Ephesians 3:5
Verse
Context
The Mystery of the Gospel
4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.
Sermons
William MacDonald
Brian Brodersen
Tim Conway
Don Courville
St. John Chrysostom
C.I. ScofieldSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Which in other ages was not made known - That the calling of the Gentiles was made known by the prophets in different ages of the Jewish Church is exceedingly clear; but it certainly was not made known in that clear and precise manner in which it was now revealed by the Spirit unto the ministers of the New Testament: nor was it made known unto them at all, that the Gentiles should find salvation without coming under the yoke of the Mosaic law, and that the Jews themselves should be freed from that yoke of bondage; these were discoveries totally new, and now revealed for the first time by the Spirit of God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in other ages--Greek, "generations." not made known--He does not say, "has not been revealed." Making known by revelation is the source of making known by preaching [BENGEL]. The former was vouchsafed only to the prophets, in order that they might make known the truth so revealed to men in general. unto the sons of men--men in their state by birth, as contrasted with those illuminated "by the Spirit" (Greek, "IN the Spirit," compare Rev 1:10), Mat 16:17. as--The mystery of the call of the Gentiles (of which Paul speaks here) was not unknown to the Old Testament prophets (Isa 56:6-7; Isa 49:6). But they did not know it with the same explicit distinctness "As" it has been now known (Act 10:19-20; Act 11:18-21). They probably did not know that the Gentiles were to be admitted without circumcision or that they were to be on a level with the Jews in partaking of the grace of God. The gift of "the Spirit" in its fulness was reserved for the New Testament that Christ might thereby be glorified. The epithet, "holy," marks the special consecration of the New Testament "prophets" (who are here meant) by the Spirit, compared with which even the Old Testament prophets were but "sons of men" (Eze 2:3, and elsewhere).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Which in other ages was not made known unto, the sons of men,.... That is, which mystery of Christ, and of the Gospel, was not made known to men in general, nor so clearly as under the Gospel dispensation. Some hints were given of it to Adam, immediately after his fall; and the Gospel was before preached to Abraham, Moses, and David, and others knew something of it; and it was still more fully dispensed in the times of the prophet Isaiah, and other following prophets: but then the knowledge of it was not so extensive, nor so clear as now; it lay hid in types and shadows, in obscure prophecies and short hints. Moreover, this may have respect particularly to the calling of the Gentiles, as appears from the following words; this was, in some measure, made known, as that in Christ all the nations of the earth should be blessed; that when Shiloh came, to him should the gathering of the people be; that the Messiah should be an ensign of the people, and to him should the Gentiles seek; that he should be the covenant of the people, and a leader and a commander of them; and that there should be great flockings to him; but then this was not known to many, and the time, mode, and circumstances of it were but little understood, and comparatively speaking, it was not known: however, it was not so known, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the spirit. The apostles and prophets were the superior officers in the Gospel dispensation; the former design the twelve apostles of Christ, and the latter such who had the gift of interpreting the prophecies of the Old Testament, and of foretelling things to come, having received gifts from Christ to fit them for such offices, some apostles, some prophets; and to these a revelation was made of the mystery of the Gospel in general, and of the calling of the Gentiles in particular, by the Spirit, who searches the deep things of God, and reveals them, and leads into all truth; and who, by falling upon the Gentiles, as upon Cornelius and his family, and by the success which he gave to the Gospel in the Gentile world, made their calling clear and manifest. The Complutensian edition reads, "by the Holy Spirit"; and so the Arabic and Ethiopic versions.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:5 his holy apostles: See 1:1. • The order of the terms apostles and prophets (see 2:20) suggests that Paul is speaking of New Testament, not Old Testament, prophets. In both the Old Testament and the New Testament, the gift of prophecy is concerned less with predicting the future than with speaking a special word from God (see 1 Cor 12:10).
Ephesians 3:5
The Mystery of the Gospel
4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Ger-01 Veranstaltung in Der Christengemeinde
By Art Katz1.5K2:02:25GermanMAT 5:1MAT 11:12ACT 1:14ACT 2:1EPH 3:5EPH 3:7In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of leading a community of 55 people on a 160-acre farm in northern Minnesota. Feeling a strong conviction from God, they decided to wait on the Lord for ten days, seeking His guidance and direction. The speaker emphasizes the importance of living out their message and fulfilling the eternal purpose of God as a church. They also highlight the mandate to move Israel to jealousy and the need for deep communion with God through fasting and prayer. The sermon emphasizes the significance of relying on God's strength rather than human efforts and the need for continuous prayer and seeking God's will.
Studies in Romans-10
By William MacDonald1.3K22:35StudiesROM 15:14ROM 15:16EPH 2:20EPH 3:5EPH 4:6EPH 6:19In this sermon, G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the profound impact of preaching the gospel. He highlights that every soul that is saved through the preaching of the gospel is not only brought into a place of safety and blessing, but also becomes an offering to God, bringing Him satisfaction. The preacher's role is not to boast in their own accomplishments, but to recognize that it is God working through them to accomplish His purposes. Paul's ministry serves as an example, as he acknowledges that it is God who confirmed his message through miracles and various manifestations of the Spirit's power. The sermon also includes a warning against ungodly teachers who may try to deceive and destroy the faith of believers.
(Ephesians) the Unsearchable Riches of Christ
By Brian Brodersen1.1K51:32MAT 6:33EPH 2:19EPH 3:5EPH 3:9In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Ephesians and specifically on Paul's prayer for the Ephesians. The speaker explains that Paul starts his prayer but takes a detour to share about his ministry and calling to be a messenger to the Gentiles. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and apprehending all that God has done for believers. They also highlight the privilege and responsibility of helping others understand the unsearchable riches of Christ. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God is sovereign and has a purpose for believers, even in difficult circumstances, and that all we need is to ask for the power of God to work in our lives.
Has God Called You to the Ministry?
By Tim Conway55505:29EPH 3:5
This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing that ministry and gifts in the church are given by God through revelation and grace, not self-appointment. It highlights the stewardship of God's grace entrusted to individuals for the benefit of others, emphasizing that true ministry is not self-derived but a divine calling that builds up and edifies the church.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 509
By Don Courville31924:03Radio ShowPSA 119:154EPH 2:18EPH 3:5EPH 4:31JN 5:19In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the importance of keeping God's word and how it leads to the perfection of God's love within us. He then introduces a goldfish and a sponge as visual aids to illustrate his points. The speaker briefly mentions a verse from Ephesians about the unity of the spirit and reflects on its significance. Towards the end, he emphasizes the need for salvation through Jesus Christ and encourages the listeners to repent and believe in Him.
Colossians 1:26-28
By St. John Chrysostom0EPH 3:5John Chrysostom preaches about the mystery of Christ being revealed to His saints, emphasizing the greatness of this revelation among the Gentiles. He highlights the unique nature of this mystery, hidden in Christ from ages past, and the importance of proclaiming and teaching it with wisdom to present every person perfect in Christ. Chrysostom urges believers not to be deceived by persuasive speech but to be fully assured in understanding the mystery of God and Christ, in whom all treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.
The Jew, the Gentile, and the Church of God
By C.I. Scofield0DEU 28:64MAT 16:18JHN 3:3JHN 14:2ROM 11:1EPH 3:5REV 19:7REV 20:6C.I. Scofield delves into the distinct roles and relationships of Israel, the church, and the Gentiles as outlined in the Bible. He highlights the unique promises, histories, and destinies of each group, emphasizing the contrast between earthly blessings for Israel and spiritual blessings for the church. Scofield explores the origins, worship practices, conduct guidelines, and future prophecies for Israel and the church, showcasing their divergent paths and ultimate destinies. He warns against the Judaizing of the church, which he believes has hindered her true mission and spiritual growth by veering off course from her heavenly calling.
The Holy Spirit
By F.B. Meyer0Spiritual GrowthThe Holy SpiritACT 2:39EPH 1:14EPH 2:18EPH 2:21EPH 3:5EPH 3:16EPH 4:4EPH 4:30EPH 5:18EPH 6:17F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of the Holy Spirit as the promise of the Father to believers united with Christ through faith. He describes the Holy Spirit as the seal of our inheritance, the inspirer of prayer, and the source of spiritual strength and unity within the Church. Meyer encourages believers to be aware of their relationship with the Holy Spirit, urging them to avoid grieving Him and to seek to be filled with His presence. He highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in shaping believers into the likeness of Christ and enabling them to fulfill their divine purpose. Ultimately, Meyer calls for a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit in both personal and communal worship.
Iv. the Unveiled Prophecy Sign
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0DAN 12:9JOL 2:28AMO 3:7MAT 24:29ACT 1:71CO 14:3EPH 3:51TH 5:202PE 1:19REV 1:3Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the importance of understanding prophecy, especially in relation to 'the time of the end' and 'The day of the Lord' as mentioned in Daniel and Matthew. He highlights the increasing unveiling of prophecy in modern times, contrasting the past neglect with the current surge in interest through conventions, conferences, and literature. Chafer urges the audience not to dismiss those studying prophecy as fanatics, but to recognize the significance of comprehending God's plan through prophecy, which serves as a foundation for missions.
The Secret Revealed
By T. Austin-Sparks0Revelation of ChristUnity in the ChurchEPH 3:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the revelation of the mystery of Christ as shared by the Apostle Paul, who, while unique in his understanding, is not exclusive in this revelation. He argues that the fullness of the Gospel encompasses both salvation and the deeper truths of God's purpose, urging believers to embrace the vastness of God's revelation rather than settling for a simplistic understanding. Sparks highlights the importance of spiritual enlightenment through the Holy Spirit, which allows believers to truly see Christ and understand their identity within the Church. He warns against the dangers of division within Christianity and stresses that true unity is found in the revelation of Christ, which transcends denominational barriers. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper engagement with the mystery of God as revealed in Christ, which is essential for spiritual growth and the fulfillment of God's purpose.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Which in other ages was not made known - That the calling of the Gentiles was made known by the prophets in different ages of the Jewish Church is exceedingly clear; but it certainly was not made known in that clear and precise manner in which it was now revealed by the Spirit unto the ministers of the New Testament: nor was it made known unto them at all, that the Gentiles should find salvation without coming under the yoke of the Mosaic law, and that the Jews themselves should be freed from that yoke of bondage; these were discoveries totally new, and now revealed for the first time by the Spirit of God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in other ages--Greek, "generations." not made known--He does not say, "has not been revealed." Making known by revelation is the source of making known by preaching [BENGEL]. The former was vouchsafed only to the prophets, in order that they might make known the truth so revealed to men in general. unto the sons of men--men in their state by birth, as contrasted with those illuminated "by the Spirit" (Greek, "IN the Spirit," compare Rev 1:10), Mat 16:17. as--The mystery of the call of the Gentiles (of which Paul speaks here) was not unknown to the Old Testament prophets (Isa 56:6-7; Isa 49:6). But they did not know it with the same explicit distinctness "As" it has been now known (Act 10:19-20; Act 11:18-21). They probably did not know that the Gentiles were to be admitted without circumcision or that they were to be on a level with the Jews in partaking of the grace of God. The gift of "the Spirit" in its fulness was reserved for the New Testament that Christ might thereby be glorified. The epithet, "holy," marks the special consecration of the New Testament "prophets" (who are here meant) by the Spirit, compared with which even the Old Testament prophets were but "sons of men" (Eze 2:3, and elsewhere).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Which in other ages was not made known unto, the sons of men,.... That is, which mystery of Christ, and of the Gospel, was not made known to men in general, nor so clearly as under the Gospel dispensation. Some hints were given of it to Adam, immediately after his fall; and the Gospel was before preached to Abraham, Moses, and David, and others knew something of it; and it was still more fully dispensed in the times of the prophet Isaiah, and other following prophets: but then the knowledge of it was not so extensive, nor so clear as now; it lay hid in types and shadows, in obscure prophecies and short hints. Moreover, this may have respect particularly to the calling of the Gentiles, as appears from the following words; this was, in some measure, made known, as that in Christ all the nations of the earth should be blessed; that when Shiloh came, to him should the gathering of the people be; that the Messiah should be an ensign of the people, and to him should the Gentiles seek; that he should be the covenant of the people, and a leader and a commander of them; and that there should be great flockings to him; but then this was not known to many, and the time, mode, and circumstances of it were but little understood, and comparatively speaking, it was not known: however, it was not so known, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the spirit. The apostles and prophets were the superior officers in the Gospel dispensation; the former design the twelve apostles of Christ, and the latter such who had the gift of interpreting the prophecies of the Old Testament, and of foretelling things to come, having received gifts from Christ to fit them for such offices, some apostles, some prophets; and to these a revelation was made of the mystery of the Gospel in general, and of the calling of the Gentiles in particular, by the Spirit, who searches the deep things of God, and reveals them, and leads into all truth; and who, by falling upon the Gentiles, as upon Cornelius and his family, and by the success which he gave to the Gospel in the Gentile world, made their calling clear and manifest. The Complutensian edition reads, "by the Holy Spirit"; and so the Arabic and Ethiopic versions.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:5 his holy apostles: See 1:1. • The order of the terms apostles and prophets (see 2:20) suggests that Paul is speaking of New Testament, not Old Testament, prophets. In both the Old Testament and the New Testament, the gift of prophecy is concerned less with predicting the future than with speaking a special word from God (see 1 Cor 12:10).