Read & explore together
The Mystery of the Gospel
In Ephesians 3:1–13, Paul explains a “mystery” that God has now revealed. He says this mystery centres on Christ and includes Gentiles fully in God’s promise, so believers can be confident rather than discouraged.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This passage is part of Paul’s letter teaching about God’s grace and purpose in Christ. Here Paul speaks about his own role as a servant and prisoner, and he explains what has now been revealed to apostles and prophets in the Spirit.
Ephesians 3:1–13Main takeaway
This passage teaches that God has now revealed in Christ that Gentiles share fully in his promise, and believers therefore have confident access to God through faith in him.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Paul’s role for the GentilesPaul begins by calling himself “the prisoner of Christ Jesus” on behalf of the Gentiles. He says God gave him a stewardship or administration of grace toward them.
Explanation
Paul begins by calling himself “the prisoner of Christ Jesus” on behalf of the Gentiles. He says God gave him a stewardship or administration of grace toward them. This shows he sees his suffering and service in relation to God’s work, not merely his own plans.
02The mystery now revealedPaul says the mystery was made known to him by revelation and that readers can understand his insight into the mystery of Christ.
Explanation
Paul says the mystery was made known to him by revelation and that readers can understand his insight into the mystery of Christ. He explains that earlier generations did not know it in this way, but now it has been revealed to Christ’s holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit.
03What the mystery isPaul states the mystery clearly: Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News.
Explanation
Paul states the mystery clearly: Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News. Paul became a servant of this Good News by God’s grace and power, though he calls himself the least of all saints.
04God’s purpose and our confidencePaul says this hidden mystery is now made known so that God’s manifold wisdom might be displayed through the assembly, even to heavenly rulers and powers.
Explanation
Paul says this hidden mystery is now made known so that God’s manifold wisdom might be displayed through the assembly, even to heavenly rulers and powers. This fits God’s eternal purpose in Christ. Because of Christ, believers have boldness and confident access, so they should not lose heart at Paul’s troubles.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01According to verse 6, what does Paul say Gentiles now share in Christ Jesus?
Look carefully at the three linked descriptions: fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise through the Good News.
02How does Paul say this mystery became known now, and to whom was it revealed?
Use the words in verses 3 and 5 about revelation, and notice the people named there.
03Why does Paul tell his readers not to lose heart over his troubles?
Read the connection between believers’ confidence in Christ and Paul’s closing request in verses 12 and 13.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Ephesians 3:1–13
1For this cause I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles,
2if it is so that you have heard of the administration of that grace of God which was given me toward you,
3how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words,
4by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ,
5which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit,
6that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News,
7of which I was made a servant according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power.
8To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
9and to make all men see what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ,
10to the intent that now through the assembly the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places,
11according to the eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
12In him we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him.
13Therefore I ask that you may not lose heart at my troubles for you, which are your glory.