Epiphany · The Epiphany of Our Lord
Ephesians 3:1-12
Paul the Preacher to the Gentiles
January 6, 2026
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
Ephesians 3 - The Mystery of God Revealed Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse-by-verse notes on the mystery of the gospel made known to Jew and Gentile alike.
Commentary on Ephesians 3:1-12 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary exegesis of the mystery of grace revealed in Christ for Epiphany.
Ephesians 3:1-12 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed reading of Epiphany on a cosmic scale, the mystery disclosed to rulers and authorities.
Ephesians 3:1-3 Commentary Precept Austin
Evangelical verse-level commentary on Paul the prisoner and the stewardship of the mystery.
Ephesians 3:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators on Paul the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the Gentiles.
Background & Word Study
Ephesians Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary introduction to Ephesians and its theme of unity in Christ.
Book of Ephesians Overview BibleProject
Animated overview of the letter and its vision of one new humanity in Christ.
Ephesians 3:1 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word-by-word text for study of mysterion (mystery) and oikonomia (stewardship).
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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