“Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.” – Ephesians 3:7–13 (ESV)
🧰 A Minister by Grace, Not Merit
Paul begins this section by describing himself as a “minister” (Greek: diakonos, servant) of the gospel—not by personal qualification but by “the gift of God’s grace.” He wasn’t chosen because of his résumé. He was chosen in spite of it.
He acknowledges this humbly: “Though I am the very least of all the saints…” (v.8). This isn’t false humility—it’s reality. Paul had persecuted the Church. But God’s grace not only saved him—it assigned him. And He empowered him by His own strength: “by the working of His power.”
🌍 What Was Paul Called to Do?
- Preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ – to declare the vast, inexhaustible treasure of who Jesus is and what He offers.
- Bring to light the mystery hidden for ages – to make known the once-concealed plan of salvation for all people.
Paul saw his role not just as a teacher, but as a torchbearer—shedding light on the grace of God for all to see.
📜 Word Study: “Unsearchable Riches” (ἀνεξιχνίαστον, anexichniaston)
This word means “untraceable, beyond understanding.” Paul isn’t saying Christ is unknowable—but that His riches are infinite. You can know Him truly, but you’ll never reach the bottom of His treasure. He is always more than we imagined.
🏛️ The Church: Displaying God’s Wisdom
Paul makes a profound statement in verse 10: “So that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known…”
The Church is not just a gathering. It’s God’s display case. His manifold wisdom—meaning many-faceted, like a diamond—is revealed to “rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.”
This refers to angels and possibly demonic powers as well. The Church is a cosmic witness to the plan of God. Every time believers love one another, live in unity, and walk in grace, heaven and hell see the wisdom of God in action.
🗝️ Boldness and Access in Christ
Paul reminds us that this is all rooted in Christ:
- “In whom we have boldness…” – no fear in approaching God
- “And access with confidence…” – no barrier between us and the Father
- “Through our faith in Him” – not through works or religion, but by trusting Christ
⛓️ Suffering for the Sake of Glory
Paul closes this section by encouraging the Ephesians not to lose heart over his imprisonment. “What I suffer is for your glory,” he says.
In other words, Paul sees value in his chains. His hardship has helped bring the gospel to them—and for that, it’s worth it. Gospel ministry always costs something, but the eternal return is immeasurable.
📣 What This Means for Us Today
1. You Don’t Have to Be Qualified—Just Called
Paul was the least likely gospel preacher, yet God used him powerfully. Your past doesn’t disqualify you from ministry. Grace does more than forgive—it commissions.
2. The Church Is God’s Display
How we live together as the Body of Christ matters. We aren’t just here for ourselves. We are on display before heaven. Our unity, love, and obedience preach a sermon louder than words.
3. Boldness in Prayer Is Your Birthright
You don’t need to beg God for access. In Christ, you already have it. Approach Him with confidence—not arrogance, but assurance rooted in grace.
📣 Reflection and Application
- 🛠️ Am I viewing ministry as a duty—or a gift of grace?
- 💎 How does the Church I’m part of reflect the wisdom of God to the world?
- 🔓 Do I approach God boldly and confidently in prayer—or with hesitation and fear?
🛐 Prayer
Lord, thank You for calling and equipping the unworthy—including me. Let my life and my church reflect Your wisdom to both earth and heaven. Give me boldness in prayer, humility in service, and joy in whatever suffering comes from following You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
📌 Coming Up Next
Ephesians 3:14–21 — A Prayer for Strength, Love, and Fullness
Next, we come to one of Paul’s most powerful prayers in the New Testament. He bows his knees and asks God to root believers in love, strengthen them in the Spirit, and fill them with all the fullness of God. Don’t miss it.
