Day 513: A mystery made known - Ephesians 3 vs 1 - 12

1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles, 2-5 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.  When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6  (namely) that the Gentiles are fellow heirs,  members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

7-8 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things 9-12 so that, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was  according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. Ephesians 3:1-13 (From the English Standard Version)

This section starts with Paul saying 'for this reason . . ' (vs 1). He was about to say something - which he eventually does when we reach vs 14 - but his thoughts were interrupted by what he says in vs 2-13. That can easily happen when someone is speaking about something exciting. What was it that so excited Paul's heart in this letter to the Ephesians? (vs 6)

It was that ALL the nations of the world have been invited to share the inheritance of God's wonderful promises in Jesus Christ through the gospel! It wasn't just for Jewish people. Chapter Two ended with Paul pointing out that EVERYONE who embraces Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord becomes part of God's family, and a dwelling place for God by His Spirit. But what word does he use in vs 2-5 about this wonderful news that shows why he was so excited to tell it?

He used the word 'mystery'. That implies that the message of Jews and Gentiles being fellow heirs and members of one body was something that had not been as clearly made known to previous generations as it was now being revealed through the gospel. There were certainly glimpses of it throughout the Old Testament, but it's depths and full impact was not yet seen. It was only after the full and amazing work of the promised Messiah was completed that the puzzle was solved. What was Paul's role in all this and how did he feel about it? (vs 7-8)

He realized that God had chosen him to play a key role in making the mystery known to the world. But it didn't go to his head. He was completely humbled by the thought that God could use someone as unworthy as he was. That should be the response of anyone who God may use in a mighty way. But it wasn't just to the world that this mystery was now revealed, who else needed to see and hear the marvellous things God has done through Christ? (vs 9-12)

The message of Jesus Christ which the Church now proclaims in the world also shows to the angelic realms things they could not have imagined. And notice, God's plan wasn't an afterthought or a plan 'b' because Satan was getting the upper hand - His plan was an eternal one. And God's plan led to our now having confidence to enter His holy presence. No wonder Paul is able to add what he says in vs 13. What's the implication of that?

Paul was languishing in custody and facing potential charges which could lead to death. But he didn't want the Ephesians to lose heart for his sake. He was more than willing to suffer hardships for a Saviour like Jesus, and a message as wonderful as the gospel. May that be true of us as well. May we not be afraid to make known what is still a mystery to people in power in this world, even if it involves many hardships.