Ephesians 3:8
Verse
Context
The Mystery of the Gospel
7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power.8Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Less than the least of all saints - Ελαχιστοτερῳ παντων ἁγιων. As the design of the apostle was to magnify the grace of Christ in the salvation of the world, he uses every precaution to prevent the eyes of the people from being turned to any thing but Christ crucified; and although he was obliged to speak of himself as the particular instrument which God had chosen to bring the Gentile world to the knowledge of the truth, yet he does it in such a manner as to show that the excellency of the power was of God, and not of him; and that, highly as he and his follow apostles were honored; they had the heavenly treasure in earthen vessels. To lay himself as low as possible, consistently with his being in the number of Divinely commissioned men, he calls himself less than the least; and is obliged to make a new word, by strangely forming a comparative degree, not from the positive, which would have been a regular grammatical procedure, but from the superlative. The adjective ελαχυς signifies little, ελασσων or ελαττων, less, and ελαχιστος, least. On this latter, which is the superlative of ελαχυς, little, St. Paul forms his comparative, ελαχιστοτερος, less than the least, a word of which it would be vain to attempt a better translation than that given in our own version. It most strongly marks the unparalleled humility of the apostle; and the amazing condescension of God, in favoring him, who had been before a persecutor and blasphemer, with the knowledge of this glorious scheme of human redemption, and the power to preach it so successfully among the Gentiles. The unsearchable riches of Christ - The word ανεξιχνιαστος, from α, privative, and εξιχνιαζω, to trace out, from ιχνος, a step, is exceedingly well chosen here: it refers to the footsteps of God, the plans he had formed, the dispensations which he had published, and the innumerable providences which he had combined, to prepare, mature, and bring to full effect and view his gracious designs in the salvation of a ruined world, by the incarnation, passion, death, and resurrection of his Son. There were in these schemes and providences such riches - such an abundance, such a variety, as could not be comprehended even by the naturally vast, and, through the Divine inspiration, unparalleledly capacious mind of the apostle. Yet he was to proclaim among the Gentiles these astonishing wonders and mysteries of grace; and as he proceeds in this great and glorious work, the Holy Spirit that dwelt in him opens to his mind more and more of those riches - leads him into those footsteps of the Almighty which could not be investigated by man nor angel, so that his preaching and epistles, taken all in their chronological order, will prove that his views brighten, and his discoveries become more numerous and more distinct in proportion as he advances. And had he lived, preached, and written to the present day, he had not exhausted the subject, nor fully declared to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ - the endless depths of wisdom and knowledge treasured up in him, and the infinity of saving acts and saving power displayed by him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
am--Not merely was I in times past, but I still am the least worthy of so high an office (compare Ti1 1:15, end). least of all saints--not merely "of all apostles" (Co1 15:9-10). is--Greek, "has been given." among--omitted in the oldest manuscripts Translate, "to announce to the Gentiles the glad tidings of the unsearchable (Job 5:9) riches," namely, of Christ's grace (Eph 1:7; Eph 2:7). Rom 11:33, "unsearchable" as a mine inexhaustible, whose treasures can never be fully explored (Eph 3:18-19).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Unto me who am less than the least of all saints,.... This is an instance of the great humility of the apostle, and indeed the greatest saints are generally speaking, the most humble souls, as Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, and others; these have the meanest thoughts of themselves, and the best of others; they rejoice in the grace of God manifested to others; they are willing to receive instruction, nay admonition, from the meanest believer; they have the least opinion of their own works, and are the greatest admirers of the grace of God; and do most contentedly submit to the sovereign will of God: the reasons of their great humility are, because they have the largest discoveries of the love and grace of God and Christ, which are of a soul humbling nature; they are the most sensible of their own sinfulness, vileness, and unworthiness, which keeps them low in their own sight; they are commonly the most afflicted with Satan's temptations, which are suffered to attend them, lest they should be exalted above measure; they are the most fruitful souls, and boughs laden with fruit hang lowest; and they are the most conformable to Christ, who is meek and lowly. The phrase seems to be Jewish: there was one R. Jose "the little", who was so called, it is said, because he was , "the least of saints" (l): but the apostle uses a still more diminutive word, and calls himself less than the least of them; and adds, is this grace given; that is, the gift of grace, as before, the ministerial gift: that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; the riches of Christ, as God, lie in the perfections of his nature, in the works of his hands, in his empire and dominion over all, and in the revenues of glory, which result from thence; and these riches are underived and incommunicable, and are ineffable, yea inconceivable: his riches, as Mediator, lie in the persons of the elect, in the grace that is laid up in him for them, called the riches of grace, and in the inheritance he is possessed of for them, called the riches of glory; and these rich things are communicable, as well as solid, satisfying, and lasting; and they are unsearchable to the natural man, and cannot be fully investigated by believers themselves; they will be telling over to all eternity: and they will appear unsearchable, when it is considered what they have procured, and what blessings have been dispensed according to them; what a large family Christ has maintained by them, and how richly and fully he has provided for them, and to what honour and grandeur he raises them all. Now it was great grace to intrust the apostle with such a ministry, to put such treasure into an earthen vessel; it was great grace that qualified him for it; and it was great grace in particular to the Gentiles, that he should be appointed to publish these among them; and so the apostle esteemed it, and himself unworthy of such honour. (l) T. Hieros. Bava Kama, fol. 3, 4. Misna Sota, c. 9. sect. 15. Juchasin, fol. 79. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:8 Paul considered himself the least deserving of all God’s people (literally the least of God’s people) because he was once an ardent persecutor of believers (see 1 Cor 15:9; 1 Tim 1:12-16). • the endless treasures available to them in Christ: See Eph 1:3-14.
Ephesians 3:8
The Mystery of the Gospel
7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power.8Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Your First Mission Is Your Family - Don't Let Go of Them!
By Keith Daniel5.3K1:45:50Godly HomePRO 22:6MAT 6:33JHN 3:16EPH 3:8In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful and emotional story about a man who made the difficult decision to leave his wife and family. The preacher emphasizes the importance of not running away from responsibilities, no matter how challenging they may be. He highlights the devastating impact that such a decision can have on a family, as seen through the story of a teenage boy who was left broken and hopeless. The sermon ultimately encourages men to resist the temptation of pride and to prioritize their families, reminding them that their first mission is to be rightly related to God and to care for their loved ones.
Faith Unto Enlargement Through Adversity - Part 7
By T. Austin-Sparks2.7K46:29AdversityISA 60:1MAT 6:33ROM 6:132CO 8:9EPH 3:8PHP 4:19COL 2:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of keeping the light of God's word available for all. He talks about the surprises and revelations that come when we have a hungry and ready heart to receive the truth. The preacher encourages believers not to be put off by physical, religious, or denominational barriers, but to be open to the abundance of God's word. He also highlights the role of the church in being vessels of light, transmitting knowledge and spiritual riches to the world. The sermon references Paul's prayer for the saints to have their hearts enlightened and emphasizes the impact of the church in spreading the light of God's word.
(Basics) 33. Humility in Jesus Earthly Life
By Zac Poonen2.7K13:11MAT 6:33LUK 2:51EPH 3:8PHP 2:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of humility in the life of a Christian. He emphasizes that Jesus demonstrated humility by washing the disciples' feet, a task typically done by servants. Jesus identified himself with humanity and considered all human beings equal, regardless of their race, education, or social status. The speaker encourages listeners to allow the Holy Spirit to transform their thinking to be like Christ, so that they no longer consider themselves superior to others.
A Grasp of the Gospel
By Alistair Begg2.4K52:28GospelMAT 6:33EPH 3:8HEB 10:16HEB 10:22In this sermon, the speaker discusses the achievements of Christ's priestly work. He emphasizes that Jesus has done everything necessary in relation to sin, contrasting it with the continual and repetitious work of the priests in the Old Testament. Once Jesus offered a one-time sacrifice for sin, he sat down, signifying that all that God desires has been accomplished and all that we need has been provided. The speaker also highlights the contrast between the law and the good things that Christ brings, explaining that the law was only a shadow of the benefits Christ would bring and was incapable of perfecting the souls of those who offered sacrifices. The sermon concludes by mentioning the hope and prayer of the speaker to teach the Bible with clarity and relevance, leading to conversion, strengthening of believers, and the establishment and encouragement of local churches in the work of the gospel.
Psalm 92:1 (New Year’s Talk)
By Hans R. Waldvogel2.2K20:42New YearEPH 3:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life without murmuring and disputings. He encourages the audience to be blameless and harmless, shining as lights in a crooked and perverse generation. The preacher shares a personal experience of a flashlight that didn't work due to a disconnection, highlighting the need to be connected to God's supply. He emphasizes the power of praise and gratitude, urging the audience to start the year by praising the Lord. The preacher also emphasizes the importance of delighting in the Lord and pointing others to the unsearchable riches of Christ.
God Gives Blessing to Produce Fruit
By George Warnock2.0K1:19:59FruitfulnessEXO 33:19DEU 32:1EPH 3:8COL 1:262TI 2:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God's work in producing spiritual fruit in the lives of believers. He compares the rain that waters plants and produces beautiful fruit to the work of God in the lives of His people. The speaker also highlights the mystery of the gospel that was revealed to Paul and emphasizes the need to make all men see and understand the true message of the gospel. He criticizes the use of dramatic performances and shows in churches to convey the gospel, emphasizing the power of the living word of God. The speaker concludes by urging believers not to let the blessings and ministry God gives them become their ultimate vision, but to remain humble and reliant on God's strength.
The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 9
By T. Austin-Sparks1.9K52:41Purpose Of GodEZK 43:4EZK 43:7MAT 6:33JHN 5:39EPH 3:8EPH 3:10COL 1:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit. They describe a house as a channel through which God's life flows, and this life is not something artificial or secondhand, but a natural outpouring. The testimony of this life is what truly matters, not just a system of doctrine or teaching. The speaker also highlights the threefold purpose of the house: as a place of God's glory, a representation of the new creation in Christ, and a vessel to fill all things. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to live a life filled with the Holy Spirit and to let that life be the testimony of their faith.
Unsearchable Riches of Christ - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K45:20Riches Of ChristROM 11:33EPH 3:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the finished works of God through Jesus Christ. He explains that God's creation is perfect and beautiful, and He gives us His Son as our inheritance. The speaker emphasizes that we do not need to work for our salvation or try to make ourselves worthy, but rather we should be grateful for the grace of God. He encourages believers to delve deeper into understanding the meaning and vastness of God's grace and to seek spiritual wealth through a deep relationship with Him. The sermon references the Bible to support these teachings.
The Spirit's Power
By J. Glyn Owen1.7K46:02Spirit's PowerMAT 28:19MRK 1:17LUK 19:10ACT 1:8EPH 3:8EPH 3:162TI 4:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the truth and power of the Gospel. He acknowledges that the story of salvation is not a mere imagination but a reality that has transformed countless lives over the past 2,000 years. The preacher highlights the immense power of God that Christians can draw upon and experience in their lives. He mentions the Apostle Paul's recognition of God's power in giving birth to the Gospel and also in transforming the lives of believers. The preacher encourages the congregation to focus on God's provision and forgiveness, and to live in the power of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling the good works that God has prepared for each individual.
Span-06 Apostolic & Prophetic Foundations 3 of 8
By Art Katz1.6K1:35:56Prophetic FoundationsEPH 3:8In this sermon, the speaker shares his experiences of preaching the word of God in various challenging environments. He talks about the exhaustion and difficulties he faced while delivering multiple sermons a day. Despite feeling inadequate and facing hostility, he relies on prayer and obedience to God's calling. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not manipulating God through fasting and highlights the power of God's strength in our weakness. He also describes a specific instance where he preached to Jewish university students who initially showed hatred and opposition, but he boldly proclaimed the kingdom of God and the collision between life and death.
This Ministry - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K57:42MinistryROM 8:28EPH 1:9EPH 3:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the disintegration and disruption that exists in the world, including within the church. However, the purpose of God remains unchanged, and His ultimate plan is to sum up all things in Christ. The speaker highlights the counter movement of the enemy to divide and disrupt anything related to Christ, particularly in the church. The ministry of the church is seen as crucial in fulfilling God's purpose, and the speaker encourages the church to understand and embrace this ministry.
(Colossians) the Mystery Revealed
By Brian Brodersen1.5K49:02MAT 6:33JHN 14:20JHN 17:23ACT 21:13EPH 3:8PHP 3:8COL 1:24In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the message of the gospel, which is the assurance of heaven through Christ in us. He highlights the importance of seeking the advancement of the cause of Christ above personal comfort, as exemplified by the apostle Paul. The preacher criticizes the man-centered focus of the church in the modern era and calls for a return to preaching about the unsearchable riches and greatness of Christ. He uses the example of Jim Elliott and his willingness to risk his life for the gospel to illustrate the mindset of a true disciple of Christ.
(Atlanta 2013) 6. a Church That Manifests God's Wisdom
By Zac Poonen1.2K1:27:11JOB 1:8JER 23:30MAT 11:25EPH 1:17EPH 3:8EPH 3:10JAS 1:26This sermon emphasizes the importance of building a church that truly reflects the wisdom and glory of God, focusing on meeting with Jesus in every church gathering and maintaining a blameless conscience before God and men. It highlights the need for revelation from the Holy Spirit, humility, and a deep desire to be part of the resurrection of the righteous. The goal is to have a church where God's glory is evident and where people can truly encounter Jesus.
Questions on Inability
By John Murray1.2K51:26InabilityMAT 6:33MRK 10:14ROM 5:8ROM 8:9EPH 2:1EPH 3:81TI 2:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fear that comes with proclaiming the word of God. He emphasizes that the free offer of the gospel is centered around Christ and his finished work. The preacher also mentions the role of the Holy Spirit in opening the hearts of individuals to receive and embrace the love of Christ. He highlights the importance of preaching about the heinousness, guiltiness, misery, and consequences of sin. Additionally, there is a question raised about the compatibility of certain doctrines with the free offering of grace in the gospel, to which the preacher explains that they are based on the fact of man's total inability.
Loving Jesus
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.2K18:46Loving JesusMRK 12:30JHN 14:23ROM 8:71CO 16:22EPH 2:6EPH 3:8REV 2:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the love of Jesus Christ. He describes it as a love affair between God and humanity, where God proposes his love to us. The preacher highlights that this love is not based on human attachment or affection, but is a deep and transformative love that can turn a beggar into a prince. He emphasizes that this love comes from the Holy Spirit and is the first love that we should have for God. The preacher also contrasts this divine love with the worldly understanding of love, stating that true love is found in Jesus Christ and not in the shallow and self-centered love of the world.
The Much More of Grace
By Bob Hoekstra1.1K1:03:27EPH 2:7EPH 3:8HEB 4:161PE 4:102PE 3:18This sermon emphasizes the much more grace of God, highlighting the richness and unfathomable depths of God's grace. It warns against misusing grace as a license for sin and encourages believers to be good stewards of the manifold grace of God. The importance of coming boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace in times of need is emphasized, along with the call to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Revival Men: Leonard Ravenhill
By E.A. Johnston99019:08Revival MenPSA 42:1ISA 61:10MAT 6:33JHN 1:23ACT 1:8EPH 3:8PHP 3:13The sermon transcript describes the powerful speaking abilities of a preacher named Leonard Ravenhill. The transcript includes an illustration of a visit to a woman's cluttered and dirty house, highlighting Ravenhill's ability to captivate listeners with vivid descriptions. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of being close to God and having a strong prayer life. Ravenhill's passion for God and his desire for a genuine demonstration of the power of the gospel are highlighted. The transcript concludes with a personal anecdote describing Ravenhill as a frail old man who exuded a powerful presence.
God's Commitment to You
By Peter Conlan98851:45CommitmentPSA 103:1EPH 3:8EPH 3:14In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a boy named Johnny who is fascinated by a thunderstorm. The speaker uses this story to illustrate the different perspectives people may have of God. Rather than seeing God as a stern figure scolding us for our mistakes, the speaker encourages the audience to see God as a loving father with an everlasting commitment to us. The speaker also emphasizes the idea that God is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine, and encourages the audience to believe in God's ability to work in their lives and in their church. The sermon concludes with practical suggestions for prayer and being aware of one another's needs.
Redemption, Forgiveness, and the Riches of His Grace
By Eli Brayley91153:22RedemptionMAT 6:33EPH 1:3EPH 1:7EPH 1:17EPH 3:8In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the need for the Holy Spirit to reveal spiritual truths. He then focuses on Ephesians 1:4-14, highlighting that it is one long sentence in the Bible. The speaker explains that the passage discusses the blessings of being adopted into God's family, using the analogy of two adopted brothers sharing their experiences. The sermon also explores the concept of bondage to sin, death, Satan, and the law, and how these are all interconnected. The speaker concludes by listing ten blessings that believers have in Christ, including redemption, forgiveness, abundance, revelation, fellowship, inheritance, purpose, and salvation.
How to Grow Spiritually - Part 3
By Roy Daniel79435:19Spiritual GrowthFaith and ObedienceISA 53:6JHN 7:38JHN 10:10ROM 6:41CO 2:122CO 5:21GAL 5:1EPH 3:8COL 2:32PE 1:3Roy Daniel emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience for spiritual growth, contrasting the misguided pursuits of the Corinthian and Galatian churches. He explains that true spiritual life comes from simply looking to Jesus in faith, rather than seeking complicated rules or experiences. Daniel illustrates that salvation is straightforward and accessible, highlighting the abundant life available through Christ. He encourages believers to recognize the riches they have in Jesus, which are freely given and not earned through works. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of these spiritual treasures to foster growth and a closer relationship with God.
Appointment of Elder in Cfc
By Zac Poonen49711:21PRO 16:18MAT 23:12LUK 14:11ROM 12:31CO 15:10EPH 3:8PHP 2:31TI 1:15JAS 4:61PE 5:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility and spiritual growth in leadership, using the Apostle Paul as an example. It highlights Paul's progression from considering himself the least of the apostles to the foremost of sinners, showcasing how drawing closer to God reveals deeper areas of sin in our lives. The message encourages a humble attitude, continuous growth, and the need for godly leaders in the church.
Conference for Missionaries-1988- Discipleship - Part 2
By William MacDonald41539:45DiscipleshipLUK 9:1EPH 3:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with just a few loaves of bread and fish. He emphasizes that the satisfaction provided by the living bread of Jesus is eternal, unlike the temporary satisfaction of physical food. The preacher also highlights the importance of not wasting resources, both in terms of physical food and the opportunities to evangelize. He encourages believers to have faith in Jesus' power to supply their needs and to have compassion for others, just as Jesus did. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God sends people into our lives for a purpose, and we should seek to discern that purpose through prayer.
Preparation I
By George Warnock2911:27:42PreparationEPH 3:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of coming to God and surrendering everything before claiming His promises. They highlight that throughout the Bible, God has always made diligent preparations before bringing about change, but only those with eyes to see could recognize it. The speaker also mentions that there is a great calamity coming upon the earth and the church, and God is currently preparing a people to be a part of His next move. They reference the story of Abraham and the Israelites going into bondage in Egypt as an example of God's preparation for His ultimate purpose. The speaker encourages the audience, especially the young people, to learn from the experiences of men of faith in the Bible and not to copy anyone else's journey, as God has an individual plan for each person's life.
Transformed by Delighting in God's Beauty
By Mike Bickle291:25:43Transformation through WorshipDelighting in God's BeautyPSA 27:4PSA 34:8ISA 33:17MAT 10:42ROM 12:22CO 3:18EPH 1:17EPH 3:8PHP 3:81PE 3:4Mike Bickle emphasizes the transformative power of delighting in God's beauty, urging believers to seek and behold the beauty of Jesus as essential for spiritual victory. He highlights that this pursuit is accessible to all believers, countering the misconception that Jesus is boring, and encourages a lifelong commitment to exploring God's beauty through prayer, meditation, and worship. Bickle draws from Psalm 27:4, illustrating how David prioritized beholding God's beauty even amidst conflict, and he calls for a generation of 'theologians of God's beauty' to arise. The sermon concludes with a call to shift from negative narratives to a focus on the beauty and purpose God imparts to our lives.
Christ, the Wisdom of God
By Phil Beach Jr.71:01:41Divine LovePrayerChristEPH 3:8Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the vastness of Christ's accomplishments at Calvary and the importance of prayer in understanding our divine calling. He urges believers to recognize their reconciliation with God through Christ, which transforms them from enemies to friends, and to live in a way that reveals the manifold wisdom of God. The sermon highlights the need for a deep, abiding love that reflects God's character, encouraging believers to strive for a life empowered by the Spirit rather than their own strength. Ultimately, Beach calls for a collective awakening to the purpose of the church as a vessel for God's glory, urging a shift from self-centeredness to a focus on God's pleasure.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Less than the least of all saints - Ελαχιστοτερῳ παντων ἁγιων. As the design of the apostle was to magnify the grace of Christ in the salvation of the world, he uses every precaution to prevent the eyes of the people from being turned to any thing but Christ crucified; and although he was obliged to speak of himself as the particular instrument which God had chosen to bring the Gentile world to the knowledge of the truth, yet he does it in such a manner as to show that the excellency of the power was of God, and not of him; and that, highly as he and his follow apostles were honored; they had the heavenly treasure in earthen vessels. To lay himself as low as possible, consistently with his being in the number of Divinely commissioned men, he calls himself less than the least; and is obliged to make a new word, by strangely forming a comparative degree, not from the positive, which would have been a regular grammatical procedure, but from the superlative. The adjective ελαχυς signifies little, ελασσων or ελαττων, less, and ελαχιστος, least. On this latter, which is the superlative of ελαχυς, little, St. Paul forms his comparative, ελαχιστοτερος, less than the least, a word of which it would be vain to attempt a better translation than that given in our own version. It most strongly marks the unparalleled humility of the apostle; and the amazing condescension of God, in favoring him, who had been before a persecutor and blasphemer, with the knowledge of this glorious scheme of human redemption, and the power to preach it so successfully among the Gentiles. The unsearchable riches of Christ - The word ανεξιχνιαστος, from α, privative, and εξιχνιαζω, to trace out, from ιχνος, a step, is exceedingly well chosen here: it refers to the footsteps of God, the plans he had formed, the dispensations which he had published, and the innumerable providences which he had combined, to prepare, mature, and bring to full effect and view his gracious designs in the salvation of a ruined world, by the incarnation, passion, death, and resurrection of his Son. There were in these schemes and providences such riches - such an abundance, such a variety, as could not be comprehended even by the naturally vast, and, through the Divine inspiration, unparalleledly capacious mind of the apostle. Yet he was to proclaim among the Gentiles these astonishing wonders and mysteries of grace; and as he proceeds in this great and glorious work, the Holy Spirit that dwelt in him opens to his mind more and more of those riches - leads him into those footsteps of the Almighty which could not be investigated by man nor angel, so that his preaching and epistles, taken all in their chronological order, will prove that his views brighten, and his discoveries become more numerous and more distinct in proportion as he advances. And had he lived, preached, and written to the present day, he had not exhausted the subject, nor fully declared to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ - the endless depths of wisdom and knowledge treasured up in him, and the infinity of saving acts and saving power displayed by him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
am--Not merely was I in times past, but I still am the least worthy of so high an office (compare Ti1 1:15, end). least of all saints--not merely "of all apostles" (Co1 15:9-10). is--Greek, "has been given." among--omitted in the oldest manuscripts Translate, "to announce to the Gentiles the glad tidings of the unsearchable (Job 5:9) riches," namely, of Christ's grace (Eph 1:7; Eph 2:7). Rom 11:33, "unsearchable" as a mine inexhaustible, whose treasures can never be fully explored (Eph 3:18-19).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Unto me who am less than the least of all saints,.... This is an instance of the great humility of the apostle, and indeed the greatest saints are generally speaking, the most humble souls, as Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, and others; these have the meanest thoughts of themselves, and the best of others; they rejoice in the grace of God manifested to others; they are willing to receive instruction, nay admonition, from the meanest believer; they have the least opinion of their own works, and are the greatest admirers of the grace of God; and do most contentedly submit to the sovereign will of God: the reasons of their great humility are, because they have the largest discoveries of the love and grace of God and Christ, which are of a soul humbling nature; they are the most sensible of their own sinfulness, vileness, and unworthiness, which keeps them low in their own sight; they are commonly the most afflicted with Satan's temptations, which are suffered to attend them, lest they should be exalted above measure; they are the most fruitful souls, and boughs laden with fruit hang lowest; and they are the most conformable to Christ, who is meek and lowly. The phrase seems to be Jewish: there was one R. Jose "the little", who was so called, it is said, because he was , "the least of saints" (l): but the apostle uses a still more diminutive word, and calls himself less than the least of them; and adds, is this grace given; that is, the gift of grace, as before, the ministerial gift: that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; the riches of Christ, as God, lie in the perfections of his nature, in the works of his hands, in his empire and dominion over all, and in the revenues of glory, which result from thence; and these riches are underived and incommunicable, and are ineffable, yea inconceivable: his riches, as Mediator, lie in the persons of the elect, in the grace that is laid up in him for them, called the riches of grace, and in the inheritance he is possessed of for them, called the riches of glory; and these rich things are communicable, as well as solid, satisfying, and lasting; and they are unsearchable to the natural man, and cannot be fully investigated by believers themselves; they will be telling over to all eternity: and they will appear unsearchable, when it is considered what they have procured, and what blessings have been dispensed according to them; what a large family Christ has maintained by them, and how richly and fully he has provided for them, and to what honour and grandeur he raises them all. Now it was great grace to intrust the apostle with such a ministry, to put such treasure into an earthen vessel; it was great grace that qualified him for it; and it was great grace in particular to the Gentiles, that he should be appointed to publish these among them; and so the apostle esteemed it, and himself unworthy of such honour. (l) T. Hieros. Bava Kama, fol. 3, 4. Misna Sota, c. 9. sect. 15. Juchasin, fol. 79. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:8 Paul considered himself the least deserving of all God’s people (literally the least of God’s people) because he was once an ardent persecutor of believers (see 1 Cor 15:9; 1 Tim 1:12-16). • the endless treasures available to them in Christ: See Eph 1:3-14.