Commentaries Dictionaries Concordances

Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

Ephesians 3 - Introduction

III.

[3.

Prayer for the Further Knowledge of this Mystery (Ephesians 3:1).

(1) PREFATORY DECLARATION of the newness of the revelation of this mystery of the calling of the Gentiles, and of the special commission of it to St. Paul, to be manifested before men and angels, both by word and by suffering (Ephesians 3:1).

(2) PRAYER for their full understanding of this mystery (although passing knowledge) by the indwelling of Christ, wrought in them by the gift of the Spirit, and accepted in faith and love (Ephesians 3:14).

(3) DOXOLOGY TO THE FATHER through Christ Jesus for ever and ever (Ephesians 3:20).]

The chapter is in form a parenthesis of fervent prayer and thanksgiving between the doctrinal teaching of Ephesians 2 and the resumption and summing up of that teaching in Ephesians 4:1. At the same time it involves much profound implicit teaching in itself.

Continues after advertising

See also Ephesians 3 - Introduction in other biblical comments:

  • Albert Barnes' Bible Commentary

    This chapter Ephesians 3 consists properly of three parts: * A statement that the Gentiles were to be made partakers of the gospel, and that the work of proclaiming this was especially entrusted to...

  • Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

    Ephesians 3:1-13. He would pursue the subject of the Temple, but digresses to say more of the world-wide scope of the Gospel _For this cause_ With such a present and such a future for my reason, motiv...

  • Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

    _THE HIDDEN MYSTERY, THAT THE GENTILES SHOULD BE SAVED, WAS MADE KNOWN TO ST. PAUL BY REVELATION: AND TO HIM WAS THAT GRACE GIVEN, THAT HE SHOULD PREACH IT: HE DESIRETH THEM NOT TO FAINT FOR HIS TRIBU...

  • College Press Bible Study Textbook Series

    EPHESIANS THREE PAUL'S PRAYER FOR OUR STRENGTHENING 1. BEGINNING OF PRAYER; Ephesians 3:1 2. PARENTHETICAL PAUL'S MINISTRY OF THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST; Ephesians 3:2-13 a. Can Be Known By Reading;...

  • Combined Bible Commentary

    SUBDIVISION TWO - CHAPTER 3:1-13THE MINISTRY OF THE MYSTERY The Message of Paul Postscripts are almost always very important. When it is a postscript of an apostle, it deserves even closer attention....

  • Darby's translation notes (1890)

    1:1 at (a-19) Lit. 'in,' as Acts 13:1 ; Revelation 2:1 . Ephesus. (b-20) It may be interesting to mention that though 'at Ephesus' is found in almost all copies, many authorities would leave it out....

  • John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

    INTRODUCTION TO EPHESIANS 3 In this chapter the apostle hints at his state and condition as a prisoner, and at the afflictions he endured for the sake of the Gospel; and whereas he knew these would b...

  • Mark Dunagan Commentaries

    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. Th

  • Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible

    * The apostle sets forth his office, and his qualifications for it, and his call to it. (1-7) Also the noble purposes answered by it. (8-12) He prays for the Ephesians. (13-19) And adds a thanksgiving...

  • Philip Schaff's Popular Commentary on the NT (4 vols)

    III. THE APOSTLE'S OFFICE AND PRAYER, IN VIEW OF THIS MYSTERY OF ONE UNIVERSAL CHURCH IN CHRIST. (1.) The Apostle, moved by the great thoughts of chap. 2, is about to offer his prayer for his readers,...

Continues after advertising