Ephesians 3:1-13
By: Alexander Rico
“For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles – if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, of which I became a minister according to the gift of grace given to me by the effective working of His power. To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principles and in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. Therefore I ask that you do not loose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.” (Ephesians 3:1-13, NKJV)
Before we continue to dig deeper into this awesome book, and this particular passage I wish for us to briefly look at something. I find it interesting we see here that Paul, the apostle, is a prisoner of Christ Jesus; and, though he is suffering we see here no complaints, no bitterness. In fact, we see here Paul speaking of the joyful grace that can be found in the Lord. I do not know about you, but I would not be so happy and joyful about my imprisonment. However, that may be the reason why I am not him, and I am not there writing to those in Ephesus. But, this now brings up a question. Why was Paul placed there? Well, the Jews were resentful of Paul’s teaching that the Messiah (Jesus) was for the Gentiles as well as the Jews, and thus they imprisoned him. Nice people, eh? But, Paul also makes it clear that his imprisonment is for a reason. What is that reason? Well, the answer is found in verse 3; so, that through a revelation, God may make known to him this mystery, which had not been known by those of the Old Testament. What is this secret, which God has just now made known to Paul, and perhaps to us? Well, there are three theories. The first being that this secret is referring to a mystery that Christ has, the mystery of Christ Himself, or perhaps even, the mystery pertaining to Christ Himself.
I believe it is the latter of the three. Why? Well, if we look back at the first few chapters, there is a common theme is there not? It is all relating to Christ, and His purpose here on earth. The hidden secret of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. See, if we look back at the Old Testament we see 34 main prophecies about the coming Savior; however, OT prophets at that time did not clearly know or understand His purpose. This is that great mystery, which had been revealed to Paul in prison. That through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord, Gentiles could be saved! From the beginning of time when God created the heavens, the earth, and even man and women from nothing, we see here that God has also enabled mankind to have a new creation through him in which man and woman are given changing grace by Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7).
What does this redemption take? Well, let’s look back at Ephesians chapter 1 verse 13, “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” (NKJV) Trusting, believing. We must first trust in God, lay our lives in His hands, and believe that He will take care of our needs (both physically and spiritually). Sure, I can understand it is not easy to do. That to me was the hardest thing to ever have to do, why? Well, I am the type of person who likes to take care of things myself. I like to be very hands on; however, God calls me to trust Him and know that no matter how things turn out (good or bad) it is always for my betterment. It is always for my strengthening and ultimate blessing.
However, let us also look at the flip side of this. As many as there are people who are willing to believe and trust, there are many, who we may know, who deem this entire mystery a foolish statement or plan. They do not believe a single word of it. These are what the Bible calls a carnal man. Man who thinks only through His own knowledge and flesh. As grow in my walk with the Lord, I have had the opportunity to meet these types of people. They always want to scientifically prove every detail of the Bible. Now, do not get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with verifying Biblical facts with history; however though, it is when you stop believing and stop trusting in the power and nature of God that we begin to have problems. You begin to doubt; then, you stop all together in serving the Lord. It saddens me to see so many turn away due to a lack of trust and belief. They rather believe in something that is scientifically proven to be true and correct (i.e.: evolution, a made life without purpose, etc.) People who seek out signs and wonders; instead, of trusting.
In these passages Paul reveals to us a great mystery, a great case which had been broken. He shows to us, that through belief and trust in Jesus Christ, and Him alone we can have our sins forgiven and that hope of heaven. If you would like to accept the gift of life that God gave to us through His one and only Son, Jesus Christ; then, please make that decision today to follow Him for the rest of your life it will not be one that you will regret. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13, NKJV) Sure, I am not going to lie, the road ahead will be bumpy; however, it will be a great blessing that you nor anyone else could ever experience on this world. If you’d like to accept Christ today; then, by all means please join me in this simple prayer asking Jesus into your heart, mind, and soul. Repeat after me,
Lord Jesus, I believe that you are the Son of God, and I believe that you died on that cross for me. I ask now, please forgive me of my sins. Thank-you that you loved me enough to even think of me as your child and still give me this gift of life despite my sinful life. I accept your sacrifice and trust you with my entire life. I hand it over to you. Thank-you. In your precious name I pray, amen.
If you prayed that prayer along with me, I’d like to announce that today, the moment you accepted Christ into your life the Bible says, “…there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner represents.” (Luke 15:10)
Just like that, you are a new creation, and a changed person.
May you continue to grow now in your new life with Christ Jesus our Lord. God bless, and have a grea! t New You, New Year!
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