Ephesians 3
1 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 youward:
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)
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;
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.
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;
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:
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,
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.
13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
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,
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.
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,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Common Questions About Ephesians 3
What mystery does Paul describe in chapter 3?
Ephesians 3:4-6 describes the mystery of Christ now revealed, that Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, a truth not fully made known to previous generations.
What does Paul pray for in this chapter?
Ephesians 3:16-19 records Paul praying that believers would be strengthened with power through the Spirit, that Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith, and that they would be able to comprehend the vast dimensions of Christ's love, which surpasses knowledge.
Have a different question about this chapter? Ask the Bible Chat Bot below.
Questions to Think About
- This chapter describes Gentile inclusion as a mystery previously hidden but now fully revealed. Where else in your own understanding of God might there be truths you're still growing into a fuller grasp of?
- Paul prays for believers to comprehend a love that actually surpasses knowledge. How do you personally experience or pursue that kind of love that goes beyond mere intellectual understanding?
Ask the Bible Chat Bot below if you'd like to talk through any of these.
