As we begin this weeks session, it will be apparent that we are picking up right in the middle of Paul’s prayer to the Ephesians. We are reminded once again that the chapter and paragraph breaks that we experience in the Bible are not defined by content or context.

This chapter starts off with “For this reason” and that is reflecting on what he has thrown on the table in chapters 1 and 2…

• Chosen by God
• Redeemed by Christ
• Sealed with the Spirit
• Supremacy with Christ
• Power of Redemption
• New Humanity
• Habitation with God

When we read Chapter 3, will will almost seem like it could be the first chapter of one of his letters by his introduction, but this is actually the begging of a prayer he has to conclude the “who we are” section of the letter (chapters 1-3).

The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed

¹ For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— ² assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, ³ how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. ⁴ When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, ⁵ 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 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 

⁷ 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. ⁸ 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, ⁹ and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, ¹⁰ so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. ¹¹ This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, ¹² 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 ESV

Some translations open verse 1 with prisoner “of” Christ and others a prisoner “for” Christ.

Do you believe there is a difference in being a prisoner of Christ and a prisoner for Christ?

Paul attempts to ensure the audience that he is for them. That his imprisonment for Christ was being used for God’s purpose, not his. That he was not a victim, but a privileged servant. The imprisonment was for them, by God. That God can use all the circumstances of our lives for the furtherance of the gospel. He even concludes this section of scripture in verse 13 with “do not lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

In your walk as a Christian man, how do represent a prisoner for Christ, rather than a prisoner of Christ?

Paul concludes this chapter with clarifying the mystery for us…

Prayer for Spiritual Strength

¹⁴ For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, ¹⁶ that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 

²⁰ Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. – Ephesians 3:14-21 ESV

In the above ESV translation we can pull out the mysteries by referencing the words “that”

• Be strengthened with power through the Holy Spirit (v.16)
• Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith and love (v.17)
•  We may know the love of Christ that surpasses all understanding (v.19)
• We may be filled with all the fullness of God (v.19)

How do you feel about your position in the adoption into this mysterious family? It is not always simple. It is not always easy. But that does not change the truth.

What is your reflection on these truths with your life today?

In our daily walk centuries after this letter has been written, this is still the truth that sets us free. This is the truth of all authentic followers of Jesus.  Paul uses these first three chapters to make sure it is clear who we are.

Now that we know who we are, in two weeks we will meet again to be equipped in how to engage in this messy world. You are encouraged to ready chapters 4-6 over the next two weeks and take notes and listen to God in prayer so when we come back we can fortify each other in Christ.

 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.