Author: Will

Ephesians 3:13 – Christian Tribulation

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Ephesians 3:13  – Christian Tribulation

Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

Truth to Learn

It is not uncommon for Christians to suffer.

Behind the Words

“I ask” is translated from the Greek verb aiteō, meaning “to request, ask, or beg.” In the New Testament it is always used of an inferior person asking for something from someone who is superior to him or her.

The words “lose heart” are from ekkakeō, which is made up of ek, meaning “out” but used as an intensifier and kakos, meaning “externally worthless, bad, or cowardly.” So ekkakeō could mean “to completely lose one’s courage.”

“Tribulations” is translated from thlipsis, which is based on the verb thlibō, meaning “to crush, compress, or squeeze.” Thus, thlipsis refers to “a stressful situation, trouble, or affliction.”

Meaning Explained

What are some of these tribulations that Paul is talking about here? We have already mentioned that Paul was a prisoner of the Roman government, either in Caesarea or (more likely) in Rome when he wrote this letter. And, in his second letter to the church in Corinth, Paul gave a list of tribulations that he suffered as a minister of the Gospel.

From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—(2 Corinthians 11:24-27)

But, the Apostle Paul had an incredibly strong constitution. He did not easily give in to pressure and persecution. It is believed by many Biblical scholars that Paul even suffered from an ongoing ailment of his eyes. He told the Galatians:

And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. (Galatians 4:14-15)

So, it is perfectly reasonable for Paul to tell his long-time friends in Ephesus not to lose courage because of his tribulations, which were suffered for his Ephesian brothers and sisters (as well as Gentiles throughout the world). In fact, he tells them that they should see the glory in such tribulation. After all, if Paul suffered so much, surely those under his ministry will be able to endure a small amount.

Application

Are you suffering tribulation because you boldly proclaim the gospel message? Are you suffering simply because you are a Christian? If so, take heart; you are in good company!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Ephesians 3:12 – Confident Access

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Ephesians 3:12  – Confident Access

in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.

Truth to Learn

We have free access to God anytime and anywhere.

Behind the Words

“Boldness” is translated from parrēsia. This is made up of pas, meaning “all” and a derivative of hrehō, meaning “to speak out.” Thus, this word refers to “freedom or boldness in speaking.” In the Greek text this word also has the definite article (the), so it refers to “the boldness to speak.”

The word “access” is from the Greek word prosagōgē, which is made up of pros, meaning “to or toward” and agō, which means “to bring.” We see, then, that prosagōgē literally means “to bring forth.” It is the picture of someone being brought forth into the presence of a king.

The Greek word that is translated “confidence” is an interesting word. It is pepoithēsis, which is a noun, but with the appearance of a perfect tense verb. That verb is peithō, meaning “to persuade.” The perfect tense expresses past completed action with an ongoing effect. In this case, it would be the effect of having been persuaded in the past, that is, a solid and confident faith.

Meaning Explained

Yesterday we noted that God has a plan that He devised before time began, and He has already accomplished that plan. He accomplished it at the cross where Jesus Christ, the sinless Lamb of God, offered up His sinless life to pay the ransom for our sins. In today’s verse we see some of the benefits we derive as a result of our faith in His death and resurrection.

Today’s verse starts off with “in whom.” It doesn’t take much effort to discover who the “whom” is talking about. The previous verse ended with “in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Now we learn that through our faith in Him, we have boldness and access. The implication, based on the context of the previous few verses, is that we have boldness and confident access to God the Father. But, why would we need boldness and confident access. First of all, as we saw in Behind the Words, the word translated “boldness” refers to boldness in speaking.

Throughout history it has been the case that no one is allowed to approach a king without first having been invited to do so. It is also true that one has to be extremely careful in what one says to a king so as not to anger him. The exception to this is the king’s closest family members, especially his children. That is precisely the picture that we have set before us here. As God’s adopted children through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ, we have access to the King of Kings. We don’t have to wait to be invited and we don’t have to get permission. We have free access to Him anytime and anywhere. We also have the boldness we need to freely speak our mind to God. When we come to Him in prayer, we don’t have to use the proper thee’s and thou’s, and we don’t have to worry that what we say might anger Him (no matter how inappropriate what we have to say is). He sees us as His righteous children for whom He has perfect love, and we are always welcome in His presence.

Application

God wants you to come to Him and talk to Him about anything and everything in your life. He never sees you as a pest. In fact, He wants to talk with you right now.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Ephesians 3:11 – Eternal Plan – Accomplished!

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Ephesians 3:11  – Eternal Plan – Accomplished!

according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,

Truth to Learn

God has already accomplished His eternal plan.

Behind the Words

“Eternal” is from the Greek word aiōn, which we have seen several times recently. It refers to “an indefinitely long period of time.” The most literal translation of this word into English is “age.” The form used in this verse literally translates to “of the ages.” So, Paul is talking about God’s “purpose of the ages” or His “eternal purpose” as we have in this translation.

The word “purpose” is from prothesis, which is based on the verb protithēmi. This is made up of pro, meaning “before, in time or position” and tithēmi, meaning “to place.” Thus, prosthesis refers to a “setting forth” or “determining ahead of time.”

“Accomplished” is translated from poieō, meaning “to make” or “to do.” It is expressed in the aorist tense and indicative mood indicating action that was completed at a point in time in the past.

Meaning Explained

Paul began a statement in verse one that was then interrupted in verse two, and he won’t resume his original thought until verse fourteen. What appears in verses two through thirteen is a sort of parenthesis that talks about the mystery of the church age in which Gentiles and Jews are united in the body of Christ, co-heirs of God’s estate, and joint partakers of the promise of salvation through the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

One fascinating thing about this parenthesis is that it closely parallels the parenthesis that we refer to as the church age. Before Christ’s first coming, God was dealing almost exclusively with the Jews. In fact, from Genesis chapter twelve through the remainder of the Old Testament, the focus is on the descendants of Abraham. However, when the Messiah (Jesus) came and was rejected by the Jews, God turned to the Gentiles. This church age will continue until the time of the rapture when the church will be removed from this earth. Then, God’s focus will once again be on the Jews as He ushers his faithful ones through “… great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Matthew 24:21)”

During the parenthesis, the church age, God is revealing His mystery to us (His church) and to the spirit beings in heaven through us (His church). In today’s verse we learn that this is not just by accident. This is all part of God’s plan of the ages. Before He created anything, God (that is, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit), put together a plan. This plan included the choosing of every member of the church, according to the fourth verse of the letter to the Ephesians. That plan included the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as payment for our sins so that we can live in His presence eternally. And, according to today’s verse, He accomplished His plan in Jesus Christ.

Application

Let me urge you to take a few minutes to mentally “step away” from the world system and all of its distractions. Do you realize that you are part of God’s eternal plan and you have been since before He created this physical world? Not only was your salvation part of His plan, but He has completely accomplished His plan in Jesus Christ. Now – what are you going to do with this knowledge?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Ephesians 3:10 – Angelic Observers

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Ephesians 3:10  – Angelic Observers

to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,

Truth to Learn

Angels learn about God by watching you and me.

Behind the Words

The word translated “manifold” is an interesting Greek word that appears nowhere else in the New Testament. It is the word polupoikilos, which is made up of polus, meaning “much” or “many” and poikilos, literally meaning “multi-colored” or “various.” Polupoikilos means “greatly diversified” or “that which abounds in variety.”

The word “wisdom” is from the Greek noun sophia, which does in fact refer to “wisdom.” It is used in the New Testament to refer to both earthly and heavenly (spiritual) wisdom.

“Might be made known” is translated from the verb gnōridzō, meaning “to declare” or “to make known.”

“Principalities” is translated from archē, which literally refers to “the beginning point.” Metaphorically, it is used to refer to the highest in position or power of the angelic beings.

“Powers” is from dunamis (from which we get our English word dynamite), meaning “a powerful force.” It is used here as a reference to other powerful angelic beings.

Meaning Explained

Beginning back in verse three of this chapter, Paul explained how the mystery of the Gospel was revealed to him. This included the fact that the Gentiles are now co-heirs with the Jews and partakers of God’s promises regarding the Messiah and salvation.

In the past couple of verses he declared how he has been given the responsibility of revealing this mystery to the church, the body of Christ. This mystery, which has been hidden from mankind from the beginning of time, is now being revealed to us. In today’s verse he tells us that part of the reason for revealing this mystery to the church is so that it can now be revealed to the angelic beings in Heaven. The Jews had the Old Testament which revealed the God of righteousness and judgment to them. Today, we have the New Testament which reveals the God of grace and mercy to us undeserving sinners.

For some reason, the angelic beings do not learn about God’s righteousness, judgment, or grace from the written word. They learn about God’s multi-faceted wisdom by observing the church. The Apostle Peter, in his first general epistle, said it this way:

… the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into. (1 Peter 1:12)

The heavenly angels learn about God by observing Him in action. Therefore, the only way they can understand the wisdom of His actions, particularly His grace toward sinners like you and me, is to observe us!

Application

Do you ever have those times when you feel like someone is watching you, even when you’re all alone? It could be the angels watching you to learn what God’s grace and mercy are all about. You and I are heavenly object lessons. Let’s show them what gratitude and thanksgiving are all about!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Ephesians 3:9 – New Truths

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Ephesians 3:9  – New Truths

and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;

Truth to Learn

God has revealed new truths during the church age.

Behind the Words

The words “to make … see” are translated from the Greek verb photidzō, which is based on phos, meaning “light.” Photidzō means “to give light to;” that is, “to illuminate,” to bring to light,” or “to make known.”

“Fellowship” is from the noun koinōnia, which is related to the verb koinōneō, meaning “to share.” Koinōnia refers to communal sharing, fellowship, or participation. In the older manuscripts, however, this word is not used; instead, oikonomia is used. In verse two we learned that oikonomia refers to “administration” or “stewardship.”

The expression “the beginning of the ages” is translated from “apo tōn aiōnōn.” Apo means “from” and tōn is the definite article (the). The word aiōnōn is a form of aiōn, meaning “an indefinitely long period of time.” It is often translated “age” and sometimes translated “eternity.” Paul’s meaning here is probably “from eternity past” or “from the beginning of time.”

The words “has been hidden” is from apokruptō, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and kruptō, meaning “to hide.” Thus it means “to hide away.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect, with emphasis on the effect.

Meaning Explained

Since verse three Paul has been talking about a mystery. You may recall that the word translated “mystery” refers to something that has previously been unknown but now is revealed. We learned a few verses back that the mystery he is talking about is the fact that the Gentiles and the Jews are jointly part of God’s holy temple. That is, the Gentiles now share in the promises made to the Jews, they are part of the same body, and they are fellow heirs of God’s eternal estate.

In yesterday’s verse, Paul said that he, being less than the least of all the saints, was granted the privilege and responsibility of preaching the Gospel message to the Gentiles. In that verse he referred to the message he is commissioned to proclaim as “the unsearchable riches of Christ.” The riches that he referred to are an expression of how precious this salvation by faith is. There is not enough money in the entire world to purchase this salvation. Therefore, it can’t be purchased; it can only be received as a gift.

In the current verse he tells us he also has been given the responsibility of enlightening all of mankind about the administration of this mystery. In other words, Paul is to proclaim the Gospel and explain how the Jews and Gentiles are now one in Christ. The remainder of this verse is best explained along with verse ten.

Application

We are living in an age (since the death of Jesus Christ) in which new truths about God have been revealed. Most of the world, however, is ignoring these truths and living in ignorance. How are you living in light of what you have learned?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Ephesians 3:8 – A Living Oxymoron?

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Ephesians 3:8  – A Living Oxymoron?

To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

Truth to Learn

There is no reason for pride in the body of Christ.

Behind the Words

The words “less than the least” are translated from a single Greek word, elachistoteros. This is a very unusual word. It is based on the Greek word mikros, meaning “small.” The comparative of mikros is elassōn, meaning “smaller.” And, the superlative of mikros is elachistos, meaning “the smallest or the least.” But the comparative of this superlative (elachistos) is elachistoteros, meaning “less than the least.”

“I should preach” is translated from euangelidzō. This verb is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and angellō, meaning “to tell.” Thus, euangelidzō means “to tell the good news;” that is “to preach the gospel” or “to evangelize.”

“Unsearchable” is from the adjective anexichniastos. This is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” or “without” and a form of the verb exichniadzō, meaning “to explore.” Therefore, anexichniastos refers to something that is “unexplorable,” “untraceable,” or “unsearchable.”

Meaning Explained

In yesterday’s verse we talked about how the apostles of the church in the first century had a common characteristic of downplaying their position in the church. Perhaps it is because each one of them witnessed the humbleness of Jesus. Upon finally believing that He is the Son of God, each of them must have been struck by the magnitude of His humility given who He really is.

Compared to the Son of God, the Christ, the Messiah, each of these men realized that they were nothing but sinners deserving of eternal Hell, saved by the grace of God. In today’s verse Paul declares himself to be “least-er” (less than the least) than all Christians. Before we scoff at his improper grammar (even in Greek this would be improper except for poets), let’s see what he said about himself elsewhere:

although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:13-15)

Paul (formerly Saul, the persecutor of the church) considered himself the greatest of sinners, and he considered himself less than even the lowest of Christians. This man who wrote more of the New Testament than anyone else, who proclaimed salvation to every sinner who would listen (and even to some who wouldn’t listen), did not have a puffed-up opinion of himself.

Application

One thing I find most irritating is when a Christian thinks of himself or herself as “hot stuff” in the body of Christ. A proud Christian is a living oxymoron. How can anyone be proud of himself or herself when he or she recognizes what they deserve compared to what God has given them by His grace? Are you a proud Christian or a humble servant?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Ephesians 3:7 – Humble Building Block

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Ephesians 3:7  – Humble Building Block

of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.

Truth to Learn

God places each of us in the temple of God and gives us the gifts we need to perform the function He has placed us into.

Behind the Words

“Minister” is translated from the Greek noun diakonos, from which we get our English word “deacon.” The Greek word is probably derived from the verb diakō, meaning “to run an errand.” Technically, diakonos refers to “an attendant,” “an errand boy,” “someone who waits on tables” or “someone who performs menial duties.” In the New Testament, deacons are seen as those who help or serve the elders and bishops.

The word “gift” is from dōrea, which is derived from the verb didōmi, meaning “to give.” Thus, dōrea refers to “that which is gratuitously given” or “a gift.”

“Effective” is translated from energeia. This is the word from which we get our English word “energy.” It refers to “the energetic, active, or effective work.”

“Power” is from dunamis, which refers to “ability or power.”

Meaning Explained

In today’s verse, Paul tells us that he became an errand boy of the gospel as a gift of grace from God. In our Christian churches today there is much confusion over the titles minister, preacher, pastor, elder, and bishop. Thus, these words are often used interchangeably. However, in the Greek language they are significantly different words. The Greek word most often translated preacher is a form of the word kērussō meaning “to proclaim.” And the word most often translated elder is presbuteros meaning “an older man,” while the word most often translated bishop is episkopos, meaning “an overseer.” In the New Testament these three words describe different functions of the senior pastor of a local church. It’s interesting that Paul did not use any of these three words to describe himself in today’s verse; instead, he calls himself “a minister;” that is, “an errand boy” of the gospel.

This is a characteristic which seems to be common in the apostolic writings. Even though these men were called to an extremely important office in the building of the church (remember, they’re part of the foundation of the building), they often refer to themselves as servants, slaves, or errand boys of the Gospel of Christ.

Paul recognizes that he didn’t put himself into the position he has in the temple of God. God is the one who places each stone. God is the one who places each one of us in the temple. And God gives us the gifts and abilities we need to perform that function in accordance with His will.

Application

In the temple of God there is no place for pride or arrogance. No matter what function we are performing within the temple, we have no reason to consider ourselves any better than anyone else. In fact, we should not be comparing ourselves with each other. We should be comparing ourselves with Christ, and compared to Him, the best we can hope to be is a faithful servant or errand boy. What are you in the temple of God?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Ephesians 3:6 – Together, Together, Together

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Ephesians 3:6  – Together, Together, Together

that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,

Truth to Learn

All those who believe God’s promise share in God’s gifts.

Behind the Words

The words “fellow heirs” is translated from sunklēronomos. This is a compound word made up of sun, meaning “together with” and klēronomos, meaning “an heir.” Klēronomos is made up of klēros, meaning “a lot” (a die indicating participation), and a form of nemō, meaning “to have in one’s possession.”

The Greek word sussōmos, is translated here as “of the same body.” It also contains the Greek word sun, meaning “together with” and, in this case, soma meaning “a body.” So, we see that sussōmos literally means “together, of the same body.”

“Partakers” is translated from summetochos, which also has the prefix sun meaning “together with” added to metochos, meaning “a partaker” or “a participant.” Thus, summetochos refers to someone as “a fellow partaker” with someone else.

The word “promise” is from epangelia which is made up of epi used as an intensifier and a form of the verb angellō meaning “to tell” or “to declare.”

Meaning Explained

Under earlier Greek law, when a father passed away, his children would cast lots to determine who got what portion of the estate, thus indicating the derivation of klēronomos as “an heir” (one who has a lot in his possession). Under Jewish law only the sons inherited their father’s possessions and the eldest son inherited a double portion. But, under Roman law all children were eligible as well as close friends and loyal servants and distribution was usually made according to a will.

Thus, it is significant that Paul would use sunklēronomos in reference to Gentiles being fellow heirs of God along with the Jews. We each hold a “lot” in the form of righteousness, which is given by God as a gift when we believe His promise.

But Paul does not stop there. This verse describes in detail what the mystery is that he has been talking about for the past few verses. The mystery is not just that we are fellow heirs with the Jews, but that we are of the same body (sussōmos). Today, all who believe, whether Jew or Gentile, are part of the body of Christ. This is what Paul tells us in his first letter to the Corinthians:

Now you [plural] are the body of Christ, and members individually.  (1 Corinthians 12:27)

But he still doesn’t stop there, for there is a third Greek word in this verse made up as a compound of sun. Along with the Jews, we are joint partakers (summetochos) of God’s promise. Beginning with Abraham, the Jews were promised that a Messiah would come to rescue them. That Messiah has come. His name is Jesus, the Christ, and through faith in His sacrifice on the cross we, too, are saved. And this promise is the essence of the Gospel message.

Application

All believers in the Gospel are fellow heirs and will inherit our Heavenly Father’s estate when we arrive there. All believers in the Gospel are now part of the body of Christ. And, all believers are partakers of His promise of salvation and eternal life. Skin color doesn’t matter, ancestry doesn’t matter, gender doesn’t matter, age doesn’t matter, education level doesn’t matter, and wealth doesn’t matter. Only faith in Christ matters!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Ephesians 3:5 – God’s Revealed Word

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Ephesians 3:5  – God’s Revealed Word

which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:

Truth to Learn

We have the Word of God in our possession.

Behind the Words

The word translated “other” is heteros, which means “another of a different kind.” There is another Greek word, allos, which means “another of the same kind.” The use of heteros implies that the age we live in is different from previous ages.

“Ages” is from the Greek noun genea. It is derived from the verb ginomai, meaning “to become” or “to begin to be.” The original meaning of genea was that of “a generation,” but in New Testament Greek it generally refers to “a period of time.”

“Made known” is from gnoridzō, which we saw a couple of verses earlier. It means “to become known.” It is expressed here in the passive voice (action done to the subject).

Apostolos is the word from which we get “apostles.” As you can see it is a transliteration (a word brought over directly from one language to another). It is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and a form of the verb stellō, meaning “to send forth.” Apostolos means “one who is sent from God.”

The word “prophets” is also a transliteration. It is transliterated from the Greek word prophetēs, which is made up of pro, meaning “before, in place or time” and a form of phēmi, meaning “to tell.” Thus, a prophet is “someone who declares God’s message before the people or before it happens.”

Meaning Explained

Previously, Paul told us that the mystery that he is talking about was revealed to him, not by a human teacher, but by God Himself. Now he informs us that through his ministry this mystery is also being revealed to us in the church age. This mystery (that Gentiles and Jews are both part of God’s chosen people) was unknown before Paul’s preaching.

If you read through the third chapter of his letter to the church in Rome, you will see that before the church age, the Jews had a great advantage over the Gentiles. Here’s what he said:

What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. (Romans 3:1, 2)

The word translated “oracles” here is logion, which refers to “an utterance.” So, what Paul is saying is that the advantage the Jews had was that God spoke directly to them. His laws and commandments were given to them and not to anyone else.

But now, because of the preaching of the Apostles and Prophets since the time of Christ, all nations of the world can hear God’s truth. And, it is through this truth, now written in the New Testament, that we all have an opportunity to hear and believe God’s promise of salvation.

Application

Do you recognize how precious the truths in the Bible are? Both the Old Testament and the New Testament contain information directly from God. That’s why it is often called “the Word of God.” Treasure it – and thank God for it!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Ephesians 3:4 – Uncovering the Mystery

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Ephesians 3:4  – Uncovering the Mystery

by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),

Truth to Learn

Mysteries are revealed in the Bible.

Behind the Words

“When you read” is translated from anaginōskō. This word is made up of ana, used as an intensifier and ginōskō, which means “to know.” Initially this word meant “to perceive accurately.” Later it came to mean “to recognize” and in some cases “to read.” In the New Testament it is always used in reference to reading. It is expressed here as a present participle.

“May” is the translation of the word dunamai, which means “to be able” or “to have power.”

The Greek word translated “understand” is noieō. This word means “to exercise the mind,” that is “to comprehend” or “to understand.”

Sunesis is the Greek word translated “knowledge.” This word is made up of sun, meaning “together” and a form of the verb heimi, meaning “to send” or “to put.” This sunesis literally means “that which is put together;” that is to say, “perception” or “knowledge.”

Putting this all together we see that a more literal translation of this verse would be: “by the reading of which you are able to understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),”

Meaning Explained

This is one of those verses which has very little meaning without the verses surrounding it. You may recall that in the previous verse Paul talked about the fact that a mystery had been revealed to him. He also alluded to the fact that he had previously written to the Ephesians about this mystery. That previous writing is probably a reference to what he said in Ephesians 1:9-12.

He goes on to explain that this mystery is the gathering together in one place (heaven) of all created things which belong to Christ (both those things in heaven and those things on earth). This mystery also includes the fact that Gentiles, who had previously been alienated from God’s chosen people (the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), are now part of the same family, the family of God. We also learned recently that this mystery was not revealed to Paul by a human teacher, but by God, Himself. Now, because of what Paul has already written concerning this mystery, the readers of this letter are able to understand the mystery also.

Application

Today it is in vogue to declare that all people are part of God’s family. And, there are some churches which teach that we will all go to heaven. After all, a loving God wouldn’t really send some people to Hell where they would suffer eternally with no possibility of being rescued from it, would He? The answer is a resounding Yes!

All of us have sinned and deserve eternal hell because we don’t measure up to God’s standard of righteousness. But He has provided a way for us to obtain His righteousness. All we have to do is believe that the blood of Jesus Christ is the payment for our sins. Those who believe that Jesus died to pay for their sins will be gathered to Heaven someday. Those who reject His blood sacrifice will die in their sins and will be condemned by God to spend eternity in Hell. Have you accepted the blood of Jesus as payment for your sins?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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