Ephesians 3:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

NIV: His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,

NASB: so that the multifaceted wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.

CSB: This is so that God's multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.

NLT: God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

KJV: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

NKJV: to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,

The revealing of the mystery in their generation had great implications (Ephesians 3:3–6). Paul wrote that the community of Christian believers—the church—was the means to reveal the wisdom of God in this mystery. Interestingly, this specific revelation is made to "rulers and authorities in the heavenly places." Who are these rulers and authorities? The mention of heavenly places includes the spiritual realm (Ephesians 6:12). Those in the spiritual realm could only include God (Father, Son, and Spirit), holy angels, Satan, and demons. Since the focus is on revelation, and God already knows all things, Paul appears to be speaking of angels.

Paul's implication is that God's wisdom is becoming known, even among angels of the spiritual realm, as a result of what is taking place through the church. Ephesians 6:12 suggests that this includes both loyal angels and the fallen angels, who serve Satan, who is also a fallen angel. This also means angelic beings are not omniscient; they can learn and grow in wisdom. Certain mysteries of God have been hidden from those in the spiritual realm as well. First Peter 1:12 also mentions that there are certain "things into which angels long to look."

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.