“For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” – Ephesians 3:1–6 (ESV)
🔐 A Prisoner with a Purpose
Paul begins this chapter with an unexpected phrase: “a prisoner of Christ Jesus…” At the time he wrote this letter, Paul was under Roman house arrest. Yet he doesn’t call himself a prisoner of Rome—but of Christ. Why?
Because Paul saw his suffering as part of God’s sovereign plan. He was “a prisoner on behalf of you Gentiles”—not because he failed, but because he fulfilled his mission. He had preached the gospel boldly to the Gentiles, and that obedience led to opposition. But Paul embraced it joyfully because he saw himself as stewarding God’s grace.
🗝️ What Is the Mystery?
Paul refers to “the mystery of Christ”—a divine truth hidden in ages past but now revealed. In biblical terms, a “mystery” is not something spooky or unknowable. It is something previously hidden that only God could unveil.
This mystery was made known to Paul by direct revelation. He didn’t invent it. He received it. And now he’s explaining it to the Ephesians and to us.
📖 A Mystery Now Revealed
In verse 5, Paul says that this mystery was “not made known to the sons of men in other generations” but is now revealed “to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.”
In the Old Testament, God’s promises to Israel were clear, and glimpses of Gentile blessing existed (see Isaiah 49:6, Genesis 12:3), but the full plan was not yet understood. The idea that Jews and Gentiles would be completely equal in Christ—one body, one family, one promise—was revolutionary.
🌍 The Mystery Defined (Verse 6)
Paul spells it out clearly in verse 6:
“This mystery is that the Gentiles are:
- Fellow heirs – sharing in the same inheritance
- Members of the same body – united in spiritual identity
- Partakers of the promise – receiving all that was promised in Christ
All of this comes “through the gospel.” Not by ancestry, not by works, not by religion—but by faith in Christ alone.
📜 Word Study: “Fellow heirs” (συγκληρονόμα, sugklēronoma)
This Greek word means co-inheritors—equal recipients. Paul is hammering the point: Gentiles aren’t second-class citizens in the kingdom of God. They aren’t adopted with limited privileges. They are full heirs, side by side with believing Jews, all one in Christ Jesus.
📣 What This Means for Us Today
1. The Gospel Is for Everyone
The mystery is now an open invitation. There is no one too far, too foreign, or too forgotten. Through Christ, everyone—regardless of background—can become a full heir of God’s grace.
2. Unity in Christ Is Not Optional
We are not just connected—we are one body. Denominations, traditions, and cultural differences may exist, but in Christ, we are one. We must treat each other as family, not factions.
3. We Are Stewards of This Grace
Like Paul, we have been entrusted with this gospel. We are not owners—we are stewards. Our lives should reflect the humility, clarity, and urgency of those who know they carry a revealed treasure meant for the world.
📣 Reflection and Application
- 🌐 Do I truly believe that the gospel is for everyone—without partiality?
- 🏛️ Am I living like a fellow heir, or still acting like a religious outsider?
- 📣 How can I be a better steward of the mystery God has made known to me?
🛐 Prayer
Father, thank You for revealing the mystery of salvation through Christ. Thank You for making me a full heir—part of Your body and Your promise. Help me to walk in humility, unity, and boldness as a steward of this gospel. Let my life declare that Your grace is for all people. In Jesus’ name, amen.
📌 Coming Up Next
Ephesians 3:7–13 — The Minister of the Mystery
Next, Paul explains how he became a servant of the gospel and what it means to suffer with joy for the sake of God’s revealed plan. We’ll see how calling, grace, and endurance work together in the life of every believer.