Ephesians 3:7-9

Paul's Mission

Paul considered his mission to the Gentiles a special favor bestowed upon him by God. This came about by the working of God's power both in saving Paul and in giving him the needed strength to carry out his work (3:7). The apostle felt unworthy of his great mission especially because he had persecuted the church (1 Corinthians 15:8-9; 1 Timothy 1:12-17). The riches of salvation in Christ are so vast they cannot be mapped out or fully explored (3:8).

Paul also wanted the Gentiles to see the gospel is truly for all men without respect to race, color or sex (Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 16:15; Acts 10:34-35; Galatians 3:28; Romans 1:14-16). Each man's share, or fellowship, of the mystery may have to do with the salvation each is offered in Christ. Or, it may refer to the partnership we all, Jew and Gentile, have in the church. God's greatness is certainly seen in his creation of all we see and know by Jesus. It was such a great God who lovingly planned for our redemption and kept that plan ready until the time was right to unveil it (3:9).