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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS

CHAPTER THREE:
“MYSTERY REVEALED! NON-JEWS TO BE JOINT HEIRS!”

[“Mysterious Unity”]
Key word: Secret
Theme verse: 6

Ephesians 3:1-7 – Mystery Revealed – non-Jews Joint Heirs

EP3:1 Because of this 129 I, Paul, the prisoner 130 of Jesus Christ, for you non-Jews

129	Because of this: This is a profound, complicated compound sentence running from verse 1 to verse 12. It is among the longest in the Christian Bible. See Ephesians 1:1. As a result there are various versions.

130	Prisoner: See also Ephesians 4:1 and Ephesians 6:20. Either written in prison or someone imprisoned by Christ.

EP3:2 – if in fact you heard of the household management given me 131 by the unmerited favor of The God with you in mind –

131	Household management given me: He has in mind that “household” mentioned Ephesians 1:10 and Ephesians 2:19. Or, KJV: dispensation. Most use “stewardship.”

EP3:3 to whom I wrote previously in a short letter 132 about the mystery made known to me by a revelation 133

132	I wrote previously in a short letter: A previous letter unknown to us. Or, CON: I have already shortly written to you; NEB: I have already written a brief account of this.

133	The mystery made known to me by a revelation: Or, TCN: it was by direct revelation that the hidden purpose of God was made known to me; KNX: a revelation taught me the secret; PME: allowed me to understand his secret by giving me a direct revelation.

EP3:4 – by reading this all of you will understand my insight into the mystery 134 of Christ.

134

My insight into the mystery: Or, KJV: my knowledge in the mystery of Christ; TCN: how far I understand this hidden purpose; WEY: you can judge my insight into the truth; KNX: how well I have mastered this secret. Some who do not understand Paul’s humility and self-sacrifice may read into these words a degree of arrogance. He admits to the Corinthians that he at times speaks in a certain unreasonableness or boastfulness not after the manner of Christ. This may prompt verse 8.

EP3:5 [A mystery that] was unknown in past generations of humankind 135 as it has now been revealed by inspiration to his holy apostles and prophets.

135

Unknown in past generations of humankind: Or, KJV: in other ages was not made known; TCN: former generations; WEY: earlier ages… to mankind; PME: in former generations this was not disclosed to the human race. Though the promise was mentioned to Abraham at Genesis 22:18 the meaning was not understood until the Pneuma revealed it to Paul. Compare Galatians 3:16.

EP3:6 That is that the non-Jews are to be joint heirs 136 – and joint body [members] 137 and joint partakers 138 of the promise incorporate in Jesus Christ through the good news.

136

Joint heirs: The Greek is syn-kleronoma (lot named together). Klero is the root of “clergy.” Compare Romans 8:17 and notes on Ephesians 1:11. Regarding “heirs” see Romans 4:4; 8:17; Galatians 3:29; Titus 3:7; Hebrews 6:17; James 2:5; 1 Peter 3:7. Or, KJV: fellow-heirs; CON: heirs of the same inheritance; GDS: fellow-heirs; MON: coheirs.

137	Joint body [members]: The Greek is syn-soma (together + body). Or, KJV: of the same body; ASV: fellow-members of; WEY: they form one body with us. See notes on Ephesians 2:16.

138	Joint partakers: The Greek is syn-metokha. Or, ASV: fellow-partakers; WEY: same interest; PME: equal partners. Paul has joined something in threes which is a tool he uses.

EP3:7 Of this [good news] I became a minister 139 according to the charitable free gift 140 of The God given to me through His power working within 141 –

139	Minister: Or, deacon, servant. The Greek is diakonos and usually rendered minister or servant.

140	The charitable free gift: Or, KJV: the gift of the grace of God TCN: in virtue of the charge with which God entrusted me.

141	His power working within: The Greek is energeian tes dynameos autou. Or, KJV: the effectual working of his power; CON: full measure of His mighty working; MON: energy of his power; WMS: the exercise of his power; TCN: the exercise of his power.

Ephesians 3:8-13 – Eternal Purpose Known Through Church

EP3:8 …to me! – someone who is the lesser of the least of all 142 the Saints – was given undeserved charity to declare the good news to the non-Jews the untraceable riches 143 of Christ.

142	The lesser of the least of all: Or, GDS: the very least of all his people. Compare 1 Corinthians 15:9 and 1 Timothy 1:15, 16. Despite Paul’s transcendent expressions of God’s use of him, he remains a humble missionary whose lifestyle and manner provide a role model for modern evangelists.

143	The untraceable riches: Or, KJV: unsearchable riches; TCN: boundless wealth; WEY: exhaustless wealth; MOF: fathomless riches; TAY: endless treasures.

EP3:9 And to enlighten everyone 144 regarding the household administration 145 of that mystery hidden in The God throughout the past periods of time 146 – the One who created everything. 147

144	Enlighten everyone: Or, KJV: to make men see; RHM: to bring to light; TCN: make clear; WMS: make clear; TAY: explain.

145	Household administration: KJV: fellowship of the mystery; RHM: administration; TCN: working out; WEY: my stewardship. The idea behind these words is that of a “faithful steward” providing “food at the proper time.” (Matthew 24:45; Luke 12:42; 1 Corinthians 4:1)

146

Mystery hidden in The God throughout the past periods of time: Or, Ages, Aeons. Or, KJV: from the beginning of the world; ASV: for ages hath been hid in God; TCN: from the first had been concealed in the mind. This phrase does not mean from eternity. See notes on Ephesians 1:4. It was during the Edenic Age the need arose for a Seed to crush the Devil. (Genesis 3:15; Romans 16:20) We note this was “hidden in God” which infers the Son did not know. (Matthew 24:36; Revelation 1:1)

147

The One who created everything: The God created EVERYTHING, which would include His own Son whom he procreated or created. (Proverbs 8:22-30; see the Biblical Article Jehovah Creates a Master Worker) Compare Colossians 1:15, “the firstborn of every creature.” (KJV) When the Logos or the Son is involved in creation he is always the agency (dia) by means of which creation occurred. He is never called the “Creator.” (Colossians 1:15-18; Hebrews 1:2, 3) It will be noted by serious students that the KJV adds, “created all things by Jesus Christ.” Other Greek texts omit this. Both Nestle-Aland and Westcott-Hort use for “create” ktisanti.

EP3:10 This was so that it might now be made known through the Church 148 to the arch-rulers and authorities in the Celestialum 149 the immensely diversified wisdom 150 of The God.

148	Known through the Church: Or, Ecclesia. Or, KJV: made known by the church; RHM: through means of the assembly. The Church (Household) becomes the vehicle for dispensing divine wisdom regarding God’s purpose and the future. Even the celestial creatures learn from the Church.

149	Arch-rulers and authorities in the Celestialum: Or, heavenlies. Or, TCN: the Archangels and to all the Powers on high; PME: angelic powers. See notes on Ephesians 1:21 and Ephesians 6:12. 1 Peter 1:12 says, “Into these very matters angels desire to obtain a closer look.” [NCMM]

150	Immensely diversified wisdom: Or, TCN: all-embracing; WEY: innumerable aspects; GDS: many-sided; WMS: many phrases; KNX: subtlety of; NOR: supreme.

EP3:11 This in accordance with [His] eternal purpose 151 which He formed in union with Christ Jesus our Master.

151	Eternal Purpose: Or, KJV: eternal purpose; RHM: plan of the ages; PME: conformity to that timeless purpose.

EP3:12 Regarding [Christ] we are free to speak 152 with a confident approach 153 by our faith in him.

152	We are free to speak: Or, KJV: we have boldness; RSV: freedom of speech; CON: approach without fear; TAY: come fearlessly. Compare 1 John 2:28.

153	A confident approach: Or, KJV: access with confidence; RSV: introduction with assurance; MOF: enjoy our confidence of free access.

EP3:13 Because of this I request you not to despair over my afflictions in your behalf, 154 which will result in glory for you.

154	Not to despair over my afflictions on your behalf: Or, KJV: faint not at my tribulations; TCN: not to be disheartened at the sufferings that I am undergoing for your sakes. The Greek is thlipsesin for oppressions.

Ephesians 3:14-19 – Pray for Indwelling Christ

EP3:14 Because of this I bend my knees 155 facing toward the Father.

155

I bend my knees: Here begins Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians and all future members of the Church. We see Paul in his prison, fingers stained black by ink, parchment scattered around him, eyes gazing out his cell bars to the heavens – thinking only of the Ephesians and the triumphant glory of the Church in Christ. The KJV text adds, “… of our Lord Jesus Christ.” But this portion is lacking in Nestle-Aland and Westcott-Hort Greek texts. See Biblical Article An Inspired Prayer.

EP3:15 From Him every fatherhood in heaven and upon earth is named. 156

156

From whom every fatherhood in heaven and upon earth is named: The Greek is ex ou pasa patria… onomazetai. The thought is that all those who are the progeny of the Father in heaven, and all those produced by fathers on earth, owe their “name” or lineage. Or, KJV: from whom the whole family in heaven and earth; TCN: from whom all ‘fatherhood’ in heaven and on earth; KNX: takes it title; TCN: derives its name. There is one universal family of angelic sons and spiritual children on earth who name a single Father.

EP3:16 So that He might give to you the glorious riches of His dynamic-power. 157 In order that you might be empowered within you by means of His Pneuma within the inner person. 158

157	Glorious riches of His dynamic-power: Or, KJV: riches of his glory; WEY: in accordance with the wealth of His glorious perfections; PME: out of the glorious riches of his resources.

158	To be made mighty through His Pneuma within the inner person: Or, KJV: to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; WEY: with the power permeating your inmost being; PME: to know the strength of the Spirit’s inner reinforcement.

EP3:17 That is, the Christ taking up residence in your hearts 159 because of your faith combined with love. All of you having been rooted and founded, 160

159

The Christ taking up residence in your hearts: Or, KJV: that Christ may dwell in your hearts; TCN: so that Christ, through your faith, may make his home within your heart sin love; PME: that Christ may actually live; TAY: I pray that Christ will be more at home in your hearts. It is clear from the context that this “residence” is by means of the Gospel teaching.

160	Rooted and founded: Or, KJV: rooted and grounded in love; WEY: having your roots deep and your foundations strong in love; TCN: firmly rooted and established; PME: now firmly fixed in love; TAY: may your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love.

EP3:18 so that you might have the strength together 161 with all the Saints to grasp what is the breadth and length and height and depth. 162

161	You might have the strength together: Or, RHM: mighty enough to grasp.

162	The breadth and length and height and depth: Or, NOR: the dimensions. Possibly a phrase from the Stoics describing ‘the totality of the cosmos.’ The dimensions are cubic.

EP3:19 And also to know the surpassing knowledge of the love 163 of Christ, so that you might be filled with all the fullness 164 of The God.

163	Know surpassing knowledge of the love: Or, KJV: the love of Christ which passeth knowledge; MON: may know the love of Christ which transcends all knowing; NOR: really beyond human understand; PME: that love so far beyond our comprehension.

164

Filled with all the fullness: Or, TCN: filled to the full with God himself; KNX: with all the completion God has to give. Note the same language is used of Christ at Colossians 2:9. The joyous goal of every disciple of Christ is to be completely filled with God so that “God may be everything to everyone.” (1 Corinthians 15:28) This is that ultimate state of future New Age.

Ephesians 3:20-21 – Pray for God’s Glory by Christ’s Church

EP3:20 To the One who is able to do immeasurably beyond 165 whatever we request or mentally conceive 166 – according to [His] dynamic inner-energy within all of us 167 –

165	Able to do immeasurably beyond: Or, KJV: exceedingly abundantly above; GDS: unutterably more than; NEB: immeasurably more than.

166	Mentally conceive: The Greek is a philosophical technical term, nooumen and means to “mentally see” something. Paul has used a related term in Ephesians 3:4, noesai, to see mentally.

167	Dynamic inner-energy within all of us: The Greek is dynamin ten energoumenen. Or, KJV: the power that worketh in us; RHM: the power which doth energise itself within us; RSV: by the power which is at work within us.

EP3:21 to Him be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all future generations of all future periods of time. 168 Amen!

168

Throughout all future generations of all future time periods: Or, ages. Or, KJV: throughout all ages, world without end; ASV: all generations for ever and ever; TCN: for all generations age after age. There is a strong inference that Ecclesiastes 1:4 is an eternal principle: humankind will continue to generate new human beings throughout the endless ages. Since the planet earth could never accommodate such population increases, homes must be found elsewhere in the Universe.

Review Questions on Chapter Three