Ephesians 3 - Introduction

Ephesians

Chapter Ephesians 3:1-13

Outline:

I. The mystery of Christ now revealed: Ephesians 3:1-13

A. The stewardship given to Paul to proclaim It: Ephesians 3:1-5

B. The specific benefit to the Gentiles: Ephesians 3:6

C. The unmerited nature of this stewardship: Ephesians 3:7-8

D. This mystery includes the Church: Ephesians 3:9-11

E. This mystery brings confident access to God: Ephesians 3:12-13

Ephesians

Chapter Ephesians 3:14-21

Outline:

I. Paul's payer for the Ephesians: Ephesians 3:14-21

A. Prayer for inner strength: Ephesians 3:16

B. Prayer for stability in love: Ephesians 3:17

C. Prayer to comprehend Christ's love: Ephesians 3:18-19

II. Praise to God: Ephesians 3:20-21

“At this stage in his argument Paul introduces himself, and explains his unique personal role in God's purpose for the Gentiles. It is not for nothing that he has come to be known as the ‘apostle to the Gentiles'” (Stott pp. 113-114). This chapter really is. prayer with. long introduction. "For this cause" (Ephesians 3:1) starts the prayer (compare with Ephesians 1:15; Ephesians 3:14), verses 1-13 constitute the introduction or reason for the prayer and verses 14-19 contain the actual prayer.

Paul now resumes the prayer that was started in Ephesians 3:1. Considering how far these Gentiles had come, from being absolutely hopeless and godless (Ephesians 2:12), to being fellow members, fellow heirs and fellow partakers of God's promise (Ephesians 3:6), Paul now prays that these Christians would make full use of all the privileges and blessings that are found in. relationship with Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:3).