Ephesians Chapter 3

 

Welcome to the third of six studies of the Book of Ephesians.

Ephesians Chapter 3 reveals to us the mystery that was kept secret since the beginning of time. As if that wasn’t enough, we learn about the deepest riches of God’s loving grace.

Ephesians Chapter 3 – from The King James Version
1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

1. From the following verses in Ephesians Chapter 3, how does Paul describe himself?

Verse 1 ____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

Verse 7 ____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

Verse 8 ____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

2. Who revealed the mystery to Paul, the Apostles and Prophets and the Gentiles as provided here in this third chapter of Ephesians? _____________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________
3. What are the three aspects of the mystery as seen in verse 6?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________
1. This chapter starts with the words “For this cause. . .” To what is Paul referring? ____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

2. Paul’s words “For this cause. . .” is followed by a parenthetical phase which starts with the word “if”. Where does the phrase stop? ______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________
3. What is the theme or purpose of the parenthetical phrase? ______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________
1. Ephesians Chapter 3, verse 5 states the mystery was hidden and not made known to men in other generations. What was a big hint given to Abraham about the mystery? Cite the verse.

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________
2. Who might be the principalities and powers in heavenly realms from verse 10?

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________
3. Why does it seem interesting or unusual that Paul describes himself as a prisoner of Christ Jesus?
______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________
1. Why do you think God kept his plan for the Gentiles hidden?
______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________
2. Why would Paul’s suffering “for you” (verse 13) be for the glory of the Ephesian believers?______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________
3. What does this chapter of Ephesians tell you about Paul’s attitude about his responsibility for the gospel of the mystery? ______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________
1. What do we learn about Jesus Christ from the following verses:

Verse 8 ______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

Verse 11 ______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

Verse 12 ______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

Verse 17

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

2. What cause is Paul referring to in verse 14 of Ephesians Chapter 3?
______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________
3. What 3 things does Paul pray for in Ephesians Chapter 3, verses 14-19?
______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________
1. What do the following postures have in common? ______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

What did Paul mean to convey by using one of these postures to describe his prayer? ______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________
A bowed head

Outstretched arms

Kneeling on both knees

Laying prostrate face down

2. Verses 20 and 21 of Chapter Three of Ephesians are some of the most memorable verses in the Bible because they describe God’s abilities while praising him. How do we fit into the equation? ______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________