By Robert L. Olsen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Revealed
Ephesians 3:1–13
The Mystery (1–6)
Paul begins this section by saying he is a prisoner on behalf of the Gentiles. Because of his ministry to the Gentiles the Jews opposed him and created problems for him all over the eastern portion of the Mediterranean (see Paul’s missionary journeys in the book of Acts). This ultimately led to his arrest and eventual journey to Rome. It may seem strange for Paul to mention this at all but it is an important aspect of Paul’s ministry.
The Gentiles may have wondered why Paul was in prison. After all if Paul was serving the one and only all-powerful God why would he end up in prison? Surely the God of the universe would have kept Paul free from harm. Many times Christians today feel the same way; “If we are doing God’s work why do we get persecuted? Or why aren’t we ‘successful’?”
This is not how God judges success, however. Success for God means doing His will regardless of the outcome. Paul could boast about being in prison on behalf of the Gentiles because it meant God was still in control even though Paul was arrested.
This should provide encouragement for us today as we follow God’s calling in our lives yet do not achieve success as the world understands the word. It should encourage us to press on knowing God is still in control even though our circumstances may seem less than desirable.
After his introduction Paul begins to write of the revealed “mystery” of Christ. When Paul speaks of “mystery” he does not mean some sort of strange unknown phenomenon. Instead he means something formerly unknown is now made clear. The mystery Paul refers to is the Gentiles and Jews are now part of a single body — the Church.
The Proclamation (7–9)
Because of Christ the Gentiles and Jews are now part of a single body. Christians are all of one race — Adam’s race — and therefore there is no room for segregation within the body of Christ.
This is why Christians should be at the forefront of movements to bring about racial and ethnic reconciliation as well as helping with refugees who need to experience the love of God through us.
The Purpose (10–13)
Paul finishes this section by admonishing the Gentiles not to be upset over his sufferings on their behalf. Through Paul’s imprisonment Gentiles came to know about Christ and their reconciliation to God.
One significant application to this is the gospel is for all people. We know people are reconciled to God through Christ and we also know this message is for Jew and Gentile alike. We have a responsibility to share this news with all people groups across the world — from the easily accessible like the unbelievers at our jobs to the unreached people in the mountains of Asia.
Some people in churches today believe God will deal with each person according to what he or she knows. So someone raised in a Muslim family, for example, without ever hearing the gospel will be judged according to his or her own beliefs.
This is a form of inclusivism meaning salvation can come through means other than Christ alone. Scripture contradicts this belief (see Acts 4:12 and Rom. 1). Therefore it is all the more imperative for Christians to present the gospel to those around them and to support those who are presenting the gospel to other cultures.
The Great Commission in Matthew 28 compels us to support missions both near and abroad because the gospel is for all people and those who don’t hear — and then consequently accept — the message are separated from God eternally. Love of neighbor should awaken us to do what we can to help support the work of gospel missions all over the globe.
Share with others: