Verse
Context
Sermons
Lewis Sperry Chafer
T. Austin-Sparks
John F. Walvoord
Art Katz
Charles AlexanderSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
By revelation he made known unto me - Instead of εγνωρισε, he made known, εγνωρισθη, was made known, is the reading of ABCD*FG, several others, both the Syriac, Coptic, Slavonic, Vulgate, and Itala, with Clemens, Cyril, Chrysostom, Theodoret, Damascenus, and others: it is doubtless the true reading. The apostle wishes the Ephesians to understand that it was not an opinion of his own, or a doctrine which he was taught by others, or which he had gathered from the ancient prophets; but one that came to him by immediate revelation from God, as he had informed them before in a few words, referring to what he had said Eph 1:9-12.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
he made known--The oldest manuscripts read, "That by revelation was the mystery (namely, of the admission of the Gentiles, Eph 3:6; Eph 1:9) made known unto me (Gal 1:12)." as I wrote afore--namely, in this Epistle (Eph 1:9-10), the words of which he partly repeats.
John Gill Bible Commentary
How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery,.... Or "is made known unto me": so the Alexandrian copy, and some others, and the Vulgate Latin version. The Gospel, which is sometimes called a mystery, the mystery of the Gospel, the mystery of godliness, and the mystery of faith: the several doctrines of the Gospel are the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven; such as a trinity of persons in the Godhead, the union of the two natures in Christ, the saints' union to Christ, and communion with him, the resurrection of the dead, and the change of living saints, and the whole doctrine of salvation by Christ, of justification by his righteousness, pardon by his blood, and atonement by his sacrifice; and this was made known to the apostle, not in a mere notional and speculative way, but in a spiritual and saving manner; not by men, for he was not taught by men, nor did he receive it from them, but had it by the revelation of Jesus Christ, and by the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: as I wrote afore in few words: in the two first chapters of this epistle, which are a compendium of the mystery of the Gospel, in its several parts; as predestination, election, redemption, regeneration, and salvation by free grace.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:3 What Paul briefly wrote earlier is a reference either to 1:9-10 (cp. 2:11-22) or to an unknown letter. • Paul’s understanding of God’s mysterious plan (see study note on 1:8-10) came as God himself revealed it to him (see 1:9-10; Gal 1:11-12, 15-17; cp. Acts 9:3-6; 1 Cor 12:1, 7; Gal 2:2).
The Mystery of the Gospel
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.4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Church Leadership) 15. New Covenant Ministry
By Zac Poonen1.5K58:20ISA 53:6MAT 6:33EPH 2:14EPH 3:3In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a story from Genesis 14 where Abraham encounters the King of Sodom after a victorious battle. The speaker emphasizes that it was God who gave Abraham the victory and warns against becoming proud. The King of Sodom offers Abraham all the wealth from the war, but Abraham recognizes that his God is the possessor of heaven and earth and refuses the offer. The speaker highlights the importance of understanding the true purpose of Christianity, which includes salvation from sin, holiness, suffering, and self-denial. The ultimate goal is for believers to become one, breaking down barriers of language, education, and intellect.
The Church: Her Membership
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0MAT 16:18JHN 17:16ROM 11:251CO 12:13EPH 3:3EPH 5:25COL 3:4COL 3:111JN 3:2Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible doctrine of the Church alongside salvation truth. The word 'church' in the New Testament refers to a called-out company of people, with applications to local gatherings and the universal body of believers gathered by the Spirit. The Church is a New Testament revelation, not found in the Old Testament, and was formed after Christ's death, resurrection, ascension, and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The Church consists of both Jews and Gentiles, distinct from organized churches, and is a heavenly people destined to be conformed to the image of Christ.
Heart-Revelation of "The Mystery"
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Mystery of ChristSpiritual GrowthEPH 1:9EPH 3:3T. Austin-Sparks explores the profound concept of 'mystery' as presented in Ephesians, emphasizing that while God has revealed His will and the mystery of Christ, true understanding requires divine illumination. He distinguishes between the mystery of Christ and the mystery of iniquity, highlighting that both involve a supernatural presence in human form. Sparks asserts that spiritual growth comes from recognizing the corporate nature of the Church as the Body of Christ, which is essential for believers to experience fullness in their faith. He encourages the congregation to seek revelation from God to truly grasp their identity and purpose within the Church. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of the Church's heavenly calling and the necessity of unity among believers for spiritual enlargement.
Part 20: Premillennialism and the Church as a Mystery
By John F. Walvoord0EPH 3:3COL 1:26COL 2:9COL 3:4COL 3:11John F. Walvoord delves into the concept of the church as a mystery in the New Testament, emphasizing its distinct character from Old Testament saints and its revelation as a purpose of God separate from Israel. The mysteries revealed in the New Testament regarding the church, particularly the mystery of the one body in Ephesians, highlight the equality of Gentiles and Jews in the body of Christ, a truth hidden in the Old Testament but now made known. The revelation of the church as an organism in Colossians further emphasizes the indwelling of Christ in believers, contrasting the present age church with the future promises to Israel in the millennial kingdom.
The Mystery of the Wisdom of God
By Art Katz0The Wisdom of GodThe Role of the ChurchEPH 3:3Art Katz emphasizes that the mystery of God's wisdom is not for mere curiosity but is to be actively demonstrated through the church. He explains that this mystery reveals that Gentiles are now fellow heirs with Jewish believers in Christ, showcasing the manifold wisdom of God to the spiritual authorities. Katz argues that the church must embody this wisdom, which is contrary to worldly values, by living selflessly and trusting in God's provision, even in adversity. He illustrates this through the example of Elijah, who relied solely on God's word rather than visible circumstances. Ultimately, the church's authentic demonstration of God's wisdom is what will defeat the powers of darkness.
The Puritan Illusion - Part One
By Charles Alexander0ISA 59:20MAT 13:13JHN 3:16ACT 26:21ROM 11:25ROM 16:251CO 2:13GAL 6:16EPH 3:3Charles Alexander preaches against the belief that the past history of the Christian Church is a failure and that the triumph of the Kingdom of Christ awaits a future day when the Jewish people as a nation will be converted. He refutes the notion that the success of the Church is reserved for a future Jewish conversion, highlighting the faithful martyrs, saints, and preachers who have contributed to the Church's growth over the past twenty centuries. Charles emphasizes the importance of laboring faithfully in the present, despite discouraging circumstances, rather than waiting for a future event. He challenges the idea that the true success of the Church depends on a future Jewish conversion, urging believers to focus on their current ministry and not be swayed by illusions that undermine the true teachings of Scripture.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
By revelation he made known unto me - Instead of εγνωρισε, he made known, εγνωρισθη, was made known, is the reading of ABCD*FG, several others, both the Syriac, Coptic, Slavonic, Vulgate, and Itala, with Clemens, Cyril, Chrysostom, Theodoret, Damascenus, and others: it is doubtless the true reading. The apostle wishes the Ephesians to understand that it was not an opinion of his own, or a doctrine which he was taught by others, or which he had gathered from the ancient prophets; but one that came to him by immediate revelation from God, as he had informed them before in a few words, referring to what he had said Eph 1:9-12.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
he made known--The oldest manuscripts read, "That by revelation was the mystery (namely, of the admission of the Gentiles, Eph 3:6; Eph 1:9) made known unto me (Gal 1:12)." as I wrote afore--namely, in this Epistle (Eph 1:9-10), the words of which he partly repeats.
John Gill Bible Commentary
How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery,.... Or "is made known unto me": so the Alexandrian copy, and some others, and the Vulgate Latin version. The Gospel, which is sometimes called a mystery, the mystery of the Gospel, the mystery of godliness, and the mystery of faith: the several doctrines of the Gospel are the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven; such as a trinity of persons in the Godhead, the union of the two natures in Christ, the saints' union to Christ, and communion with him, the resurrection of the dead, and the change of living saints, and the whole doctrine of salvation by Christ, of justification by his righteousness, pardon by his blood, and atonement by his sacrifice; and this was made known to the apostle, not in a mere notional and speculative way, but in a spiritual and saving manner; not by men, for he was not taught by men, nor did he receive it from them, but had it by the revelation of Jesus Christ, and by the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: as I wrote afore in few words: in the two first chapters of this epistle, which are a compendium of the mystery of the Gospel, in its several parts; as predestination, election, redemption, regeneration, and salvation by free grace.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:3 What Paul briefly wrote earlier is a reference either to 1:9-10 (cp. 2:11-22) or to an unknown letter. • Paul’s understanding of God’s mysterious plan (see study note on 1:8-10) came as God himself revealed it to him (see 1:9-10; Gal 1:11-12, 15-17; cp. Acts 9:3-6; 1 Cor 12:1, 7; Gal 2:2).