Overview

Ephesians 3 continues the Apostle Paul’s powerful declaration of God’s eternal plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. In this chapter, Paul outlines the mystery that has now been revealed: that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Jews, united into one body through the gospel. Paul explains his role as a steward of this mystery and prays that believers would be strengthened with spiritual power through the Holy Spirit and grasp the magnitude of Christ’s love.

Theologically, the chapter centers on God’s sovereign and gracious plan, executed through Christ and empowered by the Spirit. It affirms the inclusion of all nations in God’s redemptive plan, the authority of Scripture as God’s revealed mystery, and the centrality of Christ in the church and in all creation. The text highlights the inerrant Word of God and underscores the power and sufficiency of divine revelation.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Setting:

Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul during his first Roman imprisonment (circa A.D. 60–62). Paul had previously spent several years ministering in Ephesus, a major Roman city known for its idolatry, particularly the worship of Artemis. The epistle was intended for a broader audience beyond Ephesus, likely circulating among Gentile and Jewish believers throughout Asia Minor.

In chapter 3, Paul refers to himself as a “prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles” (v. 1), highlighting both his imprisonment and his mission to the Gentiles. The revelation of the “mystery” (Greek: mysterion) is central—a truth once hidden but now made known by God through apostolic revelation.

Literary Insights:

• Structure: The chapter has two major sections:
  • Verses 1–13: Paul’s explanation of the mystery of Christ and his role in it.

  • Verses 14–21: Paul’s powerful intercessory prayer for the spiritual growth of believers.

• Style: Paul shifts from teaching to prayer, modeling both doctrinal depth and pastoral care. The tone is reverent, doxological, and rich in theological significance.

• Repetition of “mystery” (vv. 3, 4, 6, 9): emphasizes the previously unrevealed truth of Gentile inclusion in God’s redemptive plan.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. The Mystery of Christ Revealed (vv. 1–6)

• Definition of the mystery: Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ through the gospel.

• Doctrinal Significance:
  • Affirms the unity of the Church as one body composed of Jews and Gentiles.

  • Underscores the sufficiency and finality of New Testament revelation.

  • Emphasizes God’s sovereign initiative in revealing this mystery, not through human discovery but divine disclosure.

2. Paul’s Apostolic Stewardship (vv. 7–13)

• Paul‘s humility: He sees himself as “less than the least of all the Lord’s people.”

• Grace and power: His ministry is a result of God’s grace and empowering.

• Preaching to the Gentiles: Paul is commissioned to bring to light what was hidden.

• The manifold wisdom of God: Revealed through the Church to the “rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.”

• Eternal purpose accomplished in Christ: God’s plan is not reactive but eternal, intentional, and Christ-centered.

3. Intercessory Prayer for Spiritual Strength (vv. 14–21)

• Spiritual power through the Holy Spirit (v. 16): Believers are strengthened in their inner being by the Spirit.

• Christ dwelling in hearts through faith (v. 17): Not merely intellectual assent, but a relational indwelling.

• Grasping Christ’s love (vv. 18–19): A love that surpasses knowledge—deep, wide, high, and long.

• The fullness of God (v. 19): A call for the believer to grow in maturity and the presence of God.

• Doxology (vv. 20–21): Glorifies God’s ability to do beyond what we ask or imagine, through His power at work within us, for the glory of Christ in the church across all generations.

Theological Implications

• Unity of the Body of Christ: Jew and Gentile believers are united in one church—not by race or works, but by grace through faith in Christ.

• Progressive Revelation: The “mystery” was not invented by Paul but revealed progressively and finally through the apostles and prophets.

• Christ-Centered Salvation: Jesus is the fulfillment and executor of God’s eternal plan.

• Role of the Church: The church is not peripheral to God’s plan—it is central in displaying His wisdom to the world and spiritual realms.

• Trinitarian Work: The Father (v. 14), Son (v. 17), and Spirit (v. 16) are all involved in redeeming and transforming believers.

Key Doctrinal Points to Emphasize

• Biblical Authority: Paul’s explanation of the mystery reaffirms the sufficiency and authority of Scripture.

• Sovereignty of God: God’s eternal purpose is not accidental; His redemptive plan is deliberate and unshakable.

• Inclusion in Christ: Salvation transcends ethnic and cultural barriers. All who believe are equal in Christ.

• Spiritual Maturity: Paul prays not for material wealth but spiritual strength and the indwelling of Christ.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: The Mystery Revealed and the Power Within

1. The Mystery of Christ Revealed (vv. 1–6)

• Explanation of the “mystery”

• Unity in Christ across Jew and Gentile

• Application: Embrace the oneness of the Body of Christ

1. The Mission of the Apostle (vv. 7–13)

• Paul’s stewardship and calling

• The Church’s role in revealing God’s wisdom

• Application: Every believer has a calling in God’s eternal plan

III. The Prayer for Spiritual Strength (vv. 14–19)

• Strength from the Spirit

• Christ’s indwelling presence

• Knowing God’s immeasurable love

• Application: Seek depth in relationship with Christ, not surface religion

1. The Praise of God’s Power (vv. 20–21)

• God’s ability to exceed expectations

• Doxology to God in the church and in Christ Jesus

• Application: Trust in God’s power working in and through us

Verse-by-Verse Analysis of Ephesians 3 (NIV)

Ephesians 3:1

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

Explanation:
Paul begins a thought with “For this reason,” linking back to Ephesians 2:11-22, where he discusses the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ. He refers to himself not as Rome’s prisoner, but as Christ’s—a powerful expression of divine sovereignty.

Cross-Reference: Philippians 1:12-13 – Paul sees his imprisonment as advancing the gospel.
Application: Our suffering for Christ can be a means of advancing His kingdom.

Ephesians 3:2-3

“Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.”

Explanation:
Paul speaks of his divine appointment to reveal God’s grace to the Gentiles. “Mystery” refers not to something unknowable, but to something previously hidden and now revealed.

Cross-Reference: Colossians 1:26 – The mystery is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Application: God uses His servants as channels of revelation and grace to others.

Ephesians 3:4-6

“…through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.”

Explanation:
This is the revealed mystery: Gentile believers are full participants in God’s promises. There is no distinction in the body of Christ.

Cross-Reference: Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile… for you are all one in Christ.”
Doctrinal Insight: Unity in the Church is a supernatural work of the gospel, grounded in Christ’s finished work.

Ephesians 3:7-9

“I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace… to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ…”

Explanation:
Paul’s ministry is a result of God’s grace and power, not personal merit. The “boundless riches of Christ” speak to the infinite spiritual blessings found in Him.

Cross-Reference: 1 Corinthians 15:10 – “By the grace of God I am what I am…”
Application: Every ministry is a stewardship from God, not a platform for personal glory.

Ephesians 3:10-11

“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…”

Explanation:
God is displaying His wisdom through the redeemed community of believers. Even spiritual beings are observing God’s redemptive plan unfold through the Church.

Cross-Reference: 1 Peter 1:12 – Angels long to look into these things.
Doctrinal Insight: The Church is central to God’s eternal plan, not an afterthought.

Ephesians 3:12-13

“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”

Explanation:
Access to the Father is now open and confident through Christ. Paul encourages the Ephesians not to be discouraged by his suffering—it is for their glory (benefit).

Cross-Reference: Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence…”
Application: Christ gives us bold access to the Father. Suffering can be redemptive when seen in God’s plan.

Ephesians 3:14-15

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.”

Explanation:
Paul’s prayer begins with worship of the Father. The naming of all families from the Father shows His sovereign rule and creative authority.

Cross-Reference: James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father…”
Application: Our prayers should start with humble adoration of our Father in heaven.

Ephesians 3:16-17a

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”

Explanation:
Paul prays for inner spiritual strength, not outward success. The indwelling of Christ signifies an ongoing, transformative relationship.

Cross-Reference: John 14:23 – “We will come to them and make our home with them.”
Application: The Christian life is empowered from within by the Holy Spirit and grounded in a living relationship with Christ.

Ephesians 3:17b-19

“…to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ…”

Explanation:
Paul wants believers to experience—not just know intellectually—the limitless dimensions of Christ’s love.

Cross-Reference: Romans 8:39 – “Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God.”
Application: Growth in spiritual maturity flows from deepening comprehension of Christ’s love.

Ephesians 3:20-21

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine… to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus…”

Explanation:
Paul ends with a doxology. God is infinitely powerful and worthy of glory. His work is beyond imagination, and His glory is forever centered in the Church and in Christ.

Cross-Reference: Jude 24-25 – God is able to keep us from stumbling and present us faultless.
Application: Trust God with bold prayers. He is more than able and always faithful.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Ephesians 3 deeply centers on Jesus Christ:

• Christ as the Revealer of God’s Mystery (v. 6): The inclusion of the Gentiles is through Christ Jesus—the fulfillment of Old Testament shadows.

• Christ as the Object of Saving Faith (v. 12): It is through faith in Him that believers access the Father.

• Christ as the Indwelling Lord (v. 17): The spiritual growth of the believer hinges on Christ dwelling in our hearts through faith.

• Christ as the Manifestation of God’s Love (v. 19): The depth and breadth of divine love are measured by Christ’s sacrifice.

• Christ as the One through Whom God is Glorified (v. 21): The Church exists to glorify God in Christ Jesus.

Broader Redemptive Story:
Ephesians 3 fits within the larger arc of redemption—from Abraham’s promise (Genesis 12:3) that all nations would be blessed, to its fulfillment in Christ, who brings Jew and Gentile together into one body. The gospel is not a New Testament innovation but the unfolding of God’s eternal plan in Christ (v. 11).

Connection to God the Father

• Source of All Creation (v. 15): God the Father is portrayed as the origin of all existence, both in heaven and on earth.

• Fountain of Grace and Strength (v. 16): The strength believers need flows from the Father’s glorious riches.

• Recipient of Prayer (v. 14): Paul kneels before the Father, indicating personal relationship and divine sovereignty.

• Glorified Through Christ and the Church (v. 21): The ultimate goal of salvation and history is the Father’s glory, displayed through His Son and His people.

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Ephesians 3

Ephesians 3 emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s spiritual life and the church’s mission. The chapter doesn’t just highlight Christ’s centrality but also shows how the Holy Spirit is actively involved in applying the gospel to believers.

Key Connections:

• Verse 5:
  “…revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.”
  The mystery of the gospel was made known through the Spirit. This underscores the Spirit’s role in divine revelation and in guiding the apostles to record Scripture faithfully and authoritatively.

• Verse 16:
  “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being…”
  The Holy Spirit is the One who empowers and strengthens the believer internally. Spiritual transformation is not external behavior modification but inner renewal by the Spirit.

• Verse 17:
  “…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”
  The Spirit prepares the heart for Christ’s indwelling presence. The Spirit mediates Christ’s life within the believer.

Theological Insight:

This chapter affirms that the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force but the third Person of the Trinity actively working to reveal God’s truth, empower believers, and build the Church. All spiritual strength, insight, and maturity flow from the Spirit’s indwelling presence.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Sermon Title: “The Mystery, the Mission, and the Power Within”

Main Text: Ephesians 3:1-21

I. The Revealed Mystery (vv. 1–6)

Main Point: God’s eternal plan to unite Jews and Gentiles in Christ has now been revealed.
Transition: This mystery was once hidden, but now it’s our shared inheritance.

Application: Rejoice in your inclusion—regardless of background or past, you are fully part of God’s family in Christ.

Illustration: Imagine someone adopted into a royal family, unaware they were chosen. Then, one day, they receive a letter confirming their inheritance, title, and identity. That’s what the gospel does—it reveals your place in God’s eternal family.

II. The Minister of the Mystery (vv. 7–13)

Main Point: Paul was entrusted with this mystery and willingly suffered to proclaim it.
Transition: But the mission doesn’t end with Paul—it continues with us.

Application: Every believer is entrusted with this message. Share the gospel boldly, even when it costs you.

Example: Use the story of a missionary or a modern believer who shared Christ despite persecution—e.g., a nurse in a closed country caring for the sick and sharing Jesus quietly yet faithfully.

III. The Prayer for Power (vv. 14–19)

Main Point: Paul prays not for comfort, but for inner strength through the Spirit and a deeper experience of Christ’s love.
Transition: We often focus on external problems—but Paul looks inward.

Application: Pray not only for God to change your circumstances but for Him to strengthen your spirit. Seek a deeper relationship with Christ rooted in love.

Illustration: Like a tree whose roots go deep underground—when storms come, the tree stands firm. That’s what Paul wants for every Christian: to be deeply rooted in Christ’s love.

IV. The Praise for God’s Power (vv. 20–21)

Main Point: God is able to do far more than we can imagine, for His glory in the church and in Christ.
Call to Action: Trust God for more—pray bigger prayers, live bolder lives, and glorify Him in the church.

Example: Share a story of someone who prayed for a simple provision but received something far beyond what they asked for—highlighting God’s ability to exceed expectations.

Illustration: A child asks their father for a small flashlight. The father brings a whole lantern instead, knowing the child will need more than what was requested. God, our Father, does more than we ask.

Conclusion and Call to Action:

Summary:
God’s mystery has been revealed: you are included in Christ. You have a mission to share the gospel. You have power through the Holy Spirit. You serve a God who does more than you can ask or imagine.

Call to Action:

• Embrace your identity in Christ.

• Step into your mission—share the gospel boldly.

• Pray for spiritual strength, not just relief.

• Live in awe of God’s power—He can do more through you than you can imagine.

Closing Illustration:
Consider a lamp. Without being plugged in, it’s just a nice decoration. But when connected to power, it gives light to the room. The Christian without the Holy Spirit’s empowerment may look religious—but when plugged into God’s power through prayer and faith, they shine brightly for His glory.

Application for Today’s Christian

Ephesians 3 is not just theological—it’s intensely practical. It teaches believers how to live as part of God’s redemptive plan, empowered by the Holy Spirit and rooted in the love of Christ. Here are practical takeaways for today’s Christians:

1. Discipleship: Grow in the Inner Life

• Verse 16: Seek to be strengthened in your inner being through the Holy Spirit, not just to manage external behaviors.

• Practical Step: Prioritize daily prayer and Scripture meditation over external appearances. Commit to deepening your relationship with Jesus over time, not just attending church events.

2. Stewardship: Use Your Gifts for Gospel Ministry

• Verses 2–8: Paul saw himself as a steward of God’s grace, entrusted with a sacred message.

• Practical Step: Recognize your life, time, and spiritual gifts as tools to build others up and spread the gospel. Consider how your vocation, talents, or resources can serve the Church and reach unbelievers.

3. Unity and Inclusion: Embrace the Global Body of Christ

• Verse 6: Gentiles are “heirs together” with Israel.

• Practical Step: Celebrate the diversity in the Church. Build relationships across cultural or ethnic lines. Support missions and global partnerships that reflect God’s inclusive redemption.

4. Prayer Life: Pray with Confidence and Purpose

• Verse 12: We have bold access to the Father through Christ.

• Practical Step: Approach God regularly with confidence—not as a distant deity but as a loving Father. Use Paul‘s prayer (vv. 14–19) as a model to intercede for your family, your church, and your own spiritual depth.

5. Faith in Trials: Trust God’s Bigger Plan

• Verse 13: Paul‘s imprisonment was for the benefit of others.

• Practical Step: When facing difficulty, trust that God may be using your hardship for the good of others. Don’t retreat—lean into God’s purpose through your pain.

Connection to God’s Love

Ephesians 3 is a radiant revelation of God’s immense, personal, and transformative love. This love is:

1. Revealed in the Inclusion of the Gentiles (vv. 6–7)

God’s love is not limited by ethnicity, heritage, or performance. He chose to bring all nations into His family through Christ. This shows His redemptive love—extending grace where it was least expected.

2. Poured Out Through Christ’s Indwelling Presence (v. 17)

God doesn’t just save us—He comes to live within us. That’s an intimate, covenantal love. It’s personal, not transactional.

3. Measurable Only by the Infinite (vv. 18–19)

Paul wants believers to grasp the full extent of Christ’s love—how wide, long, high, and deep it is. Yet even then, he says it surpasses knowledge. This is God’s restorative love, lifting us out of sin and into the fullness of God.

4. Celebrated in God’s Glory (vv. 20–21)

The final doxology shows that God’s love is not only comforting but also glorifying. He lavishes love not for our sake alone but for His eternal glory in Christ and the Church.

Broader Biblical Themes

Ephesians 3 is deeply embedded in the larger biblical story of redemption, pointing back to God’s eternal purposes and forward to His cosmic restoration. It touches on multiple grand themes of Scripture:

1. Creation and Image-Bearing

• Verse 15: Every family in heaven and earth derives its name from the Father.

• Theme Connection: God is Creator and Sustainer. Humanity’s identity flows from Him. The Church, composed of all people groups, reflects the restored image of God through unity in Christ.

2. Redemption and the Gospel

• Verses 6, 8: The “mystery” is the gospel—the unifying and reconciling work of Christ for Jew and Gentile.

• Theme Connection: From Genesis 3 to Revelation 22, God has been unfolding a plan to redeem what was lost. Ephesians 3 stands at the heart of that story, showing the Church as the present expression of God’s saving work.

3. Covenant Fulfillment

• Verse 6: Gentiles are heirs together—language drawn from covenantal promises.

• Theme Connection: God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:3) promised blessing to all nations. That promise is fulfilled in Christ and revealed through the apostles, now being realized through the Church.

4. The Kingdom of God

• Verses 10–11: God’s wisdom is displayed to the “rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.”

• Theme Connection: The Church is a foretaste and witness of God’s eternal kingdom. Through it, God is proclaiming His rule to both the seen and unseen world.

5. Trinitarian Purpose and Glory

• Verses 14–19: The Father strengthens, the Spirit empowers, and Christ dwells within.

• Theme Connection: The whole Godhead is involved in salvation. Ephesians 3 shows the triune God working in perfect unity to redeem, transform, and glorify His people.

Reflection Questions

Use these questions for personal study, discipleship conversations, or small group discussion. They are designed to help believers apply the truths of Ephesians 3 to their lives with humility, faith, and intentional obedience.

1. Identity and Unity in Christ

• In verses 1–6, Paul explains that Gentiles are now “fellow heirs” with Israel. How does this truth shape the way you view your identity in Christ?

• How can we better reflect the unity of the Church today, especially across cultural, ethnic, or denominational lines?

2. Stewardship of the Gospel

• Paul saw himself as a steward of God’s grace (vv. 7–9). What gifts, resources, or platforms has God entrusted to you for the sake of others?

• Are there areas where you feel unworthy to serve God? How does Paul’s humility encourage you?

3. God’s Eternal Purpose and the Church

• How does verse 10 challenge your view of the Church’s purpose in the world?

• In what ways does your local church display the wisdom and glory of God? How can you personally help strengthen that witness?

4. Prayer and Spiritual Strength

• In verses 14–19, Paul prays for inner strength, love, and fullness in Christ. How does this prayer shape your understanding of what spiritual maturity really looks like?

• What would it look like for you to pray this way for yourself or your family?

5. Grasping the Love of Christ

• Do you ever find it hard to believe that Christ’s love is as deep and wide as Paul describes? What keeps you from resting in that love?

• How does knowing Christ’s love personally help you love others more sacrificially?

6. Trusting in God’s Power

• Verses 20–21 declare that God can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” Where in your life do you need to trust God for more than what you can see or control?

• How might your prayers, goals, or expectations change if you really believed that God is working powerfully within you?

7. Living for God’s Glory

• Paul closes the chapter with a call to glorify God in the church and in Christ Jesus. In what ways can you contribute to God’s glory being seen in your church, your home, and your community?