Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"If indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you."
Text: Ephesians 3:2
WAS IT OUT OF EMOTIONAL ANGER?
In both declarations of the apostle Paul, circumstances played a vital part. He had received severe opposition from the Jewish quarter. Could Paul have over-reacted? Could he have spoken out of frustration and anger?
ENDORSEMENT OF MINISTRY TO THE GENTILES
A careful examination of the Biblical text would suggest that Paul’s declaration was no mere emotional outburst. He found encouragement from two sources, namely the Scriptures and a personal word from the Lord Himself.
1. Endorsement from the Scriptures
The apostle Paul was a man steeped in the knowledge of the Scriptures. As he made public his intention to minister among the Gentiles, he drew encouragement from the Scriptures.
“For so the Lord has commanded us:
‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,
That you should be for salvation to the ends
of the earth.'”
ACTS 13:47
a) A prophetic word
This text that Paul cited came from the book of Isaiah. Paul argued that the ministry to the Gentiles was in fact planned by God and revealed through the prophet Isaiah.
b) Authority of the prophetic word
Paul drew his authority for the ministry to the Gentiles from this prophetic word. Where there was an authoritative word, his ministry to the Gentiles was validated.
2. Endorsement from the Lord Himself
The ministry at Corinth was difficult. The Lord made His personal Presence felt to Paul in a night vision. He wanted to give him special encouragement as he ministered to the Gentiles.
“Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision,
‘Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent;
for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you;
for I have many people in this city.”
ACTS 18:9-10
a) Significance of a Vision from the Lord
This is equivalent to having a personal visit from the Lord Himself.
b) Significance of the word given to Paul
The significance of the following words is self-explanatory:-