1 He declareth that therefore he suffered many things of the Jews, 3 because he preached the mystery touching the salvation of the Gentiles, 8 at God’s commandment. 13 After he desired the Ephesians not to faint for his afflictions. 14 And for this cause he prayeth unto God, 18 that they may understand the great love of Christ.

For [a]this cause, I Paul am the [b]prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles.

If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God, which is given me to youward,

That is, that God by revelation hath showed this mystery unto me (as I wrote above in few words,

Whereby when ye read, ye may know mine understanding in the mystery of Christ)

Which in [c]other ages was not opened unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit,

That the Gentiles should be inheritors also, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the Gospel,

Whereof I am made a minister by the gift of the grace of God given unto me through the effectual working of his power.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Ephesians 3:1 He maintaineth his Apostleship against the offense of the cross, whereon also he taketh an argument to confirm himself, affirming that he was not only appointed an Apostle by the mercy of God, but was also particularly appointed to the Gentiles, to call them on every side to salvation: because God had so determined it from the beginning, although he deferred a great while the manifestation of that his counsel.
  2. Ephesians 3:1 These words, The prisoner of Jesus Christ, are taken passively, that is to say I Paul am cast into prison for maintaining the glory of Christ.
  3. Ephesians 3:5 He meaneth not that none knew the calling of the Gentiles before, but because very few knew of it, and they that did know it, as the Prophets, had it revealed unto them very darkly, and under figures.

Bible Gateway Recommends