August 4, 2022

Ephesians 3:1-13 (HCSB)
Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles 3 For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 you have heard, haven’t you, about the administration of God’s grace that He gave to me for you? 3 The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. 4 By reading this you are able to understand my insight about the mystery of the Messiah. 5 This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of His power. 8 This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of the Messiah, 9 and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. 10 This is so God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens. 11 This is according to His eternal purpose accomplished in the Messiah, Jesus our Lord. 12 In Him we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. 13 So then I ask you not to be discouraged over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.

Trey Manor
God specifically chose and appointed Paul as an apostle to the Gentiles that they may learn about and accept God’s grace for them. Paul preaches to reveal the mystery that Gentiles have been made co-heirs with the Jews. This great truth also negates the belief that we can save ourselves and establishes salvation through grace alone. As Paul transitions into talking about how he reaches Gentiles for Christ, he again humbles himself. He boasts only in the cross and calls himself “less than the least of all the Lord’s people.” He lowers himself so that his sole focus is on making Christ known and as magnified as possible. Through Christ alone Paul reaches all people to share the limitless love of Christ and reveal the mystery of God’s grace to them. Finally, God put the Heavens on notice that His grace and acceptance is available to all people. Anyone He saves may approach Him freely through the grace of Christ.

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