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 3:11
KJVAccording to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
Read it in context
The revealed mystery and Paul's ministry
Start reading at Ephesians 3:1 (Ephesians 3:1 to Ephesians 3:13).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul explains his stewardship of the now-revealed inclusion of Gentiles as fellow-heirs and members of the same body in Christ.
- 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.
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 topic of this reading unit? The revealed mystery and Paul's ministry. Read Ephesians 3:1 through Ephesians 3:13 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul explains his stewardship of the now-revealed inclusion of Gentiles as fellow-heirs and members of the same body in Christ. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul identifies himself as a prisoner, but the letter does not name a calendar date or explicitly identify the city of imprisonment. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The KJV address names Ephesus. References to heavenly places and the church's spiritual standing are not ordinary geographic locations. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The revealed mystery and Paul's ministry (Ephesians 3:1 to Ephesians 3:13). Start reading at Ephesians 3:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter locates blessing, redemption, and the gathering of all things in Christ. Its purpose and inheritance language should be read with the repeated phrase in Christ and the exhortations addressed to the church. See Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 4:1. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Walk consistently with the calling received, pursuing unity, holiness, truthful speech, and mutual care. Promises to the church should not erase the subsequent demands on its conduct. interpretation
Cited: Ephesians 3:1, Ephesians 3:13, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 4:1
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
- According to the eternal purpose which he… Eph 1:4,9,11 Isa 14:24-27 Isa 46:10-11 Jer 51:29 Rom 8:28-30 Rom 9:11 2 Tim 1:9
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.