Introduction

Ephesians 3 reveals Paul's unique calling to proclaim a mystery hidden for ages but now revealed: that Gentiles are equal partners with Jews in God's family through Christ. Paul then offers one of Scripture's most beautiful prayers, asking that believers would grasp the immeasurable dimensions of Christ's love.

Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles

[1-7] Paul explains his special commission to bring the gospel to the Gentiles.

• Prisoner for the Gentiles [1]: Paul identifies himself as a prisoner for Jesus Christ on behalf of the Gentiles—his imprisonment in Rome was directly connected to his Gentile mission
• Stewardship of grace [2]: Paul was given a "stewardship of God's grace" for them—he was entrusted with good news to deliver
• Mystery made known [3]: The mystery was made known to Paul by revelation—not something he figured out but something God disclosed
• Understanding the mystery [4]: By reading Paul's words, his audience can perceive his insight into "the mystery of Christ"
• Not made known before [5]: This mystery was not revealed to previous generations as it has now been revealed to apostles and prophets by the Spirit
• Gentiles are fellow heirs [6]: The mystery is this: Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel
• Servant by grace [7]: Paul became a servant of this gospel by God's grace given through His powerful working

God's Eternal Purpose

[8-13] Paul marvels at his calling and explains God's cosmic purpose in the church.

• Less than the least [8]: Though an apostle, Paul considers himself "less than the least of all the saints"—genuine encounters with grace produce humility
• Unsearchable riches [8]: Paul was given grace to preach the "unsearchable riches of Christ" to the Gentiles—riches that cannot be fully explored
• Bringing to light [9]: His task was to bring to light the plan hidden for ages in God who created all things
• Wisdom through the church [10]: God's manifold wisdom is now made known through the church to rulers and authorities in heavenly places
• Eternal purpose [11]: This was all according to God's eternal purpose realized in Christ Jesus our Lord
• Bold access [12]: In Christ believers have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him
• Don't lose heart [13]: Paul urges them not to lose heart over his sufferings, which are for their glory

Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Strengthening

[14-19] Paul kneels in prayer, asking that believers would experience Christ's love in transformative ways.

• Bowing the knee [14]: Paul prays to the Father from whom every family in heaven and earth is named
• Strengthened with power [16]: He prays that God would strengthen them with power through His Spirit in their inner being
• Christ dwelling in hearts [17]: He prays that Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith—not just visiting but making His home there
• Rooted and grounded in love [17]: This indwelling produces lives rooted and established in love
• Comprehending the dimensions [18]: He prays they would have strength to comprehend the breadth, length, height, and depth of Christ's love
• Knowing the unknowable [19]: He prays they would know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge—a beautiful paradox
• Filled with God's fullness [19]: The ultimate goal: being filled with all the fullness of God

Doxology

[20-21] Paul concludes with a magnificent doxology celebrating God's power.

• Able to do far more [20]: God is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think—our highest prayers fall short of His ability
• According to His power [20]: This exceeding work is "according to the power at work within us"—the same resurrection power mentioned in chapter 1
• Glory in the church [21]: To God be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever

Key Takeaways

• The mystery is unity [6]: God's hidden plan was to create one new humanity in Christ from Jews and Gentiles—and by extension, all ethnic and social divisions
• The church displays God's wisdom [10]: The diverse, unified church demonstrates God's wisdom to cosmic powers
• Love surpasses knowledge [19]: Christ's love is so vast it can only be experienced, never fully comprehended
• God exceeds our requests [20]: Our biggest prayers are smaller than God's ability to answer

Reflection Questions

• How does the truth that the church displays God's wisdom to cosmic powers change how you view your local church community?
• Paul prays to know a love that "surpasses knowledge." How can you pursue experiential knowledge of Christ's love, not just intellectual understanding?
• What would it look like to pray bigger prayers, trusting that God is able to do "far more abundantly than all that we ask or think"?