May 20
3
New Testament Reading: Ephesians 3:1-13
“For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.” (Ephesians 3:1–13, ESV)
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[Please excuse any and all typos and misspellings within this manuscript. It has been published online for the benefit of the saints of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church, but without the benefit of proofreading.]
Introduction
One thing that we must notice about our text for today is that it is one long digression in Paul’s thought. And what do I mean by that? Well, look with me at 3:1. There Paul says, “For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles…”, and then he changes his focus for a while — for a long while! In fact, he does not come back to the thought that he started in 3:1 until 3:14. It is there in 3:14 that Paul restarts by repeating the phrase, “For this reason”, and then he continues saying, “I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named”, and so on. So, in 3:14-19 Paul finishes the though that he began in 3:1. And that is why I have said that verses 2-13 are a digression. Paul here goes on a tangent, if you will, to address something other than what was on his mind at the beginning of 3:1. This is intentional, of course. And what Paul addresses here is important.
And so why did Paul digress? Why would he choose to go on this tangent? Well, previously in this letter to the Ephesians Paul used very elevated language to describe the power and authority that now belongs to Christ, and the many heavenly and spiritual blessing that are ours in him. For example in 1:18 Paul reported to pray that believers in Christ would have “the eyes of [their] hearts enlightened, that [they] may know what is the hope to which he has called [them], what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:18–23, ESV). Paul attributed the highest possible power to Christ. And he taught that this tremendous power results in tremendous blessing for the believer. We are rich in Christ. Our inheritance is glorious. God’s power is immeasurably great in Christ toward those who believe.
And yet — and pay very careful attention to this — Paul was in prison. He begins in 3:1, saying, “For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner…” Paul was in prison. He was suffering under the Romans.
The question is, how were the Ephesians to think about that? And, how are we to think about that!? Paul — the one who taught that his Lord and Savior was above “all rule and authority and power and dominion”; the one who claimed to be blessed, along with the Ephesians, “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3, ESV) — this Paul was in prison as he wrote his letter to the Ephesians. He was under the thumb of Rome. In fact, he would soon be put to death by them. Paul, who claimed to be richly and eternally blessed in Christ, suffered greatly, therefore. And what are we to think about that? What are we to think about this apparent inconsistency? Had God abandoned Paul? Were Paul’s claims to Apostolic authority invalid? Was he wrong about being so richly blessed in Christ? Was he wrong about Christ’s supreme authority? These are the questions that might come to mind when we watch those who love God and serve him suffer in this world.
And these questions are the reason for Paul’s digression. I am not saying that he addresses each one of these questions directly. But what he says does help us to understand, bringing encouragement to our hearts. And that is, after all, his stated goal. Look briefly with me at the end of this digression. In verse 13 Paul concludes, saying, “So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory” (Ephesians 3:13, ESV).
Notice three things about the perspective that Paul had concerning his imprisonment.
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Paul, A Prisoner Of Christ Jesus (vs. 1)
One, let us consider that Paul referred to himself as “a prisoner of Christ Jesus.”
That is an interesting way for Paul to put it, don’t you think? Why didn’t he say, Paul, a prisoner of Rome? Or Paul, a prisoner of Caesar? Why didn’t he put the blame at their feet and draw attention to the injustices that he was suffering at their hands? Instead, he claimed to be “a prisoner of Christ Jesus.”
In what sense was Paul “a prisoner of Christ Jesus”?
One, Paul was a prisoner of Christ Jesus because he was a prisoner on account of his devotion to Christ. He was imprisoned, not because he committed some crime, but because he was a faithful servant of Christ, and minister of the gospel. Paul labored in his ministry to be a good citizen, and to never unnecessarily offend. But he was imprisoned because he was faithful to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is inherently offensive to those who are perishing.
Two, Paul was a prisoner of Christ Jesus because his imprisonment was according to the will of God for him in Christ. Though it was Rome who imprisoned Paul, even this was according to the eternal decree of God. God willingly permitted this imprisonment for a purpose. What that purpose was, only God really knows. But Paul knew that God was sovereign even oven over his unjust treatment, and that God would work all things for good. In this sense, Paul was Christ’s prisoner.
Three, Paul was a prisoner of Christ Jesus for he continued to serve Christ even in his suffering. This letter is a testament to this fact. Prison did not separate Paul from Christ. Prison did not nullify Paul’s calling. He ministered to those around him. He even ministered to the churches that he had planted many years before through his writings.
Perhaps you have noticed that when Christians suffer in the world the tendency of some is to separate or distance God and Christ from the suffering that is being experienced. Our thinking often goes in this direction: yes, brother Paul is in prison, but this is Rome’s fault. This is unjust. This is contrary to the will of God. God is not in this. And while there is some truth to these statements, I want for you to notice that Paul emphasized something else. Instead of distancing God and Christ from his sufferings and the injustice that he was experiencing, he brought them near — for they are always near — claiming even to be, “a prisoner of Christ Jesus.”
And this should be our perspective whenever we suffer in this world. We should remember that God and Christ are near to us in our suffering. In other words, we do not suffer because God is distant, aloof, uncaring, or unable to act. Instead, when we suffer in this world we do so according to the will of God. God is near to us in Christ Jesus. When we suffer, we suffer for a purpose, though that purpose may remain hidden from us in this life.
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Paul, A Prisoner On Behalf Of The Gentiles (vs. 1b)
Secondly, let us consider the fact that Paul referred to himself as a prisoner on behalf of the Gentiles. Again, verse 1: “For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles…” (Ephesians 3:1, ESV).
Why does Paul say this? Is it to guilt the Ephesians? Of course not! Rather, Paul is reminding them of his love for them. He is reminding them also that it was his ministry to the Gentiles that landed him in prison. Both Jews and Gentiles grew irritated with Paul, but for different reasons. Many of the Jews despised Paul becausehe preached that the Gentiles were to be ingrafted into Israel, that circumcision was nothing, and that the church was the true temple, being constructed of Jews and Gentiles together, with Christ, his Apostles and Prophets as the foundation, among other things. Many of the Gentiles hated Paul because as he preached Christ he turned men and women away from their gods and from the worldly philosophty which governed their lives. He was a major disruption to their culture and even to their livelihoods, therefor. Paul was put in prison because he disturbed both Jews and Gentiles.
Nevertheless, Paul persisted in his ministry, even to the point of chains, and the shedding of his own blood. Remember what he wrote to Timothy: “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” (2 Timothy 2:8–10, ESV).
I wonder, what are we willing to endure for the sake of the elect? Are we willing to persevere in the proclamation of the gospel even if the prevailing culture finds it offensive and is moved to persecute? I would hope so. There is nothing more important than the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ, for, as Romans 1:16 says, “it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek”. Indeed, “there is salvation in no one [but Jesus Christ], for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12, ESV). Our love for God, and our love for our neighbor, must move the church to persist in the proclamation of the gospel, even in the face of persecution.
We should remember that Paul was a prisoner on behalf of the Gentiles.
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Paul, A Prisoner On Account Of The Gospel Entrusted To Him (vs. 2-12)
Thirdly, let us consider that Paul was a prisoner on account of the gospel that was entrusted to him.
In verse 2 Paul reminds the Ephesians of the “the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to [him] for [them]…” (Ephesians 3:2, ESV). Here Paul is calling them to remember the story of his conversion, of his being received by the church in Antioch, of his being received by the Apostles of Christ, and how they themselves validated his calling as an Apostle to the Gentiles. That story can be read in The Book of Acts chapters 8 and following.
Of interest here in Ephesians 3:2 is that Paul referes to himself as a steward of God’s grace. A steward is a servant, or better yet, a manager of someone else’s possessions. And this is how Paul regarded himself. He says so directly in 1 Corinthians 4:1ff., “This is how one should regard us [speaking of the Apostles], as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:1–2, ESV).
The Apostles of Christ viewed themselves as servants of Christ and stewards of the gospel. This should be the way that every pastor views himself. Above all, we are servants and stewards. Pastors and elders are called to serve. They are to serve God, and the people of God. Yes, they are also called to lead and to rule well. They are called to teach and preach. They are called to many things. But in all of this, they are to servants. This is why they are called ministers. A minister is a servant. And they are stewards of the word of God. They are not to be innovative or creative with God’s word. Instead, they are to faithfully preserve, manage and distribute the word of God entrusted to them.
And there is a sense in which the whole church together has this stewardship. Not all are called to gospel ministry. Not all are gifted and called to serve as pastors, shepherds, evangelists and teachers. But together as the church we are to maintain the gospel ministry. Together we are to see to it that gospel is put before the people of God in word and sacrament, and that it is proclaimed to those who do not yet believe.
I think it is safe to say that all Christians have been entrusted with something — all are stewards in some way. The Lord has given gifts to all of his children, and he has given them some responsibilities in particular sphere of influence. May we all be faithful servants of Christ in whatever station he has called us to.
The Mystery Of The Gospel
When Paul spoke of “the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to [him]…” he was refering to the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel was entrusted to Paul. Specifically, he was called by Christ to preach it to the Gentiles. And did you notice that in this passage Paul repeatedly refers to the gospel of Jesus Christ as a “mystery”.
In verse 3 Paul says that this mystery was revealed to him. Undoubtably, Paul is refering to his conversion and to his learning in the years that followed. When he says that the mystery was revealed to him, he is saying, I received it! I did not invent it!
In verse 4 Paul claims that the Ephesians will be able to perceive his insight into the mystery by reading what he has just written. Indeed, the previous sections of Ephesians do reveal that Paul understood the mystery of the gospel of Jesus Christ!
And then in verse 5 Paul says that this mystery “was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit” (Ephesians 3:5, ESV). And this is why Paul refers to the gospel as a mystery. There was something veiled, hidden and mysterious about it in ages past. But pay careful attention to this: Paul most certainly does not say that the gospel was non-existent in previous generations! But only that it “was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.” The gospel of Jesus Christ was certainly revealed prior to the birth of Christ through promises, prophesies, types and shadows, but it was revealed dimly. But now that the Christ has lived, died, risen and ascended, this same gospel has been revealed by the Spirit to Christ’s Apostles and Prophets with clarity.
I have spoken about this in previous sermons and so I will not linger long on this point. Read the Gospels and Acts to see the progression that the Apostles of Christ experienced as it pertains to their understanding of the mysteries of Christ, his kingdom, and the gospel. Christ’s closest disciples were perplexed until they saw him risen. The gospel was still mysterious to them until Christ, in his resurrection appeared to them, and said, “‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.’” (Luke 24:44–48, ESV)
The gospel of the kingdom was known in ages past, but it was dimly revealed, veiled and mysterious. In particular (look now at 3:6), “This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” As I have said before, this was not unknown in ages past. Even to Abraham it was said, “in you the all nations of the earth will be blessed.” But that which was dimly revealed prior to the coming of the Christ has been revealed with crystal like clarity now that the Christ is risen and ascended. Again, “the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”
And in verse 7 Paul says, “Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power” (Ephesians 3:7, ESV). Paul was appointed to serve as Apostles to the Gentiles.
The Revelation Of This Mystery
In verses 8 through 12 Paul elaborates upon the revelation of this mystery. Notice four things:
One, Paul was uniquely entrusted with the preaching of this Gospel to the Gentiles. In verse 8 we read, “To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God…” Notice that Paul does not say that he is the least of the Apostles, but least of the saints, which is a reference to all of God’s people! And I believe that Paul meant what he said. He considered himself to be the least of the saints. After all, he once persecuted the church to the point of death. God was truly gracious to save him, and to appoint him to this office.
Two, Paul says that this mystery was “hidden for ages in God, who created all things…” What does he mean that this mystery was hidden in God? He here teaches that the expansion of the kingdom of God amongst the Gentiles was not “plan B”, but rather it was the original plan and intention of God, being decreed from all eternity. And the reference to God as the Creator of all things is very significant. If God created all things, then should we not expect him to redeem all things? He is Creator of all people. Should we not expect that he would redeem to himself people from every nation, and not the Jews only?
Three, the revelation of this mystery, “that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” is said to be “so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.” This verse deserves more attention than what we have time to give it this morning, but consider this. It is through the church that the multifaceted wisdom of God’s plan of salvation is put on display. And consider also that one purpose for the redemption of the elect from every tongue, tribe and nation is to put this wisdom on display before “the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.”
We should remember what Paul taught previously, that before faith in Christ we were “were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:1–2, ESV), and that for eons the Gentiles nations were “separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12, ESV). But through the gospel and by the power of the Holy Spirit, those who were once alienated from God have been brought near through faith in Christ. And here Paul is teaching that this marvelous work reveals the “manifold wisdom of God” even “to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places”, which refers to the spiritual powers, some of whom held the nations captive in darkness in ages past.
Four, all of this is said to be “according to the eternal purpose that [God] has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him” (Ephesians 3:8–12, ESV). This gospel which was mysterious in ages past, but has now been clearly revealed, was according to the eternal purpose of God and accomplished through Christ Jesus.
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Conclusion
So what are we to think of Paul’s imprisonment, and of the suffering experienced by all who are faithful to Christ in this world? Well, one thing we cannot do is loose heart. “So I ask you”, Paul says in verse 13, “not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory” (Ephesians 3:13, ESV).
In Paul’s mind, suffering is a part of God’s plan for the believer. In fact, it is a privilege to suffer for Christ. Listen to his words in Colossians 1:24-29, and with this we close: “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” (Colossians 1:24–29, ESV)
