Ephesians 3:1-13 - Steward of the mystery of God

Having discussed the union of Jewish and Gentile believers in the church, Paul referred to his role on behalf of the Gentile believers. He called himself a prisoner of the Lord and not a prisoner of the Roman emperor. Technically speaking, he was a prisoner of Caesar, but he did not see himself as that. It’s because he knew that if it was not in God’s program for his life, he would never be there. He stressed that he was a prisoner of the Lord for the sake of the Gentiles. Paul spoke as if he expected the Ephesians to know his role in this.

Furthermore, from what he had said, it appeared that he also wanted his readers to know: that his prison experience was for them to understand that he was a steward of God’s grace. As a steward, the mystery he proclaimed came to him by revelation. It came directly to him from the Lord Himself. He did not get the message from the other apostles. He also assured them that when they read what he had written, they would see the great insight he had concerning this mystery. From here, he then went on to describe the mystery.

In verses 3-12, Paul described the details of his unique and privileged ministry. In using the word “administration”, he was referring to his ministry in the sense of a stewardship or trust he was called to share. He was granted to administer God’s grace particularly to the Gentiles.

Several times in this passage Paul mentioned the word mystery. What exactly did he mean? The usage of the word mystery here refers to something that was not known previously but is now made known in the Gospel. Paul’s ministry includes proclaiming this mystery. In Ephesians 1:9 the mystery had to do with the purpose of God in bringing all things together under the headship of Christ. Now in this chapter, Paul refers to one aspect of that ultimate goal, the inclusion of Gentiles in the blessings of the Gospel and how it would be done.

Paul showed from verses 3-12 his specific role as a minister of the good news of salvation to the Gentiles. This service Paul was called to do was being done in the church, in preaching the gospel. In pointing out his role in the ministry of this mystery, Paul showed us the important role the church plays as the agency of the divine mission. We need to know that the church is very critical to history, to the Gospel, and to Christian living.

Paul quickly turned the focus away from himself to the effects of the ministry from verses 9-10. Firstly, the mystery was made known to the people – the Gentiles – whom he was sent to preach. They received the unfathomable riches of Christ, in that they felt the effect of the good news that was brought to them (v.8). Secondly, the mystery was made known to all men universally. Paul was entrusted to make known this knowledge that was once hidden. His ministry brought light and enlightened men concerning this mystery (v.9). Thirdly, Paul said that his ministry had the effect of showing this unique wisdom. Through the Church, the principalities and powers in heavenly places would learn something of this multi-faceted wisdom of God. Here we are told quite explicitly that the invisible spiritual forces are watching the Church. These forces are made up of both demons and angels.

In reading these few verses, you get to feel the confidence of Paul. He was certain of his calling. Therefore the hardship did not bother him. He only saw that part where he was called to fulfill and never stopped being amazed by God’s grace. There were two reasons for his amazement. First was the value of the gift that God had given to him. It was given to him by the working of God’s power. From verse 8 we know that this gift is the gift of evangelism. The word “to preach” would be better translated “to evangelize.” Second was the fact that God would choose him though he was the least of the saints. Here he was not depreciating himself. Neither was he suffering a bout of poor self-esteem. As Paul understood the unfathomable riches of the Christ, he saw himself more clearly and realized how dependent he was on this grace of God, to minister to the Gentiles effectively. In that light, he was having a proper estimation of himself.

Refusing to let his readers forget where all he had said originated, Paul made his conclusions in verses 11-12. He told them that everything came about according to God’s eternal purpose and that He had brought it about in Christ Jesus our Lord. It is in Christ that we have access to the Father, to Whom we can come boldly through Christ.

Verse 13 suggests the Ephesians may have become discouraged by the hardship Paul was facing. They were not only feeling sorry for Paul, but also because their faith was being threatened. So Paul wanted them to know that everything was in order although he was in prison. Paul wanted them to know that it was by divine appointment that he was there.

How wonderful to know that God has such great plan for us, Gentiles, right from the beginning! Now we are enjoying the fruit of Paul’s ministry. Let’s go forth and proclaim this wonderful Gospel that more may enter in!