FocusGentile fellow-heirs
Connection to the wholePaul explains his stewardship of the now-revealed inclusion of Gentiles as fellow-heirs and members of the same body in Christ.
interpretation Ephesians 3:1
KJVFor this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
Read it in context
Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles and Prayer for the Ephesians
Start reading at Ephesians 3:1 (Ephesians 3:1 to Ephesians 3:21).
This section begins with Paul's explanation of his ministry to the Gentiles, which is a parenthetical interruption of his main thought from 2:11-22, before he resumes his prayer in 3:14. The entire chapter forms a coherent unit.
- 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
- 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
- 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
- 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
- 3:5 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;
- 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
- 3:7 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.
- 3:8 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;
- 3:9 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:
- 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
- 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
- 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
- 3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
- 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
- 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
- 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
- 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
- 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
- 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
- 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
- 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the named author. Pauline authorship is the traditional position, though some historical scholars dispute it. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ephesians 1:1–3:21): Paul addresses the saints and faithful in Christ, explicitly recalling his Gentile readers' former separation and their inclusion with Jewish believers in one body. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The saints and faithful in Christ Jesus, addressed as being at Ephesus in the KJV. Some early manuscripts omit the location, so wider circulation is possible. The letter expressly addresses believers of Gentile background. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1; Ephesians 2:11. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? Paul's imprisonment for the sake of the Gentiles and the revelation of the mystery that Gentiles are fellowheirs with Israel in Christ through the gospel. stated in the text
- What is God revealing? God is revealing the mystery that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel, a truth not fully known in previous ages but now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. stated in the text
- What is the literary style? Epistle, or letter. book background
When
- When was it written? Circa A.D. 60 to 62. book background
- When does the event take place? The events described, particularly Paul's imprisonment, occur during the time of writing. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? The letter was written from Rome. The events described, such as Paul's ministry to the Gentiles, took place throughout the Roman world. book background
- Where was the author located? Paul was located in Rome, in prison, at the time of writing. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles and Prayer for the Ephesians (Ephesians 3:1 to Ephesians 3:21). Start reading at Ephesians 3:1. This section begins with Paul's explanation of his ministry to the Gentiles, which is a parenthetical interruption of his main thought from 2:11-22, before he resumes his prayer in 3:14. The entire chapter forms a coherent unit.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse begins a parenthetical explanation of Paul's apostolic ministry to the Gentiles, introduced by 'For this cause' (referring back to the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ described in chapter 2). Paul then pauses this thought until 3:14 to elaborate on the mystery revealed to him. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? Paul identifies himself as 'the prisoner of Jesus Christ,' emphasizing that his suffering and imprisonment are directly connected to his service for Christ and His mission to include the Gentiles. This highlights Christ's universal redemptive plan and the cost of proclaiming it. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today can find encouragement in Paul's willingness to suffer for the gospel, understanding that our service to Christ may involve hardship but is ultimately for His glory and the benefit of others. It also reminds us of the inclusive nature of God's grace, extending to all people. interpretation
Cited: Ephesians 3:1, Ephesians 3:2, Ephesians 3:3, Ephesians 3:5, Ephesians 3:6, Ephesians 3:8, Ephesians 3:9, Ephesians 3:10, Ephesians 3:14
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
Ephesians 1:1
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedSome critical scholars question Pauline authorship on stylistic grounds.
Related passages
- I 2 Cor 10:1 Gal 5:2
- the Eph 4:1 Eph 6:20 Luke 21:12 Acts 21:33 Acts 26:29 Acts 28:17-20 2 Cor 11:23 Phil 1:7
- for Gal 5:11 Col 1:24 1 Thess 2:15-16 2 Tim 2:10
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Ephesians 3
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Ephesians 1:1 Ephesians 2:19 Ephesians 4:1
Prayer and praise
Ephesians 3:14–21FocusStrength, love, and fulness
Connection to the wholeThe prayer asks for inward strengthening and knowledge of Christ's love, concluding the first major movement with praise to God.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Ephesians
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Ephesians 1:1 Ephesians 2:19 Ephesians 4:1
Blessing and prayer
Ephesians 1:1–23FocusGod's purpose in Christ
Connection to the wholePaul blesses God for spiritual blessings in Christ and prays that the readers understand their hope, inheritance, and the power displayed in Christ.
interpretation FocusGrace, reconciliation, and revealed purpose
Connection to the wholePaul describes salvation by grace and the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles in one body, then explains his ministry and prays for the church.
interpretation Walking worthy in one body
Ephesians 4:1–16FocusUnity and growth
Connection to the wholeThe practical appeal begins with maintaining unity and receiving the ministries that equip the body toward maturity in Christ.
interpretation The new life in relationships
Ephesians 4:17–6:9FocusHoliness, love, and responsibility
Connection to the wholePaul applies the new life to speech, desires, worship, households, and work, repeatedly grounding conduct in belonging to the Lord.
interpretation Stand in the Lord
Ephesians 6:10–24FocusSpiritual conflict and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe closing exhortation calls the readers to stand in God's strength and armour, joining vigilance with prayer and mutual encouragement.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.