Berean Study Bible The Mystery of the GospelPaul resumes the thought that God has made Jews and Gentiles one people in Christ and revealed His saving purpose to include the nations. Eph 2:11-13 Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles… I, Paul, He identifies himself personally as Christ’s apostle, whose ministry was entrusted with proclaiming the Gospel beyond Israel. Gal 5:2 Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves… the prisoner of Christ Jesus Though held under Roman authority, Paul regarded his imprisonment as part of Christ’s sovereign purpose and the cost of faithful service. Phm 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother… for the sake of you Gentiles... His calling to bring the Gospel to Gentiles had led to opposition and imprisonment, yet it demonstrated that salvation in Christ was offered to all nations. Act 22:21 Then He said to me, ‘Go! I will send you far away… Surely you have heard Paul writes to believers who knew of his work among the Gentiles and likely had heard of his extended ministry in Ephesus, a leading city of Asia Minor and an important center for the early church. Eph 4:21 Surely you heard of Him and were taught in Him… about the stewardship of God’s grace God entrusted Paul with the responsibility of proclaiming the Gospel and establishing Gentile believers in the faith. His ministry was an assignment from God, not a personal ambition. Col 1:25 I became its servant by the commission God gave me… that was given to me Paul’s calling came from God, who redirected him from opposing Christ’s followers to serving as an apostle and messenger of the Gospel. Act 26:16-18 But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared… for you, God’s grace in Paul’s ministry was directed especially toward Gentiles. Through Christ, they were received into God’s people and given equal access to the promises of salvation. Rom 15:15-16 However, I have written you a bold reminder on some points,… that is, the mystery God’s long-hidden purpose was that Gentiles would share fully in salvation through Christ alongside believing Jews, forming one people in Him. Rom 16:25-26 Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel… made known to me by revelation, Paul received this message directly from God, not through human instruction. His calling and gospel were grounded in the risen Christ’s revelation to him. Gal 1:12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it;… as I have already written briefly. Paul had introduced God’s plan to unite all things in Christ, including Jews and Gentiles, and now develops that truth more fully. Eph 1:9-10 And He has made known to us the mystery of His will… In reading this, then, Paul directs the Ephesian believers to what he has already written concerning God’s plan to unite Jews and Gentiles in Christ. His letter would likely have been read aloud in the gathered church, allowing the congregation to consider his teaching together. 2Co 1:13 For we do not write you anything beyond your ability… you will be able to understand Paul expects believers to grasp the truth he has explained because God has made it known through His apostles. The gospel was not reserved for a religious elite but was to be understood and received by the whole church. Luk 24:45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. my insight into the mystery of Christ, The mystery is God’s formerly hidden plan, now revealed in Christ: Gentiles who believe are included with believing Israel as fellow heirs and members of one body. Paul received this revelation in connection with his calling to proclaim Christ among the Gentiles. Col 2:2-3 that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love,… which was not made known to men in other generations God had not fully disclosed His purpose to unite believing Jews and Gentiles in one body. The Old Testament foretold blessing for the nations, yet the equality of Gentiles with Israel in Christ remained a hidden part of God’s plan until the coming of the gospel. Col 1:26 the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations… as it has now been revealed by the Spirit The Holy Spirit made this truth known in the apostolic age, not through human discovery but through divine revelation. The inclusion of Gentiles was central to God’s redemptive purpose in Christ. 1Co 2:10 But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit.… to God’s holy apostles and prophets. God entrusted this revelation to the apostles and New Testament prophets, who laid the doctrinal foundation of the church. Set apart for His service, they proclaimed with authority that Gentile believers share fully in the promises of Christ. 1Co 12:28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles… This mystery is that through the gospel God revealed His long-hidden plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. What had not been fully disclosed in earlier generations was now made known through the apostles: the blessings of the Messiah would extend beyond Israel to the nations. 2Th 2:14 He called you through our gospel, so that you may share in… the Gentiles are fellow heirs, Those formerly outside Israel’s covenants now receive the same inheritance of salvation and eternal life as believing Jews. God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham finds its fulfillment in Christ. Rom 8:17 And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God… fellow members of the body, Jewish and Gentile believers are united in one church, the body of Christ. Their former separation does not determine their standing before God; both belong equally to Christ. 1Co 12:12-13 The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts… and fellow partakers of the promise Gentiles share in the promised forgiveness, indwelling Holy Spirit, and kingdom blessings secured through the new covenant. These blessings come by faith, not ethnic descent or observance of the Mosaic law. Gal 3:14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing… in Christ Jesus. Union with Christ is the basis of this shared inheritance, unity, and promise. Through Him, all who believe are brought into God’s redeemed people. 2Co 1:20 For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ.… I became a servant of this gospel Paul’s ministry was a calling to serve Christ by proclaiming the good news that Jews and Gentiles alike are brought into God’s people through faith in Him. Though entrusted with apostolic authority, Paul presents himself as a servant under Christ’s command. Col 1:23 if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm… by the gift of God’s grace, His apostleship did not arise from personal merit or former religious zeal. God had shown him mercy, transforming a former persecutor of the church into a messenger of the gospel. Rom 15:15 However, I have written you a bold reminder on some points,… given me through the working of His power. God not only called Paul but supplied the strength needed for his ministry. The same divine power that accomplishes God’s saving purposes enabled Paul to endure hardship, proclaim Christ boldly, and carry the gospel to the Gentiles. Col 1:29 To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy… Though I am less than the least of all the saints, Paul remembered that he had once persecuted the church and regarded himself as undeserving of apostolic service. Yet God’s grace had changed him and entrusted him with a central role in the spread of the gospel. Saints are all those set apart to God through faith in Christ, not an elite class within the church. 1Co 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy… this grace was given me: Paul’s ministry did not arise from personal achievement or religious status. God freely appointed and empowered him to carry out the work assigned to him. 1Co 3:10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation… to preach to the Gentiles Paul was chosen especially to proclaim Christ among the nations outside Israel. His ministry showed that God’s saving purpose had always included Gentiles, who now entered God’s people through faith in Christ on the same basis as Jewish believers. Gal 1:15-16 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb… the unsearchable riches of Christ, Christ possesses inexhaustible blessings for those who belong to Him: forgiveness, reconciliation with God, a new identity, the indwelling Spirit, and the promise of eternal life. God’s plan, once hidden, had been revealed in Christ and was now proclaimed openly among all peoples. Rom 11:33 O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge… and to illuminate for everyone Paul’s ministry made known God’s saving purpose to Jew and Gentile alike. What had long been obscured was now openly proclaimed through the gospel. Jhn 1:9 The true Light, who gives light to everyone,… the stewardship of this mystery, God had entrusted Paul with the administration of this revealed plan: Gentiles who believe in Christ share fully in the promises of salvation with believing Jews. 1Co 4:1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ… which for ages past was kept hidden in God, God had purposed this inclusion from before the ages, though He did not disclose its full extent until the coming of Christ and the apostolic proclamation. Col 1:26 the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations… who created all things. The Creator of the universe alone directs history and reveals His purposes. The God who made all things also brings about His redemptive plan through Christ. Jhn 1:3 Through Him all things were made, and without Him,… His purpose was that now, In the fullness of his redemptive plan, God revealed the mystery long hidden: under the new covenant, Jews and Gentiles are united in Christ. His purpose was that this united church would now display his manifold wisdom to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. Eph 1:9-10 And He has made known to us the mystery of His will… through the church, Through the church, God’s united people become a visible witness to Christ’s saving work in the world. 1Co 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you… the manifold wisdom of God The manifold, rich and multifaceted wisdom of God is displayed in his perfect plan to reconcile sinners, defeat division, and form one body from every nation. 1Co 2:7-10 No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God… should be made known “Should be made known” indicates that God intends his wisdom to be revealed and communicated through the church as it lives under Christ’s authority and proclaims the gospel. Col 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles… to the rulers and authorities “The rulers and authorities” include spiritual powers whose rebellion and defeat are exposed by God’s work in Christ. Col 1:16 For in Him all things were created, things in heaven… in the heavenly realms, “In the heavenly realms” indicates that the church’s existence bears witness to God’s purposes not only in human history but also before the unseen spiritual powers. Eph 2:6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him… according to the eternal purpose God’s plan of redemption was established before creation and unfolds according to His sovereign will. It encompasses the salvation of Jews and Gentiles alike through the Messiah. 2Ti 1:9 He has saved us and called us to a holy calling… that He accomplished What God purposed from eternity was brought to completion in history through Christ’s incarnation, sacrificial death, resurrection, and exaltation. Isa 55:11 So My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me… in Christ Jesus Jesus, the Messiah, is the center and fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Through Him, believers are reconciled to God and joined into one people. 1Co 1:30 It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus… our Lord. Jesus possesses divine authority and reigns as the risen Lord over His church and all creation. Rom 8:39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,… In Him Believers are united to Christ, sharing in the salvation and spiritual blessings secured by His death and resurrection. Their standing before God rests on Christ’s righteousness rather than their own. Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away… and through faith in Him Faith receives what Christ has accomplished. It involves trusting Him as the only mediator and relying on His finished work on the cross for forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Rom 3:22 And this righteousness from God comes through faith… we may enter God’s presence Under the Old Covenant, access to the Most Holy Place was restricted to the high priest and governed by sacrifice. Christ’s atoning death removed that barrier, granting all who belong to Him direct access to God. Heb 10:19-22 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter… with boldness and confidence. Believers may approach God without fear of rejection because Christ has made them acceptable before Him. This confidence rests on God’s grace and Christ’s finished work, not personal merit. Heb 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence… So I ask you not to be discouraged Writing from imprisonment, Paul urges the Ephesian believers not to lose heart over his circumstances. His confinement had not hindered God’s work or altered Paul’s calling to proclaim Christ. 2Co 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is… because of my sufferings for you, Paul had suffered because he preached that Gentiles were fully included among God’s people through faith in Christ. His arrest followed his ministry among the nations and his defense of that message. Col 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up… which are your glory. What appeared to be disgrace was actually evidence of God’s grace toward them. Paul’s suffering had come through the ministry by which they received the gospel and entered the blessings promised to all who belong to Christ. Rom 8:17-18 And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God…
Paul’s Prayer for the EphesiansPaul returns to his prayer after describing God’s revealed plan to unite Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ as one people. God’s grace in bringing them into the same household gives rise to Paul’s concern for their spiritual strength and unity. Eph 2:18 For through Him we both have access to the Father… I bow my knees Kneeling expresses humility, reverence, and earnest dependence on God. Although standing was a common posture for Jewish prayer, Paul’s posture reflects the weight of his intercession for the believers in Ephesus. Act 20:36 When Paul had said this, he knelt down with all of them… before the Father, God is approached as Father by those who belong to Christ. His fatherhood speaks of authority, care, provision, and the shared family relationship of all believers. Jhn 16:23 In that day you will no longer ask Me anything.… from whom God the Father is the source of all fatherhood, authority, and life. 1Co 8:6 Yet for us there is but one God, the Father… every family Every household and order of beings belongs to Him, including both the redeemed community and the heavenly host. Psa 22:27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD… in heaven and on earth His rule extends over the unseen realm as well as the world of humanity. Eph 1:10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things… derives its name. Each family receives its place, identity, and purpose under the Father’s sovereign authority. Isa 43:1 But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you…… I ask that out of the riches of His glory Paul appeals to God’s limitless majesty and resources, not to human ability. God’s glory reveals His holiness, power, and sovereign presence, and He gives to His people without scarcity. Rom 9:23 What if He did this to make the riches of His glory… He may strengthen you with power The needed strength comes from God and equips believers to endure hardship, resist sin, and live faithfully. It is inward spiritual strength rather than outward advantage or physical force. Col 1:11 being strengthened with all power… through His Spirit The Holy Spirit works within believers as God’s abiding presence, producing spiritual understanding, obedience, and maturity. This strengthening is part of the new life God gives through Christ. Zec 4:6 Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,… in your inner being, God’s work reaches the heart, mind, and will—the deepest part of a person. True Christian growth begins within and is expressed outwardly in a life increasingly shaped by Christ. Rom 7:22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law. so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Christ makes His home in believers through faith, producing a real and abiding union with Him. The heart encompasses the inner person—mind, will, and affections—and becomes increasingly shaped by Christ’s rule. What God foreshadowed by dwelling among Israel in the tabernacle and temple is fulfilled in those who belong to Christ through the New Covenant. Jhn 14:23 Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.… Then you, being rooted and grounded in love, Believers are to be established in Christ’s love with the firmness of deep roots and a secure foundation. His sacrificial love sustains spiritual growth and directs their relationship with God and with one another. Col 2:7 rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith… will have power, God strengthens believers through the Holy Spirit so they may receive and understand what human ability alone cannot grasp. Paul connects this power with God’s work within His people, producing spiritual maturity and steadfast faith. Eph 1:19-20 and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe.… together with all the saints, Understanding Christ’s love belongs to the whole church, not to isolated individuals. All who are set apart in Christ share in this blessing and are joined as one body under Him. 1Co 1:2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those called to be holy… to comprehend the length and width and height and depth The four dimensions portray the boundless fullness of Christ’s love. His love reaches every part of life and extends beyond the limits of human measure, embracing God’s saving purpose for His people. Job 11:7-9 Can you fathom the deep things of God… of the love of Christ, Christ’s love was supremely revealed in His willing sacrifice for sinners, securing redemption through His death on the cross. It creates one redeemed people from Jews and Gentiles alike. Rom 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?… and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, Believers are to know Christ’s love personally through faith and the work of the Holy Spirit. Its greatness exceeds complete human comprehension, yet it is truly experienced in the life of those who belong to Him. 1Jn 4:16-19 And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God… that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. God’s purpose is the spiritual maturity of His people, as they are increasingly shaped by Christ’s character and strengthened by His presence. As God’s dwelling place, the church displays His glory in the world. Col 2:9-10 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity… Now to Him who is able God possesses unlimited power, displayed in creation, Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jud 1:24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling… to do immeasurably more His purposes and provision exceed every human measure, limitation, and expectation. Eph 1:19-21 and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe.… than all we ask or imagine, Believers may bring their needs before God, yet His wisdom and plans extend beyond what they can foresee or request. 1Ki 3:12-13 I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that… according to His power The power that raised Christ from the dead accomplishes God’s work and fulfills His purposes. Col 1:11 being strengthened with all power… that is at work within us, Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, God transforms believers, produces spiritual fruit, and equips them for faithful service. Php 2:13 For it is God who works in you to will and to act… to Him be the glory God alone deserves honor for His saving work and for the power displayed in His people. His glory is revealed in His holiness, authority, mercy, and faithfulness. Rom 11:36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.… in the church Christ’s redeemed people make God’s grace visible in the world as they worship Him, proclaim the gospel, and live under His Word. Heb 2:12 He says: “I will proclaim Your name to My brothers; …… and in Christ Jesus All glory comes to God through His Son, whose incarnation, atoning death, resurrection, and reign accomplish redemption and reveal the Father perfectly. 1Co 1:30-31 It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus… throughout all generations, God’s purpose does not end with one age or people. The church carries the truth of Christ forward as each generation receives and declares the faith. Psa 102:24 “O my God, do not take me in the midst of my days!”… forever and ever. God’s kingdom and glory have no end, and His purpose in Christ will stand eternally. Psa 45:6 Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever,… Amen. This is the believer’s wholehearted affirmation—“Amen,” meaning “truly” or “so be it”—that these truths are certain and worthy of praise. 2Co 1:20 For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ.… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
    |