Ephesians 3:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: 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.

NIV: I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.

NASB: of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power.

CSB: 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.

NLT: By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.

KJV: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

NKJV: of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.

Paul considers himself a servant of the gospel: "Of this gospel I was made a minister." This verse does not use the Greek word for a pastor, but rather diakonos, from which we get the word "deacon." It literally means a servant of others. Paul approaches his work as that of service, rather than that of status. He serves "according to the gift of God's grace." His ability to lead is based on his God–given talents. The sign of a true Christian leader is a person who recognizes his or her leadership is a gift from God and uses this gift to serve others.

The final phrase "given me by the working of his power" expresses the idea of ministry as a spiritual gift. Paul counts himself among the apostles in 1 Corinthians 9:1–2. These messengers existed to equip the saints (Ephesians 4:12). He was no different from the believers he wrote to, other than receiving a spiritual calling to lead as an apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13). This calling had also been affirmed by James, Peter, and John (Galatians 2:9), with Peter called to serve as an apostle to the Jews.

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 11/21/2024 11:18:22 AM