Ephesians·Chapter 3

How to Apply

This week, think about how you can show acceptance and kindness to someone who feels excluded or different. Maybe it’s reaching out to a classmate who’s alone at lunch, volunteering for a community service project, or simply being a listening ear for someone who’s struggling. Reflect on how Paul’s commitment led him to action and find ways to mirror that in your life. Remember, every small act of love can create ripples of change in someone else's life!

Chapter Context

In Ephesians chapter 3, Paul is diving into a profound revelation about God’s plan for all people, not just a select few. Leading up to this moment, he’s been laying the groundwork for understanding grace and how it breaks down barriers. Here, he’s acknowledging his own sufferings as a way to highlight the importance of inclusivity in God’s family. This verse serves as a turning point, as it sets the stage for Paul to explain how God has revealed mysteries about His love and purpose for everyone. It’s like the climax of a story where Paul’s personal sacrifices become a powerful testament to the love that transcends all boundaries.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• this - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• reason - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• i - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• paul - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• prisoner - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• christ - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• jesus - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• behalf - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• you - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• gentiles - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

What does it mean to you to be part of a community that includes everyone, regardless of their background or story?

Related Verses

• Galatians 3:28 - Paul emphasizes that in Christ, everyone is equal, showing how barriers of race, status, and gender are broken down.
• Romans 15:7 - Paul encourages acceptance of one another, just as Christ accepted us, which mirrors his message of unity in Ephesians.
• Isaiah 49:6 - Written 700 years before this, it speaks about God's plan to bring light to the nations, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles.
• Acts 10:34-35 - Here, Peter realizes that God doesn’t show favoritism, connecting to Paul’s message about inclusivity in Ephesians.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Ephesians 3:1. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Verses

Ephesians 3:6, Ephesians 3:8, Ephesians 3:12, Ephesians 3:19, Ephesians 3:20

Historical Context

Ephesians is an epistle written by the Apostle Paul during his imprisonment in Rome, likely between 60-62 AD. The letter addresses a primarily Gentile Christian audience and seeks to explain God's eternal purpose in Christ and the implications of that purpose for the church. Chapter 3 is pivotal as it reveals the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant promises of God, a radical notion for the early church. Paul’s emphasis on the church as the vessel for displaying God’s wisdom to celestial authorities highlights the significant role of the community of believers in God's salvific plan.