Wiersbe Barclay
"THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS"
Chapter Three
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THE CHAPTER
1) To understand the "mystery" so long hidden that is now revealed, and
the role of the church
2) To examine Paul's prayer for the Ephesians' enablement, what it
means for us today
SUMMARY
In this chapter Paul reminds his readers of God's grace that has been
shown him regarding the revelation of the "mystery". By reading what
he had written earlier, they would understand how the "mystery"
pertained to Gentiles becoming fellow heirs in Christ, and Paul felt
privileged to preach among the Gentiles what for ages had been hidden.
Knowing that what he did was part of God's eternal purpose in Christ to
make His manifold wisdom known by the church, he asked his brethren not
to be discouraged by any tribulations he experienced on their behalf
(Eph 3:1-13).
The chapter also contains Paul's second prayer for the Ephesians. He
prays for their enablement, that the Father would strengthen them by
His Spirit, that Christ might dwell in their hearts through faith, that
they be able to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, and so
be filled with all the fullness of God. He concludes his prayer and
this chapter by ascribing that glory be given to God in the church by
Jesus Christ for all eternity (Eph 3:14-21).
OUTLINE
I. THE REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY (Eph 3:1-13)
A. A MYSTERY ONCE HIDDEN, NOW REVEALED (Eph 3:1-7)
1. Interrupting himself, Paul makes mention of God's grace (Eph 3:1-2)
a. A measure of grace given to him
b. Given for the benefit of his readers
2. That by revelation God made known to Paul the "mystery" (Eph 3:3-4)
a. Concerning which he wrote previously
b. Which as they read, they will understand his knowledge in
the mystery of Christ
3. A "mystery" once hidden, but now revealed (Eph 3:5)
a. In other ages it was not made known to men
b. But has now been revealed
1) By the Spirit
2) To God's holy apostles and prophets
4. The "mystery" involved the Gentiles (Eph 3:6)
a. That they should be fellow heirs, of the same body
b. That they should be partakers of God's promise through the
gospel
5. Paul's role as a minister of this "mystery" was a gift from
God (Eph 3:7)
a. A gift of God's grace
b. A gift given to him by the effective working of God's power
B. PAUL'S TASK AS A MINISTER OF THIS "MYSTERY" (Eph 3:8-13)
1. To preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ
(8)
a. Even though he was "less than the least of all the saints"
b. Yet this grace was given to him
2. To make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery (Eph 3:9-13)
a. Which from the beginning was hidden in God who created all
things
b. But with the intention of now making God's wisdom known
1) Made known by the church
2) Made known to principalities and powers in heavenly
places
c. According to God's eternal purpose which He fulfilled in
Christ Jesus
1) In whom we have boldness and confident access through
faith in Him
2) For which Paul does not want them to lose heart over his
tribulations in their behalf, which was for their glory
II. PAUL'S SECOND PRAYER: FOR THEIR ENABLEMENT (Eph 3:14-21)
A. HIS INVOCATION (Eph 3:14-15)
1. In view of God's grace to the Gentiles, Paul bows his knees in
prayer (Eph 3:14)
2. He addresses the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom
the whole family in heaven and earth is named (Eph 3:14-15)
B. HIS PETITION (Eph 3:16-19)
1. That they would be strengthened by the Spirit of God (Eph 3:16-17)
a. According to the riches of His glory
b. With might through His Spirit in the inner man
c. So Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith
2. That they might comprehend the love of Christ (Eph 3:18-19)
a. Being rooted and grounded in love
b. To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge
3. That they might be filled with all the fullness of God (Eph 3:19)
C. HIS DOXOLOGY (Eph 3:20-21)
1. Glory to God, for what He is able to do! (Eph 3:20)
a. Able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or
think
b. According to the power that works in us
2. Glory to God, in the church! (Eph 3:21)
a. By Christ Jesus
b. Throughout all ages, world without end
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- The revelation of the mystery (Eph 3:1-13)
- Paul's second prayer: for their enablement (Eph 3:14-21)
2) How does Paul identify himself as he begins this chapter? (Eph 3:1)
- As the prisoner of Jesus Christ for the Gentiles
3) What dispensation, or measure, of grace was shown by God toward Paul? (Eph 3:2-3)
- That by revelation God made known to him the "mystery"
4) What did Paul say we can have by reading what he had written? (Eph 3:3-4)
- We can understand his knowledge in the mystery of Christ
5) What does Paul reveal concerning the revelation of this mystery? (Eph 3:5)
- In other ages it was not made known, but has now been revealed by
the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets
6) What is the "mystery" that has now been revealed? (Eph 3:6)
- That Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and
partakers of His promise through the gospel
7) Though viewing himself as "less than the least of all the saints",
what gracious task was given to Paul? (Eph 3:8-9)
- To preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ
- To make all see with is the fellowship of the mystery which was
hidden from the beginning
8) What was the intent for proclaiming the revelation of this mystery? (10)
- That the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church
to principalities and powers in the heavenly places
9) According to what was all this being done? (Eph 3:11)
- The eternal purpose or plan which God accomplished in Christ Jesus
10) What has Christ therefore made possible for us? (Eph 3:12)
- Boldness and access to God with confidence through faith in Him
11) In view of God's grace given to Paul, what does he therefore ask? (Eph 3:14)
- For them not to lose heart over his tribulations on their behalf
12) In Paul's second prayer for the Ephesians, for what does he ask? (Eph 3:14-19)
- That they would be strengthened by the Spirit of God
- That they might comprehend the love of Christ
- That they might be filled with all the fullness of God
13) What does Paul say God is able to do? How? (Eph 3:20)
- Exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think
- According to the power that works in us
14) In what entity does Paul seek to ascribe glory to God? How? For how long? (Eph 3:21)
- In the church
- By Christ Jesus
- Throughout all ages, world without end
Chapter III Paul's Office as Apostle to the Gentiles
Summary--The Hidden Mystery Revealed to the Apostle. The Gentiles to Be Fellow-Heirs. Paul's Mission to the Gentiles. The Prayer in Behalf of Gentile Christians. That They May Know the Surpassing Love of Christ.
1. For this cause. This refers to the glorious work of the cross in “making peace and bringing the Gentiles nigh,” described in chapter 2. I, Paul. The verb of which “I, Paul,” is the subject, is not given until verse 14 is reached. The intervening verses are parenthetic. At verse 14 Paul repeats the first clause of verse 1, and then gives the verb. The prisoner of Jesus Christ. A prisoner at Rome when this was written, on account of the gospel of Jesus Christ. For you Gentiles. It was the hatred of the Jews towards him, on account of his apostleship to the Gentiles, which caused his seizure. See Acts 21:33, and Acts 28:17, Acts 28:20.
2-8. If ye have heard. This is not designed to express doubt, but to remind them that they had heard of the dispensation, or office, that had been given him in reference to the Gentiles. See Acts 22:21.
3. How that by revelation he made known unto me. See Gal 1:12. The mystery. This mystery was revealed by God to him. A mystery is a truth, or fact, or purpose, which is hidden until it is revealed. This mystery is declared in verse 6. As I wrote afore in few words. In Eph 1:9, and Eph 2:11-13.
4. Whereby, when ye read. When they read what he wrote above (afore), and what he writes now, they can perceive his knowledge of this mystery.
5. Which. The mystery. It was in past ages hidden from men, but now revealed by the Spirit to apostles and prophets. Not the old Hebrew prophets, but the prophets in the church. Some of the Hebrew prophets might have had a glimpse of Gentile salvation, but they did not understand their own language as well as we do in the light of the gospel.
6. That. The mystery long hidden, but at last revealed, is now given. The Gentiles should be fellow-heirs. The wall of partition broken down, Jews and Gentiles equally received, heirs alike of the gospel, fellow-members of the church, fellow-partakers of the gospel promises. Compare Acts 10:34; Acts11:18; Acts 13:46-48.
7. Whereof I was made a minister. A minister to make known this mystery; God's gracious purpose to the Gentiles. According to the gift of the grace of God. The apostolic office with all the accompanying signs of apostleship.
8. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints. A mighty trust granted to one so unworthy as he deems himself. He was ever humbled by remembering that he had been a persecutor. See 1 Cor 15:9; Phil 3:6. Compare 1 Tim 1:13 This grace, so glorious and so full of blessedness to the world, was the apostleship to the Gentiles. See Gal 2:7-8.
9-13. And to make all men see. Jews as well as Gentiles. What is the dispensation of the mystery. The office or stewardship of this mystery. It was demonstrated in his apostleship to the Gentiles. Hath been hid. It was from the beginning God's purpose to save the Gentiles by the gospel, but it had been kept hidden.
10. To the intent. The mystery had been hidden during all the ages, but was now revealed in order that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known. It was made known, (1) To the Gentiles by preaching the gospel. (2) To Jews. This is implied in the “all” of verse 9. (3) “To principalities and powers in heavenly places;” that is, to angelic beings. See 1 Peter 1:12. By the church. As the fruit of God's wisdom revealed in the gospel, and especially by the union of Jews and Gentiles in one body.
11. According to the eternal purpose. The purpose which God had in all the ages proposed to fulfill through Jesus Christ.
12. In whom. In Jesus Christ, all, both Jew and Gentile alike, can come boldly to God. Without the revelation of Christ we could hardly know of God of love, who loved to have us come to him.
13. Wherefore. Seeing that I have revealed this glorious mystery to you. I desire that ye faint not. Do not become discouraged. At my tribulations for you. At his sufferings, a prisoner on account of the Gentiles. Which are your glory. The plural (see Revision) shows that “which” refers to tribulations. These tribulations all came in his work as the apostle of the Gentiles. Hence, they all suffered in a work which made them heirs of eternal glory.
14, 15. For this cause I. See verse 1. He now resumes the thought of that verse. Bow my knees. In the attitude of prayer. Unto the Father. The Fountain of all mercies. The words, “Of our Lord Jesus Christ,” are not found in the best manuscripts and are omitted in the Revision.
15. Of whom. The Father is referred to. The whole family in heaven and earth. In the Revision, “Every family.” The idea is that the Father is the Father of all the families of his children, whether Jews or Gentiles on earth, or in heaven. He is “Our Father in heaven” to the believer of every race, in this world or the world to come. All, as far as creation is concerned, derive their being from him, like children from a parent, and all the good are his spiritual children.
16-19. That he would grant you. Paul now states the things for which he so earnestly prays in behalf of those to whom he writes. According to the riches of his glory. In a degree which would correspond. To be strengthened. That their spirits might be strengthened by God's spirit and endowed with the might of spiritual gifts.
17. That Christ may dwell. This is the second petition. That they may so lay hold of Christ by faith that he will be to them a present Savior, in their hearts. That ye, being rooted and grounded in love. The third petition relates to the love of Christ.
18. May be able to comprehend. Unless they were “rooted and grounded in love” and the “love of God shed abroad” in their hearts, it would be impossible for them to comprehend the exceeding riches of the love of Christ. This is the climax of prayer, the point to which the other petitions tend. Indeed, from the beginning of the Epistle, he has been declaring what love Christ has shown for the Gentile world.
19. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge. This is one of Paul's paradoxes, like 1 Tim 5:6. They could know something of the love of Christ, but we can never fully comprehended the infinite. Filled with all the fulness of God. Filled with God's grace to the full.
20, 21. Now unto him. He has offered a prayer, and closes it with a doxology. According to the power that worketh in us. They knew something of the mighty working of the Spirit, and therefore of the Divine power. But God was able to do for them beyond all that they could conceive.
21. Unto him be glory in the church. Let the church in all ages manifest his glory by its light. Throughout all ages. Literally, “Unto all the generations of the age of ages.” The idea is, through the endless succession of ages, or through all time.
"THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS"
Chapter Three
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THE CHAPTER
1) To understand the "mystery" so long hidden that is now revealed, and
the role of the church
2) To examine Paul's prayer for the Ephesians' enablement, what it
means for us today
SUMMARY
In this chapter Paul reminds his readers of God's grace that has been
shown him regarding the revelation of the "mystery". By reading what
he had written earlier, they would understand how the "mystery"
pertained to Gentiles becoming fellow heirs in Christ, and Paul felt
privileged to preach among the Gentiles what for ages had been hidden.
Knowing that what he did was part of God's eternal purpose in Christ to
make His manifold wisdom known by the church, he asked his brethren not
to be discouraged by any tribulations he experienced on their behalf
(Eph 3:1-13).
The chapter also contains Paul's second prayer for the Ephesians. He
prays for their enablement, that the Father would strengthen them by
His Spirit, that Christ might dwell in their hearts through faith, that
they be able to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, and so
be filled with all the fullness of God. He concludes his prayer and
this chapter by ascribing that glory be given to God in the church by
Jesus Christ for all eternity (Eph 3:14-21).
OUTLINE
I. THE REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY (Eph 3:1-13)
A. A MYSTERY ONCE HIDDEN, NOW REVEALED (Eph 3:1-7)
1. Interrupting himself, Paul makes mention of God's grace (Eph 3:1-2)
a. A measure of grace given to him
b. Given for the benefit of his readers
2. That by revelation God made known to Paul the "mystery" (Eph 3:3-4)
a. Concerning which he wrote previously
b. Which as they read, they will understand his knowledge in
the mystery of Christ
3. A "mystery" once hidden, but now revealed (Eph 3:5)
a. In other ages it was not made known to men
b. But has now been revealed
1) By the Spirit
2) To God's holy apostles and prophets
4. The "mystery" involved the Gentiles (Eph 3:6)
a. That they should be fellow heirs, of the same body
b. That they should be partakers of God's promise through the
gospel
5. Paul's role as a minister of this "mystery" was a gift from
God (Eph 3:7)
a. A gift of God's grace
b. A gift given to him by the effective working of God's power
B. PAUL'S TASK AS A MINISTER OF THIS "MYSTERY" (Eph 3:8-13)
1. To preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ
(8)
a. Even though he was "less than the least of all the saints"
b. Yet this grace was given to him
2. To make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery (Eph 3:9-13)
a. Which from the beginning was hidden in God who created all
things
b. But with the intention of now making God's wisdom known
1) Made known by the church
2) Made known to principalities and powers in heavenly
places
c. According to God's eternal purpose which He fulfilled in
Christ Jesus
1) In whom we have boldness and confident access through
faith in Him
2) For which Paul does not want them to lose heart over his
tribulations in their behalf, which was for their glory
II. PAUL'S SECOND PRAYER: FOR THEIR ENABLEMENT (Eph 3:14-21)
A. HIS INVOCATION (Eph 3:14-15)
1. In view of God's grace to the Gentiles, Paul bows his knees in
prayer (Eph 3:14)
2. He addresses the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom
the whole family in heaven and earth is named (Eph 3:14-15)
B. HIS PETITION (Eph 3:16-19)
1. That they would be strengthened by the Spirit of God (Eph 3:16-17)
a. According to the riches of His glory
b. With might through His Spirit in the inner man
c. So Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith
2. That they might comprehend the love of Christ (Eph 3:18-19)
a. Being rooted and grounded in love
b. To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge
3. That they might be filled with all the fullness of God (Eph 3:19)
C. HIS DOXOLOGY (Eph 3:20-21)
1. Glory to God, for what He is able to do! (Eph 3:20)
a. Able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or
think
b. According to the power that works in us
2. Glory to God, in the church! (Eph 3:21)
a. By Christ Jesus
b. Throughout all ages, world without end
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- The revelation of the mystery (Eph 3:1-13)
- Paul's second prayer: for their enablement (Eph 3:14-21)
2) How does Paul identify himself as he begins this chapter? (Eph 3:1)
- As the prisoner of Jesus Christ for the Gentiles
3) What dispensation, or measure, of grace was shown by God toward Paul? (Eph 3:2-3)
- That by revelation God made known to him the "mystery"
4) What did Paul say we can have by reading what he had written? (Eph 3:3-4)
- We can understand his knowledge in the mystery of Christ
5) What does Paul reveal concerning the revelation of this mystery? (Eph 3:5)
- In other ages it was not made known, but has now been revealed by
the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets
6) What is the "mystery" that has now been revealed? (Eph 3:6)
- That Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and
partakers of His promise through the gospel
7) Though viewing himself as "less than the least of all the saints",
what gracious task was given to Paul? (Eph 3:8-9)
- To preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ
- To make all see with is the fellowship of the mystery which was
hidden from the beginning
8) What was the intent for proclaiming the revelation of this mystery? (10)
- That the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church
to principalities and powers in the heavenly places
9) According to what was all this being done? (Eph 3:11)
- The eternal purpose or plan which God accomplished in Christ Jesus
10) What has Christ therefore made possible for us? (Eph 3:12)
- Boldness and access to God with confidence through faith in Him
11) In view of God's grace given to Paul, what does he therefore ask? (Eph 3:14)
- For them not to lose heart over his tribulations on their behalf
12) In Paul's second prayer for the Ephesians, for what does he ask? (Eph 3:14-19)
- That they would be strengthened by the Spirit of God
- That they might comprehend the love of Christ
- That they might be filled with all the fullness of God
13) What does Paul say God is able to do? How? (Eph 3:20)
- Exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think
- According to the power that works in us
14) In what entity does Paul seek to ascribe glory to God? How? For how long? (Eph 3:21)
- In the church
- By Christ Jesus
- Throughout all ages, world without end
Chapter III Paul's Office as Apostle to the Gentiles
Summary--The Hidden Mystery Revealed to the Apostle. The Gentiles to Be Fellow-Heirs. Paul's Mission to the Gentiles. The Prayer in Behalf of Gentile Christians. That They May Know the Surpassing Love of Christ.
1. For this cause. This refers to the glorious work of the cross in “making peace and bringing the Gentiles nigh,” described in chapter 2. I, Paul. The verb of which “I, Paul,” is the subject, is not given until verse 14 is reached. The intervening verses are parenthetic. At verse 14 Paul repeats the first clause of verse 1, and then gives the verb. The prisoner of Jesus Christ. A prisoner at Rome when this was written, on account of the gospel of Jesus Christ. For you Gentiles. It was the hatred of the Jews towards him, on account of his apostleship to the Gentiles, which caused his seizure. See Acts 21:33, and Acts 28:17, Acts 28:20.
2-8. If ye have heard. This is not designed to express doubt, but to remind them that they had heard of the dispensation, or office, that had been given him in reference to the Gentiles. See Acts 22:21.
3. How that by revelation he made known unto me. See Gal 1:12. The mystery. This mystery was revealed by God to him. A mystery is a truth, or fact, or purpose, which is hidden until it is revealed. This mystery is declared in verse 6. As I wrote afore in few words. In Eph 1:9, and Eph 2:11-13.
4. Whereby, when ye read. When they read what he wrote above (afore), and what he writes now, they can perceive his knowledge of this mystery.
5. Which. The mystery. It was in past ages hidden from men, but now revealed by the Spirit to apostles and prophets. Not the old Hebrew prophets, but the prophets in the church. Some of the Hebrew prophets might have had a glimpse of Gentile salvation, but they did not understand their own language as well as we do in the light of the gospel.
6. That. The mystery long hidden, but at last revealed, is now given. The Gentiles should be fellow-heirs. The wall of partition broken down, Jews and Gentiles equally received, heirs alike of the gospel, fellow-members of the church, fellow-partakers of the gospel promises. Compare Acts 10:34; Acts11:18; Acts 13:46-48.
7. Whereof I was made a minister. A minister to make known this mystery; God's gracious purpose to the Gentiles. According to the gift of the grace of God. The apostolic office with all the accompanying signs of apostleship.
8. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints. A mighty trust granted to one so unworthy as he deems himself. He was ever humbled by remembering that he had been a persecutor. See 1 Cor 15:9; Phil 3:6. Compare 1 Tim 1:13 This grace, so glorious and so full of blessedness to the world, was the apostleship to the Gentiles. See Gal 2:7-8.
9-13. And to make all men see. Jews as well as Gentiles. What is the dispensation of the mystery. The office or stewardship of this mystery. It was demonstrated in his apostleship to the Gentiles. Hath been hid. It was from the beginning God's purpose to save the Gentiles by the gospel, but it had been kept hidden.
10. To the intent. The mystery had been hidden during all the ages, but was now revealed in order that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known. It was made known, (1) To the Gentiles by preaching the gospel. (2) To Jews. This is implied in the “all” of verse 9. (3) “To principalities and powers in heavenly places;” that is, to angelic beings. See 1 Peter 1:12. By the church. As the fruit of God's wisdom revealed in the gospel, and especially by the union of Jews and Gentiles in one body.
11. According to the eternal purpose. The purpose which God had in all the ages proposed to fulfill through Jesus Christ.
12. In whom. In Jesus Christ, all, both Jew and Gentile alike, can come boldly to God. Without the revelation of Christ we could hardly know of God of love, who loved to have us come to him.
13. Wherefore. Seeing that I have revealed this glorious mystery to you. I desire that ye faint not. Do not become discouraged. At my tribulations for you. At his sufferings, a prisoner on account of the Gentiles. Which are your glory. The plural (see Revision) shows that “which” refers to tribulations. These tribulations all came in his work as the apostle of the Gentiles. Hence, they all suffered in a work which made them heirs of eternal glory.
14, 15. For this cause I. See verse 1. He now resumes the thought of that verse. Bow my knees. In the attitude of prayer. Unto the Father. The Fountain of all mercies. The words, “Of our Lord Jesus Christ,” are not found in the best manuscripts and are omitted in the Revision.
15. Of whom. The Father is referred to. The whole family in heaven and earth. In the Revision, “Every family.” The idea is that the Father is the Father of all the families of his children, whether Jews or Gentiles on earth, or in heaven. He is “Our Father in heaven” to the believer of every race, in this world or the world to come. All, as far as creation is concerned, derive their being from him, like children from a parent, and all the good are his spiritual children.
16-19. That he would grant you. Paul now states the things for which he so earnestly prays in behalf of those to whom he writes. According to the riches of his glory. In a degree which would correspond. To be strengthened. That their spirits might be strengthened by God's spirit and endowed with the might of spiritual gifts.
17. That Christ may dwell. This is the second petition. That they may so lay hold of Christ by faith that he will be to them a present Savior, in their hearts. That ye, being rooted and grounded in love. The third petition relates to the love of Christ.
18. May be able to comprehend. Unless they were “rooted and grounded in love” and the “love of God shed abroad” in their hearts, it would be impossible for them to comprehend the exceeding riches of the love of Christ. This is the climax of prayer, the point to which the other petitions tend. Indeed, from the beginning of the Epistle, he has been declaring what love Christ has shown for the Gentile world.
19. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge. This is one of Paul's paradoxes, like 1 Tim 5:6. They could know something of the love of Christ, but we can never fully comprehended the infinite. Filled with all the fulness of God. Filled with God's grace to the full.
20, 21. Now unto him. He has offered a prayer, and closes it with a doxology. According to the power that worketh in us. They knew something of the mighty working of the Spirit, and therefore of the Divine power. But God was able to do for them beyond all that they could conceive.
21. Unto him be glory in the church. Let the church in all ages manifest his glory by its light. Throughout all ages. Literally, “Unto all the generations of the age of ages.” The idea is, through the endless succession of ages, or through all time.
