Ephesians 3:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

NIV: Although I am less than the least of all the Lord's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ,

NASB: To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ,

CSB: This grace was given to me--the least of all the saints--to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ,

NLT: Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ.

KJV: Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

NKJV: To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

Paul did not feel entitled to the position of apostle. He called himself "the very least of all the saints." In no small part, this is because of his life prior to conversion. Then, he persecuted the church of Christ as Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1–9). Despite his past, Paul noted that he had been specifically appointed by God. He did not ask for his calling, but received it by grace similarly to receiving salvation by grace through faith. His calling was to minister to Gentiles (non–Jews) about the gospel of Christ.

Paul refers to part of his message as "unsearchable riches" of Christ. Paul uses similar wording in Romans 11:33 to describe the unsearchable judgments of God. In short, God's ways are beyond our understanding. His riches are beyond the human ability to search or examine. Paul's wording again emphasizes that fact that his ministry is from God, rather than his own design. He could not and would not have chosen his exact path. Yet, God had a purpose in calling Paul which changed countless lives.

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 5/2/2024 1:22:54 PM