The mystery was revealed in our verses yesterday.

In Ephesians 3:8-13, we continue to see the mystery mapped out, however, we see a further glimpse into Paul’s heart that is interesting. We looked at verse 7 yesterday where Paul reflects on being made a servant of God as a gift of God’s grace and through His power. Verse 8 shows his wonder of this as he is the least of all saints.

Did you see that? God used Paul who saw himself as the least of all saints. Paul, yes, that Paul, the great apostle Paul who wrote many books of the New Testament. He saw himself as the least of all saints. He realized that he was not great or special in himself, but it was a gift of God’s grace. Paul knew from whence he came. He recognized that it was all God. That should bring us hope. We may be weak, struggling. God can still use us by His grace and through His power. Yes! What joy and hope that brings!

Paul then tells some of the mystery and amazing news he has been chosen to share with the Gentiles, with those who were outsiders but can be insiders. Look at these verses (KJV) and the richness of the mystery and what Paul is sharing (emphasis mine):

“⁸ Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;”
The riches of Christ are so vast that they are unsearchable. These riches are ours, yes ours in Christ!

“⁹ And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:”
Did you see that word there? “Fellowship.” I don’t know about you, but for me in isolation, fellowship is a huge word. Fellowship means connection. This fellowship of the Gentiles as insiders through Christ had been hidden, but is now made known. He also mentions that all things were created by Jesus Christ which is another great gem tucked in amongst the mystery.

“¹⁰ To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,”
The manifold wisdom of God is being made known to the church, God’s church, the believers in Him. It is not a light thing that God is sharing His wisdom with us!

“¹¹ According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: ¹² In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.”
This is an eternal purpose in Jesus Christ. It is done eternally and on purpose. Did you catch the last part? In Christ Jesus our Lord, we have boldness and access to God with confidence. We do not have to be hesitant, but bold. We have access to God through faith in Christ.

“¹³ Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.”
This mystery was important enough that Paul asked them not to faint at the tribulation that he was undergoing for them to share the good news. The message was more important than his being tortured for Christ. Do we have that attitude? Do we see that what we are going through is acceptable as long as the message of Christ is made known?

Amazing! No wonder Paul is so excited about being able to share this news. This is an amazing mystery revealed. All have access boldly and confidently to God. All can have fellowship with Him. No one is an outsider.

What an amazing mystery! Tomorrow, we will move on to what this led Paul to do on behalf of the Ephesians. See you then!