purpose of the mystery
Ephesians 3 starts out with Paul saying that he was “a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles”. Paul knew that Jesus was the Lord of his life, not the Romans, so if he was a prisoner, he was Jesus’s prisoner. Yet, even though he was in prison, he was fearless in his pursuit. This section of his letter (Ephesians 3:1-13) is a powerful testament to the mysteries of God's plan and the role of the Gentiles (non-Jews) in this story.
Paul wanted people to know that God gave him the revelation & he was only the messenger of this truth (3:3). I’m not sure if you know the background of Paul, but for Paul to be delivering this message is pretty crazy and is further evidence of the redemption we receive through Christ (also if you don’t know the story of Paul, go read it!!). God chose a persecutor of the church to be the main minister of the mystery, the mystery of the work of the gospel in bringing Jew and Gentile together into one new body. This mystery wouldn’t be known unless God made it known.
Now, this was big news. For centuries, Jews were seen as God's chosen people, and the idea that Gentiles could be equal partners in God's promise was just crazy. It's kinda like being part of a secret club and then suddenly realizing everyone is invited. This inclusivity is a cornerstone of Christianity. It emphasizes the unity and equality that we have in Christ.
So what does this mean? Gentiles (non-Jews, you and I) are now full partakers of His promise. This could only happen through the gospel. In verse 3:8a Paul writes:
“To me, though I am the very least of all the saints,”
Paul marvels at the grace given to him. When we look back at Paul’s history, we see that his calling was really all of grace. Paul (formerly Saul) wasn’t a good man, he was actively persecuting Christians. Yet God used him in miraculous ways. Honestly, if it weren’t for Paul, we might be in the church today. So what can God do in your life?
Verse 3:8b goes on to say: “This grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” God’s riches are unsearchable, we will never know them completely. His riches are so fast, it’s simply impossible for us to fully comprehend them. These aren’t just facts to know, but a way to live– united in Christ with other believers, without any separation. We’re called to do life together.
Verses 3:10-12 reveal the purpose of the mystery:
“So that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.”
God is an infinite vessel of wisdom and glory, and he wants us to know His great wisdom. One purpose in His great plan is to reveal this wisdom. When you understand the character of God, you understand that this is not for a selfish or self-glorifying motive. God does this for the glory of His people because the glory of His people is directly connected to the glory of the Creator.
In the end, Paul wants to comfort those who are disheartened by his imprisonment. Paul says, “So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.” Paul is telling his readers that his imprisonment is for the glory of them, the Gentiles. How powerful!! Paul was still being used in the service of God’s eternal plan. In the same way, you and I have a place in God’s eternal plan.
Paul’s Roman imprisonment produced Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon. Paul’s letter isn’t just a letter to the people in Ephesus, it's a living, breathing message that continues to speak life into us today. Paul’s message encourages unity, purpose, wisdom, and courage. His life was dedicated to a higher calling. After living a life running the wrong way God used Paul to deliver such an important message. And even in prison, Paul continued to fiercly run after the Lord. Will you do the same?
