Epiphany Season · Epiphany of the Lord · Year B
Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Paul the Preacher to the Gentiles
January 6, 2027
Overview & Insights
“That you may have power to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.” (Ephesians 3:18–19)
When the apostle completed his section on the spiritual blessings in Christ (1:3–14), he proceeded to offer a prayer of thanksgiving and petition (1:15–23). After this theological discussion in 2:1–22, it appears that he is once again ready to turn to prayer because the statement, “For this reason” (3:1), refers to what he has just said; furthermore, the actual prayer in 3:14ff. appears to relate to this section and would be a fitting climax to the thoughts that he has developed. But instead of a prayer, the apostle’s thought is diverted to another topic of discussion—one that is related to Paul’s call and mission as a proclaimer of God’s secret. After a rather lengthy presentation of this subject (3:2–13), he returns to his initial intention to pray and subsequently offers one of the most beautiful and comprehensive prayers in the NT.
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Commentary
Commentary on Ephesians 3:1-12 - Working Preacher Working Preacher
Luther Seminary commentary on the mystery revealed to the Gentiles, a fitting Epiphany theme.
Ephesians 3:1-12 - Center for Excellence in Preaching Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed commentary on the mystery made known and the Gentiles as coheirs in Christ.
Enduring Word Bible Commentary Ephesians Chapter 3 Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse study of Ephesians 3 and the mystery of the church.
Ephesians 3:2 Commentaries BibleHub
Collected classic commentaries on Ephesians 3.
The Epiphany of the Lord (Cycle ABC) Agape Bible Study
Catholic study of the Epiphany readings, including Paul's mystery of Gentile inclusion.
Background & Word Study
Ephesians 3:2 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek interlinear with parsing for Ephesians 3:2-6.
Book of Ephesians Overview - BibleProject BibleProject
Animated overview of Ephesians and its vision of the united church.
Ephesians - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary book introduction and background to Ephesians.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is Paul’s prayer?
Paul prays that the church, rooted and grounded in love, may grasp the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ’s love and be filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:13–21).
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