Eph Ephesians, chapter Epistle to the Ephesians, chapter 3
God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles
For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—Act 21:33
Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, Act 9:15; Gal 1:16that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. Eph 1:9In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 1Pe 1:12This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.Rom 15:12
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Act 9:15Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, Rom 15:19; 1Co 15:9; Gal 1:16and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 1Pe 1:20; Rom 16:25; 1Co 2:7; Col 1:26His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 1Pe 1:12according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Eph 2:18I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.2Ti 2:10
A Prayer for the Ephesians
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family3:15 The Greek for family (patria) is derived from the Greek for father (pater). in heaven and on earth derives its name. Eph 1:10I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, Eph 1:7so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, Jhn 14:23may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.Jhn 1:16; Col 2:9
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, Rom 16:25to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.