Ephesians 3:2

Ephesians 3:2. If indeed. The same phrase occurs in chap. Ephesians 4:21; it does not imply doubt, but rather assumes something to be true, challenging the reader to verify the assumption in his own case.

Ye have heard; lit, ‘did hear,' but the proper force is expressed by ‘have heard.' ‘Not to have recognized Paul, not to have received his teaching, would be equivalent to not having heard him. Hence it is not correct to conclude from these words, that the Epistle was not written to Ephesus' (Braune).

Of the dispensation of the grace of God. On ‘dispensation,' comp. chap. Ephesians 1:10. This does not refer to his office, for how could they hear of that, but rather to a divine arrangement, which has reference, is concerned with, the grace of God, in virtue of which grace he had indeed received his office. Some explain: ‘belonging to the grace of God,' but the passive form of the next verse (which explains this phrase) favors the other view.

Which was given me. This qualifies ‘ grace,' not ‘dispensation,' and includes all that grace which prepared and qualified him for his office. It must not there-fore be explained, that the administration of Divine grace was committed to him.

To you-ward. More than' among you,' or' with respect to you;' literally, ‘unto you,' i.e., this grace was given in order that my activity might produce certain results in you,