Ephesians 3

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Parenthesis: The Mystery – Jew and Gentile in One Body
Ephesians 3
 
The Ephesians 3 parenthesis. We can see that Eph. 3:1 and Eph. 4:1 start out very similarly. This strengthens the fact that Eph. 3:2-21 is a parenthesis! The purpose of ch.3 is to explain the apparent contradiction between the Old Testament promises and the New Testament position as explained in Eph. 1 – 2. Some Christians don’t see the importance of this parenthesis, because they are either generally ignorant of the Word of God, or they don’t see a contradiction due to not believing that God will be faithful to His promises. They actually believe that God backs out of His promises, or provides only a twisted fulfillment of them. This is the downfall of Covenant theologians.

The highest truths of God - and every truth for that matter - cannot be attained unless we justify God in every verse. When we see an apparent contradiction, we can rest in faith for God to reveal His mind. A nice example of this is Abraham. He was given the promise of a son, and descendants through him (Gen. 17:19). Later, Abraham was given a command to sacrifice his son (Gen. 22:2). These two revelations appeared to contradict! What did Abraham do? He acted in faith, on both revelations (Hebrews 11:17-19). We must do the same with apparent contradictions.

Returning to our chapter, we have an explanation of an apparent contradiction, and this is given in a parenthesis. There are at least three reasons for this parenthesis:
  1. To define in detail the Mystery (vv.5-6); that God has brought Jews and Gentiles into a new thing (one body) with new hopes and new prospects.
  2. To establish Paul’s authority to teach the Mystery (vv.2-3, vv.7-9). Paul’s “manner” was to go into the synagogues of the Jews, to reason with them out of the scriptures, see Acts 17:1-3. the truth he was expounding then was from the Old Testament; but the Mystery was a secret hid in the heart of God, not made known in the Old Testament. He couldn’t point to the Old Testament for authority. Therefore, it was necessary for him to establish that he had a special dispensation from God to teach the Mystery.
  3. To reveal the purpose of the Mystery (vv.10-11). That it would bring glory to Christ according to God’s eternal purpose, not only in the future, but at the present time.

Dispensations or administrations are the various ordered dealings of God with men on the earth at different times. The Children of Israel in the Old Testament were in a different dispensation than we are in today. In the Millennium, inhabitants of the earth will live in a different dispensation than we are in today. Having an understanding of these changes in God's dealings is tremendously important. Our behavior as Christians is largely based on the principles that God has given to us in the present dispensation.

Read more… This term “dispensation” or “administration” occurs in this chapter, for a very important reason. The identity and character of the Church which Paul has been presenting in Eph. 1-2 is entirely different than Israel under the Law. Paul brings in dispensational truth to explain that God hasn’t changed, but His economy has. God has begun something new that was kept secret in past ages, but is now been revealed. However, this new dispensation does not alter God’s original purpose to glorify Christ; rather it provides further light on how He will accomplish it.
 
 

What is the Mystery? (3:1-6)

The Immediate Result of Preaching the Truth: Persecution (v.1)

CHAPTER 3
For this reason *I* Paul, prisoner of the Christ Jesus for you nations, v.1 Paul was in chains at the time of writing this epistle (Eph. 6:20). But he doesn’t call himself a prisoner of Nero, but of Christ Jesus. He realized that it was from the Lord. He was also motivated by love “for you Gentiles”. Paul had been on three missionary journeys bringing the gospel and the truth to the nations, but he was continually distracted by his affections for Israel (not a bad thing). The Lord allowed him to be arrested and brought to Rome where he was put under house arrest. There he began to write what we call “the prison epistles” including Ephesians and Colossians. It was from that place as a prisoner that the highest truth concerning Christ and the Church came out for the blessing of the Gentiles. This verse suggests that Paul had a sense that his imprisonment was not only the Lord’s hand, but required for the special blessing of the Gentiles.

Paul’s Special Stewardship (vv.2-5)

2 (if indeed ye have heard of the administration of the grace of God which has been given to me towards you, v.2 Paul’s Stewardship. The word “dispensation” means “administration” or “stewardship”. It was that for which Paul was held responsible before God. Paul was the instrument chosen of God for bringing out the nature, calling, character, and hopes of the Church. He could say, it was “given me to you-ward” because the apostle Paul was but a channel by which the truth would flow to the saints. It was also a stewardship of “the grace of God”, because it was all connected with God’s grace flowing out to the Gentiles.
 
3a that by revelation the mystery has been made known to me, v.3a The Revelation of the Mystery. He got the Mystery “by revelation” which likely occurred when Paul was caught up to the third heaven (2 Cor. 11). It was a special revelation to Paul, although later the Spirit of God revealed it to the other apostles as well (v.5), but not independently. It would appear that the Spirit used Paul to reveal it to the others, although it doesn’t exactly say so. Peter’s vision in Acts 10 showed him that Gentiles were no longer to be considered unclean… but that truth falls far short of the Mystery. Instead Peter points to Paul for the deeper truths of Christianity (2 Pet. 3:15-16) calling them “the wisdom given to him“.
 
3b (according as I have written before briefly, 4 by which, in reading it, ye can understand my intelligence in the mystery of the Christ,) vv.3b-4 What Paul had Written Before. Paul had “written before briefly” of the Mystery, alluding to what he had written in Eph. 1:19 – 2:22.1 When we read those truths, of Jew and Gentile brought into one new man and built up into the House of God, we are getting an “understanding” of Paul’s “intelligence” with regard to the Mystery. That is, when we read his explanation of how the Church was formed, then the “Mystery of the Christ” will make sense. He is really saying that you can’t understand ch.3 without first understanding ch.2.
 
5 which in other generations has not been made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the power of the Spirit, v.5 The Hiddenness of “The Mystery”. Old Testament prophecies spoke of Gentile blessing; but never to this extent, and always under Israel (Isa. 14:1). This is brand new! Read more… The expression “hid in God” does not mean that the Mystery was “only hinted at” or “badly understood” in the Old Testament. It was not revealed at all (Rom. 16:25). You can see types of the Bride of Christ in the Old Testament (see list below); however, these types do not contain the distinctive truth of Jew and Gentile in one body. That truth was hidden in God (v.9); period. Therefore, Jew and Gentile formed into “one new man” is not even hinted at in Old Testament pictures! It was given to Paul first (v.3a), but later the Spirit revealed the truth of the Mystery to all “His holy [New Testament] apostles & prophets”. The point is that Paul was not alone with regard to knowing and understanding this truth.

When Paul refers to "the apostles and prophets" he is referring to New Testament apostles and prophets. These apostles and prophets are the "foundation gifts" (Eph. 2:20). The apostles were those men sent by the Lord Himself. Read more... But not all the New Testament writers were apostles, and yet some of their words and writings were just as much inspired as the apostles' writings. These speakers and writers were called prophets. This gift was not limited to writing, because much of what they spoke by inspiration was not written down (1 Cor. 2:13). They were prophets in the sense of: [1] forth-telling the revealed mind of God (like Judas and Silas; Acts 15:32), [2] foretelling the future (like Agabus; Acts 11:28; 21:10), or [3] receiving divine inspiration (like Mark, James, etc.) to pass on orally or in written form (Romans 16:25-26). We don’t have New Testament apostles and prophets with us in person, but we do have their writings. The reason we don’t have them in person is that they were the foundation (Eph. 2:20), which is already complete. Thankfully, what God saw fit to give us was written down and canonized, so we have these gifts with us "till we all come" (at the rapture). Those who hold covenant theology are attempting to show the Church in the Old Testament. They want to say that the Old Testament prophets were part of the Church's foundation (Eph. 2:20), and that the Mystery was known to them (Eph. 3:5). This is false, and it doesn't fit in the context of each passage. For instance, how could the mystery have been known to Old Testament prophets if it has been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints” (Col. 1:26). Also, if Old Testament prophets were intended, the order would have been reversed, as in 2 Peter 3:2. Rather than say "apostles and prophets" Paul would have said "prophets and apostles". By mentioning prophets after apostles, it shows that they are not Old Testament prophets.

 
Old Testament types of Christ and His Bride. (1) Adam & Eve, (2) Isaac & Rebecca, (3) Jacob & Leah, (4) Joseph & Asenath, (5) Moses & Zipporah, (6) David & Abigail, (7) Solomon & Pharaoh’s Daughter. But none of these types incorporated the idea of Jew and Gentile in one body!

The Three Cardinal Truths of the Mystery (v.6)

6 that they who are of the nations should be (1) joint heirs, and (2) a joint body, and (3) joint partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus by the glad tidings; v.6 The Mystery is the truth that believers from among the Gentiles join believers from among the Jews, to become something brand new. (1) They would be “joint heirs”, having the prospect of possessing the universe (the inheritance) with Christ. (2) They would be “joint body”, being united together by the Spirit of God to their heavenly Head, as one living organism on earth to practically display the mind of Christ. (3) They would be “joint partakers”, enjoying the promise that God has promised in Christ, eternal life (Tit. 1:2) and the Spirit (Gal. 3:14). To have the life of Christ, be indwelt with the Spirit, to know the Father and the Son, and enjoy their thoughts. This promise is exclusively a New Testament blessing. We are brought into these blessings of the Mystery by receiving “the glad tidings” and being put “in Christ”. In a sense these three cardinal truths are a summary of the doctrinal part of Ephesians:
  1. ch.1 (joint heirs), Christ will share His inheritance with us!
  2. ch.2 (joint body), Christ has made us part of His body!
  3. ch.3 (joint partakers), Christ has brought us into a sphere of blessing unknown in Old Testament. (His promise vs. Abrahamic promises).
The truth of the Mystery is that Jewish and Gentile believers have been fashioned together as one body, equally blessed, but in Christ far higher than Old Testament saints. Thus, New Testament Gentiles are more highly blessed than Old Testament Jews! This is the truth that Paul suffered for. The Jewish leaders said “If you teach that these Gentile dogs are going to have a higher place of blessing that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob… we’ll kill you.”
 

Paul’s Responsibility to Make Known the Mystery (3:7-9)

Two Factors that Enabled Paul to Spread this Truth (v.7)

7 of which I am become minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me, according to the working of his power. v.7 Paul had been given the special place as the servant (“minister“) to make the Mystery known. He gives two factors that enabled him to spread this truth. First, “the gift of the grace of God”, which is God’s grace that gave Paul the privilege of making the mystery known, and it is a spirit of grace in which it must be presented. Second, “the working His power”, which is the power of God (the Spirit) that enabled Paul to exercise the gift of grace. God’s gifts can only be used in God’s power.

The Proper Effect of this Truth & Responsibility on the Minister (v.8a)

8a To me, less than the least of all saints, has this grace been given, v.8a This extreme privilege that Paul was given (and which we share in a limited way) made him feel extremely humble. Note: Does knowledge always puff up (1 Cor. 8:1)? No, although that is the tendency. But it will only puff up when it is not regulated by love; when it is held in contempt for our less-intelligent brethren. But Paul held “the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15) and as a result it actually humbled him.

Paul’s humility. When Paul realized that he had been leading the charge against Christ, he said he was “the chief of sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15). When he saw that he had persecuted the Church, he said he was “the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle” (1 Cor. 15:9). But here his own failures don’t even come in. It is the eclipsing glory of God’s grace that causes him to say, “I am less than the least of all saints.”

Paul’s Twofold Commission (vv.8b-9)

8b to (1) announce among the nations the glad tidings of the unsearchable riches of the Christ, 9 and (2) to enlighten all with the knowledge of what is the administration of the mystery hidden throughout the ages in God, who has created all things, vv.8b-9 Here we get the twofold commission of the Apostle Paul (see also Rom. 16:25, Col. 1:23-27 where we get it again):
  1. Paul’s Gospel (v.8b) – the “unsearchable riches of Christ”. The searchable riches would be the things prophesied about in the Old Testament (His coming reign, His death, etc.). The unsearchable riches are our blessings “in Christ”. The primary sphere of Paul’s labors was “among the Gentiles” (see Gal. 2:7).
  2. Paul’s Doctrine (v.9) – the “administration of the mystery”. It should read “all” not “all men” because the enlightening effect of Paul’s doctrine is broader to include angels (v.10). “The administration of the mystery” is a term that refers to the present economy in which Christ is building His Church, and to all the related subjects of order, unity, etc. (see note). It was “hidden in God”, not hidden in the Old Testament as covanentalists would like to say (see v.5). The administration of the mystery is essentially: how God wants His people to act and serve during the time of the mystery while the Church is being built.
  The Gospel The Mystery
Romans 16:25-26 v.25a "…according to my glad tidings and the preaching of Jesus Christ…" vv.25b-26 "…according to the revelation of the mystery, as to which silence has been kept in the times of the ages…"
Ephesians 3:8-9 v.8 "…that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ…" v.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…"
Colossians 1:23-28 v.23 "…the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature..." vv.25-26 "…according to the dispensation of God… Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations…"
Description
The believer's standing "in Christ":
  • Forgiveness and justification (Acts 13:39; Romans 4)
  • Redemption through Christ's blood (Col. 1; Eph. 1)
  • Complete acceptance before God (Eph. 1; Rom. 8)
  • The indwelling Spirit of God (Eph. 1; Rom. 8)
The truth of Christ and the Church:
  • The formation of the Church: Jew and Gentile in one body (Eph. 1-3)
  • The practice of the Church: the Lord's supper (1 Cor. 10-11)
  • The order of the Church: assembly meetings (1 Corinthians)
  • The hopes of the Church: resurrection and rapture (1 Thess. 4)
 
The three administrations.

There are really three great dispensational periods, or administrations. First, the Administration of the Law, during which the First Man was tested, and proved an utter failure. Finally, "the Administration of the Fullness of Times" (Eph. 1:10), during which the Second Man will be glorified in the Earth (where the First Man has failed) and in heaven (where the First Man could never go). In between these two is a parenthetical period called "the Administration of the Mystery" (Eph. 3:9) in which God is gathering out of the Jews and (primarily) the Gentiles, a bride and companion for His Son.

 
In a dispensation. It is important to understand that the Church itself is not a dispensation, rather it is a living organism on earth, made up of Christians. Instead, the Church is in a dispensation, called "the administration of the mystery". During the time when Christ is building His Church, God has a different economy (ordered dealing) with His people on earth; so in that sense, we are in a dispensation.
 
The Oreo™ Cookie. Notice that the Law and the Millennium have more to do with the earth, and the Mystery has more to do with heaven! If it helps, think of an Oreo™ cookie; black cookie, white icing, and black cookie again. Only in our case we have; earthly, heavenly, and earthly again.2 The mystery is really a heavenly parenthesis between two earthly administrations. It should make us realize that we live in a very special time! Some have even said that the Church period is not really a dispensation at all, and for good reason. Dispensations have to do with this earth, and the Church and her hopes are completely detached from earth! When the Church is taken out, the prophetic timeline will resume again with Israel and the Gentile powers. In fact, the Law is more similar to the Millennium than it is to the Church! In spite of this fact, we can still refer to the Church (more properly, "the Mystery") as a dispensational period (or an Administration), because while we are a heavenly people, we are still on earth, and the "house rules" are different for us than they were for the Old Testament saints, or for the saints that will be on earth in the Millennium. There are two errors of the Oreo™ cookie: (1) to think we are under the law, and (2) to think we are in the Millennium. The Galatians made the first error (Gal. 5:1), and the Corinthians made the second error (1 Cor. 4:8). Both errors had practical ramifications. Knowing what time we are in will help us walk more appropriately.
 
A Heavenly Parenthesis. As we have already remarked, the mystery is really a heavenly parenthesis between two earthly administrations. A parenthesis in a sentence is something that could be skipped over without a discontinuity, and yet it contains helpful information. In the same way, the entirety of the administration of the mystery (some 2000 years), was totally unknown in the Old Testament. In fact, the setting of the world-stage in the tribulation period will line up very closely with the setting at the time of Christ. The nation of Israel will be largely apostate. A small remnant of the Jews will be seeking the Lord. The Roman Empire (revived) will be in power, etc. Prophetically speaking, there was no reason, in foresight, for an Old Testament saint to expect a 2000-year space between Daniel's 69th and 70th week. You could remove the parenthesis, and there would be prophetic continuity. However, there would still be something missing! Christ would not have His bride, and God's heart would not be fully displayed if the gospel of His grace was never preached to the Gentiles. The tremendous importance of the mystery is unfolded by Paul in Ephesians 3. The angels could not learn "the manifold wisdom of God" apart from the administration of the mystery!
 

The Present Purpose of the Mystery (3:10-11)

10 in order that now to the principalities and authorities in the heavenlies might be made known through the assembly the all-various wisdom of God, v.10 The ultimate purpose of the Mystery is to bring glory to Christ from the nations in the Millennial dispensation (Eph. 1:10)… but God has also determined the Mystery to accomplish another purpose “now” at the present time. This purpose is to manifest the wisdom of God to the angels “through the assembly”, by their witnessing its formation and order, etc. Compare 1 Cor. 11:10 and 1 Peter 1:12.3
 
Manifestation of the all-various wisdom of God. God is now, while the members of the Church are being called out on earth, making known a new kind of wisdom to the angels above. They are looking at the Church from the eternal viewpoint, seeing what God has done in spite of man’s failure. The angels have seen God’s ways in creation, in the flood, and with Israel. But the mystery is a new thing. God has pulled out all the stops, taken those who were dead in sins and offenses, and put them in the highest place.  Such infinite grace at such infinite cost has resulted in the formation of a vessel that is the “Abigail”, the joy of the father, and the “Eve”, the perfect satisfaction of Christ’s heart, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all, and ultimately the very vessel by which Christ’s glory will be displayed to the whole world! Paul’s prayer at the end of Eph. 3 is that we might have a sense of these very things.
 
11 according to the purpose of the ages, which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord, v.11 This “present purpose” does not in any way contradict God’s overarching purpose (Eph. 1:10), here called “the purpose of the ages”. It fits in perfectly as it all brings glory to God in Christ.
  

The Practical Effect of Enjoying the Truth of the Mystery (3:12-13)

PREFACE TO THE FOLLOWING PRAYER
———————————-
12 in whom we have boldness and access in confidence by the faith of him. v.12 Paul links with the highest counsels of God with the very simplest of the fundamental truths on which we rest: full and free access into God’s presence (in prayer). Access into God’s presence is by “the faith of him”, the faith which has Christ as its object. We also have “boldness”. We are so confident in God’s love that we can say anything to Him.
 
The correlation between high truth and deep truth. Paul has been expounding the highest counsels of God. These truths are something to wonder at, but that isn’t all they are for. The more we apprehend high truth, the more we come to appreciate deep truth.4 I think of it like a child living in their parent’s home. When very young, the child only thinks of the shelter provided by the home. But as the child grows up, he enters into the wisdom of his parents in choosing that home, etc. As the child enters more into the thoughts of his parents, his appreciation for the home does not decrease, it grows! In a similar way, Paul’s apprehension of the mystery him to despise the privilege of boldness and access to God, but rather to appreciate it more.
 
13 Wherefore I beseech you not to faint through my tribulations for you, which is your glory. v.13 There will be opposition or reproach if we even enjoy these truths. Paul was suffering for these truths, and if we enjoy and promote these truths we will suffer too. Paul prayed “that ye faint not” because it is possible to see the cost of this truth, and to faint, or give up. He is saying, “don’t throw in the towel on me.” Paul’s humbling circumstances were really “your glory” because it was from an imprisoned apostle that God was bringing out the glorious calling of the Church.
 

2nd Prayer: That We would Enjoy the Truth of God (3:14-21)

Two Prayers. The prayer in Eph. 1:15-23 is that we might know the power of Christ’s resurrection and glorification, that God’s power on Christ’s behalf (and ours) is infinite and unstoppable, that we would look down from God’s viewpoint and see the inheritance, all under Christ’s feet, and Him head over all things to the Church. But none of these things (the possession of the universe, the putting down of evil, etc.) can satisfy the human heart. The 2nd prayer explains that above all the power and glory of God is the Father’s love, and the love of Christ. Love is the secret of the glory! In the 2nd prayer we are looking up in enjoyment of the love of God in Christ. The glory is not an end in itself. Rather, we are directed to the source of all the blessing: love. It is the “glory of his grace” (Eph. 1:6). In a similar way, in John 17:22-23 we find that the purpose of glory is the knowledge of the Father’s love!
 
Objective vs. Subjective truth. The two prayers of Ephesians are a fine example of the difference between objective and subjective truth.
  1. Knowledge. The 1st prayer is that we would know the objective truth of God’s power resulting in the glorification of Christ.
  2. Enjoyment. The 2nd prayer is that we would know the subjective truth of God’s love and of Christ which is the motive of it all, and that His love would be the glass through which we view and enjoy the Mystery.

Introduction (vv.14-15)

14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, v.14 The 1st prayer is to the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, viewing Christ as a glorified Man, all things under His feet by the power of God. This 2nd prayer is to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ because He is viewed as Son, the object of the Father’s love (see table). It is the enjoyment of relationship. How wonderful that we have been brought into the very same relationships that Christ enjoys. He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and He is our Father too in that same way by association (John 20:17). As a practical note, kneeling in prayer was and still is a posture of dependance on God.
 
15 of whom every family in the heavens and on earth is named, v.15 If v.14 brings out the Eternal Fatherhood of God as an intra-trinitarian relationship, v.15 brings out the wider aspect of His paternity in relation to “every family”. He is not merely Jehovah of the family of Israel, or Father to the Church, but He is the creator and sustainer of every intelligent creature in the universe, whether men or angels..56 All creation will be blessed by the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Millennium. Every family will know that He is the Father, but only the Church will share the Son’s relationship to the Father. Paul addresses the Father in both the highest aspect of His Person (v.14) and the widest extent of His influence (v.15) in praying for the Ephesians.
 
The Road to Christian Fullness. Often we wonder, ‘What is the secret to fullness in the Christian life?’ How rare it is, sad to say, that we really experience what it is to be “filled with all the fullness of God” (v.19). To have our hearts completely and totally satisfied, to be overflowing with joy in God. I believe there are a number of steps in Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians that culminate with Christian fullness. There are four things that begin with “that”, and I believe there is a moral order, or progression, to these things. For example, if we are not strengthened by the Spirit, then Christ will not be dwelling in our hearts, etc.

Step #1: Strength – Inner Power from the Spirit (v.16)

16 in order that he may give you according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power by his Spirit in the inner man; v.16 Inner Strength. The first thing we need is to tap into the power reserve expounded on in the 1st prayer in Eph. 1. The Spirit of God is the great interpreter of the Word of God; but also, He is the power by which God carries out His counsels. The greatest of our blessings (Eph. 1:13b) is to have God the Holy Spirit indwelling us. Thus is said, “according to the riches of his glory”. We cannot adequately estimate the importance of the Spirit’s work. This verse refers to a practical strengthening that comes from walking in the Spirit, which gives Him liberty to act. The “inner man” refers to our souls, which the Spirit strengthens. This is not speaking of getting super-human physical strength (see 2 Cor. 4:16). Daniel had to be strengthened to receive his visions (Dan. 10:18-19), and we need the power of the Spirit to understand the things of God (1 Cor. 2:9-end).

Step #2: Focus – Occupied with Christ, with A Sense of His Love (v.17)

17 that the Christ may dwell, through faith, in your hearts, being rooted and founded in love, v.17 Christ Dwelling in Our Hearts. The KJV inserts “that ye” in the middle of this verse which would make Christ dwelling in the heart a prerequisite to being rooted in love. But really, being rooted and grounded in love is the prerequisite to Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith. We need to have a deep sense of His love to us. Christ dwells in us by our continual occupation with Him. This is not saying Christ indwells us bodily, like the Spirit who indwells our bodies. That is why is says “by faith”. Compare with Col. 1:27 where “Christ in you” is a different thought; the practical realization of the union of Christ and the Church, such that Christ is displayed in the Church collectively by the Spirit of God. Romans 8:10 presents a similar thought to Colossians 1, but connected with the individual. In Romans we have Christ displayed in the believer’s life. But here in Ephesians it refers to us holding Christ in our affections. But we must be strengthened in the Spirit before Christ will dwell in our hearts. If we are going on in sin, it will not be possible to be continually occupied with Christ.

Step #3: Knowledge – Understanding of the Counsels of God and Christ’s Love (vv.18-19a)

18 in order that ye may be fully able to apprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height; v.18 Understanding the Counsels of God. The word “comprehend” (fully grasp it by encompassing) should be “fully apprehend” (fully grasp it piece-wise). What is Paul speaking of? It isn’t the love of Christ in v.18. That is an additional thought in v.19. He is simply referring to the subject in the preceding verses; i.e. to the purpose and counsels of God in the mystery! We are never going to wrap our minds around the Mystery, but we can get a thorough grasp of it. Having a foundation in love (v.17) precedes this “grasping”. What are we to grasp? The truth of this epistle thus far: the boundless sphere of glory where Christ is the center, our portion in it, and God’s power and wisdom in the whole scope of the Mystery. Note: dimensions are given, but it is still measureless because there are four dimensions! We can only know “in part” (1 Cor. 13:12). It says “with all the saints” showing that this is the common portion of every believer. As an application, it also shows that laying hold of the counsels of God is something often done collectively for great profit!
 
19a and to know the love of the Christ which surpasses knowledge; v.19a The Deeper Theme of Christ’s Surpassing Love. Yet there is something greater than the mystery. Glorious as all these prospects are, what can compare with Christ’s love? The best wine is kept to the last. Dimensions are given in v.18, but no dimensions are given when it comes to the love of Christ; it surpasses all knowledge. This very is very special to the heart of the Christian because it touches on the Savior’s love. Often we read of the love of God, a love which was manifested in the sending of the Son. The Son went to the cross, not only because He loved and obeyed the Father, but also because He loved us! See also Gal. 2:20 and Rev. 1:5. The truth of the mystery is only properly understood when our hearts are occupied with Christ (v.17), because then will we appreciate the deeper theme of His love behind it all!
 
Glory supreme is there,
Glory that shines through all,
More precious still that love to share
As those that love did call.7

Step #4: Fullness – Our Hearts Filled to Overflowing (v.19b)

19b that ye may be filled even to all the fulness of God. v.19b Christian Fullness. If our soul is strengthened by the Spirit, if our hearts are occupied with Christ, and minds are filled with God’s thoughts, then will will experience true spiritual fullness. This fullness is not the fullness of Deity, which is only reserved to Christ (Col. 1:19, 2:9), but to have every need and desire of our hearts filled to overflowing! To be “filled with all the fullness of God” is to completely lose ourselves in the whole extent of God’s glory!

Doxology (vv.20-21)

20 But to him that is able to do far exceedingly above all which we ask or think, according to the power which works in us, v.20 This doxology is a fitting conclusion to the prayer and the first three chapters. Often this verse is quoted in connection with prayer requests, as if to assure the believer that God can do more than we ask for in prayer. This, of course, is true, though not the meaning of this verse. Really, it is an expression of appreciation for our place of blessing, which we already have! The thing that is “far exceedingly above all which we ask or think” is the accomplishment of God’s purpose to glorify Christ, form the Church, and bless us in association with Christ. God has already done exceeding above all which we ask or think! We would never have conceived of such blessing in our wildest dreams! God alone “is able” to accomplish that purpose. What is the measure of His power? The power of divine love working in us by the Spirit!
 
21 to him be glory in the assembly in Christ Jesus unto all generations of the age of ages. Amen). v.21 Paul’s desire was that the Church would be for the glory of God. The assembly has been left on earth to bring glory to God by representing Christ; “to him be glory in the assembly in Christ Jesus”. This is the highest purpose of the assembly. God wants His Son to be displayed in this world, and the church is the vessel through which Christ is displayed. Revelation 1 – 3 show us that the assembly has failed to represent Christ in this world; failed as a candlestick. But Revelation 21 shows us that in the Millennium, the church (as the city) will perfectly reflect the glory of God; the light of the Lamb shining clearly through her jasper walls. The glory of God will be reflected to the Millennial earth through the Church, and the nations will bring their glory and honor into it (Rev. 21:26). But we also find in Rev. 21:2-3 that the assembly will continue in this role in the eternal state! When distinctions between Jew and Gentile have passed away, the church will remain distinct, as the bride of Christ! That brings us back to Eph. 3:21. This verse takes us the furthest point into eternity; to “all generations of the age of ages.” There will never be a time when the Church will cease to have its own peculiar place as the vessel that is both the transmitter and the collector of the glory of God. What a blessed privilege!
 
What raised the wondrous thought,
Or who did it suggest,
That we the Church to glory brought
Should with the Son be blest?
  
Father, the thought was Thine,
And only Thine could be—
Fruit of the wisdom, love divine,
Peculiar unto Thee.8
 
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  1. read W. Kelly and F.B. Hole
  2. Anstey, B. A Dispensational or a Covenantal Interpretation of Scripture. Christian Truth Publishing.  p.18
  3. The church of God is His living lesson-book for the angels (Eph. 3); it is by the dealings that He carries on with individual Christians, and with the assembly above all, that He is instructing them in His ways. – Kelly, William. Abraham, the Friend of God.
  4. The highest attainment of the knowledge of God’s purposes in Christ, is intimately linked with the confidence of our souls in His love. … When we do seize in any measure the character of the Church, when we see the astonishing privileges which are ours as being made one with Christ, we regard with a more intense enjoyment the first elements, and we realize the amazing stability of the foundations on which our souls are privileged to stand. – Kelly, William. The Epistle to the Ephesians.
  5. But here we have the contrast. He is revealed not merely as Jehovah, having Israel, His people, upon earth, but as “the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The moment He speaks in such a relationship as this, it is expressly in association with One who made everything, as was said before, “who created all things by Jesus Christ.” All creatures therefore come into view, and find their due place with Him as the Father, because the Lord Jesus is He who formed all, and for whose glory all was made. Hence all families in heaven and in earth, let them be principalities and powers, angels, Jews or Gentiles, as well as the Church of God — all come under “the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The title of Jehovah is restricted to a particular race: the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is unlimited in its range and brings in every class of beings that God has made. – Kelly, William. The Epistle to the Ephesians.
  6. Every family (not “the whole family”) ranges itself under this name of Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Under the name of Jehovah there were only the Jews. “You only have I known of all the families of the earth,” had Jehovah said to the Jews in Amos, “therefore will I punish you for your iniquities”; but under the name of Father of Jesus Christ all families — the assembly, angels, Jews, Gentiles, all — range themselves. All the ways of God in that which He had arranged for His glory were co-ordained under this name, and were in relation with it; and that which the apostle asked for the saints to whom he addressed himself was, that they should be enabled to apprehend the whole import of those counsels, and the love of Christ which formed the assured centre for their hearts. – Darby, J.N. Synopsis of the Books of the Bible. Ephesians 3.
  7. Darby, J.N. Oh bright and blessed scenes. Little Flock Hymnbook # 64
  8. Wigram, George V. What Raised the Wondrous Thought? Little Flock Hymnbook #330. 1856
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