Ephesians 3:2
Verse
Context
Sermons
Harry Ironside
George Kulp
C.I. Scofield
T. Austin-SparksSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If ye have heard of the dispensation - The compound particle ειγε, which is commonly translated if indeed, in several places means since indeed, seeing that, and should be translated so in this verse, and in several other places of the New Testament. Seeing ye have heard of the dispensation of God, which is given me to you-ward: this they had amply learned from the apostle during his stay at Ephesus, for he had not shunned to declare unto them the whole counsel of God, Act 20:27, and kept nothing back that was profitable to them, Act 20:20. And this was certainly among those things that were most profitable, and most necessary to be known. By the dispensation of the grace of God we may understand, either the apostolic office and gifts granted to St. Paul, for the purpose of preaching the Gospel among the Gentiles, see Rom 1:5; or the knowledge which God gave him of that gracious and Divine plan which he had formed for the conversion of the Gentiles. For the meaning of the word economy see the note on Eph 1:10.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
If--The Greek does not imply doubt: "Assuming (what I know to be the fact, namely) that ye have heard," &c. "If, as I presume," The indicative in the Greek shows that no doubt is implied: "Seeing that doubtless," &c. He by this phrase delicately reminds them of their having heard from himself, and probably from others subsequently, the fact. See Introduction, showing that these words do not disprove the address of this Epistle to the Ephesians. Compare Act 20:17-24. the dispensation--"The office of dispensing, as a steward, the grace of God which was (not 'is') given me to you-ward," namely, to dispense to you.
John Gill Bible Commentary
If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God,.... Not the free love and favour of God in his heart towards his people; nor internal grace wrought in the heart of the apostle; but either the gift of grace, as in Eph 3:7 qualifying him for the work of the ministry; and so the Ethiopic version renders it, "if ye have heard the gift of the grace of God"; or rather the doctrine of grace, the Gospel, the subject matter of which is the grace of God; it is a declaration of the free grace of God in the salvation of men; and it is the means of conveying the grace of God into their hearts. Now the apostle had a dispensation to preach this Gospel committed to him; he acted by authority, and as a steward of the mysteries of God; and which he faithfully dispensed to the family of Christ, who appointed him to this service: this the Ephesians had heard of, from the relations of the apostle, and others, and knew it themselves, having often heard him preach, for he was with them for the space of three years; wherefore this is not said as if he questioned, whether they had heard or not, but as taking it for granted that they had: "if", or "seeing ye have heard", &c. which is given me to you-ward; it was not for his own private use, that the Gospel was committed to him, or gifts were given him to qualify him for the dispensation of it, but for the sake of others, especially the Gentiles, and particularly the Ephesians.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:2-13 Paul interrupts his thought in 3:1 to discuss his own role in God’s plan. When Paul was first converted, he was given the special responsibility of extending God’s grace to the Gentiles (see Acts 9:15-16; 22:14-15, 21; 26:17-18; Rom 1:5; 11:13-14; 15:15-18; Gal 1:15-16; 2:7-9; Col 1:25-27; 1 Tim 2:7; 2 Tim 4:17).
Ephesians 3:2
The Mystery of the Gospel
1For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles...2Surely you have heard about the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you,3that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
What Is Ultra-Dispensationalism?
By Harry Ironside0DispensationalismBiblical InterpretationEPH 3:22TI 2:15Harry Ironside addresses the concept of ultra-dispensationalism, emphasizing the importance of rightly dividing the Word of Truth as instructed by Paul to Timothy. He highlights the dangers of misinterpreting Scripture, particularly through the lens of Bullingerism, which leads to heretical beliefs and a misunderstanding of God's dealings with humanity across different dispensations. Ironside warns that such teachings can produce spiritual pride and division among Christians, ultimately detracting from the true message of the Gospel. He calls for a careful and humble approach to studying the Scriptures, ensuring that each doctrine is placed in its proper context. The sermon serves as a reminder of the need for discernment in theological teachings to maintain the integrity of the faith.
The Manliness of the Man
By George Kulp0ACT 26:16ROM 10:171CO 12:4EPH 3:2EPH 3:71TI 1:12HEB 4:161PE 5:51JN 5:14George Kulp preaches about being a minister according to the gift and grace of God, emphasizing the importance of attaining a state of mind where one is drawn to duty by delight rather than afflictions. He exemplifies extraordinary humility, profound faith, and a deep unity in theology, bridging the gap between the depravity of sinners and the high calling of saints. Kulp's character is marked by a perfect harmony of religious feeling, kindness, humor, and a constant communion with the Trinity, making his preaching vivid, powerful, and hortatory, appealing directly to the hearts and consciences of his listeners.
Captivity of the Ten Tribe
By C.I. Scofield0EPH 3:2C.I. Scofield delivers a powerful sermon on the consequences of unforsaken sin as seen in the downfall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. He highlights Jehovah's indictment of Israel for ingratitude, disobedience, and apostasy, leading to inevitable judgment. Despite God's long-suffering and willingness to forgive, the people's continuous rebellion ultimately led to their downfall, emphasizing the importance of repentance and obedience to avoid eternal separation from God.
The Man in the Message
By T. Austin-Sparks0Sovereignty Of GodDivine CallingACT 9:16EPH 3:2T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the unique significance of the Apostle Paul as a chosen vessel of God, highlighting how his pre-conversion experiences shaped his ministry and understanding of God's sovereignty. He notes that while all apostles shared foundational truths, Paul's specific calling and anointing set him apart for a distinct role in spreading the Gospel to the nations. Sparks illustrates that true ministry arises from personal experience and divine appointment, asserting that God's sovereignty is evident in the preparation and challenges faced by His servants. He draws parallels between Paul and Stephen, suggesting that Stephen's martyrdom foreshadowed the intense opposition Paul would encounter in his ministry. Ultimately, Sparks encourages believers to recognize their own divine calling and the importance of being anointed for their specific roles in God's plan.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If ye have heard of the dispensation - The compound particle ειγε, which is commonly translated if indeed, in several places means since indeed, seeing that, and should be translated so in this verse, and in several other places of the New Testament. Seeing ye have heard of the dispensation of God, which is given me to you-ward: this they had amply learned from the apostle during his stay at Ephesus, for he had not shunned to declare unto them the whole counsel of God, Act 20:27, and kept nothing back that was profitable to them, Act 20:20. And this was certainly among those things that were most profitable, and most necessary to be known. By the dispensation of the grace of God we may understand, either the apostolic office and gifts granted to St. Paul, for the purpose of preaching the Gospel among the Gentiles, see Rom 1:5; or the knowledge which God gave him of that gracious and Divine plan which he had formed for the conversion of the Gentiles. For the meaning of the word economy see the note on Eph 1:10.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
If--The Greek does not imply doubt: "Assuming (what I know to be the fact, namely) that ye have heard," &c. "If, as I presume," The indicative in the Greek shows that no doubt is implied: "Seeing that doubtless," &c. He by this phrase delicately reminds them of their having heard from himself, and probably from others subsequently, the fact. See Introduction, showing that these words do not disprove the address of this Epistle to the Ephesians. Compare Act 20:17-24. the dispensation--"The office of dispensing, as a steward, the grace of God which was (not 'is') given me to you-ward," namely, to dispense to you.
John Gill Bible Commentary
If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God,.... Not the free love and favour of God in his heart towards his people; nor internal grace wrought in the heart of the apostle; but either the gift of grace, as in Eph 3:7 qualifying him for the work of the ministry; and so the Ethiopic version renders it, "if ye have heard the gift of the grace of God"; or rather the doctrine of grace, the Gospel, the subject matter of which is the grace of God; it is a declaration of the free grace of God in the salvation of men; and it is the means of conveying the grace of God into their hearts. Now the apostle had a dispensation to preach this Gospel committed to him; he acted by authority, and as a steward of the mysteries of God; and which he faithfully dispensed to the family of Christ, who appointed him to this service: this the Ephesians had heard of, from the relations of the apostle, and others, and knew it themselves, having often heard him preach, for he was with them for the space of three years; wherefore this is not said as if he questioned, whether they had heard or not, but as taking it for granted that they had: "if", or "seeing ye have heard", &c. which is given me to you-ward; it was not for his own private use, that the Gospel was committed to him, or gifts were given him to qualify him for the dispensation of it, but for the sake of others, especially the Gentiles, and particularly the Ephesians.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:2-13 Paul interrupts his thought in 3:1 to discuss his own role in God’s plan. When Paul was first converted, he was given the special responsibility of extending God’s grace to the Gentiles (see Acts 9:15-16; 22:14-15, 21; 26:17-18; Rom 1:5; 11:13-14; 15:15-18; Gal 1:15-16; 2:7-9; Col 1:25-27; 1 Tim 2:7; 2 Tim 4:17).