Monday, January 9, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading
Ephesians 3:1–12

This is the reason that I, Paul, am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him. (NRSV) 

Reflection

“Mystery” is a slippery word. It can mean everything or nothing. These twelve verses of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians uses “mystery” four times (out of seven total in Ephesians). It’s an important word that we need to understand if we are to apply this passage to our life today.  

Fortunately, Paul makes his meaning explicit: the mystery he is referring to, the one made known to him and revealed to holy apostles and prophets by the Spirt, after not being made known to former generations, is that Gentiles have come to share in the promise of the gospel. Paul has expanded on this mystery in the previous chapter, writing, “You [Gentiles] who were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” This is not a transaction or a legal verdict—it’s a mystery of God.  

The impact of the mystery can’t be understated, because something is accomplished in it that could not have been accomplished by human effort, even the best effort. God has reconciled disparate, opposed groups of people (Jews and Gentiles) and formed them into a new community of peace. Dividing walls of hostility are broken down. If we could have done this ourselves we would have done it by now.  

We in the church are heirs of the mystery of a “new humanity” God has orchestrated through the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. We know this now, and knowing it we seek to make it known. This mystery has a purpose, “that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known.” This wisdom is reconciliation and peace, and it is our calling as the church to make that known in all we say and all we do.   

Prayer

For the mystery of reconciliation and of peace we give you thanks and glory, O God. Make our lives mirrors of that mystery, so that the world would see in us not division but unity, not enmity but concord, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Written by Rocky Supinger, Associate Pastor for Youth and Worship 

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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