Ephesians 3 explained: A Hidden Plan Opened to Everyone

Paul the prisoner (vv. 1-2)

Paul writes from custody, which he links to taking the message about Jesus to non-Jewish people, called Gentiles. His "for this reason" may point back to what he just taught, or it may begin a prayer that he interrupts and then resumes at verse 14; readers have taken it both ways.

The secret now revealed (vv. 3-6)

The "mystery" here is not a puzzle but a plan God kept unspoken until now, which Paul says was shown to him directly. It is that non-Jewish people share fully and equally with Israel in God's family, body and promises through Jesus.

Paul's task, God's aim (vv. 7-12)

Paul calls himself less than the least of God's people, likely remembering that he once persecuted Jesus' followers, yet says he was given the job of announcing this news. A community joining Jews and non-Jews is meant to show God's many-sided wisdom even to unseen spiritual "rulers and authorities," whose exact nature scholars still discuss.

Do not lose heart (v. 13)

Paul asks his readers not to be discouraged by his imprisonment. He calls his sufferings for them "your glory," an honor to them, though he does not spell out exactly why.

A prayer on bent knees (vv. 14-19)

Paul kneels before the Father, a sign of deep earnestness, and calls him the source of every family's name (in Greek, "father" and "family" are related words). He prays they will be strengthened inside and grasp a love of Christ so wide, long, high and deep that it goes beyond knowing.

Closing praise (vv. 20-21)

Paul ends this half of the letter by praising a God who can do far more than anyone asks or imagines. After this "Amen," chapters 4 to 6 turn to how to live.

Key verse: Ephesians 3:6

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether the church described here is something new and distinct from Israel or the widening and fulfillment of Israel itself.

Something to think about

Who were you taught to see as outsiders, and what would change if they were treated as full equals rather than guests?