[This article will be edited as it is a work in progress]
Yesterday I had a very interesting discussion with Papa Gideon Chiu regarding Ephesians 3, especially Ephesians 3:9-11. These are my thoughts on this passage and contextual verses.
Ephesians 3:8 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, [Paul establishes his credentials, recognising his past, the saving grace of God, and his call to proclaim the good news]
9 and to make all [yes that is you and me] see [perceive, understand, comprehend, have revelation of] what is the fellowship [this is the family of God] of the mystery [what is the mystery? We are one family! see #1 below], which from the beginning of the ages [since creation, it has always been God’s plan] has been hidden in God [in God, we are in Christ and Christ is in us; this the mystery is revealed] who created all things through Jesus Christ [this mystery is revealed 100% through the work of Jesus on the cross];
10 to the intent that now the manifold [complete and multi dimensional] wisdom of God might be made known [revealed and understood] by the church [Ekklesia, family of God, body of Christ] to the principalities [rulers] and powers in the heavenly places [Ref: Ephesians 6:10-20, this is the basis of our authority, that we the family of God (Ekklesia and body of Christ) that are in Christ have all authority to deal with principalities and powers, so that Gospel will be proclaimed and the family will increase, people set free and healed],
11 according to the eternal [beyond this age, the 5 fold ministries has a time limit, but the family of God is eternal] purpose [this purpose is not ministry or our works which end when He returns, but is the creation and building of the family of God] which He accomplished [already done through the cross] in Christ Jesus our Lord [we are in Christ, this is a crucial understanding of who we the family of God are],
12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him [Not because of what we have done, but who we are as family, sons and daughters of the most High].
13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. [Ref John 17:22 The glory of God manifest that we would be one]
When we understand the mystery and it’s purpose from the perspective of the eternal family of God everything makes complete sense.
It is as family we have authority and the call to proclaim the full gospel of the Kingdom, that people can be saved, delivered, and healed; and as a result the family of God increases.
The family of God, i.e. who were are as sons and daughters, is the basis of our existence, and the power and authority we have to do the will of the Father.
#1 Mystery
Ephesians 3:4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ,
5 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:
6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body [family, also Ekklesia], and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel [we are one family]