Ephesians
3:1-13
Holman
Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles
3 For this
reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 you have heard, haven’t
you, about the administration of God’s grace that He gave to me for you? 3 The mystery was made
known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. 4 By reading this you are
able to understand my insight about the mystery of the Messiah. 5 This was not made known
to people[a] in other generations as it
is now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 The Gentiles are coheirs,
members of the same body, and partners of the promise in Christ Jesus
through the gospel. 7 I
was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to
me by the working of His power.
8 This
grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles
the incalculable riches of the Messiah, 9 and to shed light for all about the administration of
the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. 10 This is so God’s
multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the
rulers and authorities in the heavens. 11 This is according to His eternal purpose accomplished
in the Messiah, Jesus our Lord. 12 In Him we have boldness and confident access through
faith in Him.[b] 13 So then I ask you not to
be discouraged over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your
glory.
1. Paul starts off saying, “For this reason” what is he referring to?
A. Paul is
referring to the gift Christ has given both the Jews and the Gentile. The gift of the Holy Spirit, being adopted
into His family, and Life after death.
2.
What is Paul’s revelation, or mystery?
A. That God
has made the Jews and Gentile equal. God’s
grace falls on everyone, not just the Jews
3.
What does it mean to be co-heirs?
A. God
creates everything, but the Jews believed they only belong to God. Through Christ everything changed. Christ accepted everyone from
everywhere. Now anyone can belong to
Christ and have the Holy Spirit.
4.
What are Paul’s afflictions on behalf of the gentiles?
A. Paul is
in prison because he spread the word to the gentiles and to everyone in the
world, saying that Jesus was the true King.
“The mystery of Ephesians 3 is the equality of
Jews and Gentiles in the body of Christ. This equality and this body were not
revealed in the Old Testament. They were made known only after the coming of
Christ by the Spirit to the apostles and prophets including Paul but not
excluding others.” Soniclight.com
