Ephesians 3

The Apostle of this Gospel

1For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

His Prayer and Appeal

14For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

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Ephesians 3: KJV

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Ephesians 3

The Divine Mystery

1Beloved friends, because of my love for Jesus Christ, I am now his prisoner for the sake of all of you who are not Jews, 2so that you will hear the gospel that God has entrusted to me to share with you. 3For this wonderful mystery, which I briefly described, was given to me by divine revelation, 4so that whenever you read it you will be able to understand my revelation and insight into the secret mystery of the Messiah.

5There has never been a generation that has been given the detailed understanding of this glorious and divine mystery until now. He kept it a secret until this generation. God is revealing it only now to his sacred apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit. 6Here’s the secret: The gospel of grace has made you, non-Jewish believers, into coheirs of his promise through your union with him. And you have now become members of his body—one with the Anointed One!

7-8I have been made a messenger of this wonderful news by the gift of grace that works through me. Even though I am the least significant of all his holy believers, this grace-gift was imparted when the manifestation of his power came upon me. Grace alone empowers me so that I can boldly preach this wonderful message to non-Jewish people, sharing with them the unfading, # 3:7–8 The word unfading comes from an Aramaic word which can also be translated “unquestionable” or “without fault.” The Greek uses the word unsearchable. inexhaustible riches of Christ, which are beyond comprehension.

9My passion is to enlighten every person to this divine mystery. It was hidden for ages past until now, and kept a secret in the heart of God, the Creator of all. 10The purpose of this was to unveil before every throne and rank of angelic orders in the heavenly realm God’s full and diverse wisdom revealed through the church. # 3:10 The church is the “university of the angels” and every believer is a “professor” teaching the heavenly realm the mysteries and wonders of the grace of God. The angels investigate through our lives the treasures of grace, like the cherubim who gaze upon the mercy seat. See 1 Peter 1:12. 11This perfectly wise plan was destined from eternal ages and fulfilled completely in our Lord Jesus Christ, so that now 12we have boldness through him, # 3:12 The Greek words used here can be translated, “freedom of speech to say whatever you want with boldness.” and free access as kings # 3:12 The Aramaic text can be translated “we have kingship.” before the Father because of our complete confidence in Christ’s faithfulness.

13My dear friends, I pray that you will remain strong and not be discouraged or ashamed by all that I suffer on your behalf, for it is for your glory.

Paul Prays for Love to Overflow

14So I kneel humbly in awe before the Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, 15the perfect Father of every father and child # 3:15 Translated from the Aramaic. It could also be translated “the perfect Father of every people group.” The Greek word for “father” and the word for “family” are quite similar, which indicates that every family finds its source in the Father. in heaven and on the earth. 16And I pray that he would unveil within you the unlimited riches of his glory and favor until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with his divine might and explosive power.

17Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life.

18-19Then you will be empowered to discover what every holy one experiences—the great magnitude # 3:18–19 Or “excellence.” of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions. How deeply intimate and far-reaching is his love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding—this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God!

20Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! # 3:20 See 1 Kings 10:13. He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.

21Now we offer up to God all the glorious praise that rises from every church in every generation through Jesus Christ—and all that will yet be manifest through time and eternity. Amen!

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