Ephesians 3:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things,

NIV: and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

NASB: and to enlighten all people as to what the plan of the mystery is which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things;

CSB: and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things.

NLT: I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.

KJV: And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

NKJV: and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;

Paul's mission was to Gentiles in particular, but by no means was his message limited. He preached to both Jews and Gentiles (Romans 1:16; Acts 13:13–43). He spoke in Israel and far beyond, seeking even to take the gospel to Spain (Romans 15:24, 28). This preaching included "the plan of the mystery hidden for ages." The mystery was that Jews and Gentiles could receive salvation equally through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:3–6).

This mystery was revealed from God. Paul references God as creator (Genesis 1:1), affirming God's direct design of all things, living and non–living. He also referred to God as creator in Romans 1:25 and Colossians 3:10. God is the "Creator of the ends of the earth" (Isaiah 40:28). In Ephesians 2:10, Paul wrote of believers being created in Christ Jesus for good works, affirming Jesus elsewhere as creator and equal with God (Colossians 1:16). Paul taught that "everything created by God is good" (1 Timothy 4:4). Hebrews 11:3 adds "that the universe was created by the word of God," while Revelation 4:11 declares God's creation of all things by His will.

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.