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Ephesians 3

BSB·21 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1For this reasonχάρινcharin — because of, for the sake of, on account ofG5484 — Full Word Study → Iἐγὼegō — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, PaulΠαῦλοςPaulos — small; humbleG3972 — Full Word Study →, theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → prisonerδέσμιοςdesmios — A prisoner; one held in captivity or confinementG1198 — Full Word Study → of ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → for the sake ofὑπὲρhyper — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → Gentilesἐθνῶνethnōn — Gentiles, nationsG1484 — Full Word Study →... 2Surelyγεge — indeed, at least, even, surelyG1065 — Full Word Study → you have heard aboutἠκούσατεēkousate — to hear, listen, or understand by earG191 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → stewardshipοἰκονομίανoikonomian — Stewardship, management, or administration of household/estate affairsG3622 — Full Word Study → of God’sΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → graceχάριτοςcharitos — God's unmerited favor and kindnessG5485 — Full Word Study → that was givenδοθείσηςdotheisēs — to give, grant, or bestowG1325 — Full Word Study → to meμοιmoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → forεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, 3that is, theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → mysteryμυστήριονmystērion — A hidden or revealed secretG3466 — Full Word Study → made knownἐγνωρίσθηegnōristhē — to make known, reveal, declareG1107 — Full Word Study → to meμοιmoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → byκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → revelationἀποκάλυψινapokalypsin — Unveiling or disclosure of hidden truthG602 — Full Word Study →, asκαθὼςkathōs — just as; in the manner that; according toG2531 — Full Word Study → I have already writtenπροέγραψαproegrapsa — to write beforehand; to publicly display or designateG4270 — Full Word Study → brieflyὀλίγῳoligō — Few in number; small in quantity or durationG3641 — Full Word Study →. 4Inπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → readingἀναγινώσκοντεςanaginōskontes — to read aloud or reciteG314 — Full Word Study → this, thenho — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study →, you will be able toδύνασθεdynasthe — To be able; to have power or capacityG1410 — Full Word Study → understandνοῆσαιnoēsai — to perceive, understand, or think about somethingG3539 — Full Word Study → myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → insightσύνεσίνsynesin — understandingG4907 — Full Word Study → intoἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → mysteryμυστηρίῳmystēriō — A hidden or revealed secretG3466 — Full Word Study → of ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →, 5whichho — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → was not made knownἐγνωρίσθηegnōristhē — to make known, reveal, declareG1107 — Full Word Study → to menἀνθρώπωνanthrōpōn — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study → in otherἑτέραιςheterais — another, different, otherG2087 — Full Word Study → generationsγενεαῖςgeneais — A generation; an age or period of timeG1074 — Full Word Study → asὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → it has now been revealedἀπεκαλύφθηapekalyphthē — to uncover, reveal, or disclose hidden thingsG601 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the Spirit toτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → God’s holyἁγίοιςhagiois — Set apart for God; morally pure and sacredG40 — Full Word Study → apostlesἀποστόλοιςapostolois — One sent as an official messenger or delegateG652 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → prophetsπροφήταιςprophētais — One who speaks for God; a messenger of divine truthG4396 — Full Word Study →. 6This mystery is that through theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → gospelεὐαγγελίουeuangeliou — Good news; the Gospel messageG2098 — Full Word Study → theτὰta — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Gentilesἔθνηethnē — Gentiles, nationsG1484 — Full Word Study → areεἶναιeinai — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → fellow heirsσυνκληρονόμαsynklēronoma — Joint heir; co-inheritor with anotherG4789 — Full Word Study →, fellow members of the bodyσύσσωμαsyssōma — of the same body; united in one bodyG4954 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → fellow partakersσυμμέτοχαsymmetocha — Joint partaker; sharer in commonG4830 — Full Word Study → of theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → promiseἐπαγγελίαςepangelias — A solemn declaration or pledge of something to comeG1860 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστῷChristō — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study →. 7I becameἐγενήθηνegenēthēn — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → a servantδιάκονοςdiakonos — servant; one who servesG1249 — Full Word Study → of this gospel byκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → giftδωρεὰνdōrean — a free gift; gracious donationG1431 — Full Word Study → of God’sΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → graceχάριτοςcharitos — God's unmerited favor and kindnessG5485 — Full Word Study →, givenδοθείσηςdotheisēs — to give, grant, or bestowG1325 — Full Word Study → meμοιmoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → throughκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → workingἐνέργειανenergeian — Active working, effective power, or operationG1753 — Full Word Study → ofτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → powerδυνάμεωςdynameōs — Power, strength, ability, or mighty workG1411 — Full Word Study →. 8Though I am less than the leastἐλαχιστοτέρῳelachistoterō — Least, smallest, most insignificantG1647 — Full Word Study → of allπάντωνpantōn — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → the saints, thisαὕτηhautē — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → graceχάριςcharis — God's unmerited favor and kindnessG5485 — Full Word Study → was givenἐδόθηedothē — to give, grant, or bestowG1325 — Full Word Study → meἘμοὶEmoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →: to preachεὐαγγελίσασθαιeuangelisasthai — To proclaim or announce good news; to preach the gospelG2097 — Full Word Study → to theτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Gentilesἔθνεσινethnesin — Gentiles, nationsG1484 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → unsearchableἀνεξιχνίαστονanexichniaston — Incomprehensible; impossible to trace out or fathomG421 — Full Word Study → richesπλοῦτοςploutos — Material wealth, riches, or abundance of possessionsG4149 — Full Word Study → of ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →, 9andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → to illuminateφωτίσαιphōtisai — To illuminate, enlighten, or shed light uponG5461 — Full Word Study → for everyone‹πάντας›pantas — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → thehē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → stewardshipοἰκονομίαoikonomia — Stewardship, management, or administration of household/estate affairsG3622 — Full Word Study → of this mysteryμυστηρίουmystēriou — A hidden or revealed secretG3466 — Full Word Study →, whichτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → forἀπὸapo — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → ages pastαἰώνωνaiōnōn — An age, era, or eternal period of timeG165 — Full Word Study → was kept hiddenἀποκεκρυμμένουapokekrymmenou — to hide away, conceal completelyG613 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → GodΘεῷTheō — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, whoτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → createdκτίσαντιktisanti — to create, make, formG2936 — Full Word Study → all thingsπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study →. 10His purpose was that nowνῦνnyn — now, at the present timeG3568 — Full Word Study →, throughδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → churchἐκκλησίαςekklēsias — Assembly of called-out believers; the churchG1577 — Full Word Study →, thehē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → manifoldπολυποίκιλοςpolypoikilos — Many-colored, varied, multifacetedG4182 — Full Word Study → wisdomσοφίαsophia — Wisdom; divine insight and practical understandingG4678 — Full Word Study → of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → should be made knownγνωρισθῇgnōristhē — to make known, reveal, declareG1107 — Full Word Study → to theταῖςtais — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → rulersἀρχαῖςarchais — Beginning, origin, or first principleG746 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → authoritiesἐξουσίαιςexousiais — authority, power, or right to actG1849 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → heavenly realmsἐπουρανίοιςepouraniois — Heavenly, belonging to heaven or the celestial realmG2032 — Full Word Study →, 11according toκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → the eternal purposeπρόθεσινprothesin — purpose, plan, intention, or displayG4286 — Full Word Study → thatἣνhēn — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → He accomplishedἐποίησενepoiēsen — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστῷChristō — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → LordΚυρίῳKyriō — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study →. 12Inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → Himhō — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → and through faithπίστεωςpisteōs — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study → in Himαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → we mayἔχομενechomen — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → enter God’s presence with boldnessπαρρησίανparrēsian — Bold confidence in speech and actionG3954 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → confidenceπεποιθήσειpepoithēsei — confident trust; assurance of heartG4006 — Full Word Study →. 13SoΔιὸDio — therefore, for this reason, whereforeG1352 — Full Word Study → I ask you notμὴmē — Not; negation; lestG3361 — Full Word Study → to be discouragedἐνκακεῖνenkakein — To lose heart; to grow weary or faintG1573 — Full Word Study → because ofἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → sufferingsθλίψεσίνthlipsesin — Pressure, affliction, tribulationG2347 — Full Word Study → forὑπὲρhyper — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, whichἥτιςhētis — whoever, whichever, the one whoG3748 — Full Word Study → areἐστὶνestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → gloryδόξαdoxa — Radiant honor, splendor, or divine brightnessG1391 — Full Word Study →. 14... for this reasonχάρινcharin — because of, for the sake of, on account ofG5484 — Full Word Study → I bowκάμπτωkamptō — to bend, bow, or kneelG2578 — Full Word Study → myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → kneesγόνατάgonata — Knee; the joint of the legG1119 — Full Word Study → beforeπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → theτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → FatherΠατέραPatera — father; male parent; ancestorG3962 — Full Word Study →, 15fromἐξex — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → whomοὗhou — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → everyπᾶσαpasa — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → familyπατριὰpatria — Family line or kinship groupG3965 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → heavenοὐρανοῖςouranois — Heaven; the sky; God's dwelling placeG3772 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → onἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → earthγῆςgēs — earth, land, ground, worldG1093 — Full Word Study → derives its nameὀνομάζεταιonomazetai — to name, call by name, designateG3687 — Full Word Study →. 16I ask that out ofκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → richesπλοῦτοςploutos — Material wealth, riches, or abundance of possessionsG4149 — Full Word Study → ofτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → gloryδόξηςdoxēs — Radiant honor, splendor, or divine brightnessG1391 — Full Word Study → He mayδῷdō — to give, grant, or bestowG1325 — Full Word Study → strengthenκραταιωθῆναιkrataiōthēnai — to strengthen, make strong, empowerG2901 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → with powerδυνάμειdynamei — Power, strength, ability, or mighty workG1411 — Full Word Study → throughδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → Hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → SpiritΠνεύματοςPneumatos — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → inεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → your innerἔσωesō — inner, inward, withinG2080 — Full Word Study → beingἄνθρωπονanthrōpon — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study →, 17so thatτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστὸνChriston — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → may dwellκατοικῆσαιkatoikēsai — to dwell, to inhabit, to settle and resideG2730 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → heartsκαρδίαιςkardiais — heart; center of emotion, will, and moral characterG2588 — Full Word Study → throughδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → faithπίστεωςpisteōs — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study →. Then you, being rooted andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → groundedτεθεμελιωμένοιtethemeliōmenoi — to establish a foundation; to ground firmlyG2311 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπῃagapē — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study →, 18will have powerἐξισχύσητεexischysēte — to have strength or power; to be able or capableG1840 — Full Word Study →, together withσὺνsyn — with, together with, alongsideG4862 — Full Word Study → allπᾶσινpasin — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → theτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → saintsἁγίοιςhagiois — Set apart for God; morally pure and sacredG40 — Full Word Study →, to comprehendκαταλαβέσθαιkatalabesthai — to seize, grasp, or overtakeG2638 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → lengthμῆκοςmēkos — length, extent, or durationG3372 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → widthπλάτοςplatos — breadth, width, or expanseG4114 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → heightὕψοςhypsos — Height; elevation; exaltationG5311 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → depthβάθοςbathos — depth, profundity, abyssG899 — Full Word Study → 19of the loveἀγάπηνagapēn — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study → of ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →, andτεte — and; both; also; evenG5037 — Full Word Study → to knowγνῶναίgnōnai — To know, understand, or perceiveG1097 — Full Word Study → this love that surpassesὑπερβάλλουσανhyperballousan — to surpass, exceed, or transcendG5235 — Full Word Study → knowledgeγνώσεωςgnōseōs — Knowledge, understanding, recognitionG1108 — Full Word Study →, thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → you may be filledπληρωθῆτεplērōthēte — to fill up, complete, or bring to fulfillmentG4137 — Full Word Study → withεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → allπᾶνpan — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → fullnessπλήρωμαplērōma — fullness, completeness, what fills something upG4138 — Full Word Study → of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →. 20Nowδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → to Him who is ableδυναμένῳdynamenō — To be able; to have power or capacityG1410 — Full Word Study → to doποιῆσαιpoiēsai — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study → immeasurablyὑπὲρhyper — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → more thanὑπερεκπερισσοῦhyperekperissou — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → allπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → we askαἰτούμεθαaitoumetha — to ask for, request, or demandG154 — Full Word Study → orē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → imagineνοοῦμενnooumen — to perceive, understand, or think about somethingG3539 — Full Word Study →, according toκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → His powerδύναμινdynamin — Power, strength, ability, or mighty workG1411 — Full Word Study → thatτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → is at work withinἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → usἡμῖνhēmin — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, 21to Him be thehē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → gloryδόξαdoxa — Radiant honor, splendor, or divine brightnessG1391 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → churchἐκκλησίᾳekklēsia — Assembly of called-out believers; the churchG1577 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστῷChristō — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → throughoutεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → allπάσαςpasas — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → generationsγενεὰςgeneas — A generation; an age or period of timeG1074 — Full Word Study →, foreverτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → and everαἰώνωνaiōnōn — An age, era, or eternal period of timeG165 — Full Word Study →. Amenἀμήνamēn — Truly, so be it, affirmation of truthG281 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — Ephesians 3
Chapter Overview

Overview

Ephesians 3 is Paul's passionate unveiling of God's great mystery: that Jews and Gentiles are now one body in Christ, equal heirs of His promise. This chapter explains Paul's unique calling as an apostle to preach this mystery to the nations, and transitions into one of Scripture's most powerful prayers for spiritual strength and intimacy with Christ. Throughout, Paul emphasizes that this revelation of unity in Christ displays God's eternal wisdom to all creation, and he longs for believers to grasp the boundless love of Jesus that transforms every aspect of their lives.

Verses 1–5: Paul's Apostolic Commission and the Mystery Revealed

Paul opens by identifying himself as "the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles" (v. 1). He is in Roman custody, yet frames his imprisonment not as defeat but as service on behalf of the Gentile believers. He refers to "the dispensation of the grace of God" given to him (v. 2)—a stewardship or distribution of God's unmerited favor entrusted specifically to him. Paul then unveils the central theme: God revealed to him by direct revelation the great mystery of Christ (v. 3). This mystery had been hidden for ages but is now made known to the apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit (v. 5). The "mystery" here is not something cryptic or unknowable, but rather a divine truth previously concealed and now disclosed: that Gentiles and Jews stand together as one people of God, joint heirs in salvation through Christ alone.

Application: God often calls us to speak His truth in difficult circumstances. Like Paul in prison, we can trust that our trials serve a greater purpose in God's kingdom. When we understand what Christ has done for us, we're equipped to share that mystery boldly with others.

Verses 6–12: The Reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles in One Body

The heart of Paul's revelation emerges in verse 6: Gentiles are now "fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel." This was revolutionary. Under the old covenant, Gentiles were far off; now they are brought near through Christ's blood (see Ephesians 2:14–16). Paul emphasizes that he was appointed a minister of this gospel according to God's empowering grace (v. 7). In verse 8, with genuine humility, he calls himself "less than the least of all saints," yet he has been entrusted to preach "the unsearchable riches of Christ" to the Gentiles. His role is to illuminate the fellowship of the mystery—to help all people see how God has united them in Christ (v. 9). Remarkably, verse 10 reveals that through the church, the principalities and powers in heavenly places come to know God's manifold (many-faceted) wisdom. The very existence of a united, blood-bought church displays God's brilliance to the spiritual realm. This eternal purpose was carried out in Christ Jesus (v. 11), and through faith in Him, we have bold and confident access to God the Father (v. 12).

Application: Your church—your local body of believers—is a living testimony to heaven itself of God's wisdom and redemptive power. Unity in Christ among diverse peoples is not a side benefit; it is central to God's glory.

Verses 13–19: Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Strength

Paul shifts to intercession, asking believers not to lose heart over his sufferings, since they are endured for their sake (v. 13). He kneels in prayer to the Father (v. 14) and requests that God would strengthen them in their inner being by His Spirit (v. 16). His prayer culminates in asking that Christ would dwell in their hearts by faith, that they be rooted and grounded in love, and that they comprehend the vastness of Christ's love—a love that surpasses knowledge itself (vv. 17–19). The ultimate goal is that believers be "filled with all the fulness of God" (v. 19).

Verses 20–21: Doxology

Paul closes with a magnificent ascription of glory to God, who is able to do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (v. 20). Glory belongs to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus forever (v. 21).

Application for Today

Ephesians 3 invites us to marvel at our unity in Christ and to pray for deepening spiritual strength. Whether you feel distant from God or uncertain of His love, Paul's prayer reassures us: God's power is at work to draw us closer to Christ, to fill us with His presence, and to help us grasp the immeasurable love that purchased our redemption. Take time today to pray Paul's prayer for yourself and your church family.

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