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Ephesians 3:9 – New Truths

Posted on by Will

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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Ephesians 3:3 – Special Revelation

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Ephesians 3:3  – Special Revelation

how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,

Truth to Learn

Paul received special revelation from God regarding the salvation of the Gentiles.

Behind the Words

The word “revelation” is translated from the Greek noun apokalupsis. This word is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and a form of kaluptō, meaning “to hide” or “to cover up.” Thus, apokalupsis refers to the uncovering or revealing of something.

“Mystery” is transliterated from musterion (or mysterion), which refers to something that has been previously been unknown but now is revealed.

The Greek word gnōridzō is translated here as “made known.” The word literally means “to become known” or “to gain knowledge.” It is written here in the aorist tense (action done at a point in time in the past) and the active voice (action done by the subject). Some of the better manuscripts have this word written in the passive voice (action done to the subject). So, the first part of this verse could be translated, “that by revelation the mystery was made known to me.”

The words “I have written already” are translated from the verb prographō, which is made up of pro, meaning “before, in place or time” and graphō, meaning “to write.”

“Briefly” is from the Greek word oligos which means “little.” It can refer to a small quantity, a short time span, or of small degree. In this case, it most likely refers to a small quantity.

Meaning Explained

There are two things that we want to take a look at in this verse. The first is, “How did Paul learn about the mystery?” and the other is, “What did he mean by ‘as I have briefly written already’?”

Before his conversion Paul (then called Saul) was an avid student of the Scriptures (the Old Testament). He was schooled under one of the greatest teachers of his day, a Pharisee by the name of Gamaliel. But, his greatest understanding of the doctrines of salvation by grace through faith were not taught to him by human teachers. Here’s how Paul explained it:

But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:11-12)

This mystery was revealed to Paul by our Lord, Himself. That is what he is referring to in the first part of today’s verse. Now, what does Paul mean by the statement that he has already written briefly about this mystery? Some think that Paul is referring to a previous letter that he wrote to the Ephesians; however, there is no evidence of any such letter. The other possibility is that he is referring to what he wrote in verses nine through twelve of the first chapter of this letter, the mystery of God’s will regarding the salvation of the Gentiles.

Application

Unlike Paul, we have no need to receive special revelation from God, because we have His written word, the Bible. But, in order to understand God’s will for our lives, we need to read and study it daily.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Ephesians 3:2 – Administrator of Grace

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Ephesians 3:2  – Administrator of Grace

if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,

Truth to Learn

All Christians are commissioned to preach the Gospel.

Behind the Words

The word “if” is translated from ei. This is a conditional particle which introduces a conditional clause. In New Testament Greek (Koinē Greek) there are four types of conditional clauses, although only three of them appear in the Bible. The first class condition assumes the “if” clause to be true. The second class condition assumes the “if” clause to be false and the third class condition makes no assumption. In today’s verse we see a first class condition, so Paul assumes that his readers have heard of the dispensation.

“Indeed” is from ge, which is a particle of emphasis or qualification. It can be variously translated as “besides, doubtless, indeed, at least, or yet.”

The word translated “dispensation” is oikonomia, which is made up of oikos, meaning “house” and a form of nemō, meaning “to distribute or apportion.” Oikonomia can refer to the position of administrator, the work done by an administrator, or of the process of administration. In today’s verse it refers to the “administration” or “stewardship” of the grace of God.

Meaning Explained

Paul, like every believer in Jesus Christ, has been the recipient of God’s grace as he described it in the previous chapter:

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, (Ephesians 2:8)

However, that’s not what he is specifically referring to in today’s verse. Here he is talking about “the dispensation of the grace of God” or the administration of the grace of God. God chose the Apostle Paul to be the administrator of His grace for the Gentiles. What he means by that is that God has entrusted him with the message of salvation by grace, through faith, and it is his responsibility to deliver it to the Gentiles. In Acts chapter twenty-six Paul described to King Agrippa how he received this responsibility directly from the Lord, who said:

But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, (Acts 26:16, 17)

In fact, he told the believers in Corinth that he now has no choice but to preach the Gospel message:

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16)

Paul recognized his responsibility to administer the grace of God by preaching the Good News to people throughout the known world, and he performed that task until the day he died.

Application

We, too, have been given a commission to preach the Gospel message. Are you carrying out that commission? Are you sharing the Good News with those around you?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Ephesians 3:1 – A Serving Stone

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Ephesians 3:1  – A Serving Stone

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles—

Truth to Learn

Serving God as part of His kingdom is a very high calling.

Behind the Words

“For this reason” is translated from the Greek words toutou charin. The first of these, toutou, is a form of touto, meaning “this” and charin means “on account of,” “because of,” or “for the sake of.” So, we can translate the opening phrase as “Because of this.”

“Prisoner” is from desmios, which is derived from the verb desmeō, meaning “to bind.” Thus, desmios means “someone in bonds” or “a prisoner.”

The words “Christ Jesus” are transliterated from the words christou iēsou. The interesting thing to note here is that Paul adds the definite article tou (the). Therefore, this could be translated as “the Christ, Jesus.”

Meaning Explained

Paul starts out this verse (and this chapter) with “Because of this.” So, we have to ask ourselves, “Because of what?” Well, what has he just been talking about? Beginning in verse eleven of the previous chapter, Paul taught us that before Christ came, we Gentiles were without a savior, we were aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and we were not included in the covenants that God made with Israel. Basically, we were without hope. But now, because of Christ, we are no longer strangers and foreigners, we are fellow citizens with the saints of old and we are of God’s household. And – we are part of God’s temple, which is being built with the lives of all who are saved. In short: we were lost, we are now saved and part of God’s family, and God has a purpose for us in His kingdom.

Because of this, Paul wants to give us further instruction. However, a strange thing happens starting in this verse and continuing through verse thirteen. In these verses Paul gets sidetracked with an explanation and justification of his own ministry (his position as a foundation stone in the temple of God). So, to learn the rest of “Because of this” we have to go to verse fourteen, “I bow my knees to the Father …” As we get to that verse, we will see that Paul has a special prayer for the rest of us building blocks in God’s temple.

Meanwhile, he will share with us some of the reasons why God has made him a foundation stone in the temple. He starts that off with a reminder that he is in bonds. He tells us that he is a prisoner of the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth. In the book of Romans, he goes to great lengths to show us that we were once in bondage to sin but we are now owned by a new master, God Himself. He is now our master. But I don’t think that’s what Paul is referring to here. In chapter six, verse twenty of this letter, he will tell us that he is an ambassador in chains. From this most scholars believe that Paul wrote this letter from a prison cell in Rome where he was sent because of his testimony of salvation in Jesus Christ. Thus, he says that he is a prisoner of Christ (or “because of Christ).

Application

How high do you consider your calling in Jesus Christ? Are you willing to go to prison simply because you are a Christian? Are you willing to lose your job simply because you are a Christian? Are you willing to suffer simply because you are a Christian? What’s more important, serving God, or yourself?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Ephesians 2:22 – Living Building Blocks

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Ephesians 2:22  – Living Building Blocks

in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Truth to Learn

Every Christian has a specific function within the temple of God.

Behind the Words

The word “you” is translated from humeis, which is a second person plural pronoun (you-plural). This is one area where the antiquated language of the original King James Version is helpful. The words thee, thou, thy, and thine are second person singular pronouns, whereas you and your are second person plural pronouns.

The words “are being built together” are from the Greek verb sunoikodomeō, which is made up of sun, meaning “together,” oikos, which refers to “a dwelling place” or “a house,” and demō, meaning “to build.” Therefore, sunoikodomeō, literally means “to build a dwelling place together.” It is expressed here in the present tense (current action) and the passive voice (action being done to the subject). It is also expressed as a plural verb.

“A dwelling place” is from katoikētērion, which is made up of kata, meaning “down” but possibly used as an intensifier and oikētērion (a dwelling place). It refers to “a permanent dwelling place.”

Meaning Explained

At the time this letter was written most houses were typically built with bricks. Temples, however, were usually built out of blocks of stone. The stones in the temple were all properly placed so as to form a complete structure to be a habitation for the Deity that is worshipped there. Paul is telling us that we are being built along with others as a dwelling place for God.

There is some ambiguity introduced here, however, as to whom Paul was specifically referring. The fact that he uses the second person plural pronoun (you-plural) and a plural verb means that he is referring to a group of people who are being built together. In this verse He is not saying that each individual believer is being built together with others. So, he can either mean that you (members of the church at Ephesus, and by extension all believers) are being built together, or he means that you (Gentiles) are being built together. Based on the context of verses nineteen through this verse, it is most likely that he is talking about Gentiles.

What is clear is that Paul is talking about a temple that is being built. In the past few verses Paul has been talking about the construction of a building and in verse twenty-one he made it clear that he is talking about a temple. You may recall from our discussion of the word translated “temple” that it refers to the dwelling place of a deity. In the current verse, Paul makes it clear that he is talking about a temple which is the dwelling place of God. This temple consists of all believers since the beginning of time.

Application

The living temple of God, which Paul refers to here, is an intricately designed and constructed building. We are each building blocks with specific talents and gifts to perform the function (or functions) that God has intended for us. If we are not allowing God to utilize those specific talents and gifts, then the temple is not as God designed it. Do you know what part of the temple you are and are you performing that function?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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