The Book of Ephesians Pt. 23 The Beauty and Power of God's Revelation!
It has taken some time but we are now moving into Ephesians 3. The basic divisions of this book find the first three chapters full of doctrine and the last three full of duty. Paul will speak of his apostolic office as he makes known the great mystery of Jesus Christ. Then, Paul prays for the church and closes this chapter with a beautiful doxology of praise to the Godhead.
Paul's grand mission in life: Exalt Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 3:1-2 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2) If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
Paul always uses a lot of connecting words to keep the threads of his apostolic teaching together. In this case, he used "For this cause" which connects back to the great aspects of our salvation. This includes election, being chosen in God, the vastness of God's foreknowledge, predestination, adoption and acceptance when we are "in Christ."
For the cause or for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ, Paul was in a Roman prison. He said specifically that he was imprisoned because he preached the gospel to the Gentiles. This little truth is easy to lose sight of because Paul did not moan or complain about being in jail. His prison letters are generally full of joy, expressions of grace, gratitude and thanksgiving for all that God has done. May this also be our attitude when we are faced with daunting circumstances.
Paul tells us about his commission to preach the dispensation of grace. This is the idea of dispensing the grace of God to all mankind. The word "dispensation" refers to the orderly arrangement of a household, exercising management, administrative authority and being a good steward for Christ in the process.
Hidden truth from God revealed by the apostles and prophets.
Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4) Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
God made known the great mystery of Jesus Christ by revelation.
The word "revelation" refers to making something naked and open for all to see. It is the idea making previously hidden truth of God fully manifested to all men. The words "made known unto me" mean that God gave Paul a full understanding of the mystery of Christ and the dispensation of grace.
The word "mystery" refers to truth of redemption through the sacrifice of God's Son, Jesus Christ. This marvelous plan was hidden so that the great enemy of God would not know what was going to happen.
Paul was taught by Christ.
Galatians 1:15-18 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16) To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17) Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18) Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
Paul explained some of the process whereby God caused Him to know these things in his letter to the Christians in Galatia. He spoke about his salvation first and glorified God for it. Then, he said that it pleased God to reveal His Son in Paul. God did this through all of the apostle's life, ministry, struggles and triumphs of Paul from his conversion on the road to Damascus until God called Him home.
Paul revealed the glory of Christ in him with all the glory and sufferings that come with being born again. When Paul understood the commission God gave him, he went into Arabia, rather than meeting with the other apostles. Paul was in Arabia for about three years before he ever traveled to Jerusalem to confer with other disciples.
Paul previously wrote about the truth he is communicating to the Ephesians, probably in his letter to the Galatians, since that letter is the earliest of Paul's writings. He wanted the Ephesians to understand his office as an apostle was something that Christ put on him. He did not actively seek it out.
The unfiltered glory of God's grace.
Ephesians 3:5-7 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; 6) That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 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 tells us that the Divine authority from God in revealing His revelation includes all writings of the apostles and prophets. In effect, he is reminding us that all scripture is inspired truth from God (2 timothy 3:15-16). The central truth he is teaching the believers at Ephesus is that the salvation of God includes all Gentiles.
Gentiles are also fellow heirs inheriting all the hope and promises and eternal life from God. Gentiles were placed into the same body as the Jews who are richly blessed by God. Gentiles are made partakers in all of the spiritual blessings that God promised to all who put their faith in Him.
The word "minister" is the same word translated "deacon." God made Paul a minister of grace and an apostle. This word refers to serving others as the first deacons served meals and helped meet the physical needs of other believers. In this sense, Paul ministered to the spiritual needs of the church by communicating all the truth that God revealed to him. All of these things happened by the working of God's supernatural power.
Apostolic humility
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;
The humility of Paul also comes out frequently. He was deeply troubled that he used to persecute the church before God saved Him. Therefore, Paul describes himself as less than the very lowest of any saint. He did not feel worthy of the great commission given to him by God.
Paul sought to let all people know that God has an attitude of grace toward all mankind, that if they hear the gospel and believe, He will save them and give all who believe a new spirit and a new heart. Thus, Paul shared an abounding joy because he had the distinct privilege of preaching the unsearchable riches in Christ to the Gentiles.
Paul's singular gospel mission.
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:
What motivated Paul? A strong desire to make all men understand the glory of salvation through Christ that God is offering to all people. The words "make all men see" is the idea of turning on a light that illuminates a dark room. All that could not be seen in the darkness can now be plainly seen.
The fellowship in this mystery is God's hidden counsel now being revealed, declaring that both Jews and Gentiles would be united in one body, in Christ. God hid His great plan of redemption in Himself. For how long was it hidden? Since before the creation of the world! You would recognize the Greek word translated "hid" in our word "cryptic" which refers to sending important messages in code so that others cannot decipher them.
Paul adds another beautiful detail for us to think about. God created all things by Jesus Christ. The Savior of the world is also the Creator of all things!
John's gospel introduced Jesus as the Word. The Word was in the beginning. The Word was with God and the Word was God. The same Word created all things and is the source of all life (John 1:1-5). The theme of Christ as Creator and Savior appears many times in Paul's writings.
God has taken the lid off of His eternal plan!
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