PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS
| UBS4 | NKJV | NRSV | TEV | NJB |
| Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles | The Mystery Revealed | A Prayer for Wisdom | Paul’s Work for the Gentiles | Paul, a Servant of the Mystery |
| 3:1-13 | 3:1-7 | 3:1-6 | 3:1-6 | 3:1-13 |
| Purpose of the Mystery | 3:7-13 | 3:7-13 | ||
| 3:8-13 | ||||
| To Know the Love of Christ | Appreciation of the Mystery | The Love of Christ | Paul’s Prayer | |
| 3:14-19 | 3:14-21 | 3:14-19 | 3:14-19 | 3:14-19 |
| 3:20-21 | 3:20-21 | 3:20-21 | 3:20-21 |
READING CYCLE THREE (from “A
Guide to Good Bible Reading“)
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR’S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide
commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of
the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the
Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a
commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects.
Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing
is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author’s intent,
which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one main
subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO 3:1-21
A. Considering the theological purpose(s) for
the cyclical letter of Paul known as Ephesians, it is clear that Paul’s three
main truths in the doctrinal section relate to the Gnostic false teachers. (See
Introduction.)
1. Chapter 1 praises the Father for His “before
time” love expressed in Christ’s substitutionary atonement and the Spirit’s
continuing presence.
2. Chapter 2:1-10 reveals the Father’s great
love and mercy for fallen, helpless humanity.
3. Chapter 2:11-3:13 reveals the eternal plan
of God to include all humans in a free salvation through Christ (cf. Gen. 3:15),
Jew and Greek, male and female, slave and free.
In effect chapter 2 (vv. 11-3:13) reveals the eternal,
universal redemptive plan of God; chapter 2 (vv. 1-10) reveals the loving heart
of God and chapter 1 (vv. 3-14) reveals the eternal purpose of God, mankind’s
Christlikeness. God was fully aware of mankind’s rebellion and made plans for
dealing with the problem, even before creation (cf. 1:4).
B. Chapters 2:11-22 and 3:2-13 specify one of
several definitions of the mystery of God found in Paul’s writings. Jew and
Gentile were united in one new entity, the Church of Jesus Christ. See Special
Topic at 3:3
C. Paul begins a prayer of praise in 3:1, but
gets sidetracked concerning his ministry to the Gentiles and resumes his prayer
in verses 14-21.
D. The prayer which began in verse 1 and
finishes in verses 14-21 divides into three clauses.
1. believers receive inner strength, vv. 16-17a
a. by the Spirit’s power
b. by Christ’s indwelling
2. saints may fully comprehend the truth of the
gospel and the mystery, vv. 17b-19a
a. to grasp so as to hold on to
b. to know by experience
3. believers are filled with the fullness (plērōma)
of God, v. 19b
WORD AND PHRASE STUDY
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 3:1-13
1For this
reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles-2if
indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me
for you; 3that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery,
as I wrote before in brief. 4By referring to this, when you read you
can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which in other
generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed
to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; 6to be specific,
that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow
partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, 7of
which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was
given to me according to the working of His power. 8To me, the very
least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the
unfathomable riches of Christ, 9and to bring to light what is the
administration of the mystery which for ages has been
hidden in God who created all things; 10so that the manifold wisdom
of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the
authorities in the heavenly places. 11This was
in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our
Lord, 12in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith
in Him. 13Therefore, I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations
on your behalf, for they are your glory.
3:1 “For this reason”
Ephesians 3:2-13 is a theological continuation of 2:11-22. Paul repeats this
phrase in v. 14, where he continues his prayer to God.
▣ “the prisoner of Christ Jesus for
the sake of the Gentiles” When Paul wrote this book he was imprisoned at
Rome because of a riot in Jerusalem (cf. Acts 21:27-22:22). The riot occurred
when the Jews accused Paul of taking Trophimus, an Ephesian convert, into the
Temple. The Jews knew him to be a Gentile and were outraged (cf. 2:14).
Paul felt a specific call to the Gentiles (cf. vv. 2,8;
Acts 9:15; 22:21; 26:16,18; Rom. 11:13; 15:16; Gal. 1:16; 2:9; I Tim. 2:7; II
Tim. 4:17).
3:2 “if” This is a first class
conditional sentence which is assumed to be true from the author’s
perspective or for his literary purposes. Verses 2-7 form one sentence in Greek.
These believers had heard about Paul’s ministry and calling. Paul was
not the founder of all the churches in Asia Minor.
▣ “of the stewardship of God’s grace
which was given to me for you” Paul felt he had been entrusted with the
gospel (cf. v. 9; I Cor. 4:1; 9:17; Col. 1:25; I Pet.
4:10). God’s grace came to Paul as a gift, vv.7-8, and as a stewardship, v. 2.
This is the twin aspect of God’s covenant.
As a matter of fact, all believers have been gifted by
the Spirit (cf. I Cor. 12:7,11) and declared stewards of the Great Commission
(cf. Matt. 28:19-20). It is not the Great Option! It involves both intentional
evangelism and Christlike maturity. It is impossible to be a good and faithful
steward and not comprehend the assignment!
3:3 “by revelation” This could
refer to
1. his Damascus road experience (cf. Acts
9:3-8; 22:6-11; 26:12-18)
2. Ananias’ teachings in Damascus (cf. Acts
9:10-19; 22:12-16)
3. the vision in Jerusalem (cf. Acts 22:17)
4. Paul’s training by God in Arabia (cf. Gal.
1:12, 17-18)
▣ “the mystery” Paul used the term “mystery” over
twenty times with several different meanings. Often it is associated with the
how and why of the union of believing Jews and Gentiles into one new community,
the church (cf. Eph. 2:11-3:13; Col. 1:26-27).
SPECIAL TOPIC: GOD’S PLAN FOR REDEMPTION, “MYSTERY”
NASB“as I wrote before in brief”
NKJV“(as I wrote before in a few words)”
NRSV“as I wrote above in a few words”
TEV“(I have written briefly about this. . .)”
NJB“as I just described it very shortly”
The great reformer, John Calvin, thought this referred
to something Paul had written in a previous letter, but it may better be
understood to refer to a previous part of Ephesians, probably 2:11-22. This
common use of the
aorist tense is called an epistolary
aorist.
3:4 “when you read” This probably refers to the
public readings of Paul’s letters in the churches (cf. Col.4:16; I Thess. 5:27;
Rev.1:3). Remember that Ephesians was a circular letter.
3:5
NASB“in other generations”
NKJV“in other ages”
NRSV“in former generations”
TEV“in past times”
NJB“In past generations”
God is now clearly revealing His age old plan of the
redemption of all mankind (cf. Col. 1:26a), Jew and Greek, rich and poor, slave
and free, male and female (cf. I Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28).
▣ “was not made known. . .has now been revealed”
These are two passive verbs, which show God’s actions in
the revelation of this great truth before time (1:3-6), in time (1:7-12), and
through time (1:13-14).
▣ “to His holy apostles and prophets” This phrase is
also found in 2:20; 4:11. They are “holy” because they were set apart for a
specific task. This refers to NT prophets (see Special Topic at 2:20, cf. 4:11;
Acts 11:27; 13:1; 15:32; 21:9,10; I Cor. 12:28; 14:1-40). Both groups, Apostles
and prophets (along with evangelists and pastor/teachers), proclaimed this newly
revealed mystery of the gospel, that believing Jew and Gentile now formed one
new body, the church.
3:6
NASB“the Gentiles are fellow-heirs
and fellow-members of the body, and fellow-members of the promise”
NKJV“the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same
body, and partakers of His promise”
NRSV“the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members
of the same body, and sharers in the promise”
TEV“the Gentiles have a part with the Jews in God’s
blessings; they are members of the same body, and share in the promise”
NJB“pagans now share the same inheritance, that they
are parts of the same body, and that the same promise has been made to them”
What a startling revelation of the age-old
mystery of God’s redemptive plan. In Christ there is no more Jew or Greek (cf.
Rom. 2:28-29; 3:22; 10:12; I Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:7-9, 28-29; Col. 3:11). This
same word, “fellow-heirs,” is also used in Rom. 8:17; Heb. 11:9 and I Pet. 3:7.
There are three syn compounds here: (1)
“fellow-heirs”; (2) “fellow members of one body”; and (3) “fellow partakers of
the promise.” Paul uses these syn compounds often to describe the
believer’s new life in Christ. This is very similar to the three compounds with
syn in 2:5-6.
SPECIAL TOPIC: BOB’S EVANGELICAL BIASES
3:7 This could refer to Paul’s initial salvation, but
in context it seems to refer to God’s special gift for his apostolic Gentile
mission (cf. Eph. 3:2; 6:20; Rom. 12:3; 15:15-16; I Cor. 3:10; 15:10; Gal. 2:9;
Col. 1:25).
▣ “a minister” We get the English word “deacon” from
this generic Greek verb for minister (diakoneō,
cf. Matt. 8:15 or diakonia, cf. 4:12).
▣ “according to the working of His power” Salvation
and effective ministry are of God, not Paul (cf. 1:19; Col. 1:29).
3:8-12 This is one Greek sentence. These long
sentences are characteristic of Ephesians.
3:8 “the very least of all saints” This is literally
“most least,” which is a comparative of a
superlative (cf. I Cor. 15:9; I Tim. 1:15). Paul was humbled by his
previous life of religious self-righteousness, and aggressive persecution. He
was also amazed by God’s love for such a persecutor of His church. See Special
Topic: Saints at Col. 1:2.
NASB“unfathomable”
NKJV“unsearchable”
NRSV“boundless”
TEV, NJB“infinite”
What a powerful word to describe God’s riches in Christ
(cf. Rom. 11:33 and the Septuagint translation of Job 5:9; 9:10). Mankind cannot
discover God, but God has chosen to reveal Himself.
▣ “riches of Christ” “Riches”
is one of Paul’s favorite words (cf. Eph. 1:7,18; 2:4,7; 3:8,16). In chapter 1
he spoke of the riches of God the Father. Here Paul transfers them to the Son!
NT authors often allude to Jesus’ deity by transferring to Him the titles and
functions of YHWH (for example see “God our Savior” and “Christ Jesus our
Savior” in Titus 1:3 and 1:4; 2:10 and 2:13; 3:4 and 3:6).
3:9
NASB“to bring to light”
NKJV“to make all people see”
NRSV“to make everyone see”
TEV“to make all men see”
NJB“explaining”
This is literally “to turn on a light” (cf. 1:18; Col.
1:26b). Only the Spirit can bring this revelation to a darkened heart (cf. John
1:4-5; 6:44, 65). We get the English term “photo” from the Greek word.
NASB“the administration of the
mystery”
NKJV“the fellowship of the mystery”
NRSV“the plan of the mystery”
TEV“God’s secret plan is to be put into effect”
NJB“how the mystery is to be dispensed”
This is literally “stewardship of a household (oikonomia).”
This is one of Paul’s favorite words for God’s eternal plan of redemption in
Christ for all the children of Adam (cf. 1:10; 3:2,9; Col. 1:25).
There is a Greek manuscript problem with the term
“stewardship” versus “fellowship.” “Stewardship” is found in P46, all
uncial manuscripts, most minuscule manuscripts, all ancient versions, and all
early church father quotes, therefore, “stewardship” is the original word. See
the discussion of textual criticism in Appendix Two. For “mystery” se Special
Topic at 3:3.
▣ “God, who created all things” This refuted the
Gnostic dualism between matter and spirit (cf. 2:10). In the Colossian parallel,
Jesus is identified as God the Father’s agent in creation (cf. John 1:3,10; Rom.
11:36; I Cor. 8:6; Col. 1:15-16; Heb. 1:2-3; 2:10).
3:10
NASB, NKJV“the manifold wisdom of
God”
NRSV“the wisdom of God in its rich variety”
TEV“God’s wisdom, in all its different forms”
NJB“how comprehending God’s wisdom really is”
This is a compound word stressing the “many-colored”
wisdom of God. In I Pet. 1:6; 4:10 it refers to the manifold sufferings and
graces of God. This great multi-faceted truth of God can best be seen in Paul’s
doxologies in Rom. 11:33-36 and Eph. 3:18-21.
▣ “the church” Ekklesia
was used in the Septuagint (LXX) to translate the Hebrew term “assembly (qahal)
of Israel” (cf. Exod. 12:6; 16:3; Num. 20:4; Lev. 4:13). This is one of several
uses of this term in Ephesians (cf. 1:22; 3:10, 21; 5:23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 32).
Paul calls the church the body of Christ both in Ephesians (1:22-23) and in
Colossians (1:24). The early church saw itself as the true OT people of God with
Christ Jesus the Messiah as Head.
One of the unusual literary relationships
between Ephesians and Colossians is that in Ephesians this term refers to the
church universal (cf. Matt. 16:18; Gal. 1:13), while in Colossians it usually
refers to the local church (I Cor. 10:32; 12:28; 15:9; Gal. 1:12; Phil. 3:6).
This points toward Ephesians as a circular letter.
See Special Topic at Col. 1:18.
▣ “be made known” The angels longed to know God’s
plan (cf. I Pet. 1:12). God used His love for the Church to reveal Himself to
mankind and to angels (cf. 2:7; I Cor. 4:9).
▣ “to the rulers and the authorities”
This refers to angelic levels of authority, both good and evil (cf. Rom.
8:38-39; I Cor. 2:8; Eph. 1:21; 6:12; Col. 1:16; 2:10, 15, 20). This was a major
theological aspect of the Gnosticism. For them, salvation was the procurement of
secret knowledge so that one could pass through these angelic levels (aeons)
to reach the high, good god.
A full list of the terms used in the NT for
these angelic levels can be seen in George E. Ladd’s A Theology of the New
Testament, p. 401. These orders and ranks of angelic beings are not defined
and discussed in detail anywhere in the NT. Be careful of curiosity and systems
of theology that attempt to definitively answer that which the NT leaves
ambiguous!
A good example of this caution relates to these angelic
ranks. In some passages, they are not evil but possibly structures of this
fallen world which enable humans to live apart from God. A good book on this
theory would be Hendrik Berkhoff’s Christ and the Powers, Herald Press.
See Special Topics: Angels in Paul’s Writings at 6:12 and Archē at Col.
1:16.
▣ “in heavenly places” This locative
(of sphere) neuter plural adjective
(epouranious) “in the heavenly places” is only used in Ephesians (cf.
1:20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12). From the context of all of its usages, it must mean the
spiritual realm in which believers live here and now, not heaven.
3:11 “eternal purposes” This
is literally “purpose of ages” (cf. 1:9-10). This term is used in the Greek
Classics to refer to a set plan. God is not surprised and He has no plan B (Luke
22:22; Acts 2:23; 3:18; 4:28)!
What was God’s eternal plan? This is clarified in
Genesis 1-3. God created mankind for fellowship; that fellowship was broken by
human rebellion. The restoration of God’s image and fellowship with mankind (Jew
and Gentile) is the goal of God’s activity in the Bible. This goal is met
through the work of Christ (cf. Gen. 3:15) and the ministry of the Spirit (cf.
John 16:8-14).
3:12
NASB, NKJV,
NRSV“boldness”
TEV“freedom”
NJB“bold”
This term is used for freedom of speech, but it came to
mean confidence in approaching someone in authority (cf. Heb. 4:16; 10:19,35; I
John 2:28; 3:21).
NASB“confident access”
NKJV“access with confidence”
NRSV“confidence”
TEV“with all confidence”
NJB“in complete confidence”
This term is used in the Septuagint (LXX) for a
personal introduction to royalty. The concept is emphasized in Eph. 2:18 and
Rom. 5:2. Believers approach the Father through Christ alone (cf. I Pet. 3:18).
He is their only mediator (cf. I Tim. 2:5).
The Reformation emphasis on “the priesthood of the
believer” was a reaction to the authoritarian approach of the Catholic Church.
However, biblically, the focus is never on “the believer,” but on “believers.”
Western Christianity has magnified the individual to the exclusion of the
corporate body. Christians are to be priests in an evangelistic and corporate
sense, not an individual privileged position. It is true that humans become
believers individually, but Christianity is a corporate experience.
▣ “Through faith in Him” Jesus
is God’s channel for all spiritual blessings (cf. 1:4, 7, 9, 10 (twice), 12, 13
(twice).
This is literally “faith of him” (cf. Gal. 2:16; 3:22).
It is an objective genitive. Believers trust in Christ.
He is the trustworthy One!
3:13 “I ask you not to lose heart” This is
present middle indicative, meaning “you, yourselves, continue to not lose
heart.” Grammatically, this can refer to Paul or to the Ephesian church. Most
commentators agree that it refers to the churches Paul is addressing in this
cyclical letter. Paul uses this phrase often (cf. II Cor. 4:16; Gal. 6:9; II
Thess. 3:13).
▣ “at my tribulation on your behalf”
See Special Topic below.
▣ “for they are your glory”
Exactly how Paul’s sufferings (cf. 3:1) are the glory of these Gentile churches
is not revealed. Possibly they refer to Paul’s salvation and ministry assignment
in Acts 9:15-16 (cf. Acts 20:23). Paul was fulfilling his ministry among the
Gentiles, therefore, his sufferings opened the door to their salvation. See
fuller note on “glory” at 1:6.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 3:14-19
14 For this
reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in
heaven and on earth derives its name, 16that He would grant you,
according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His
Spirit in the inner man, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts
through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may
be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and
height and depth, 19and to know the love of Christ which surpasses
knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
3:14 “For this reason” Paul returns to his initial
purpose (cf. v. 1).
▣ “I bow my knees” Standing, not bowing, was the
usual position for Jewish prayer. This shows Paul’s intensity (cf. Matt. 6:5;
Mark 11:25; Luke 18:11, 12; 22:41; Acts 7:60; Phil. 2:10).
3:14-15 “Father. . .family” This is a play on the
Greek terms pater and patria. The Triune God is the paradigm for
all loving, loyal families.
3:14-17 “Father. . .Spirit. .
.Christ” Notice the work of the Trinity as in 1:3-14, 17; 2:18; 4:4-6.
The KJV translation adds “the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” but this phrase
is not in the ancient Greek manuscripts P46, א,
A, B, C, nor the Greek texts used by Jerome and Augustine. The addition does
occur in the uncial manuscripts א c, D, G,
K, and the Greek text used by Chrysostom.
It is true that the term “Trinity” is not used
in the NT. However, there are numerous passages where the three divine persons
are mentioned in a unified context (cf. Matt. 3:16-17; 28:19; John 14:26; Acts
2:33-34,38-39; Rom. 1:4-5; 5:15; 8:9-10; I Cor. 12:4-6; II Cor. 1:21-22; 13:14;
Gal. 4:4-6; Eph. 1:3-14, 17; 2:18; 3:14-17; 4:4-6; II Thess. 2:13; Titus 3:4-6;
I Pet. 1:2; Jude vv. 20-21).
The concept of three divine persons with one divine
essence (i.e., monotheism) is difficult to understand. Yet, if Jesus is deity
and the Spirit is a person, then Bible believers are forced to affirm a triune
unity. See Special Topic at 1:3.
3:15 “in heaven and on earth” This refers to
believers alive and dead (cf. Phil. 2:10).
3:16-19 Paul’s prayer can be
outlined using two grammatical features.
1. Three purpose clauses (hina)
a. v. 16, God would grant (aorist
subjunctive)
b. v. 18, God would fully enable (aorist
subjunctive)
c. v. 19b, God would fill (aorist
subjunctive)
2. Four aorist infinitives
a. v. 16, “you to be strengthened”
b. v. 17, “Christ to dwell in your hearts”
c. v. 18, “you to comprehend”
d. v. 19, “you to know”
This paragraph reflects Paul’s prayer for the believers in all these churches
that they be stable and established by God’s power through Christ’s acts and the
Holy Spirit’s empowering to resist (1) the false teachers and (2) the
persecution of a fallen world.
3:16 “according to the riches of His glory” “Riches”
is one of Paul’s favorite terms to describe the grace of God in Christ (cf.
1:7,18; 2:4,7; 3:8,16). God’s nature is the key to God’s power and provisions.
▣ “in the inner man” Spiritual growth is internal,
but it is stimulated by external pressure. Paul often uses the contrast between
the inner man and the outer man. The inner man is the spiritual aspect, while
the outer man is the physical aspect. The inner man is already part of the New
Age, the kingdom of God, but the outer man is still dying and struggling with
the old age, the old fallen nature, and the fallen world system (cf. Eph.
2:1-3).
3:17 “so that Christ may dwell in
your hearts through faith” This is an aorist active
infinitive which points toward a specific act of faith. There is a
fluidity in the NT between the indwelling of the Son and the Spirit. The
Spirit’s task is to
1. reveal the need for Jesus (i.e., human sin)
2. reveal Jesus (i.e., the gospel)
3. draw to Jesus
4. baptize into Jesus (cf. I Cor. 12:13)
5. form Jesus in believers (i.e.,
Christlikeness), see Special Topic: Heart at Col. 2:2
See Special Topic: Jesus and the Spirit at Col. 1:26.
▣ “being deeply rooted” This is a
perfect passive participle which could be translated “have been and
continue to be rooted by God.” Paul uses this agricultural metaphor only here
and in Col. 2:7. These two perfect passive participles
are a way of showing his confidence in these believers and these churches.
▣ “and grounded” This is a second
perfect passive participle. This is a construction metaphor. The same
mixing of agriculture and construction metaphors is found in 2:20-22 and I Cor.
3:9.
3:18-19 “to comprehend. . .to know” These are both
aorist infinitives (i.e., there are four aorist
infinitives in this prayer, vv. 16-19). This emphasis on knowledge
counteracted the exclusive intellectual claims of the Gnostic false teachers. It
may refer to the newly revealed mystery of God, the uniting of Jews and Gentiles
in Christ (cf. v. 9).
3:18 “may be able” This is the second
purpose clause. Paul is praying that all believers be strengthened and
enabled to fully understand the gospel (i.e., “comprehend” and “know”).
▣ “with all the saints” This term is always
plural, except in Phil. 4:21, which also has a corporate context. To be a
Christian is to be in community. Also, notice that God’s will is the maturity of
all believers (cf. Eph. 4:13). See Special Topic: Saints at Col. 1:2.
3:19 “surpasses” Huperballō. See Special
Topic: Paul’s Use of Huper Compounds at 1:19. This word is used in 1:19;
2:7; and 3:19. Another huper compound is used in 3:20 (huperekperissou),
which is also used in I Thess. 3:10 and 5:13.
▣ “filled up to all the fullness of God” This is the
third purpose clause in this prayer. This does not refer
to the indwelling Christ or Spirit, v. 17, but is a play on the false teachings
of the Gnostics, who emphasized fullness (plērōma) as special knowledge
which enabled one to pass through all the angelic spheres (aeons) to
heaven. Christ is the true “fullness of God” (cf. 1:23; Col. 2:9).
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 3:20-21
20Now to Him
who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think,
according to the power that works within us, 21to
Him be
the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.
Amen.
3:20 “to Him who is able” This begins one of Paul’s
marvelous doxologies which closes the doctrinal section of this circular letter.
This is a wonderful title for God used three times in the NT (cf. Rom. 16:25;
Jude 24).
SPECIAL TOPIC: PAUL’S PRAISE, PRAYER, AND THANKSGIVING TO GOD
NASB, NKJV“exceeding abundantly”
NRSV“abundantly far more”
TEV“so much more”
NJB“infinitely more”
This is a characteristic Pauline
compound superlative meaning, “exceeding, abundantly more” (cf. I Thess.
3:10; 5:13). See Special Topic: Paul’s Use of Huper Compounds at 1:19. It
is bad grammar, but great theology!
▣ “according to the power that works within us,” This
is a reference to the indwelling Christ through the Spirit (cf. vv. 7, 16-17;
Gal. 2:20; Col. 1:27). This permanent indwelling Spirit is the difference
between the Old Covenant and the New (cf. Ezek. 36:26-27).
3:21 “be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus”
Here is the exalted place of Jesus’ Bride and Body, the Church (cf. 1:23), His
blood-bought, Spirit-filled people! The term “church” is from two Greek terms,
“out of” and “to call.” It was used in Greco-Roman culture for town meetings
(cf. Acts 19:32). In Jewish life this term was used to translate the significant
theological concepts of “the assembly of Israel” or qahal (cf. Exod.
12:6; 16:3; Lev. 4:13; Num. 14:5; 20:6; Deut. 5:22; 9:10; 10:4; 18:16). The
early believers saw themselves as the true and ongoing “People of God” (cf. Gal.
6:16; I Pet. 2:5-9; Rev. 1:6).
▣ “forever and ever” See Special Topic following.
SPECIAL TOPIC: FOREVER (GREEK IDIOM)
▣ “amen” See Special Topic
following.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide
commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of
the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the
Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a
commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you
think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be
thought provoking, not definitive.
1. How did Paul learn his theology?
2. Why does Paul call himself “the least of the saints”?
3. Why was the mystery of God hidden in ages past?
4. What is the purpose of the church to the angelic realm?
5. List the three things Paul asked God to grant the
believers in vv. 16-19.
6. What does it mean that Christians are indwelt?
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