Ephesians 3

Chapter Summary

In Ephesians 3, Paul explains that he was given the privilege of preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ to the Gentiles. He emphasizes that this mystery was not made known to people in other generations, but has now been revealed to the holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. Paul's goal is that through the church, the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. He prays that the Ephesians would be strengthened with power through the Spirit in their inner being, and that Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith. The chapter concludes with a doxology, praising God for his power to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.

Context for the Chapter

Ephesians 3 is part of a larger letter written by the apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus. The chapter is a continuation of Paul's explanation of the mystery of the gospel, which was introduced in Ephesians 2. The chapter also looks forward to the practical applications of the gospel, which are discussed in Ephesians 4-6. In the larger biblical narrative, Ephesians 3 is part of the story of God's plan to unite all things in Christ, which is a theme that runs throughout the Bible.

Heart Application

The message of Ephesians 3 has practical applications for our lives today. We are called to be ministers of the mystery, preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ to a lost world. We are also called to be strengthened with power through the Spirit in our inner being, and to have Christ dwell in our hearts through faith. As we live out the implications of the gospel, we can experience the power of God to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Ephesians 3 explains that through Jesus Christ, Gentiles are now fellow heirs with the Jews, forming one body in Christ. Paul was given the privilege of preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ to the Gentiles, and he prays that the Ephesians would be strengthened with power through the Spirit in their inner being. As we live out the implications of the gospel, we can experience the power of God to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, as seen in Ephesians 3:20.

Voices from the Church

“The gospel is not a mystery to be solved, but a mystery to be proclaimed. We are called to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ to a lost world.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The church is the body of Christ, and Christ is the head of the church. We are called to be united in Christ, and to live out the implications of the gospel in our lives.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the Mystery (Ephesians 3:1-5) — Paul explains that he was given the privilege of preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ to the Gentiles.
2. The Revelation of the Mystery (Ephesians 3:6-13) — Paul explains that the mystery was not made known to people in other generations, but has now been revealed to the holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.
3. Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians (Ephesians 3:14-21) — Paul prays that the Ephesians would be strengthened with power through the Spirit in their inner being, and that Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith.
4. The Power of God (Ephesians 3:20-21) — Paul praises God for his power to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.
5. Conclusion (Ephesians 3:21) — Paul concludes the chapter with a doxology, praising God for his glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations.

Core Doctrines

The Mystery of the Gospel

Ephesians 3 teaches that the mystery of the gospel is that through Jesus Christ, Gentiles are now fellow heirs with the Jews, forming one body in Christ.

The Role of the Church

The church plays a crucial role in God's plan to unite all things in Christ, and is the body of Christ with Christ as the head.

The Power of Prayer

Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 is a model for Christian prayer, and demonstrates the importance of praying for the strengthening of the inner man.

The Power of God

Ephesians 3:20-21 teaches that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, and that he is worthy of praise and glory.

Lessons from Ephesians 3

1. The Importance of Unity — Ephesians 3 teaches that unity is a crucial aspect of the church, and that we are called to be one body in Christ.
2. The Power of Prayer — Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 demonstrates the importance of praying for the strengthening of the inner man, and for the glory of God.
3. The Role of the Church — The church plays a crucial role in God's plan to unite all things in Christ, and is the body of Christ with Christ as the head.
4. The Mystery of the Gospel — Ephesians 3 teaches that the mystery of the gospel is that through Jesus Christ, Gentiles are now fellow heirs with the Jews, forming one body in Christ.
5. The Power of God — Ephesians 3:20-21 teaches that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, and that he is worthy of praise and glory.

Themes from Ephesians 3

1. Unity in Christ — Ephesians 3 teaches that through Jesus Christ, Gentiles are now fellow heirs with the Jews, forming one body in Christ.
2. The Mystery of the Gospel — The mystery of the gospel is that through Jesus Christ, Gentiles are now fellow heirs with the Jews, forming one body in Christ.
3. The Power of Prayer — Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 demonstrates the importance of praying for the strengthening of the inner man, and for the glory of God.
4. The Role of the Church — The church plays a crucial role in God's plan to unite all things in Christ, and is the body of Christ with Christ as the head.
5. The Power of God — Ephesians 3:20-21 teaches that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, and that he is worthy of praise and glory.

Questions for Meditation

1. What is the mystery of the gospel, and how is it revealed in Ephesians 3?
2. What is the role of the church in God's plan to unite all things in Christ?
3. How can we, like Paul, be ministers of the mystery and preach the unsearchable riches of Christ to a lost world?
4. What is the significance of Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21, and how can we apply it to our own lives?
5. How can we experience the power of God to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, and what are the implications of this for our lives and ministry?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Ephesians 3

	Sermon	Description
	Be Rich: I Know a Secret by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the mystery in the teachings of the apostle Paul. The mystery refers to the fact that when a person is saved, whether they
	Be Rich: Saints Alive by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the characteristics of a saint. He explains that a saint is someone who has trusted in God's Son and experienced His grace. Additionally, a s
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	God's Purpose for Us by Major Ian Thomas	Major Ian Thomas emphasizes that God's ultimate purpose for us is to have a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who is not only our Redeemer but also our very life. He s
	The Meaning of Life - 1. God Only by Norman Grubb	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the foundation of the universe, which is built on love. He emphasizes that God is a God of love and that the e
	Complete Salvation and How to Recieve It - Part 1 by Derek Prince	This sermon by Derek Prince Ministries focuses on the concept of complete salvation and how many Christians may only experience an incomplete version of what God has provided. The
	The Coming Persecution by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher shares a vision he had about five calamities that will come to America and the world. The first calamity is a worldwide recession caused by economic co
	Finishing the Course Well by J. Oswald Sanders	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being active participants in our faith rather than passive observers. He compares our tendency to be "TV athletes" who watc
	Hearing His Voice by B.H. Clendennen	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the changes in worship and preaching over time. He shares an experience in an English church where singing took up a significant portion of

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ephesians 3

In Ephesians 3, Paul explains the mystery of the gospel, which is that through Jesus Christ, Gentiles are now fellow heirs with the Jews, forming one body in Christ. This mystery was not made known to people in other generations, but has now been revealed to the holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 is a model for Christian prayer, and demonstrates the importance of praying for the strengthening of the inner man, and for the glory of God. The chapter concludes with a doxology, praising God for his power to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, and for his glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The gospel is a mystery, a hidden wisdom, which was not known to the former ages, but is now revealed to the apostles and prophets by the Spirit.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?