November 6, 2022
Ephesians 3:1-13
“Marvelous Mystery”
Service Overview: Here, Paul lays bare what was once a marvelous mystery; how all mankind could possibly ever hope to be reconciled to God.
Memory Verse for the Week:
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 (NIV)
Background Information:
- (v.1) The words “for this reason” refer back to 2:22 and probably to all that Paul had explained in 2:11-22. (Bruce Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: Ephesians, 59)
- Previous generations had been told of a coming Messiah, but they had assumed He would be a Messiah for the Jews only. They had no idea that the salvation promised through their Davidic King would cross the boundaries of Israel to be offered to the Gentiles. What’s worse, the mystery involved a union of Jews and Gentiles in one body, rendering the Gentiles “fellow heirs,” “fellow members,” and “fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus” (3:6). (Charles R. Swindoll, Swindoll’s Living Insights: Galatians & Ephesians, 258)
- The Bible had already taught that God would seek out non-Jews to join his people (Rom 16:26; e.g., Is 19:25); King David and others had welcomed non-Jews into the fellowship of God (g., 2 Sam 6:10-11; 8:18; 15:18-22; 18:2; 20:23; 24:18-24; 1 Chron 11:41, 46; 18:17). But to be full members of the covenant, male non-Jews had to be circumcised; by this period, men and women were also usually required to immerse themselves in water to become ritually pure. But the coming of Christ had made it clear to his apostles and prophets that by faith in Christ everyone could now approach God on the same terms. (Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, 280)
- (v.10) The heavenly realms are those areas understood as being beyond our present earthly existence. It is the place from which we are blessed (see 1:3); it is that place where we are already seated with Christ (see 2:6); and it is the location of the malevolent forces associated with this world (see 3:10; 6:12). (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 1736)
- Paul’s ministry was sandwiched between two political adversaries. Rome was a strongly polytheistic society championing a large list of gods. Both Jews and Christians were monotheists who denied the existence of the Roman deities, claiming their God as the one and only true God. To the Christians and Jews, the Roman religion was pagan. This attitude often brought accusations from Rome of atheism against the church and Christ’s followers. Another complication with this rejection of Rome’s gods was experienced whenever the emperor was declared a god himself. The refusal to worship him leveled a charge of treason as well as atheism upon the individual, often resulting in death. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 1658)
The question to answer…
What is the big idea behind the mystery Paul is so joyfully proclaiming here from prison?
Answer…
That because of Jesus, all mankind could now be heirs of God’s riches as one new humanity.
In considering Paul, what marks can we see in a life on mission with, and in, Christ?
- Pursues the will of Christ.
(vv. 1, 13 | Deut. 6:5; Mat. 6:33; Mark 8:36-37; Luke 12:34; Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 11:23-33; Col. 1:25-27)
Being a prisoner of Christ Jesus speaks spiritually of what brought Paul to this situation. It was because of his commitment to God’s will for his life that Paul so zealously remained faithful to his task. It is an imprisonment of compulsion. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 1639)
- Grasps the message of Christ.
(vv. 2-6 | Isaiah 53:4-5; John 3:16; Romans 16:25-27; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Gal. 3:8-9)
The “mystery of Christ” means “the mystery about Christ” or “the mystery, the substance of which is Christ.” In Colossians 1:27, the mystery is the indwelling Christ, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” In Ephesians 1:9, the mystery refers to God’s plan to unite all creation in Christ. Here in Ephesians 3:6, the mystery refers to the fact that Jews and Gentiles who believe are united in Christ. (Bruce Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: Ephesians, 61)
- Humbled by the grace of Christ.
(vv. 7-8 | 1 Corinthians 15:9, 10; 2 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Timothy 1:15; Philippians 3:4-6)
We need to remember that [Paul] had been a rabid enemy of the Christians. But even more, as the premier theologian of the Church he had a profound understanding of his own sin. … He knew what he was, but he also understood God’s grace. Paul simply could not get over the immense privilege he had of ministering for God. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: Ephesians, 128)
- Proclaims the riches of Christ.
(vv. 8-9 | Matthew 6:19-21; Romans 1:16-17; 8:17; Galatians 3:29; 4:7; Ephesians 1:7)
The riches of Christ include the compassion, forgiveness, sanctification, and sustaining power of God which Christ has made available to all needy persons. To say that they are unsearchable is to say that they are “trackless, inexplorable, not in the sense that any part is inaccessible, but that the whole is too vast to be mapped out and measured. (Willard H. Taylor, Beacon Bible Expositions, Volume 8, 160)
- Rooted in the church of Christ.
(vv. 10-11 | 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:22-23; 3:17; Colossians 1:17-22; 2:7)
There is more going on with the church than meets the eye. If you are part of the church, then you are part of a cosmic sermon that is being preached to spiritual rulers and authorities. (Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Ephesians, 77)
Conclusion… How should this text influence how we view and “do” church? By throwing off anything…
A. … which hinders our union with Christ.
(2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 3:26; 2 Timothy 1:8-10; Hebrews 12:1)
Paul’s imprisonment stands as a strong testimony to his committed love and zeal for his Savior. The man who a few years earlier was instrumental because of his committed zeal to arrest Christians now finds himself the victim of his zealous love for Christ. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 1677)
If Paul had not preached the gospel, he would not be in jail—but then the Ephesians might not have heard the Good News and been converted. Just as a mother endures the pain of childbirth in order to bring new life into the world, Paul endured the pain of persecution in order to bring new believers to Christ. Obeying Christ is never easy. He requires you to take up your cross and follow him (Matthew 16:24). That means being willing to endure pain so that God’s message of salvation can reach the entire world. (Bruce Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: Ephesians, 66)
B. … which hinders our union with others.
(Acts 20:28; Romans 12:5; 16:17; 1 Corinthians 12:12; Eph. 5:2; Col. 3:15; Heb. 10:24-25)
The church, a people destined to bring eternal glory to God, represents God’s ultimate purpose in history (see 1:9-12), and all Christians should find their life’s purpose in their role in that ultimate purpose (see 4:11-13). (Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, 281)
Paul’s life serves as an example to believers. Like the Ephesian church, we are also called to love the church and fulfill her mission of making Christ known to everyone. We should acknowledge and appreciate Paul’s unique role in redemptive history, but we+ should not distance ourselves from his mission. God gave Paul the ministry of proclaiming Christ and explaining the unfolding plan of God to people; we as believers have that same purpose. (Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Ephesians, 70)
Gospel Application…
In Christ alone, and by faith alone, can we not only approach God, but do so boldly, as his children.
(v. 12 | John 1:12; Romans 5:5; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 3:12; 1 Timothy 2:5; Heb. 4:16)
God is unquestionably regent over all. This, and the fact that He is holy, would make approaching God impossible were it not for Jesus. By Paul’s words, because of what was accomplished in Christ Jesus (Eph. 3:11), we are able to approach God “uninvited.” Through salvation (see Ephesians 2:13), God graciously extends His scepter toward us. We are received, not destroyed. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 1803)
Spiritual Challenge Questions…
Reflect on these questions in your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with a Christian family member or Life Group.
- In today’s text, Paul spoke of a mystery: that Gentiles are now welcome in the family of God. Why was this such a big deal?
- How would you explain the “mystery” Paul describes?
- In light of this passage, why should one have a high view of the church? What does that mean for one’s time, talent, and resources?
- How does Paul’s pastoral heart challenge and/or encourage you?
- What do the angels learn from this revealed mystery (3:9–10)? How does it affect you to think about that?
Quotes to note…
We are saved by grace through faith (see 2:8). It is not enough that Jesus is righteous and that He died for our sins; we must also respond to this truth by accepting it as fact—fact that is not just a mental assent to a group of expressed truths, but rather a fact that we are willing to embrace with our faith, and to trust with our very eternal existence. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 1793)
It is a sad truth that the church remains one of the most segregated entities left in our culture. Paul would have been not only saddened by this, he probably also would have been shocked. After all, God had used Paul more than anyone else to proclaim the unified nature of the body of Christ, a unity that would bring together even Jews and Gentiles (no groups then or now had any greater animosity toward one another). If God could bring them together, he can unite anyone. (Bruce Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: Ephesians, 62)
It is as we live out the mystery of the third race that we will win the world for Christ. It is to brothers and sisters that the world is drawn. We must realize that dynamic evangelism will take place as we preach and live out two things: Christ and the Church. Paul calls us to the power of the two in concert. (R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word: Ephesians, 130)
As we live our lives as children of God, submitting all things to His mighty hand (1 Pet. 5:6), nothing happens to us that He hasn’t allowed. And because we know that God is all good, all just, all knowing, and all wise, we can trust that what comes our way is meant for good, not evil—even when we can’t understand it. (Charles R. Swindoll, Swindoll’s Living Insights: Galatians & Ephesians, 256)
When you know what God is doing in the world, and you work with Him, you can be sure that He will work in you and for you. (Warren Wiersbe, Be Rich: Ephesians, 73)
If you have a high view of Christ, you should have a high view of the church. (Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Ephesians, 77)
We spend much of our time proclaiming and expecting blessings as a result of our relationship with Christ, all the time forgetting that the mark of ministry is more often suffering. (Mark A. Holmes, Ephesians, Kindle Location 1649)
Have you ever considered the fact that everything God gives us as abilities, spiritual gifts, and opportunities for ministry are for the sake of others? After all, if salvation were just for our benefit, God could simply take us to heaven as soon as we believed and give us the greatest blessing of all, eternity with him. The reason he keeps us here is for us to be his agents, his representatives to others. All that we have is a sacred stewardship from him. Just as Jesus laid down his life for us, so we should serve others in his name. What has God given you—and your church—in terms of spiritual gifts, material wealth, and service opportunities? What specifically are you doing with it? What kind of steward are you? (Bruce Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: Ephesians, 60)