In chapter 3 of his inspired letter to the followers of Christ at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul writes that God’s mystery had been revealed to him. This mystery is that by accepting Jesus Christ, non-Jewish people can share in the promises which God gave the Jewish people. Paul calls this message the ‘Good News.’ In verses 7 through 13 he writes, “of which I was made a servant, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power. To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now through the assembly the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord; in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him. Therefore I ask that you may not lose heart at my troubles for you, which are your glory.”
Some people become proud when they think that God has revealed a message to them. They think that this gives them the right to rule over others. But Paul writes that he became a servant of the gospel. Jesus said, “…You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant, even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28)
Actually, a person to whom God’s message has been revealed has no cause to be proud. Paul gives two reasons for this. The first is that the message of the gospel was given by a “the gift of that grace of God”. If it is by grace, then it is not something which is deserved. The second reason is that the message was given through the working of God’s power. The gospel is powerful, not because of the messenger, but because of God. Paul calls himself “the very least of all saints.” Yet because he did not rely on his own power, but rather God’s, God was able to use him far beyond his own capabilities. Whose power do we rely on when we try to take the gospel to others? Do we try to do it in our own strength?
As a servant of the gospel, what task was given Paul? He writes that it was to preach to the Gentiles. The apostles were not all given the same task. Galatians 2:7 records that God gave the Apostle Peter the task of preaching to the Jewish people. But though God may have given us a particular task, we should not use that as an excuse to turn away from the needs of someone. Though Peter’s task was to preach to the Jewish people, it was through him that non-Jews first heard the gospel of Christ. Though Paul’s task was to preach to the Gentiles, he always spoke to Jews as he had opportunity. Scripture says, “So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men…” (Galatians 6:10)
Paul also had the task of making plain to everyone the administration of the mystery. In the past this mystery was hidden. But now God has revealed it to the apostles and prophets and given Paul the task of proclaiming it in a way that everyone can easily understand it. On the other hand, though the gospel may be easily understood, Paul also describes it as the “unsearchable riches of Christ”.
What was God’s intent in having the mystery proclaimed? Paul writes that it was so God’s manifold wisdom would be made known. From this we see that there are many aspects to God’s wisdom. In another place Paul explains what some of these aspects are: “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God– that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.” (1 Corinthians 1:30 NIV) Paul writes that God’s wisdom should be made known through the church. It follows, then, that if the church is going to make God’s wisdom known, it must proclaim Christ, be righteous in all its actions, be an example of holiness and preach a message of redemption.
To whom does God intend his wisdom to be made known? Paul writes that it is to the “the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places”. There are some who think that this merely refers to people of authority who are in high positions, such as kings, governors and others who are in high positions, or to those who are influential. Though such people may be included in this description, it seems that Paul means much more than this. In chapter one, Paul used the phrase “heavenly places” to indicate the place where Jesus is seated at God’s right hand. In chapter 6, verse 12, Paul indicates that “spiritual forces of wickedness” are also in the heavenly places. When we consider these facts, it becomes plain that Paul is saying that God intends His wisdom to be made known not only to people, but also to beings in the spiritual realm as well. This is something which the followers of Christ should never forget. Our lives and conduct not only affect the people around us, but also have an impact in the unseen spiritual world as well. As Paul points out, in one sense God has already accomplished His eternal purpose through Jesus Christ. But it is the responsibility of the church to make it known.
The revealing of the mystery of God’s wisdom has a very practical result: Access. What this means is that the follows of Christ may approach God. This is something which is unthinkable for someone whose sins have not been forgiven. But because of what Christ has done, those who have submitted their lives to Him may approach God with boldness and confidence. Notice that it is in, or through Jesus Christ that we have access. This is why the followers of Christ pray in Jesus’ name. Jesus told his disciples, “Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.” (John 16:24)
Paul ends this section with an amazing statement. He says that his sufferings are the glory of the people to whom he is writing. Paul can write this because it is through his suffering the church is being strengthened and God’s intent is being fulfilled. Paul, the servant of the gospel, is faithfully completing his task.