Ephesians 3

1. For this cause. Because you are thus built together in Christ: ep. 14-19 with ii. 22. The sentence beginning “I Paul the prisoner,” etc., is interrupted by a long digression, extending to ver. 14, where the sentence is resumed.

2. If ye have heard, etc. Assuming, as I may, that you have heard of this. The church in Ephesus would obviously be familiar with the topic; but other churches in Asia had not possessed the advantage of Paul’s direct ministrations.

3. He made known. Rather, “was made known.” as I wrote afore (i.e., have just now written), etc. See i. 9, 10: see also ver. 6.

4 mystery. See vers. 9, 10; i. 19; Col. i. 26, and notes.

5 prophets. See note on ii. 20.

6 fellow-heirs. With the believing Jews in the spiritual inheritance.

7 by (according to) the effectual working of His power. The apostle acknowledges an act of God’s omnipotence in his own change of heart, and in the qualifications bestowed on him for the service of Christ.

8 the unsearchable riches of Christ. Cp. Rom. xi. 33.

9 fellowship. Rather, the “dispensation,” or carrying out of the Divine plan.

10 might be known, etc. Rather, “might be made known through the church”; God’s wisdom being revealed even to the heavenly hosts by means of His redeemed people.

the manifold wisdom of God. God’s “manifold wisdom” wonderfully combined and subordinated the most various agencies, institutions, and events, through many ages and dispensations, to His one great purpose: “the purpose of the ages.”

13. Wherefore. On account of those glorious things (8-12). The very tribulations of the apostle were the “glory” of those on whose behalf he endured them.

14. For this cause. See note on ver. 1.

15 of whom. Referring to “the Father.”

the whole family. The R.V. has “every family,” but the A.V. translation is quite a possible rendering.

18 may be able to comprehend, etc. Very emphatic in original: “may be strong to apprehend,” etc. (R.V.). The Greek suggests the idea of exertion.

19 with all the fulness of God. Rather, “unto all the fulness of God”; i.e., approaching to God’s perfection.

21 in the church. Cp. ver. 10.