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The Letter of Paul to the Ephesians - Chapter 3
Revised 2013
- Apart from the doxology (vv 18-20), this chapter is a continuation of the intercessory prayer started in 1:17.
- 1 Resuming his prayer, now addressed mainly to the Gentiles. “Prisoner for Christ” might mean he is in prison, or just that Christ has captured him. Either way, he is in prison because of Christ and because of Paul’s work preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. But does not finish his sentence - diverted to another thought.
- 2 Which leads to a digression about how he was captured by Christ: he was given a commission to pass God’s grace to the Gentiles. Paul is merely the administrator.
- 3 Paul’s words above indicate how he understands the mystery of God. Tells us more clearly about his vision on the road to Jericho: it was to reveal to him that he was to take the gospel to the Gentiles.
- 4 And so his hearers will be able to perceive Paul’s understanding. This is in v6: Gentiles are to participate equally and fully in the church. “A mystery of Christ” because it is now revealed in Christ. Although there were many expectations of it by the prophets (Is 19:18; Ps 72:8,11). But the “how and when” was not known or guessed at (Cf Jn 10:16 - “other sheep I have).
- 5 As above, this mystery was unknown. But it has now been revealed to apostles by the Spirit - ie by the apostles being enabled to share in Christ’s own life. OT said the nations - Gentiles) would be blessed (Gen 22:16-18; Sir 44:21; Is 49:6; Zech 2:11), but not clear how, nor whether on equal status with Jews. Not arrogant to claim knowledge the prophets did not have: shared by other apostles, and is a gift of the Holy Spirit (Calvin). “mystery” here has different meaning from Rom 11:25 & Col 1:26-28. But “mystery” & “gospel” not clearly differentiated here. “Holy” implies apostles now revered as almost legendary figures.
- 6 Succinct summary of the mystery: Effectively a new promise to the Gentiles: the divine plan now includes them in the spiritual benefits promised to Israel. Gentiles are now fellow heirs, members of same body, and share in the promise in Jesus through the gospel. All this is now familiar from earlier chapters - Paul is such a good teacher: repeats without boring. Co-heirs, co-members, co-sharers in the promise (Cf Rom 4:13). Prefix means full and equal, together. When God renews creation, his people will be kings & lords over it. Promises were made to Abraham, now all share in them.
- 7 The mystery can be received only by revelation. Similarly the apostolate is pure gift: Paul is only a minister, a servant of the gospel, a channel through which God works. Paul did not seek or volunteer for this work, he was called to it. Receiving this revelation that Gentiles are equal members of the Church meant he had to go and tell them.
- 8 A clearer description of Paul’s “conversion”: he not just came to recognise Christ, but received a call to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. Here Paul (=”little”) even more deprecatory about himself than earlier (1 Cor 15:9; 2 Cor 12:11). The astounding gift to Paul of his apostleship, in spite of his previous persecution of the Christians, emphasises God’s great love & generosity, both to Paul and to the Gentiles..
- 9 The mystery of God’s plan is part of creation. God did not need to create the world, but since he is creator he both wills and is able to save it. Salvation is part of creation: the universe is fully created only when it is saved. (Which is why there is work for us to do, both before and after death). God established his providential control over his creation from the beginning, but only now are his designs becoming known.
- 10 And this salvific plan is carried out through the church, Christ’s visible body. One of the most powerful statements of the reason for the church’s existence: to confront rulers and authorities with God’s wisdom. Not through what the church says, but through what the church is, ie the community in which all peoples together worship the one true God. A very different way to be human. And a delightful exploration of a rich variety of untold and inexhaustible riches, not humdrum religious services. The church is the purpose of the Christ event (1:22). It is also the means of telling all creation about it. Paul seems to be aware of the Book of Wisdom in the Jewish apocrypha: the wisdom one needs is to respect and honour the one true God. But the Jews had seen only one form of God’s wisdom, ie the dispensation under the Law. God’s wisdom is so infinitely greater than we can imagine. Not that Paul/church is preaching to the angels, but that “the angels see the astonishing wisdom of God displayed by the church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, in a way unknown to them before” (Calvin). The church’s role is to take the gospel to the whole of creation - including in heavenly places. The church has supremacy even over the “rulers” etc of the heavenly realm, though once hidden even from them (1 Pet 1:12). Astonishing that even the angels did not know this part of God’s plan. But then why should they? Interesting that Paul’s role included taking the gospel to the heavenly rulers and authorities! The church participates with Christ in finalising the battle against “the devil “ (6:11-12) and the powers defeated by Christ (1:20-22). In continuity with Paul’s ministry, carrying the gospel (Christ’s great riches) is being continued through the church. So that “in Christ” the church has taken on Christ’s cosmic role, even to the heavenly powers.
- 11 Another reminder that Christ & the church were not after-thoughts, but part of God’s plan from the beginning. Repeats for emphasis.
- 12 Being convinced that the apostolate was part of God’s plan gives Paul confidence in his work. And Christians are freed from domination by “heavenly powers” & can now approach God with confidence. And be “bold” in working with Christ in final battles vs devil. The infant churches need to continue to explore the riches of God’s plan, even after the foundational apostles have gone. Are we? Central treasure is free access to God the Father. Not a capricious god, but one who welcomes all as beloved children. Calvin translates: “by the faith of him”. “Faith is not our knowledge of Christ, but that knowledge that is directed to Christ, to seek God in Christ, which can only be done when the power and offices of Christ are understood. Faith produces confidence, which produces boldness. 3 stages: we believe the promises of God; we rely on these promises and so obtain confidence, accompanied by holiness and peace of mind; last comes boldness, which enables us to banish fear, and so come with firmness and steadiness into the presence of God”. Faith cannot be separated from confidence. “With faith, we “have peace with God” (Rom 5:1) and approach God confidently with cheerfulness and delight” (Calvin).
- 13 Vv 14-19: prayer. So do not be depressed by my sufferings. These are for your glory. Suffering & martyrdom have their own peculiar power of proclamation. The fact that Paul is suffering confirms that what he has been saying and the way of life he is advocating is already seen as a threat to the authorities and to the rule of evil in the world - he is doing what he should be. We can have confidence in a pastor who risks his life for what he is preaching. Are our churches challenging the rule of evil?
- 14 “Bow my knees” expresses submission and worship. Power & love are the themes of this section, brought together by prayer. Prayer and action belong together.
- 15 God is the supreme Father of men & angels. His Fatherhood is the reality of which created fatherhood and family are reflections. God establishes his power and control over all creation by the act of naming them.
- 16 “inner being” - very Pauline, like “heart” in v 17. Power & Spirit closely linked, as usual (2:22, 3:7). 3 fruits of the indwelling of Christ in us.
- 17 Paul’s 2nd prayer is effectively that we might “surrender” completely to him, with Christ dwelling in our hearts through faith, by the power of the Spirit: we cannot receive Christ without the Spirit, nor vice-versa. Indwelling of Christ comes through faith. Cf “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:20), also claimed for all believers (Rom 6:8-11). Rooted and grounded in “love” - ie the love Christ has shown, but also our love for others (4:2, 15; 5:2) and for the Lord (6:24).
- 18 3rd prayer. No clear meaning to dimensions. Prays for ongoing strengthening to plumb fully the depths of Christ’s love. To know a love which surpasses knowledge itself.
- 19 Prayer ends with important petition: the goal of humanity in the church is to grow into the fullness of divinity.
- 20 Doxology. God can do far more than we can imagine. 3 chapters to get to this point.
- 21 Distinction between church as body & Christ as head maintained. But both are sources of God’s glory. And both reflect God’s glory, and are intimately related.