Paul begins a thought in verse 1 and then does not continue it until verse 14 so Ephesians 3:2-13 is an emphasis on the truths he had just shared in Ephesians 2. The main thought had been that division would no longer be between Jew and Gentile -they would both be one through Jesus Christ. Again, Jews did not have any respect for Gentiles and the revelation that they would now be brought together in unity within the church was hard for his readers to understand. Paul refers to this truth as a “mystery.” Paul explains that a mystery was something that “in other ages” was “not made known to the sons of men.” The fact that Jews and Gentiles would one day be brought together in worship of God was a truth which was hidden in the Old Testament but “has now been revealed by the Spirit to the holy apostles and prophets.” Isaiah prophesied hundreds of years earlier that salvation would be brought unto the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:6) but this truth was not fully realized until Paul wrote that all are one in Christ (Galatians 3:28). God had promised Abraham back in Genesis 12 that through him all nations would be blessed and now this previously hidden truth was now coming to light. Paul then explains that he has become a minister of this truth entrusted to him by God (3:6-7). The gospel would be carried to the Gentiles through the ministry of Paul and he knew that he was not worthy to do so, but Paul accepted His calling (3:8-10). Mainly, Paul preached that all (Jew and Gentile) “have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.” What an amazing challenge to us! God offers salvation to people, tongues, tribes, and nations. God uses you and I (like Paul) to carry this message to everyone. How will you respond to this truth?
Dear God, salvation is a message that is worth spreading. Use me to get this truth out to as many people as possible!
