Epiphany Season · Epiphany of the Lord · Year C
Ephesians 3:1-12
Paul the Preacher to the Gentiles
January 6, 2028
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
A Luther Seminary commentary on Paul's mystery of Gentile inclusion as the content of Epiphany.
Ephesians 3:1-12 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary connecting Paul's revealed mystery to the church's call to unity across division.
Ephesians 3 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
A verse by verse evangelical commentary on Paul's stewardship of the mystery of Christ.
Ephesians 3 Resources Precept Austin
A study hub gathering word studies, outlines, and expositors on Ephesians 3.
Classic commentaries on Ephesians 3 BibleHub
A classic aggregator stacking Barnes, Gill, Ellicott, and other historic commentators verse by verse.
Background & Word Study
Ephesians Enter the Bible
A Luther Seminary book introduction to Ephesians' themes of unity and the church as Christ's body.
Overview: Ephesians BibleProject
An animated overview of Ephesians' design, framing Paul's teaching on the mystery of the church.
Ephesians 3 interlinear BibleHub
The Greek text of Ephesians 3 word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers.
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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