19/11/17 Ephesians 3:8-13 “The eternal purpose which God purposed in Christ”
Ephesians 3:8 – Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints,
is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable
riches of Christ;
less than the least – elachistoteros
(less than the least; lower than the lowest) Barnes says: The word means here, "who am incomparably the least
of all the saints; or who am not worthy to be reckoned among the saints."
1
Corinthians 15:9 – For I am the least of the apostles,
that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of
God.
preach – euaggelizo
(preach especially the gospel; bring good news; announce glad tidings)
unsearchable – anexichniastos
(that cannot be searched out; that cannot be comprehended)
A compound word derived
from ichnos [from ikneomai
(to arrive) –
footprint; track;
footstep].
anexichniastos literally means unable to be tracked (by
footprints), unable to follow the tracks in order to arrive at the end. It has
the idea of not being able to completely arrive at a logical conclusion.
riches – riches, abundance (of possessions),
fulness.
God’s grace is
given to Paul who calls himself the least (in worth) of all the saints. Yet in
the following passage Paul considers himself to be the equal of the other
apostles, even though he still considers himself nothing.
2
Corinthians 12:9-12 – 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made
perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore
I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions,
in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 11
I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to
have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. 12 Truly
the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and
wonders, and mighty deeds.
It’s Paul’s calling
(his ministry) from God which has value, not Paul himself. Paul was modest, but
stopped short of false modesty which denies that which we should be using for
God’s glory. Admit the facts, but don’t boast, nor deny your gifting for ministry
from God.
And what grace was
it that was given (“this grace”)? It was that very calling of God to
minister the gospel especially to the Gentiles, as Paul mentioned in Ephesians 3:7 – Whereof I was made a minister, according to the
gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
That this ministry
was to the Gentiles is reaffirmed in Vs 8 above – “among the Gentiles”. Grace
is that undeserved favour which God bestows upon His people. It is Paul who
benefits from God’s grace primarily, in order that the Gentiles might receive
that grace of salvation in Christ Jesus through the ministry of Paul to them.
Ephesians
2:7-8 – 7 That in the ages to come he
might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us
through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through
faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
When we receive a
calling to ministry from God, it always requires ability beyond our own
capabilities. On our own we are always going to be insufficient. It is God who
calls who also performs that work through us. This is an example of God’s grace
in action.
1
Thessalonians 5:24 – Faithful [is] he that calleth you, who also will do [it].
the unsearchable
riches of Christ – the incomprehensible
abundance or wealth that is ours through Christ: In whom also we have obtained an
inheritance (Ephesians 1:11), adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself (Ephesians 1:5), In
whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according
to the riches of his grace (Ephesians 1:7), Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and
precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).
And all this was
once promised only to Israel, but was now being given by God’s grace to the
Gentiles! Truly it was incomprehensible how such abundance could now be offered
freely to those who used to be not-God’s-people!
Romans
11:33 – O the depth of the riches both
of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his
judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Ephesians 3:9 – And to make all [men] see what [is] the
fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid
in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
see – photizo (give
light; shine; illumine; to become clear to all; enlighten spiritually;
instruct; give understanding to)
the beginning of
the world – aion (forever; unbroken age; perpetuity of time;
eternity; period of time; age) It probably means “for all time” here. Thus
“from the ages” or “from all ages”, and thus, “from the beginning of the
world”.
Many commentaries
suggest that more accurate manuscripts actually say “the dispensation of the
mystery”, that is, the dispensing or administration of the mystery to all men.
It does seem to make more sense than “fellowship”. I refrain from further
comment.
See Ephesians 3:2 – If ye have heard of the dispensation of the
grace of God which is given me to you-ward.
“And to make all
men see (understand) the fellowship (or perhaps dispensation;
administration) of the mystery
(That the
Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body,
and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel – Ephesians 3:6), which
from the beginning of time has been hid (concealed) in God (in
the purposes and will of God),
who created all things by (through; by means of)
Christ Jesus.”
all men – It literally says “all men” but the
context would assume it means not just the Jews now, but all mankind now (that
is, Gentiles as well). It wouldn’t be understood by non-Christians, so this
must be restricted to just believers (as represented by the group that Paul is
writing to).
Ephesians 3:10 – To the intent that now unto the principalities and
powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church the manifold
wisdom of God,
To the intent
that – in order that; so
that
principalities – arche (beginning;
origin; the active cause of something; the first place; principality; rule;
magistracy; of angels and demons)
powers – power of choice; liberty to do as one
pleases; physical and mental power; power of authority and of right; the power
to which others must submit to and obey.
These two terms
together often refer to angels and demons. Here they appear to be those who
exist in heaven, but could easily include fallen angels as well.
Ephesians
6:12 – For we wrestle not against
flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness
in high [places].
Colossians
1:16 – For by him were all things
created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible,
whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:
all things were created by him, and for him:
Colossians
2:14-15 – 14 Blotting out the handwriting
of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of
the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 [And] having
spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly,
triumphing over them in it.
Ephesians
1:20-21 – 20 Which he wrought in Christ,
when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in
the heavenly [places], 21 Far above all principality,
and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not
only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
Paul has already
reminded them of their previous service of satan.
Ephesians
2:2 – Wherein in time past ye walked
according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power
of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Also note Colossians 2:10 – And ye are complete in him, which is the head of
all principality and power:
And here, where
they clearly apply to human rulers:
Titus
3:1 – Put them in mind to be subject
to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to
every good work,
The word for
“principality” is also used for “beginning” in the following:
Colossians
1:18 – And he is the head of the
body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead;
that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.
manifold – much variegated; marked with a great
variety of colours; manifold. It indicates great diversity (many-faceted) in
the wisdom of God.
“now” appears to be
used in contrast to “from all ages” (“from the beginning of the world”. For all
time this mystery has been concealed in God but now ….
“In order that,
now, the manifold (greatly
varied) wisdom of God may be
known to the principalities and powers of heaven (heavenly; existing in heaven) through the church.”
Ephesians 3:11 – According to the eternal purpose which he purposed
in Christ Jesus our Lord:
eternal – aion (= “the
beginning of the world” = “the ages” or “all ages” in Vs 9 above) Thus
“According to the purpose of the ages”
purpose – purpose; the setting forth of a thing; to
do with putting things in the right place; not aimlessly.
purposed – to make; do; cause to bring about; act
rightly; carry out; execute.
Ephesians
1:11 – In whom also we have obtained
an inheritance, being predestinated according to the
purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
According to – in line with what we have already read in
today’s passage so far. Ephesians 3:8-12 is one sentence, a theme of the grand
purpose of the Gentiles now included in the Church, being as one with the Jews
(a synthesis). It is a statement of Paul’s theme of greatness for the Church
which now includes the Gentiles. Vs 13 then states the resultant action of Vs
8-12.
Vs 11 above states
that it is all being carried out according to that eternal purpose (that is,
the purpose that God has always had for all ages) which was put in place from
the beginning of time. Back in Genesis 3 we have our first clues as to the plan
of redemption that was set in place because of the sin of Adam. God did not
plan Adam’s sin, nor did He desire that Adam should sin, yet Adam’s sin did not
catch God by surprise. This was always going to be satan’s
nemesis, satan’s destruction, and it was put into
place before satan even stepped out of line. No doubt satan thought he would
win this battle because he had made the unbeatable move, to destroy mankind who
was made in God’s image. Satan’s jealousy knew no bounds; satan would risk
everything to take down man who now had greater privileges than satan, who had,
no doubt, already lost all on a gamble to take some measure of control of God’s
authority, but being thrown out of heaven as a result.
And what a move!
Mankind is now dead in the water, without hope, without even light at the end
of the tunnel. With one act of rebellion, Adam has lost everything for himself
and all his descendants. Nothing can save him, no-one can save him! Only if God
Himself should die can Adam and his race be released from their bondage to
satan. The cost of redemption is the death of an innocent lamb, and in this
case, only God qualifies. Satan was probably ecstatic; he had won! Either man
was destroyed, or his greatest enemy, God, was destroyed. Satan would have seen
this as a win-win situation. Not even God would risk Himself for the sake of
miserable man! Or would He?
And this was the
eternal purpose that God had purposed to carry out: namely, to put Himself (in
the form of His Son in the body of a man) on the cross to die in place of
mankind. Of course, satan would have known that this was the only means of
man’s redemption, but would have also thought it through with satan’s characteristic selfishness: that no-one in their
right mind would risk so much for miserable (“mean”) insignificant man. After
all, why not just let man go and create a new world, start again with a clean
slate. But God’s eternal purpose was to redeem His special creation, man, no
matter what it took, no matter what it cost. This was to be the ultimate
example of faithfulness!
This would demonstrate
to all principalities and powers the manifold wisdom of God which would be
revealed through His redemption of man, shown in the Church which was bought by
the blood of Christ.
Ephesians
3:10 – To the intent that now unto
the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the
church the manifold wisdom of God,
Acts
20:28 – Take heed therefore unto
yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you
overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own
blood.
Galatians
3:13 – Christ hath redeemed us from
the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth
on a tree:
Ephesians 3:12 – In whom we have boldness and access with confidence
by the faith of him.
boldness – freedom in speaking; unreservedness in
speech, openly, frankly, i.e. without concealment; free and fearless
confidence; assurance. Often means the freedom to speak frankly. It is used in
the following as “boldly” but can mean “with boldness”.
Hebrews
4:16 – Let us therefore come boldly
unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in
time of need.
(where “boldly”
here means freedom to utter or speak our needs to God, although its usage
cannot exclude a wider range of boldness or confidence)
access – the act of bringing to; a moving to; an
introduction to; approach; to God, i.e. that relationship with God whereby we
are acceptable to him and have assurance that he is favourably disposed towards
us.
Ephesians
2:18 – For through him we both have
access by one Spirit unto the Father.
confidence – trust; confidence; reliance.
faith of him – or faith in him?
Note Romans 3:22 – Even the righteousness of God [which is] by
faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no
difference:
we – has to refer to the Church, rather than
just the Gentiles, for what is theirs is the same as that which the Jews have,
for there is no difference; all are one in Christ. If it had meant just the Gentiles,
Paul is likely to have used “you” instead.
“In whom (Christ Jesus our Lord – Vs 11) we (the Church – Vs 10) have boldness (freedom to speak our needs; free and fearless confidence; assurance) and access (the right to approach our heavenly Father without
condemnation – see Romans 8:1)
with total trust by (through; because of)
the faith of (in) Him (or through our faith in Him).”
Ephesians 3:13 – Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my
tribulations for you, which is your glory.
desire – to ask; beg; call for; crave; desire;
require
faint not – to not be
utterly spiritless; to not be wearied out, or exhausted
tribulations – metaphorically: oppression; affliction;
tribulation; distress; straits
glory – Here it would mean a most glorious
condition, most exalted state
Romans
5:3 – And not only [so], but
we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
Romans
8:18 – For I reckon that the
sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with
the glory which shall be revealed in us.
“Wherefore (In view of what I have just
written) my desire is that you
do not faint (become
spiritless; become wearied or exhausted) because of my tribulations (affliction) which is (actually
“are”) your glory (or which will be glory for you).”
Paul apparently is
concerned that the suffering he is experiencing (he’s currently in prison) will
cause them to lose heart, possibly because they might be considering if and
when such tribulations might also happen to them. (Perhaps they are already
experiencing some persecution.) Even today the fear of suffering is a
significant deterrent to serious ministry for many Christians. We have become
used to our possessions, and the thought of having to do without them, or
without our freedoms, is crippling the Church in many parts of the world today.
So, Paul simply
says that his tribulations are their glory: that is, what he does is for their
benefit as saints, and thus, if he has to suffer for their benefit, then so be
it. As he wrote to the Corinthians: (We) suffer all things, lest we should hinder the
gospel of Christ. (1 Corinthians 9:12)
This is a view not
widely held in today’s church which sees service to God as a means to an end
(often summarised as “The name it and claim it gospel”). “Christians” today
demand health and wealth as their right, not a privilege. They always need more
money (just note the big-time motor-mouth “dollar-sign-Brian
you-need-more-money Houston”). These people are not Christians; they’re
con-artists seeking the biggest rip-off of all: trying to take money from God
and his people. But just which God do they serve, I wonder? I know what Paul
would have said of such people: that, like Demas, they had loved this present
world (2 Timothy 4:10).
Calvinism is also
in the same boat. And I’m not talking about those “highly regarded teachers”
who make buckets of money under the guise of serving God. Calvinism, especially
new (or neo) calvinism, has to be fulfilling some basic and necessary need of
man in order to attract so many to a doctrine of devils. It’s not just the
money, for many calvinists are genuinely trying to serve God better, only
they’ve been misled.
So, what great need
has calvinism fulfilled, for it certainly isn’t to do with better learning of the
truth of the Bible? MacArthur hits the nail on the head when he says that he
wouldn’t feel special if Jesus also died for all the millions in hell (The
Doctrine of Actual Atonement Part 1). He also says that We were so important to God that He gave up His Son to die on our
behalf. (The Believer's Life in Christ, MacArthur Bible Study Guide, Eph.
1:1-2:10) Calvinism makes people think that they are special, that they are
important to God. So many people today suffer from low self-esteem, a low
feeling of self-worth. It’s got something to do with the increasing reliance
upon electronic social media, especially the internet. It’s been reported in a
number of studies: that people are not mixing socially, in person, as much as
they used to. People are becoming isolated from each other, and this has built
a generation of social loners who know what everyone else is doing, but mostly
by electronic means. There is a loss of togetherness. This applies to
Christians as much as other people in society. Sure, Christians meet together
at church etc, but this isn’t enough. They need
physical socialization with people to grow normal personalities. Instead, they
are insulated from others. Calvinism gives them a sense of importance, of
belonging, a sense of being special, of elitism. This is its attraction. They
might have low self-esteem with people, but they have abundant self-esteem in
serving the calvinist God who appears to appreciate them!
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