ELNORA’S BIBLE STUDY WITH FRIENDS, Ephesians 3, Saturday, June 21, 2025
In this text, Paul focuses on the "mystery" of God's plan to unite Jews and Gentiles in one body, the Church, through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul, as a prisoner for the gospel, emphasizes his role in revealing this mystery to the Gentiles and prays for the Ephesians' spiritual growth and understanding of God's love.
The first three chapters of Ephesians are doctrinal, the last three are practical. Chapter 3 begins the transition from a Christian understanding of salvation, grace, and the power of Christ into a practical guide for Christian living. To make the transition, in this chapter, Paul refers to his own calling by God and prays for the spiritual strength of the Ephesian church. The early verses of chapter 4 will flow out of Paul's references to his own imprisonment. A Source: https://www.bibleref.com/Ephesians/3/Ephesians-chapter-3.html)
God's Mysterious Plan Revealed, Part 1, Verses 1-7, DR. DEBBIE
1 When I
think of all this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the benefit of you
Gentiles[a] ... 2 assuming, by
the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his
grace to you Gentiles. 3 As I briefly
wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. 4 As
you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan
regarding Christ. 5 God did not reveal it to
previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy
apostles and prophets. 6 And this
is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally
in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and
both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.[b] 7 By God’s grace
and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading
this Good News.
SECTION QUESTIONS
Cross-Reference Scriptures shared by Dr. Debbie: 1 John 4:16, & John 3:1-3
Cross-Reference Scripture shared by Christian: Hosea 11:4
1. In verse 1, Paul identifies himself as a "prisoner of Jesus Christ." What does it mean to be a prisoner of Jesus Christ?
2. If we, like Paul, are Followers of the Way, what should we do instead of complaining or reacting harshly when people treat us wrongly?
3. Reflection: What are some things, maybe strategies, that have worked for you as you practice self-restraint and humility in situations that try your patience?
4. During what time was the mystery hidden? In what way was it revealed by God?
Cross Reference Scriptures: Matthew 13:17, 1 Peter 1:10-12
5. What is the exact mystery Paul speaks of? (Verse 6) Does it apply to everyone?
Cross-Reference Scriptures: Romans 8:14-17, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
6. Point of Application: Is there someone you need to forgive? Is there a relationship that is splintered that needs healing? What step can you take to mend that relationship this week?
God's Mysterious Plan Revealed, Part 2, Verses 8-13, DESTINY
8 Though I
am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege
of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. 9 I was chosen to
explain to everyone[c] this mysterious
plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning. 10 God’s
purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich
variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was his
eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 Because
of Christ and our faith in him,[d] we can now come
boldly and confidently into God’s presence. 13 So please
don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you
should feel honored.
SECTION QUESTIONS
Cross Reference Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16
7. Why would you say Paul referred to himself as the least of all saints?
8. Point of Reflection: Are you a watcher or participator? Are you a part of the audience or one of the doers? I read recently that in most churches, 90% of the work is done by 10% of the people.
Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Growth, Verses 14-21, Great Team Discussion! 🙌
14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father,[e] 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.[f] 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. 20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
A doxology is a hymn or prayer of praise and glory to God, often used in Christian worship. The word "doxology" comes from Greek, combining "doxa" (glory) and "logos" (word or saying).
A Little Bit of History
The imprisonment Paul described was his first Roman imprisonment, which took place between approximately AD 60 and 62. During this time, Paul was under house arrest while awaiting trial. Despite the confinement, for two full years he was able to freely preach the gospel to all who came to him. As a result, even some among Caesar's household came to faith (Philippians 4:22). In addition, during this time, Paul wrote four letters which are now part of the New Testament: Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, and this letter to the Ephesians. Presumably, his imprisonment allowed him to write even more letters which did not become part of the Bible.
The phrase "AD 60-62" refers to a period in history, specifically the years 60 and 61, following the birth of Jesus Christ, as traditionally estimated in the BC/AD dating system. AD stands for Anno Domini, a Latin phrase meaning "in the year of our Lord". This system is used to mark years after the birth of Jesus, with AD 1 being the year of his supposed birth.
Corrie Ten Boom & Forgiveness
Corrie
Ten Boom was the daughter of a watchmaker in Holland. During WWII, she and her
family hid Jews in their house to protect them from Nazis. She and her sister
Betsy were taken as prisoners to Ravensbruck. While there, they were seriously
mistreated. Betsy passed away.
After
the war was over, Corrie was freed. God led her to travel around and talk about
forgiveness, trying to bring healing to a broken land. While in one church
sharing about forgiveness, to her horror, she saw one of her guards from
Ravensbruck in the congregation.
Afterward,
he came up to her. He wanted to know if it was really true that she could
forgive and that God could forgive. He told her that he was a guard in
Ravensbruck, not knowing that she remembered who he was. Then he reached out
his hand and asked for forgiveness. For Corrie, time seemed to stand still. Her
body was paralyzed. The man in front of her had been cruel and evil. Her sister
had died.
She
knew she should forgive. That is what she was teaching people about, but facing
the actual guard who did these things to her was the most difficult thing she
could imagine. Teaching others about forgiveness was easier than practicing it
herself.
Finally,
she said a silent prayer asking for help from the Lord. At that moment, He
helped her. She was able to extend her hand and offer forgiveness, as warmth
and love filled her heart for this guard. Embracing him, she told him that she
did forgive him.
(Source: https://studyandobey.com/inductive-bible-study/ephesians-studies/ephesians-3-1-13/)
Confessions for Ephesians, Chapter 3
"1When I think of all this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the benefit of you Gentiles[a] ... 2 assuming, by the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles." (Ephesians 3:1-2)
Heavenly Father, thank You that You purposed in Your heart to send the Lord Jesus as the sin-sacrifice for the world, and that Jew and Gentile alike can be saved by grace through faith in Him. Thank you that Paul was your chosen apostle to the Gentiles and that he was ready and willing to be a prisoner of Christ, and to suffer for Him, so that the gospel would spread throughout the world. Thank you for my great salvation, and may I be ready and willing to walk through the fire and toward victory for His dear name's sake, and bring many into Your kingdom, I pray. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
"12 Because of Christ and our faith in him,[d] we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. 13 So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored." (Ephesians 3:12-13)
Loving Father, what a privilege that You call me to Your throne with boldness and confidence through faith in the way that Jesus has prepared for me. Like Paul, I take pride in any suffering or hardship I experience here because I know the Lord is with me and will deliver me. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.
Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/Ephesians/3#
"14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father,[e] 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.[f] 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources, he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit." (Ephesians 3:14-16)
Dear Father, the thoughts of all you have put into place to redeem us from hell have brought me to tears many times. When I fall to my knees, it is not out of tradition or routine. On my knees before you is my heart position at all times. You are the creator of everything in heaven and earth, and you are my Abba. I come before you in honor of your great name. Your limitless resources and love empower and strengthen me day by day. It is because of your Spirit alone that I am still here. I am delighted to be here until I have finished the work you have called me to do. (Aunt Jeannie)
"19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. 20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." (Ephesians 3:19-20)
I am all consumed with the love of Jesus Christ for me. His love for me is so great that I cannot fully understand the magnitude and the beauty of his great love. Jesus, you have completed me in the fullness of life and in the power that is made available to me from God. I give God the glory and honor for his might and power that is alive in me. Help my imagination so that I might be more like you, oh Lord. For your plans for me are greater than anything I might ask or think to ask for. Thank you that I am part of the Body of Christ and that in the ages to come, we will demonstrate Your goodness and grace to all generations, forever and ever. May we be filled with all the fullness of God — not just as individuals, but as a community that reflects Your glory and grace. And now to You, who are able to do far more than all we could ask or imagine, according to Your power at work within us — to You be all the glory, in the church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations, forever and ever. In Jesus' name I pray, amen. (Aunt Jeannie)
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