CH 3: Paul the servant of the mystery of Christ

Structure of the chapter 

(1 – 6) The mytery of Christ given to Paul

(7 – 13) Paul became a minister of the mystery

(14 – 21) Prayer and Praise of Paul

        

Q1. At the time Paul wrote this letter, he was in prison. According to verse 1~2, why was he in prison? 

As Christ’s servant, his ministry for the Gentiles made him imprisoned. 

Paul’s proclamation of salvation by grace, apart from adherence to Jewish traditions, provoked strong opposition from the Jews. As a result, he was persecuted and falsely accused.

Q2. Why does Paul call the gospel the mystery of Christ? (v5, 9-11)  

Hidden -> disclosed. about Christ.

It had been hidden since the creation and was revealed to Paul and the apostles (the disciples). 

Purpose of this enlightenment: the multifaceted wisdom of God is now to be disclosed to the rulers of the world through the church.

Q3. What is the content of the mystery? (v6, 12) 

Gentiles to be fellow heirs of God in Christ. Fellow members of the body

In Christ we have boldness and confident access to God through faith in Him (or faithfulness of him).

Q4. Why does Paul tell the readers not to lose their hearts because of Paul’s suffering? (v7, 13)

It was by God’s grace that Paul became a servant of the gospel. By God’s power, Paul realized and accepted the grace.

Called as the apostle to the Gentiles, he suffered because of that calling. His suffering was not accidental; God allowed him to suffer for the sake of the Gentiles, making his afflictions a sign of God’s love for them. (Paul’s suffering is their glory)

Because the mystery had long been hidden, rejection and persecution are inevitable for those who become ministers of that mystery.

Q5. What is Paul’s role as the servant of the gospel? (two, v8, v9)

To proclaim the unfathomable riches of Christ to the Gentiles 

To enlighten everyone about God’s secret plan

Q6. What is the role of the church regarding to the mystery? (v10) 

To reveal multifaceted wisdom of God to the rulers and even to the spirits. 

It is remarkable that even the angels wait for the church to reveal God’s wisdom. Rulers in heavenly realm refer to angels and spirits.

Q7. What are Paul’s prayers for the readers? (three in stages. V16-17, v18-19a, v19b)

Indwelling of Jesus Christ in us, in love

To know the surpassing love of Jesus

To be filled up to all the fullness of God.

Q8. The love of Christ is beyond our knowledge. How could we know it? (v17-19)

Jesus who lives in us makes us experience Jesus’ love.

Through the fellowship with the believers

(20 – 21) Paul’s praise to God expecting what He would accomplish through the church.

By the power working within us

He is able to do far beyond all that we ask of think

Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generation, forever.