Ephesians 3:1-13

For the Apostle Paul, humanity is often divided into two categories: Jews and Gentiles—those who were near to the promises of God, and those who were far off (Ephesians 2:11–13). Yet in Christ, these distinctions have been overcome. Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), has brought reconciliation where hostility once reigned. In the temple, a literal wall once barred Gentiles from full participation in worship. But through the cross, Christ tore down the dividing wall of hostility (Ephesians 2:14). He abolished the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, so that He might create in Himself one new man in place of the two, making peace and reconciling both to God in one body through the cross (Ephesians 2:15–16). This has always been God's plan—to form one unified people, His church, where Christ is the cornerstone.

Even today, walls of division remain—constructed along lines of race, class, culture, sex, or religious background. These human-made barriers contradict the unity Christ accomplished. Those who build, defend, or uphold such divisions oppose the very heart of the gospel, which calls all believers into one body—a holy temple in the Lord, a dwelling place for God by the Spirit (Ephesians 2:21–22).

3 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.