In Ephesians Chapter 3, Paul said that he was a prisoner of Jesus and was bound because he believed in preaching the Word to the Gentiles.

Uniting Jews and Gentiles

During the time when Paul wrote the letter the Ephesians, the Gentiles and Jews did not join together. Paul reminded them of his own conversion. He said that he was called in the spirit and hoped that they heard about this and it had given them hope. He also said that the Ephesians were the proof of his calling and his connection with them was part of God’s plan.

The Mystery of Christ Revealed

Paul then addressed the mystery of Christ and how it was not revealed to men. They did not know about Him until the Holy Spirit came down to the apostles. But now, through the Holy Spirit, all has been revealed and the Christian church has been established.

Since the wall which separated the mystery of Christ from man has been torn down, Paul said the Gospel must now be proclaimed. He wanted everyone to hear about this Good News of which the apostles were preaching.

Paul as Part of God’s Plan

Paul said that, as one of the very last apostles, he was meant to preach to the Gentiles. He was to bring them into the light and introduce them to the mystery of Christ. The Gentiles were very much part of this plan as God loves everybody.

Paul prayed that the plans that God had for them would be revealed to them. He said that he did this solemnly so that everyone would know who Christ is. Paul concludes Ephesians Chapter 3 by mentioning that he prays that Christ and the church will always bring glory to God because He can do more than anyone can even imagine.

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Ephesians 3 (King James Version)

1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

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