Friday, July 18 – Ephesians 3, 4

1. Why did Paul see himself as a prisoner not of Rome, but of Christ? (Ephesians 3:1)1)

2. What is the “mystery” revealed to Paul and the apostles? (Ephesians 3:3-6)

3. What dimensions does Paul use to describe God’s love? (Ephesians 3:18)

4. What virtues should believers nurture to preserve unity in the Church? (Ephesians 4:1-3)

Paul received extraordinary revelations (2 Cor. 12:1-4) and aims to share them with the church in Ephesus. The church’s role is to proclaim to the world the mystery of the gospel revealed and the wisdom from God.

When Paul writes to the Ephesians (around A.D. 62), he is in chains (Eph. 6:20). He awaits trial before Nero and is therefore regarded as a presumed criminal. This situation was causing discouragement among the Ephesians (3:13). His exhortation is: “I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations for you.”

Nevertheless, Paul’s conscience was at peace. Furthermore, he never saw himself as a prisoner of Rome. He was a “prisoner of Christ” (3:1), imprisoned for believing in and preaching Christ.

Jesus commissioned Paul as an apostle to the Gentiles (3:2; Acts 9:15; 1 Tim. 2:7), and he wants to share the mystery revealed to him (3:3-4). This mystery had not been fully revealed before but has now been disclosed through the apostles and prophets, who have received the gift of the Holy Spirit (3:5).

In verse 10, Paul declares that “the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places.”

How is this achieved? Faithful angels understand God’s wisdom in dealing with evil powers; fallen angels recognize that their false accusations against God’s character have been exposed, and as a result, they are defeated and condemned. Therefore, the church’s testimony is crucial, not only for this world but also for the entire universe.

Once again, it is affirmed that God’s love surpasses all knowledge. The apostle uses four dimensions to describe divine love: “The width and length and depth and height.” (3:18) This reminds us of the hymn, “The Love of God Is Greater Far.” Like Paul, we can only conclude with praise to God for His love manifested in Christ for all of us.

Once the doctrinal (or theoretical) part is concluded, in chapter 4, Paul shifts to the practical section of his letter: how to apply what has been learned to the life of the believer and the church.

Since Christ has abolished the dividing wall, uniting us all as brothers and sisters regardless of ethnicity or culture, he now demonstrates how to make unity in the church a reality. To achieve “the unity of the Spirit” (v. 3), we are encouraged to “walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.”

The church’s unity must be based on the unity within the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we can live in the reality of the Seven Ones: one Body, one Spirit, one Hope, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, and one God and Father of all.

In verses 7-13, we see Christ exalted, distributing gifts to His church. Paul references Psalm 68:18 and shows how Christ descended to earth to fight sin (v. 9). After winning the victory, He ascended to heaven to be exalted (v. 10). Following His exaltation, Jesus gave gifts to people (4:7-8). These gifts started to be poured out at Pentecost (Acts 2:33).

The purpose of these gifts is to promote growth in Christ, to reject false teachings and every wind of doctrine. Although the callings or roles mentioned by Paul carry a special responsibility for maintaining unity, each church member has a part to play in achieving that unity (4:16).

Ellen White offers us a solemn warning regarding the administration of spiritual gifts:

“Learning, talents, eloquence, every natural or acquired endowment, may be possessed; but without the presence of the Spirit of God, no heart will be touched, no sinner be won to Christ. On the other hand, if they are connected with Christ, if the gifts of the Spirit are theirs, the poorest and most ignorant of His disciples will have a power that will tell upon hearts. God makes them the channel for the outworking of the highest influence in the universe.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 328)

May the Holy Spirit guide us in fostering the gifts and virtues that promote spiritual growth.

Have a beautiful and blessed day!