For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—
Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 3:1-6)
Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 3:1-6)
“So this is why I…” Paul seems to start into an idea here, and interrupt it to reintroduce himself. He makes it sound as though he thinks his readers know who he is, but just in case someone hadn’t heard, or just in case they forgot who he was and thought of him as “Our Buddy, Paul,” he sets the record straight. He was not only the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of the Gentiles, their own special ambassador, but he was someone who had encountered Christ. He was an apostle with a special message that benefitted them greatly.
Some may think that Paul was insecure, trying to prop up his claim so he didn’t feel so much like a cheat, or trying to acquire the power necessary to impose his vision on others. I don’t buy that. I go with the perspective I suggested in the paragraph above, that he was introducing himself to any new folk, and reminding his friends that they need to pay attention to what he’s saying because he’s not just their friend. I have a friend who asked her children, “Which of us is the mother?” It’s the same idea.
I’m glad he did, because his references to his past, which some might consider self-aggrandizement, provides insight into Paul, but also first person historical accounts. The key in studying history is to find evidence that was generated by those who were present at the event.
And what does he remind them? They had heard about what God did to him, and that it was done for their benefit. They knew, then, where he was coming from and that he had a clue or two. God’s message to them is that they count. They are included.
There are at least two reasons why this statement is wonderful, wise, and needed. First, it counters snobbery. The Ephesians couldn’t look down their noses at the Jews, and the Jews couldn’t look down their noses at the Ephesians. Paul’s message was one of unity and diversity.
The second reason it was needed is that already, others were trying to push Paul aside, and to change things to be as they saw fit, not how God told Paul to do them. Metaphorical “history” would need to hear God’s Word through him, and the more he write, the greater assurance there was that the world would know what God told Paul. It would be harder to hide.
Some may think that Paul was insecure, trying to prop up his claim so he didn’t feel so much like a cheat, or trying to acquire the power necessary to impose his vision on others. I don’t buy that. I go with the perspective I suggested in the paragraph above, that he was introducing himself to any new folk, and reminding his friends that they need to pay attention to what he’s saying because he’s not just their friend. I have a friend who asked her children, “Which of us is the mother?” It’s the same idea.
I’m glad he did, because his references to his past, which some might consider self-aggrandizement, provides insight into Paul, but also first person historical accounts. The key in studying history is to find evidence that was generated by those who were present at the event.
And what does he remind them? They had heard about what God did to him, and that it was done for their benefit. They knew, then, where he was coming from and that he had a clue or two. God’s message to them is that they count. They are included.
There are at least two reasons why this statement is wonderful, wise, and needed. First, it counters snobbery. The Ephesians couldn’t look down their noses at the Jews, and the Jews couldn’t look down their noses at the Ephesians. Paul’s message was one of unity and diversity.
The second reason it was needed is that already, others were trying to push Paul aside, and to change things to be as they saw fit, not how God told Paul to do them. Metaphorical “history” would need to hear God’s Word through him, and the more he write, the greater assurance there was that the world would know what God told Paul. It would be harder to hide.
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