Ephesians 3:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.

NIV: that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.

NASB: that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before briefly.

CSB: The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above.

NLT: As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me.

KJV: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

NKJV: how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,

Paul had already referred, in shorter terms, to the mystery revealed to him in Ephesians 1:9–10 and Ephesians 2:11–22. God had to show Paul that Jews and Gentiles were equal partners in the church. Rather than being opposed, or hostile, they could now be part of one family. Paul will mention "mystery" three other times in this chapter (Ephesians 3:4, 6, 9), making it a theme of this section.

What can be known about this mystery? It was made known by revelation (Ephesians 3:3), came from Christ (Ephesians 3:4), involved Jews and Gentiles in equality as believers (Ephesians 3:6), and revealed something hidden in the past (Ephesians 3:9). Paul desired to proclaim the mystery of the gospel with boldness (Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 4:3). This mystery was also now revealed to other believers (Colossians 1:26). Paul also revealed the mystery of Christ returning (1 Corinthians 15:51–58).

Ephesians 3:1–13 explains Paul's ministry in the context of God's revealed mystery. Paul was called as a minister to the Gentiles, though he preached to anyone who would listen. Prior to this calling, however, he had persecuted the church as an unbeliever. Only God's divine grace saved Paul, and only God's divine grace causes the family of the church to grow. Even angels are learning more about the mysteries of God as they observe Him working through His church.

Ephesians chapter 3 wraps up Paul's doctrinal teaching and introduces its practical application. Paul refers to both his imprisonment and to his spiritual calling. This calling includes proclaiming the fact that all people, Jew and Gentile, can now be part of the same spiritual family. Paul also prays for the spiritual strength of the Ephesian church, as he prepares to explain how knowledge about Christ should translate into living for Christ.

The first three chapters of Ephesians are doctrinal, the last three are practical. Chapter 3 begins the transition from a Christian understanding of salvation, grace, and the power of Christ into a practical guide for Christian living. To make the transition, in this chapter, Paul refers to his own calling by God and prays for the spiritual strength of the Ephesian church. The early verses of chapter 4 will flow out of Paul's references to his own imprisonment.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.

Accessed 9/7/2024 9:46:19 PM