Ephesians 3:10-13 (WEL) So that, through the church, the many facets of God’s wisdom might be made known to the rulers and powers in heavenly places. 11 According to the eternal purpose which he effected through Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in him. 13 Therefore, I ask that you don’t become discouraged from my tribulations for you, which is for your benefit.
V10 So that, through the church, the many facets of God’s wisdom might be made known to the rulers and powers in heavenly places.
The church is a group of Christian believers who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. It is not an organization, a denomination, or a group of anybody claiming to be so. It consists of Jewish and Gentile believers.
We are witnesses by living our lives according to God’s teaching contained in the New Testament. Compare Matthew 5:16.
The rulers and powers in the heavenly places watch us and learn about the many facets of God’s wisdom.
V11 According to the eternal purpose which he effected through Christ Jesus our Lord.
The witness of believers was God’s will and plan from the beginning and effected through the Lord Jesus. Again, we see the importance and status of our Lord Jesus. God has a blueprint for this creation. Again, we note the preeminence of the Lord Jesus.
V12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in him.
Because of the assisting grace of God (2 Corinthians 12:9), we have boldness and confidence through faith for witnessing (Acts 28:31 and Acts 4:29-31), for prayer (Hebrews 4:16 and Hebrews 10:19), fellowship with God (1 John 3:21), and to stand before the Lord Jesus (1 John 4:17). These come because we believed the Gospel of Jesus Christ, His message, and His apostles. The two most important things in this verse are Jesus Christ and our faith in Him and His teachings.
V13 Therefore, I ask that you don’t become discouraged from my tribulations for you, which is for your benefit.
Paul doesn’t want the believers to shrink from their Christian boldness because of his sufferings, difficulties, and persecution. He wants the believers to find their hope, faith, and boldness in the Lord Jesus. Compare 2 Corinthians 1:6, Philippians 1:29-30, 1 Thessalonians 3:2-4, and 1 Peter 4:16.
We learn:
- God had a plan before creation.
- Paul doesn’t want the believers discouraged from his imprisonment; instead, he writes to encourage them.
Questions:
- Are you discouraged from what you experience as a Christian?
- Do you help other believers when they are discouraged?