Ephesians 3:1-13

We see once again Paul reminding us that the gospel was revealed to us. "The mystery was made known to me by revelation." The words "made known to me" imply that he was without knowledge, such that it was necessary for said knowledge to be made known to him. "Made known to me" is a term of action, in this case, one causing truth to be known by another. We see in his phrasing that we were unable to know such a mystery on our own. It had to be made known for us, because we had not the ability to discover it for ourselves. We are also told how such a mystery was made known. By revelation it was made known to Paul. But how did this revelation take place? We see the answer in verse five. "It has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." We also see hintings of election in verse five. "The mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." God chose who to reveal the mystery of Christ to. He revealed it to some, and not to others. It is my contention that this truth gives us the ability to appreciate this revelation as we should. I shall explain. We know that we are not worthy of such revelation being made known to us, but nevertheless, it has been revealed to those who God has chosen. This should humble us, and make us more appreciative of the mercy and love that has been shown to us. If all have this great gift, it is not as special as it had been if this grace was shown to only a select few. And these select few are not chosen of their own merit, but solely by God's specific grace towards those individuals. This makes the doctrine of election so very precious to those who embrace it. You see Paul's amazement that he was chosen later in the passage.

"Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach the to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ."

I will attempt to make a post later discussing the remainder of today's section.