Ephesians Bible Study
Ephesians Chapter 3 – The Mystery Of Christ And Paul’s Prayer
Key Verse
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NASB)
Overview
In this chapter, Paul reveals the “mystery” that Gentiles and Jews are united as one family in Christ. He then prays one of the most beautiful prayers in Scripture for our spiritual growth.
READ: Ephesians 3:1-6
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles
2 if indeed you have heard of the administration of God’s grace which was given to me for you;
3 that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before briefly.
4 By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
5 which in other generations was not made known to mankind, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;
6 to 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,
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Key Questions:
1. How does Paul describe himself in verse 1? What does this tell us about his perspective?
2. What is the “mystery” Paul refers to in verses 3-6? (Hint: see verse 6)
3. List the three things Gentiles now share with Jewish believers (v. 6):
READ: Ephesians 3:7-13
7 of 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.
8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ,
9 and to enlighten all people as to what the plan of the mystery is which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things;
10 so that the multifaceted wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.
11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord,
12 in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.
13 Therefore I ask you not to become discouraged about my tribulations in your behalf, since they are your glory.
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Fill in the blanks from verse 8 (NASB):
“To me, the very of all saints, this was given, to preach to the Gentiles the riches of Christ.”
Key Questions:
4. According to verse 10, what does the church demonstrate to spiritual beings?
5. What does Paul ask the Ephesians NOT to do in verse 13?
READ: Ephesians 3:14-17a
14 For this reason I bend my knees before the Father,
15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name,
16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner self,
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Key Questions:
6. What physical posture does Paul take when praying? Why is this significant?
7. What does Paul pray for in verse 16? Where does this strength come from?
8. What does Paul want Christ to do in their hearts (v. 17a)?
READ: Ephesians 3:17b-19
18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth,
19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to all the fullness of God.
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Four Dimensions of Christ’s Love:
Paul prays that we would comprehend the and of Christ’s love.
Key Questions:
9. What two word pictures does Paul use in verse 17b to describe being established in love?
- (botanical image)
- (architectural image)
10. What is the goal of understanding Christ’s love according to verse 19?
READ: Ephesians 3:20-21
20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,
21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Key Questions:
11. How much is God able to do compared to what we ask or think?
12. According to what power does God work (v. 20)?
13. Where should glory be given to God (v. 21)?
1. The Mystery: How does understanding that all believers are “fellow heirs” change your view of church diversity?
2. Paul’s Humility: Paul called himself “the very least of all saints.” What does true humility look like in ministry and service?
3. Inner Strength: What’s the difference between relying on inner strength from God versus self-confidence?
4. Christ’s Love: Paul wants us to know love that “surpasses knowledge.” How can we know something beyond understanding?
5. God’s Power: Paul says God can do “far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.” What limits do we place on God?
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