Ephesians 3:3 - 13: Explanation of the Mystery/Secret of The Grace of God Revealed to the Apostle Paul By The Lord Jesus Christ:

It was previously noted that the third chapter of Ephesians is a parenthesis between the second and forth chapters. The last 3 verses of the second chapter and the first verse of the fourth chapter demonstrate the progression of thought, with the 3rd chapter a parenthesis:

◦ “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Corner stone; In Whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:20 - 2220 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

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◦ “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,” Ephesians 4:11 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

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The first verse of chapter 3 was examined in Faith Study V6-N8 and our last study, V6-N9, examined the second verse in the 3rd chapter that begins a parenthesis within the parenthesis of the 3rd chapter: “If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:” Ephesians 3:22 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

. Then, in verses 3 through 13 Paul gives one of the clearest explanations of the mystery/secret that The Lord Jesus Christ revealed to him from heaven concerning the dispensation of the Grace of God, which has been in effect for almost 2,000 years now.

In Ephesians 3:33 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

a Paul explains how the Lord Jesus Christ by revelation (disclosure/manifestation/revealing) made known (certified/declared/given to understand) to him (Paul) the mystery/secret. Then in Ephesians 3:3b through Ephesians 3:44 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

Paul includes in a parenthesis within the parenthesis (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ). Some of his writings before are: Ephesians 1:99 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

; Romans 16:25 - 2625 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

; 1 Corinthians 2:77 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

; 1 Corinthians 4:11 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

; 1 Corinthians 13:22 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

; 1 Corinthians 15:5151 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

. Paul wants believers to know/understand his knowledge in the mystery/secret of Christ. The Berean Bible Society study Bible indicates that the “Mystery/secret of Christ” refers to the “corporate Body of Christ:” All true believers today know they are sinners and that Jesus Christ died for their sins, was buried and rose again, 1 Corinthians 15:1 - 41 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

and thus they are corporate members of the Body of Christ: Ephesians 1:22 - 2322 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

; Ephesians 2:13 - 2213 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

& Ephesians 3:66 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

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Ephesians 3:55 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

continues: “Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;” Not one person who lived from Adam until the Apostle Paul was aware of the secret The Lord Jesus Christ revealed to him. The word “now” in this verse proves that this was not revealed to the 12 Apostles headed by Peter as recorded in the first few chapters of Acts. Paul was the first to learn this and it was revealed directly to him from from heaven by The Lord Jesus Christ, Acts 9:1 - 18. Paul began preaching this message in the Synagogues to both the Nation of Israel and Gentiles until he turned to individual Jews and Gentiles at the the time recorded at the end of the Acts period.

After Paul began preaching the Gospel of the Grace of God - Acts 20:2424 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

, i.e., the mystery/secret, others who were called Apostles and Prophets with him were enlightened by Paul as well as by direct revelation from the Holy Spirit. At that time they had the gift of the Holy Spirit and Paul explained to them how they were to use it in 1 Corinthians 14:1 - 401 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

5 I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.

35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

. Some of those Apostles and Prophets associated with Paul were Barnabas - Acts 4:3636 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

, Acts 9:2727 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

, Acts 13:2 - 32 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

, Acts 14:1414 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

; Silas - Acts 15:4040 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

; Andronicus and Junia - Romans 16:77 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

; Apollos - Acts 18:24 - 2824 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

, 1 Corinthians 3:66 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

; Timothy - 2 Corinthians 1:11 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

; 1st & 2nd Timothy.

Paul then points out that part of the mystery/secret Paul and his associates preached was, and still is, that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs (co-heirs, participants in common, heirs together, heirs with) and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: “That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:” Ephesians 3:6. George Williams in his Student Commentary, page 924, puts it well: “This does not mean that the Gentiles, as such, should be joined to a body already in existence, i.e., to the Hebrew church, but that redeemed men should be taken out from amongst both Jews and Gentiles and be joint-bodied with Christ, and so become “a new man.” This is the great secret - Christ Mystical, One Body, the Church, Christ being the Head.”

“Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power.” Ephesians 3:77 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

. Williams continues on page 924: “The ministry of this Mystery was a gift to the Apostle Paul, not because of any merit in him, for it was a gift of grace; and that same grace furnished him with spiritual power adequate to the discharge of the ministry. Gift, grace and power are the important words in this verse.

“Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable (not tracked out, untraceable, past finding out) riches (wealth in possessions, abundance, valuable bestowment) of Christ;” Ephesians 3:88 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;

. (See also Colossians 1:23 - 2723 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

) “Of Christ” is Christ in the believer, the hope (the believer’s earnest expectation) of glory, true believers are Members of The Body of Christ.

“And to make all men see (brighten up all to be comprehended) what is the fellowship (participation/communion) of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid (concealed/kept secret) in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:” Ephesians 3:99 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:

. This verse is another one that disproves the Mormon’s belief that Jesus Christ was the offspring of a union between the god of this world (who had a been a man) and Mary. Instead, it proves Jesus Christ is the second person of the Holy Trinity who created the entire universe including this earth. He spoke all things into existence from nothing and all things are held together by Him, Colossians 1:15 - 1715 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

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“To the intent (in order that the purpose or result is) that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly vplaces (the righteous heavenly beings, angels) might be known (certified/given to understand) by the church (the Body of Christ) the manifold wisdom of God,” Ephesians 3:1010 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

. This was accomplished not by anything done or not done by mankind, but by the Love, Mercy and Grace of God in The Person of The Lord Jesus Christ Who suffered death on the cross for mankind and appropriated by individuals who believe The Gospel of the Grace Of God, Ephesians 2:8 - 98 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

; 1 Corinthians 15:1 - 4.

“According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness (assurance/confidence) and access (admission) with confidence (reliance/trust) by the faith of Him.” Ephesians 3:11 - 1211 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.

. Long before this universe was spoken into existence by The Word of God, God Almighty’s purpose was to save those of us who believe “by the faith of Jesus Christ,” Romans 3:22 - 3122 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

; Romans 4:24 - 2524 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

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“Wherefore I desire that ye faint (fail/be weary) not at my (Paul’s) tribulations (afflictions/persecutions/burdens/trouble) for you, which is your glory (the recognition which any one finds, or which belongs to him, renown).” Ephesians 3:1313 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

. Paul’s imprisonment did not dishonor believers, but on the contrary; and therefore, they were not to be downhearted. “Who now rejoice in my (Paul’s) sufferings for you (all true believers), and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His Body's sake, which is the church:” Colossians 1:2424 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

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