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."