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Ephesians 3

Ephesians 3 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Ephesians 3 shows Paul explaining his role in bringing the gospel to the Gentiles and then praying that believers would be strengthened, rooted in love, and filled with God's fullness. The chapter ties together revelation, suffering, unity, and worship.

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What happens in Ephesians 3?

Paul describes the message given to him by God's grace: the long-hidden mystery of Christ has now been revealed, and Gentiles are included as fellow heirs and members of God's people. He says his ministry is to make this truth known and to show God's wisdom through the church. Even while suffering, he urges believers not to lose heart. The chapter then turns into prayer, asking the Father to strengthen them by the Spirit, deepen Christ's presence in their hearts, and help them grasp Christ's vast love. It ends with praise to God, who can do far more than people can imagine.

Ephesians 3 sits in the middle of the letter after Paul's teaching about salvation, unity, and reconciliation in chapter 2. Here he explains how that unity has been revealed in the gospel and why his own ministry matters. The chapter also prepares readers for the practical instructions that follow in the rest of the book.

Themes to notice

  • Gospel mysteryGod has now revealed in Christ what was hidden before, including the full welcome of Gentiles into his people.
  • Prayer for strengthPaul asks God to deepen believers' inner life so Christ will dwell in them through faith.
  • God's gloryThe chapter ends by turning attention to God's power, wisdom, and glory in the church and in Christ.

Questions for Ephesians 3

  • What does Paul say was once hidden but is now revealed in Christ?
  • How does Paul's prayer describe what believers need from God?
  • Why does Paul connect his suffering with encouragement for the church?

Read the full text of Ephesians 3 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Ephesians 3

The Mystery of the Gospel

1For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles...2Surely you have heard about the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you,3that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power.8Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,9and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.10His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,11according to the eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.12In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence.13So I ask you not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

Paul’s Prayer for the Ephesians

14... for this reason I bow my knees before the Father,15from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.16I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love,18will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth19of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20Now to Him who is able to do so much more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,21to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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