Appreciation is Much Appreciated – Ephesians 3:1-13
3 For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—(2) since you indeed have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God that was given to me for you, (3) that is, the mystery that was made known to me by revelation, (as I have already written in brief.) (4) In reading this, then, you will be able to perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ, (a mystery (5) which in previous generations was not made known to mankind as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit), (6) namely, that the Gentiles are fellow-heirs with Israel and members of the same body and fellow-recipients of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
(7) I became a minister of the gospel by the gift of the grace of God that was given to me by the working of his power. (8) To me, the least of all the saints, was this grace given, namely, to proclaim to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ (9) and to bring to light what is the dispensation of the mystery that has for ages been hidden by God who created all things. (10) His intent was that now through the church the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. (11) This is in accord with the eternal purpose which he accomplished by Christ Jesus our Lord, (12) in whom we have boldness and confident access through our faith in him. (13) Therefore, I ask you not to be discouraged because of my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory.
Now proceed to the next section of this study, entitled, Exploring the Passage.
