Meaning of Ephesians 3:3

Ephesians 3:3 directly refers to a profound divine disclosure that the Apostle Paul received concerning God's eternal plan, which he labels a "mystery." This mystery, previously hidden or not fully understood in Old Testament times, was revealed to Paul, enabling him to articulate its implications for both Jews and Gentiles. He asserts that he has already alluded to this revelation in previous sections of his letter, indicating that this is not entirely new information for his readers but rather a deeper exposition of a foundational truth. The emphasis is on the source of this knowledge (divine revelation) and its content (a mystery now made known), setting the stage for the subsequent explanation of this mystery in the ensuing verses.

Context and Background

Paul is writing his epistle to the Ephesians from prison, likely in Rome. This letter is characterized by its theological depth and its focus on the church as the body of Christ. In chapter 3, Paul shifts from discussing the unity of believers in Christ (chapters 1-2) to explaining his own apostleship and the specific revelation he received concerning the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan on equal footing with Jews. The "mystery" he refers to is the inclusion of Gentiles into the one body of Christ, a concept that was not fully grasped by earlier generations of God's people. This revelation empowered him to preach the gospel to all nations.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Revelation: The primary message is that the understanding of this "mystery" is not a product of human intellect or speculation but a direct impartation from God through revelation. This underscores the supernatural origin of Christian doctrine.
• The Mystery of Christ's Body: The core of the mystery is the spiritual union of Jews and Gentiles in the church, the body of Christ. This breaks down the historical barriers between these groups and establishes a new community where ethnicity and social status are superseded by one's identity in Christ.
• Paul's Apostleship: The verse highlights Paul's unique role as an apostle chosen and commissioned to proclaim this mystery, particularly to the Gentiles.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance lies in understanding that God's salvific plan is expansive and inclusive. For believers, it means recognizing their place within a unified body, transcending earthly divisions. It calls for humility in accepting God's revealed truth and gratitude for the inclusion that Christ's sacrifice has made possible. Practically, it encourages believers to embrace diversity within the church and to actively work towards unity, reflecting the very mystery Paul describes.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This revelation is a culmination of Old Testament prophecies that hinted at the inclusion of Gentiles in God's covenant people (e.g., Isaiah 2:2-4, 11:10; Zechariah 8:20-23). However, the fullness of how this would be accomplished through the death and resurrection of Christ, forming a single new humanity in Him, was a mystery veiled until the New Testament era. Paul's apostleship, therefore, is instrumental in bringing this previously hidden aspect of God's plan to light, fulfilling and expanding upon the promises made to Abraham and the patriarchs.

Analogies

One analogy for this revelation is like an architect who has drawn up plans for a magnificent building, but the details of how different materials will be seamlessly integrated to form a cohesive structure are only fully understood by the master builder. Similarly, the Old Testament laid the foundation and sketched the outlines of God's plan, but the revelation to Paul unveiled the intricate design of the church, where Jew and Gentile are built together into a dwelling place for God. Another analogy could be a sealed scroll containing a vital message, which, when opened by divine authority, reveals truths previously unknown to many.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse is intimately connected to other passages in Ephesians, particularly:

• Ephesians 2:11-22: This section elaborates on the breaking down of the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jews and Gentiles through Christ's atoning work, leading to their incorporation into one new man and one household of God.
• Colossians 1:26-27: Paul speaks of "the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints," which is "Christ in you, the hope of glory." This echoes the same theme of a previously hidden divine truth now unveiled.
• Romans 16:25-26: Paul refers to the "mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might obey the faith." This strongly parallels the concept of a revealed mystery intended for universal impact.