Ephesians 3:1-13

Ephesians 3:1-13


For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

Paul was a prisoner.  He was not some preacher living in the lap of luxury.
 
² Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, ³ that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.

Jesus had met Paul of the road to Damascus and Paul received special instruction from God that he cannot even talk about.

⁴ In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, ⁵ which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. ⁶ This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

Up to this point the Jews were God's chosen people.  As a nation they thought they were better than the Gentiles.  Anyone wanting access to God had to convert to Judaism and go through the Jews.  The concept of God caring about the gentiles would not have entered their minds.

⁷ I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. ⁸ Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, ⁹ and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
  
Paul considered his servant hood a  gift resulting from God's grace and part of His work in his life.  Take note of the fact that God's grace was given so that Paul could accomplish the work God had for him.  Paul was able to and the church exists today all over the world.


  ¹⁰ His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, ¹¹ according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Who are these rulers and authorities?  I don't know.  The text does not explain it. However God wanted to demonstrate His wisdom and the church is His way of showing them.

  ¹² In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. ¹³ I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

We have direct access to God.  Modern believers may not appreciate that as much as believers in Paul's day where sacrifices, rituals and ceremony all were part of accessing God. We can go directly to Him anywhere any time.


God Bless.