Paul the Preacher to the Gentiles - Ephesians 3:1-13
Understand It
- Why did Paul go to prison? (3:1)
- How familiar was Paul with the company of believers at Ephesus? (3:2)
- What would the Ephesians have heard about Paul? (3:2-3)
- To what mystery did Paul refer? (3:2-3)
- How did Paul receive insight into the mystery of Christ? (3:4-5)
- Who revealed the mystery of Christ to Paul? (3:5)
- When was the mystery of Christ disclosed? (3:5)
- How did Paul reveal the mystery of Christ? (3:6)
- How was Paul enabled to be a servant? (3:7)
- What was Paul’s attitude to his call? (3:8)
- What was Paul called to disclose? (3:9)
- Through what medium was God’s wisdom communicated? (3:10)
- How did God accomplish His plan? (3:11)
- In light of God’s work, how may believers approach Him? (3:11-12)
- Why were Paul’s sufferings the glory of the Ephesians? (3:13)
Apply It
- In the days ahead, what can you do to help outsiders feel welcome in your church?
- What can you do this week to help others understand the mystery of Christ’s provision for sin?
- What can you do this week to develop a patient spirit so that you will not become discouraged by suffering?
A Prayer for the Ephesians - Ephesians 3:14-21
Understand It
- When Paul prayed, what posture did he assume? (3:14)
- To whom is God the Father? (3:14-15)
- What did Paul request of the Father? (3:16)
- Through whom would the Ephesians be empowered? (3:16)
- How would Christ dwell in the believers’ hearts? (3:17)
- Why did Paul want the Ephesians to be rooted and established in love? (3:17-19)
- What did Paul want the Ephesians to grasp? (3:18)
- What does the love of Christ surpass? (3:19)
- How did Paul close his prayer? (3:20-21)
- How did Paul’s doxology serve as a fitting conclusion to the doctrine he had presented in the first three chapters of this letter? (3:20-21)
Apply It
- How can you take a new and creative approach to your prayer life?
- What do you need to do to spread Christ’s love to others this week?
- How could you include Paul’s doxology as a part of your personal devotion each day?
