Ephesians 3:9 Study Bible: and to bring to light for all what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things;

◄ Ephesians 3:9 ►

and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

Study Bible

and to illuminate
The Greek word for "illuminate" is "φωτίσαι" (phōtisai), which means to bring to light or to make something clear. In the context of Ephesians, Paul is emphasizing his role in revealing divine truths that were previously concealed. This illumination is not merely intellectual but spiritual, aiming to enlighten the hearts and minds of believers. Historically, this reflects the transition from the Old Covenant, where many truths were shadowed, to the New Covenant, where the fullness of God's plan is revealed through Christ.

for everyone
The phrase "for everyone" underscores the universal scope of the Gospel. The mystery of Christ is not limited to a specific group but is intended for all humanity. This inclusivity was revolutionary in the first-century context, where religious and cultural barriers were prevalent. Paul's mission was to ensure that the message of salvation through Christ transcended these barriers, aligning with the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.

the stewardship
The term "stewardship" comes from the Greek "οἰκονομία" (oikonomia), which refers to the management or administration of a household or estate. In this context, it signifies the responsibility entrusted to Paul to manage and dispense the mysteries of God. This stewardship is a divine appointment, highlighting the seriousness and sacredness of Paul's apostolic mission. It reflects the broader Christian calling to faithfully manage the gifts and revelations God has entrusted to each believer.

of this mystery
The "mystery" in Greek is "μυστήριον" (mystērion), which refers to a sacred secret that is revealed by God. In Ephesians, this mystery pertains to the inclusion of the Gentiles in the promises of God through Christ. Historically, this was a radical shift from Jewish exclusivity to a new covenant community comprising both Jews and Gentiles. The mystery is not something to be solved by human reasoning but is a divine revelation that requires faith to comprehend.

which for ages past was kept hidden
This phrase indicates the temporal aspect of God's revelation. The mystery was "kept hidden" (Greek: "ἀποκεκρυμμένου" - apokekrymmenou) in previous ages, signifying that it was part of God's eternal plan but not fully disclosed until the coming of Christ. This hiddenness underscores God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His redemptive plan in His perfect timing. It also highlights the privilege of living in an era where these mysteries are now revealed.

in God
The phrase "in God" emphasizes the source and origin of the mystery. It was hidden "in God," indicating that the mystery is divine in nature and originates from the heart of God Himself. This points to the intimate relationship between God and His creation, where He chooses to reveal His purposes according to His will. It also reassures believers of the trustworthiness and faithfulness of God, who holds all things in His hands.

who created all things
This final phrase affirms God's role as the Creator. The Greek word "κτίσαντος" (ktisantos) refers to the act of creating. By linking the mystery to the Creator, Paul underscores the authority and power of God. The Creator of all things is also the revealer of divine mysteries, reinforcing the idea that the Gospel is part of the cosmic order established by God. This serves as a reminder of the grandeur and majesty of God's plan, which encompasses all of creation and history.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus to explain the mystery of the Gospel and his role in revealing it.

2. Ephesus
A major city in Asia Minor, known for its temple to Artemis and a significant early Christian community. Paul spent considerable time here during his missionary journeys.

3. The Mystery
Refers to the previously hidden truth of the Gospel, that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Israel, part of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus.

4. God the Creator
The passage emphasizes God as the creator of all things, highlighting His sovereignty and the divine origin of the Gospel mystery.

5. The Church
The body of believers, both Jews and Gentiles, who are now united in Christ as part of God's revealed plan.

Teaching Points

Understanding the Mystery
The mystery of the Gospel is that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all, both Jews and Gentiles. This was a radical revelation in Paul's time and remains a foundational truth for the Church today.

God's Sovereignty and Timing
The mystery was hidden in God for ages, revealing His sovereign control over history and His perfect timing in revealing His plan.

Role of the Church
As stewards of this mystery, the Church is called to illuminate and share the Gospel with the world, demonstrating unity and love across cultural and ethnic boundaries.

Creation and Redemption
The mention of God as the creator of all things ties the act of creation to the act of redemption, showing that God's plan encompasses all of creation.

Personal Stewardship
Each believer has a role in stewarding the mystery of the Gospel, using their unique gifts and opportunities to share the message of Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the "mystery" of the Gospel change your perspective on the inclusivity of God's plan for salvation?

2. In what ways can you personally illuminate the mystery of the Gospel in your community or workplace?

3. How does recognizing God as the creator of all things influence your understanding of His plan for redemption?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to foster unity within the body of Christ, reflecting the truth of the Gospel mystery?

5. How can the revelation of the mystery, as described in Ephesians 3:9, encourage you in times of uncertainty or doubt about God's plan for your life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Colossians 1:26-27
This passage also speaks of the mystery hidden for ages but now revealed to the saints, emphasizing Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Romans 16:25-26
Paul discusses the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages but now disclosed through prophetic writings.

1 Corinthians 2:7-10
Paul talks about God's wisdom in a mystery, which God predestined before the ages for our glory, revealed through the Spirit.

Sermons

Creation not Hitherto Complete	J. Pulsford.	Ephesians 3:9
God the Creator		Ephesians 3:9
Teaching is the Church's Duty	W. Graham, D. D.	Ephesians 3:9
We Must Make Known the Gospel	C. H. Spurgeon.	Ephesians 3:9
Aspects of the True Gospel Ministry	D. Thomas	Ephesians 3:1-13
Paul's Apostleship to the Gentiles: Introduction	R. Finlayson	Ephesians 3:1-13
The Death of the Tribal Spirit	R.M. Edgar	Ephesians 3:1-13
The Apostle's High Privilege	T. Croskery	Ephesians 3:8, 9

People

Ephesians, Paul

Places

Ephesus

Topics

Administration, Ages, Beginning, Bring, Cause, Christ, Clear, Concealed, Create, Created, Creator, Dispensation, Enlighten, Fellowship, Hid, Hidden, Kept, Lay, Mind, Mystery, Ordering, Past, Plan, Secret, Stewardship, Throughout, Truth

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Ephesians 3:9

     1325   God, the Creator
     4287   universe
     4963   past, the
     5204   age
     9140   last days

Ephesians 3:3-11

1444 revelation, NT

Ephesians 3:4-11

1175 God, will of

Ephesians 3:7-9

     5109   Paul, apostle
     6671   grace, and Christian life
     7755   preaching, importance

Ephesians 3:7-11

7414 priesthood, NT

Ephesians 3:8-9

2427 gospel, transmission
6694 mystery

Library

April 15. "Rooted and Grounded in Love" (Eph. Iii. 17).
"Rooted and grounded in love" (Eph. iii. 17). There is a very singular shrub, which grows abundantly in the west, and is to be found in all parts of Texas. It is no less than the "mosquito tree." It is a very slim, and willowy looking shrub, and would seem to be of little use for any industrial purposes; but is has extraordinary roots growing like great timbers underground, and possessing such qualities of endurance in all situations that it is used and very highly valued for good pavements. The …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

August 28. "According to the Power that Worketh in Us" (Eph. Iii. 20).
"According to the power that worketh in us" (Eph. iii. 20). When we reach the place of union with God, through the indwelling of the Holy Ghost, we come into the inheritance of external blessing and enter upon the land of our possession. Then our physical health and strength come to us through the power of our interior life; then the prayer is fulfilled, that we shall be in health and prosper, as our soul prospereth. Then, with the kingdom of God and His righteousness within us, all things are added …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the Church.
Text: Ephesians 3, 13-21. 13. Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory. 14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 and that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man; 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be strong …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

'The Whole Family'
'The whole family in heaven and earth.'--Eph. iii. 15. Grammatically, we are driven to recognise that the Revised Version is more correct than the Authorised, when it reads 'every family,' instead of 'the whole family.' There is in the expression no reference to the thought, however true it is in itself, that the redeemed in heaven and the believers on earth make up but one family. The thought rather is, that, as has been said, 'the father makes the family,' and if any community of intelligent beings, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Strengthened with Might
'That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory; to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man.'--Eph. iii. 16. In no part of Paul's letters does he rise to a higher level than in his prayers, and none of his prayers are fuller of fervour than this wonderful series of petitions. They open out one into the other like some majestic suite of apartments in a great palace-temple, each leading into a loftier and more spacious hall, each drawing nearer the presence-chamber, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Indwelling Christ
'That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; ye being rooted and grounded in love.'--Eph. iii. 17. We have here the second step of the great staircase by which Paul's fervent desires for his Ephesian friends climbed towards that wonderful summit of his prayers--which is ever approached, never reached,--'that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.' Two remarks of an expository character will prepare the way for the lessons of these verses. The first is as to the relation of this clause …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Paradox of Love's Measure
The breadth, and length, and depth, and height.'--Eph. iii. 18. Of what? There can, I think, be no doubt as to the answer. The next clause is evidently the continuation of the idea begun in that of our text, and it runs: 'And to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge.' It is the immeasurable measure, then; the boundless bounds and dimensions of the love of Christ which fire the Apostle's thoughts here. Of course, he had no separate idea in his mind attaching to each of these measures …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Climax of all Prayer
'That ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.'--Eph. iii. 19. The Apostle's many-linked prayer, which we have been considering in successive sermons, has reached its height. It soars to the very Throne of God. There can be nothing above or beyond this wonderful petition. Rather, it might seem as if it were too much to ask, and as if, in the ecstasy of prayer, Paul had forgotten the limits that separate the creature from the Creator, as well as the experience of sinful and imperfect men, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Love Unknowable and Known
'That ye ... may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.'--Eph. iii. 18, 19. This constitutes the third of the petitions in this great prayer of Paul's, each of which, as we have had occasion to see in former sermons, rises above, and is a consequence of the preceding, and leads on to, and is a cause or occasion of the subsequent one. The two former petitions have been for inward strength …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Measureless Power and Endless Glory
'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, 21. Unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.'--Eph. iii. 20, 21. One purpose and blessing of faithful prayer is to enlarge the desires which it expresses, and to make us think more loftily of the grace to which we appeal. So the Apostle, in the wonderful series of supplications which precedes the text, has found his …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Christian Church a Family.
Preached January 11, 1852. THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH A FAMILY. "Our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named."--Ephesians iii. 14, 15. In the verses immediately before the text the Apostle Paul has been speaking of what he calls a mystery--that is, a revealed secret. And the secret was this, that the Gentiles would be "fellow-heirs and of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ by the gospel." It had been kept secret from the former ages and generations; …
Frederick W. Robertson—Sermons Preached at Brighton

The Measure of the Cross
EPHESIANS iii. 18, 19. That ye may be able to comprehend with all saints, what is the breadth and length and depth and height, and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge. These words are very deep, and difficult to understand; for St. Paul does not tell us exactly of what he is speaking. He does not say what it is, the breadth and length, and depth, and height of which we are to comprehend and take in. Only he tells us afterwards what will come of our taking it in; we shall know the …
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Past Knowledge.
(Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity.) EPHESIANS iii. 19. "To know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge." There are some things which no earthly school can teach us, no earthly science explain. Science can do very much, it has done marvellous things, and will do still more. Men can work now with ease such wonders as would have sent them to the fire as wizards three hundred years ago. Science can calculate the exact time of an eclipse ages before the time, science can connect two worlds with the …
H. J. Wilmot-Buxton—The Life of Duty, a Year's Plain Sermons, v. 2

First Day for the Power of the Holy Spirit
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Power of the Holy Spirit "I bow my knees unto the Father, that He would grant you that ye may be strengthened with power through His Spirit."--EPH. iii. 16. "Wait for the promise of the Father."--ACTS i. 4. "The fuller manifestation of the grace and energy of the Blessed Spirit of God, in the removal of all that is contrary to God's revealed will, so that we grieve not the Holy Spirit, but that He may work in mightier power in the Church, for the exaltation of Christ and …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Strength and Indwelling.
"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of Whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that …
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul

The Love of Christ.
THE Patience of Christ was recently the object of our meditation in these pages. Blessed and inexhaustible it is. And now a still greater theme is before our hearts. The Love of Christ. The heart almost shrinks from attempting to write on the matchless, unfathomable love of our blessed and adorable Lord. All the Saints of God who have spoken and written on the Love of Christ have never told out its fulness and vastness, its heights and its depths. "The Love of Christ which passeth knowledge" (Ephesians …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Holy Spirit Forming Christ Within Us.
It is a wonderful and deeply significant prayer that Paul offers in Eph. iii. 16-19 for the believers in Ephesus and for all believers who read the Epistle. Paul writes, "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inward man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and …
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

"Love that Passeth Knowledge. "
"To know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge." (Ephesians iii. 19.) If I could only make men understand the real meaning of the words of the apostle John--"God is love," I would take that single text, and would go up and down the world proclaiming this glorious truth. If you can convince a man that you love him you have won his heart. If we really make people believe that God loves them, how we should find them crowding into the kingdom of heaven! The trouble is that men think God hates them; …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It

Another Archbishop
Paul did not say, Let everyone desire the episcopate. It is a work, not a relaxation; a solicitude, not a luxury; a responsible ministration, not an irresponsible dominion; a fatherly supervision, not a tyrannical autocracy.--Isidore of Pelusium, Ep. iii. 216. Nectarius, then, on September 27, 397, lay dead in his splendid palace; and the breath was hardly out of the Archbishop's body when there were a dozen austere intriguers' in the field, and the subterranean plots and whisperings began, and the …
Frederic William Farrar—Gathering Clouds: A Tale of the Days of St. Chrysostom

His Dwelling-Place
T. S. M. Eph. iii. 17 Thou knewest not where to lay Thy head; When over the twilight sea The birds of the mountains homeward sped, There was no home for Thee. But God had prepared for the weary feet A home when the toil was past, And there, in His chamber still and sweet, O Lord, Thou shouldst rest at last. A Home to be won by deadly fight, The price to be paid in blood-- Oh where is that palace of fair delight, That glorious Home of God? The City that hath foundations shone To Abram's eyes of …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

The Apology of Rufinus.
Addressed to Apronianus, in Reply to Jerome's Letter to Pammachius, [2814] Written at Aquileia a.d. 400. In Two Books. In order to understand the controversy between Jerome and Rufinus it is necessary to look back over their earlier relations. They had been close friends in early youth (Jerome, Ep. iii, 3, v, 2.) and had together formed part of a society of young Christian ascetics at Aquileia in the years 370-3. Jerome's letter (3) to Rufinus in 374 is full of affection; in 381 he was placed in …
Various—Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.

Whether Only a Bishop Can Confer this Sacrament?
Objection 1: It seems that not only a bishop can confer this sacrament. For Gregory (Regist. iv), writing to Bishop Januarius, says: "We hear that some were scandalized because we forbade priests to anoint with chrism those who have been baptized. Yet in doing this we followed the ancient custom of our Church: but if this trouble some so very much we permit priests, where no bishop is to be had, to anoint the baptized on the forehead with chrism." But that which is essential to the sacraments should …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

"And if Christ be in You, the Body is Dead Because of Sin; but the Spirit is Life Because of Righteousness. "
Rom. viii. 10.--"And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." God's presence is his working. His presence in a soul by his Spirit is his working in such a soul in some special manner, not common to all men, but peculiar to them whom he hath chosen. Now his dwelling is nothing else but a continued, familiar and endless working in a soul, till he hath conformed all within to the image of his Son. The soul is the office house, or workhouse, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

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