Ephesians 3:1-12 (NRSV)
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Chapter 3This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles- Verse 2for surely you have already heard of the commission of God's grace that was given me for you, Verse 3and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, Verse 4a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. Verse 5In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: Verse 6that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Verse 7Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God's grace that was given me by the working of his power. Verse 8Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, Verse 9and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; Verse 10so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Verse 11This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, Verse 12in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.
Devotion
The writer to the Ephesians speaks of the mystery made known...by revelation. And the great wonder proclaimed is the shared inheritance of Jew and Gentile, slave and free, east and west, all the round earth. We are all members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. The light shining from Jesus lets us see how God's good news is a gift for everyone. The writer goes on to speaks of the grace given...to bring...The news of the boundless riches of Christ. This gift belongs not only those first Christians, thousands of years ago, it is ours to share in each new day of our life in faith. And we can do so with boldness and confidence, because we do it in the light of Christ.
Prayer
God of us all, help us to bearers of your light to all the world. We pray this in the name of Jesus, born for us. Amen.