Ephesians 3
—Simply Bible Readings

The Mystery of Christ

(Ephesians 3:

¶“1I Paul am the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles. 2You heard about the stewardship of God’s grace given to me for you, 3and how by revelation the mystery was made known to me. I have already written to you briefly about this. 4By reading my letters you will understand the mystery of Christ as I do” (Ephesians 3:1-4).

¶“5This mystery was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6The Gentile nations are now heirs jointly with Israel; members together of a united body; and sharers together of God’s promise in Christ Jesus. All this comes through the gospel. 7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace. That grace was given me through God’s power at work” (Ephesians 3:5-7).

¶“8I am less than the least of all God’s holy people, yet I was given this grace. It's my task to preach to the Gentile nations the boundless riches of Christ. 9I must enlighten everyone about sharing in the mystery. It was kept hidden from the world —hidden in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 3:8-9).

¶“10God intended that now all the many sides of his wisdom should be made known. This mystery is made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. It is made known through the people God has called out. 11This fits God’s purpose for the world, accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12We may boldly come to God in Christ. We are confident in his faith. 13So I ask you not to get discouraged because of the distress I endure for you. My trials are your glory” (Ephesians 3:10-13).

Paul's Prayer

(Ephesians 3:14-21)

¶“14For this reason I kneel before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15From him the whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that from his glorious riches he may strengthen you, with his power, through his Spirit, in your inner being. 17Thus may Christ dwell in your hearts through faith. And in love may you put down roots and lay your foundation. 18May you be empowered with all the holy ones, to grasp how wide and long and deep and high 19is the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. So may you be filled to all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:14-19).

¶“20He is able to do abundantly very far more than anything we ask or imagine, as befits his power that is at work within us. 21To him be glory in the people he has called out, and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations, for ever and ever, Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21).