Ephesians 3:1-12 (NRSV)
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Chapter 3This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles- Verse 2for surely you have already heard of the commission of God's grace that was given me for you, Verse 3and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, Verse 4a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. Verse 5In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: Verse 6that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Verse 7Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God's grace that was given me by the working of his power. Verse 8Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, Verse 9and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; Verse 10so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Verse 11This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, Verse 12in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.
Devotion
The Apostle Paul was not ashamed to be “a prisoner for Christ Jesus.” It was, he testified, “for the sake of you Gentiles.” We are heirs of his ministry. Jesus’ last instruction to the disciples, according to Matthew, was “to make disciples of all nations” by baptizing and teaching them. I am forever in their debt. My ethnic heritage stems from the ancient Norsemen, who lived in deep darkness until the light of Christ shined on their lands.
Christ is a mystery to all people until missionaries make him known. The Christians in Ephesus had been pagans who worshiped idols until Paul and others risked their lives to make Christ known to them.
God’s “eternal purpose” to make all nations “fellow heirs” to his riches was behind it all. It was a “mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things.” In Christ, everyone has “access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.”
Prayer
Lord Jesus, grant that we may not lose heart over the sufferings of your body, the church, but may see your glory in all things. Amen.