Written by Paul J Bucknell on November, 01, 2018

The Structure of Ephesians 3

Paul sets off chapter 3 for a deliberate time of explanation. Two carefully placed identical phrases, “For this reason,” each initiating one of the two sections comprising chapter 3: verses 1-13 and 14-21.

So we must ask, “What is Paul explaining?” I think his answer revolves around an explanation for his suffering. The new believers are wondering, “Why would God allow an apostle to suffer when he works so hard for the Lord?” Paul drops hints along the way by openly mentioning his imprisonment—the very thing they are thinking about. He will eventually get to an answer in verse 13, but in the meantime the apostle develops an elaborate defense for the need to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles.

The Apostle’s Long Detour

The Apostle, however, takes a mighty long detour which ends up to be an elaborate defense of why we all need to join Him in spreading the Gospel to all the nations. To adequately explain himself, he suddenly shifts his approach and tone, starting in verse 1 and continuing straight through verse 13. From there Paul takes us with him into the spiritual temple to meet the God of love in prayer. In the end (3:13), we discover Paul not only gives a proper understanding of suffering so that others are willing to endure harassment and persecution that they might face, but also to understand the glorious way God revealed the Gospel.

Paul will also explain the reason for his prayer for the whole family of God starting in verse 14 right to the end of the chapter. He is not ashamed to see that the Jew and Gentile all are part of God’s one family for whom Jesus died. There are not two tiers of believers but one family all sharing in God’s inheritance. Again for emphasis, there is only one great plan that incorporates believing Jew and Gentile into His wonderful redemption plan which was established before Christ came and even before the creation (Eph 1:3-11).