Greek word translated "nations" is eqnh. It means ethnic groups.

As we go, we are to teach all ethnic groups. Philippine, Chinese, African, Arab, Jew, European, and Native American all ethnic groups are to be taught. Please forgive me if I left out your ethnic group.

As we go, we are also to baptize, or immerse. It is my contention that baptism must be with the Word, a washing of the word (Ephesians 5:26).

I grew up in the Baptist denomination. We baptize everything we can get our hands on, men, women, boys, girls, small cars. However, any Baptist worth his salt will tell you that baptism is not an end all. You may be baptized so many times that the fish know your social security number, and it will l do you no good if it is not accompanied by a repentant heart.

Too many people start off dry and unrepentant. They are then immersed, and end up wet and unrepentant. God looks on the heart. That is the key to salvation.

As we are obedient to Christ's command, the Father will baptize, immerse them with the Holy Ghost and fire (Matthew 3:11). As we go, baptize, and teach, Jesus has laid out what we are to teach to all ethnic groups.

Jesus also said that we are to Teach "them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." That admonishment narrows the scope of what is to be taught. We are to teach only those things Jesus taught.

The curriculum is already laid out. There is no provision for teaching anything other than what Jesus taught. That may present a problem. We are in the age of Grace, and Christ never taught about grace.

Or, did He?

The only place in the KJV Bible that you will find Jesus Christ quoted as using the English word "Grace" is 2 Corinthians 12:9. The word "grace" appears only 4 times in the gospels. It is never used within the four Gospels in a sentence spoken in the gospels by Jesus Himself. The English translation "Grace" is used once in Luke and three times in John to describe Jesus.

In the Greek, "charis/cariV," which is often translated "grace," is used 8 times in Luke and 4 times is the Gospel of John in various translations. “Grace” is not found in Matthew or Mark. Luke quoted Jesus as using the word "Charis" 4 times. In Luke 6 it is used 3 times where it is translated favour, and Luke 17 where it is translated thank.

As I said, the only time the KJV translators use the word "grace" as spoken by Jesus is found in 2nd Corinthians 12:9. Speaking to Paul, Christ said, "My 'grace' is sufficient for thee". By contrast, Paul used "grace" approximately 100 times.

Where does that leave the gospel Paul preached, the Gospel of Grace?

It puts it right in the middle of the teaching commanded by Christ. Many times the only teaching that may be understood is teaching by example. If I wanted to teach you how to nail 2 boards together, the best way would be to get 2 boards, a nail, and a hammer and show you.

Jesus taught by example. When Jesus called each of the Apostles, grace was being taught by example. None was worthy of the calling. And yet, He called and equipped each for the journey. That is grace.

When the woman was caught in adultery, it was grace by example that prevented Christ from pointing out the man involved, and having both the man and woman stoned (John 8). When the blind man received his sight, it was grace that allowed him to see the Holy One of Israel (Mark 10). It was because of the grace of God that Lazarus came out of the tomb (John 11). It was by the grace of God that a Gentile Roman Centurion's servant was healed (Matthew 8). It was by the grace of God that the Gentile Canaanite woman received deliverance for her daughter (Matthew 15). Jews and Gentiles alike received grace from Jesus. It was by the grace of God that a Pharisee named Saul was allowed to take the gospel of grace to the Gentile nations. There is only one gospel.

Paul said that if any person comes preaching another gospel, "let him be accursed" (Galatians 1: 8). That statement was made to a mixed Jew/Gentile congregation. We are to teach want Christ taught. We are not to teach just any old thing we stumble across.

Jesus ends His instructions with a promise, "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." He is now with us in Spirit. In the coming age of peace, and in the age of ages, He will be with us face to face.

"Amen" means the prayer is over. It also indicates that what has just been said is faithful and true. There is no error in this command or promise.

In Ephesians 2:8, Paul wrote that it is by grace we are saved through faith; and that not of ourselves: it is the gift of God. The power of grace is infinite.

God’s grace, mercy, and love are all infinite. They know no boundaries. However, God Himself is not infinite. God is far greater than just infinite. God created infinity and eternity. He is greater than either.

Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

Paul said it was by revelation that the gospel was made known to him. It is the same with all who are called to Christ by the Holy Spirit. Many do not admit it, but revelation is the basis for Christian relationship. The revelation of Jesus as a personal Savior is at the heart of a proper relationship with God. Salvation by the grace of God in Christ is never understood through acquired knowledge.

The realization of grace is always, in each and every instance, provided to the saints by revelation. The concept of revelation is a mystery to all except those to whom Christ Jesus is revealed. Christianity is a mystery to the non-believer.

The Greek word translated "revelation" means disclosure. The disclosure of the Spirit of Christ is at the very heart of Christianity.

Paul wrote that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Those whom God foreknew, He predestinated to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. Moreover, those that He did predestinated, He also called, and those He called, He justified, and those He justified, He glorified (Romans 8:28-30).

"As I wrote afore in few words" is a reference to a previous short letter. We have no knowledge of that letter. It is one of the "lost" letters of Paul. 1 Corinthians contains another reference to a "lost" letter. In 1 Corinthians 5:9 Paul said that he wrote a letter to them advising that they not keep company with fornicators. Several "lost" books are mentioned in the Hebrew Scripture (OT).

From the human perspective it is amazing that so many scriptures survived the years. From a spiritual perspective, it is not astounding that God would allow only those writings God chose to remain and be canonized.

Ephesians 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

The Mystery of Christ may be studied by great analytical minds, but only understood by simple faith. Complexity is not a sign of godly theology.

Here is another mystery. We have the same knowledge available to us that Paul had.

How can that be?

The Holy Spirit reveals the knowledge of Christ. The same Holy Spirit lives in every true believer such as Paul, John, James, Peter, and you.

Ephesians 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

The individuals who wrote the OT scriptures had no idea what they were writing. Prophets of old longed to understand what we take as natural course. The Holy Spirit has revealed Jesus to us in a manner they did not understand. When Paul speaks of Apostles and Prophets in this verse, he was referring to those who lived at that time. Prophet is a New Testament office.

Ephesians 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

This is the mystery laid out in very simple terms that Gentiles should be co-heirs. We are members of the same body. We are partakers of God's promise in Christ by the gospel. This is the basis for Gentile hope. We have been grafted into the Vine, which is Christ Jesus. We are no longer what we were.

The other Apostles did not have understand the extent of the gospel until Paul was used by God to reveal its mystery. Today, the ministry of reconciliation is a mystery to many Christians.

Read this carefully: As temples of the Holy Spirit, we have access to all wisdom in Christ. That does not mean that we have accessed all wisdom in Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 3:7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

Paul was called by God and ordained to be a minister of grace. In that respect, he was the first of his kind. The ministry of grace is only accomplished through God's power working within us.

Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Ego is not a fruit of the Spirit. We should not to think more highly of ourselves than we are. To be a saint of God is not a bragging point. It is a reference to what Jesus has done. None of the credit belongs to us.

That is not to say that we are not special. We are so precious in God's sight that He sent His only begotten Son to die for us. As Dr. Robert Schuller says, "You are somebody." Being "somebody" in God's sight is as high as a human can get.

We were created and called for a purpose. Our purpose is to serve God, to do that which He predestined us to do.

"Unsearchable" means that the depth of God's wisdom in Christ Jesus cannot be explored by human methods. It is beyond understanding except by revelation. As long as there is no revelation of Christ, the gospel shall remain a mystery.

The Greek indicates a trail that cannot be explored. The deep wealth of the mind of God cannot be explored by the mind of man. It must be spiritually revealed.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Our Job on earth is not to reveal Christ. We declare Christ so the Holy Spirit may reveal Him. When people form a partnership, each brings something special and useable to the table. As the body of Christ, we each bring a willingness to serve that God has placed within us.

Past that, God has also given each of us a gift, talent, or ability in a certain area. That God-given gift, talent, or ability strengthens the whole body. If not used, the lack of our individual weakens the Church body. However, God-given talents and gifts are never lost.

Christ Jesus is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Therefore grace has been in effect since the foundation of the world. However, being in effect and being known are two different things. If I am traveling on one of America's highways, I may not know the speed limit. If I go too fast the police may issue a speeding ticket. The speed limit is in effect whether or not I know it.

Grace has been in effect throughout human history. Christ Jesus brought it to light. Paul did not understand grace until he met Christ Jesus, and neither will we. Until that time, Paul understood only the Law pertaining to Jews.

Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

Through the Church God is making known to all creation the wisdom contained within what we call grace. We are being used to disclose grace to all creation.

Ephesians 3:11-12
11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

God's eternal purpose was determined in Christ Jesus. Let me challenge you to do an English word study. I understand that you are well educated and know something of the Bible. If you were not Bible oriented, you would not be reading this. The English language is a living language. That means that, from time to time, word meanings change.

Do you understand the concept of "eternal?"

God has an "eternal" plan!

What does that mean?

The word "eternal" is used to indicate something that has no beginning and no end. "Forever" and "eternal" are mathematically different. "Forever" has a beginning. "Eternal" does not.

Man is not eternal. Nothing created is eternal. The concept of eternity is the exclusive domain of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

As a living language, the meaning of "eternal" may have been different when the King James Version was written. The Greek word translated eternal does not indicate a period of time without beginning or end. It just indicates a very long time.

God's "eternal purpose" that He predestined in our Lord Christ Jesus was demonstrated in the life, death, resurrection, and reconciliation of Jesus. My challenge is for you to thoroughly understand His reconciliation following His death and resurrection. When you understand that, you will understand the power of grace.

How does grace affect us?

It is by grace that we are saved through faith, and that is not of through our efforts, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). Grace does not originate within us. Salvation Faith does not originate in us. Both are gifts of God.

Ephesians 3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

Paul called upon the Ephesian Christians not to be disturbed within their minds about his plight, his tribulations. He was not telling them to be unconcerned. There is a big difference in being disturbed and being concerned.

Dr Manford George Gutzke's definition of agape love is "a deep abiding concern for the general welfare of another." Love is not a deep abiding disturbance for the general welfare of another.

Paul calls on us not to be disturbed about certain circumstances. In addition, we also are not to roll over and play dead at the slightest appearance of opposition to the gospel. The United States of America is a free nation today because men suffered for freedom.

Have you ever wondered what happened to the some of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Many suffered the loss of life, family, fortunes, and property. Some were tortured. Their homes were looted and burned. Some were hunted as if they were animals. They stood by their pledge even though it cost them their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

What kind of men were they?

They were well educated and financially successful. Some sold all they had to finance our freedom. They were repaid with poverty and rags. Some died from exhaustion and a broken heart. America was built on suffering and sacrifice. Christianity was also built on suffering and sacrifice.

The founders of America had financial security, but they valued liberty more. "For the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of the Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

Do we love the liberty found in Christ Jesus that much?

Ephesians 3:14-15
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

Have we truly bowed in honor to our Lord and King?

Are the Father of Glory, and the Son of His love paramount in our lives?

Ephesians 3:16-19
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

This section shows the progression of Christian life. It starts with, "He would grant you." Christianity does not begin with a Christian. It begins with Christ. Whatever it is that you are granted it is done so according to His riches not yours.

His gift is given to strengthen you "inner man." It benefits you outer man only as a result of benefiting the inner man. As you benefit from being strengthened by Christ, He dwells in your heart by faith, and you become rooted and grounded in love.

As you are rooted and grounded in love you gain understanding of the depth of God's love for you and for all His children. Ultimately, you will reach the stage where Christ fills you very being.

With no Christ-given faith Christianity may seem to be a study in "virtual" religion. That is something with great looks but no substance. Quite to the contrary, the Christian progression is real. The other religions are false.

If you do not now know Christ, don't worry or fret. God shall, at His appointed time, reveal His love to you. Several years ago, in a small Church, I simply told a young woman God loved and cherished her. That simple statement became a revelation to her. She is now married to wonderful man, and serving God.

This section is also a powerful Holy Spirit inspired prayer.

You may use it in this manner. Insert the name of a loved one: “Dearest Father, for (insert name), I pray that out of Your glorious riches You may strengthen (him/her) with power through Your Spirit in (his/her) inner being, so that Christ may dwell in (his/her) heart through faith. I pray that (he/she), being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints. That (She/he) may grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that goes beyond human knowledge. That (he/she) may be filled to the measure of all Your fullness. In Jesus' name. Amen.”

Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

God's capability to do for us is not in proportion to what we can imagine. It is in proportion to His riches in glory. God has already done the unimaginable. God almighty, the Father of Glory has adopted us as His children, heirs and joint-heirs with Christ Jesus. I doubt that any of us understand the full ramifications of that adoption.

Unfortunately the incorrect teaching of this verse has caused some to lean toward Sadducee-ism. Under that concept some tend to believe that what they see is what they get. In other words, many can only expect this verse to be brought to fruition during our physical lifetimes. The fact is that Ephesians 3:20 will be fulfilled only in the New Jerusalem. God’s power that now works in us will take us into the New Jerusalem, and there we shall find joy unspeakable.

Quite often we hear “the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just” (Prov. 13:22). And, while that statement is true, the date of the dispersion of that wealth is in question. Verses such as Ephesians 3:20 and Proverbs 13:22 must be taught with wisdom.

Ephesians 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

This verse is somewhat questionable as to its translation. I can only give a poor interpretive translation of the Greek. This verse says, "The glory of Jesus Christ, in the Church, shall be His during all generations, the Age of ages. Amen." I hate to end a chapter on a negative note, but the Greek text does not even hint at a "world without end."

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