Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"As I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ."
Text: Ephesians 3:3-4
PAUL’S POINT OF REFERENCE
What was Paul’s point of reference when he wrote, “As I have briefly written already”?
1. The immediate context
a) This would be a reference to the earlier chapters of Ephesians.
b) It is possible that Paul could be making a reference to other writings (e.g. Galatians).
2. The Content of his reference
a) The glorious blessings God had laid aside for all who believed in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Cf. Ephesians 1)
b) The special blessing given to all believing Gentiles (Cf. Ephesians 2)
i) They are as fully blessed as believing Jews.
ii) They are “one” with their Jewish brethren.
iii) God has removed every barrier, every wall separating Jews and Gentiles.
READING WITH UNDERSTANDING
Paul expected that his readers would understand all that he had written. The apostle might well have remembered how the Gentiles turned to the Lord Jesus when they heard the Gospel he espoused.
“Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad
and glorified the word of the Lord…And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout
all the region.”
ACTS 13:48, 49
1. Understanding of Paul’s writings is absolutely possible
He may have written some difficult to comprehend doctrines, but by and large, the Gospel he espoused was comprehensible.
2. Receiving the Gospel with appropriate gladness of heart
How should one receive the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ? There should come within the heart the following things:-
a) Gladness of heart
b) Desire to learn more about the Gospel and the Lord Jesus Himself
May gladness fill our hearts as we read and comprehend the message of the Gospel.