It Starts Small

3 For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— ² assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you. ³ The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. ⁴ By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. 

Ephesians 3:1-4

As we open chapter 2, we read it as a whole. Verses 2-13 are a break from Paul’s thoughts. He began these thoughts in verse one. The point he started discussing in verse is taken up again starting in verse 14.

Paul was a prisoner of the Romans for a total of about four years. However, he didn’t say he was a prisoner of the Romans. Paul said he was a prisoner of Jesus Christ. He recognizes that Jesus is sovereign. Jesus is in control. Everyone told Paul not to go back to Jerusalem. They feared for his safety. He went anyway, knowing he would end up as a prisoner. Being a prisoner was just the next step of Christ’s plan for him.

We can learn several things from this.

Christ is sovereign. At times, it looks like governments or earthly leaders are in control. However, they are all under the mighty hand of God. They can only do what God allows them to do. This should comfort us in times of trial. Christ controls everything. Our life is in his hands. We don’t need to be upset when seemingly bad things happen to us. We shouldn’t complain or become bitter. Even in prison, Paul made himself useful and fulfilled the purpose for which God put him there. Everything happens to believers for a reason (Ephesians 8:28).

We must fervently seek the underlying reasons instead of merely complaining. We should ensure that we are steadfast in doing what is right. Imagine a worldly person in Paul’s shoes. They might question their purpose in such dire circumstances. Perhaps, they lament that their remarkable talents and preaching gifts are going to waste. Yet, Paul understood deeply that God had a divine purpose. His imprisonment became a catalyst for the creation of several New Testament books. These works are of profound significance. They might never have been penned had he not faced the chains of confinement.

David embodies this remarkable principle with intense clarity. As he faced the relentless pursuit of Absalom, his adversary fiercely unleashed a barrage of curses upon him. (2 Samuel 16) His loyal followers were filled with righteous indignation. They passionately implored him to take action. They wanted him to silence the man for his audacious insults. Yet, David showed profound wisdom. He responded in 2 Samuel 16:10, saying, ‘But the king said, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses, and if the Lord has told him, ‘Curse David,’ then who shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’”

Paul was a prisoner not because of anything wrong he had done

Most people find themselves trapped in chains for crimes like theft, violence, murder, and fraud. Yet, there stood Paul. He was not imprisoned for wrongdoing. He was imprisoned for dedicating his life to the noble cause of preaching to the Gentiles. My mother reminded me time and again as I grew up, life is an unpredictable journey, often riddled with injustice.

Paul, along with the other disciples, were stewards of God’s grace

A steward is a guardian entrusted with the noble task of managing something vital for someone else. It doesn’t belong to him, yet he has it in his hands for a precious time. His duty is to nurture it, ensuring it flourishes and thrives (Matthew 25:14-30). Paul took this responsibility to heart. He passionately cared for the gospel. Paul fiercely protected its purity and truth as it spread to the Gentiles. A negligent steward may distort it for selfish purposes. They might falter in their commitment. However, Paul, with unwavering dedication, traveled far and wide. He fervently preached its message. Paul purified and illuminated the path for all.

As an apostle, Paul received a special revelation

The lessons he imparted were not mere reflections of his own thoughts. They were divine revelations, directly from God Himself. These revelations were infused with unwavering authority and absolute trustworthiness.

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Cross References:

• 2 Corinthians 11:23-29
• 2 Timothy 1:8

Discussion Questions

• Verse one starts with the phrase, “For this reason I, Paul…” What is the ending of this sentence? (2-13 is a parenthetical statement interrupting his thought in verse one, which he continues in verse 14).
• What does it mean to be a prisoner of Christ Jesus?
• Why was Paul in this situation?
• What did Paul do while a prisoner?
• What does a steward do?
• What does it mean that Paul is a steward of God’s grace?
• How did Paul get a special insight into this mystery?

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