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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ephesians 3:1-13

Here we have the account which Paul gives the Ephesians concerning himself, as he was appointed by God the apostle of the Gentiles. I. We may observe that he acquaints them with the tribulations and sufferings which he endured in the discharge of that office, Eph. 3:1. The first clause refers to the preceding chapter, and may be understood either of these two ways:?1. ?For this cause,?for having preached the doctrine contained in the foregoing chapter, and for asserting that the great... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Ephesians 3:1-13

To understand the connection of thought in this passage it has to be noted that Ephesians 3:2-13 are one long parenthesis. The for this cause of Ephesians 3:14 takes up again and resumes the for this cause of Ephesians 3:1 . Someone has spoken of Paul's habit of "going off at a word." A single word or idea can send his thoughts off at a tangent. When he speaks of himself as "the prisoner of Christ," it makes him think of the universal love of God and of his part in bringing that love to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ephesians 3:7

Whereof I was made a minister ,.... That is, of the Gospel, not by men, but by God: and he is a true minister of the Gospel who is called of God to the work of the ministry, and is qualified by him with grace and gifts for it; and who faithfully discharges it according to the ability God has given; and such an one was the apostle: according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me ; not according to his natural capacity, his liberal education, or acquired learning; but according to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ephesians 3:7

Whereof I was made a minister - Διακονος· A deacon, a servant acting under and by the direction of the great Master, Jesus Christ; from whom, by an especial call and revelation, I received the apostolic gifts and office, and by την ενεργειαν της δυναμεως αυτου , the energy, the in-working of his power, this Gospel which I preached was made effectual to the salvation of vast multitudes of Jews and Gentiles. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Ephesians 3:7

Verse 7 7.Of which I was made a minister. Having declared the gospel to be the instrument employed in communicating grace to the Gentiles, he now adds, that he was made a minister of the Gospel; and thus applies to himself the general statements which had been made. But, to avoid claiming for himself more than is proper, he affirms that it isthe gift of the grace of God, and that this gift was an exhibition of divine power. As if he had said, “Inquire not what I have deserved; for in the free... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 3:1-13

DIGRESSION ON THE ADMISSION OF THE GENTILES TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 3:1-13

God's purpose as to the Gentiles. This passage a parenthesis after Ephesians 3:1 —a reference to Paul's personal history. It contains the explanation of his whole career, the secret of his wonderful zeal. Why was he a prisoner? Generally, for the Gentiles. Why for them? Because the Divine purpose regarding them had been revealed to him, and through him to the world, and the enmity of the Jews to that purpose had brought Paul into captivity. Looking at the passage as a whole, it may show... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 3:1-13

The death of the tribal spirit. The apostle, having stated the unity between Jews and Gentiles in the one spiritual temple, proceeds in this parenthesis to state the aspect of the gospel which is thus presented. It amounts, in fact, to the death of the tribal feeling, and to the encouragement of that broad cosmopolitanism which has been fostered by the Christian system. Paul, of course, rejoiced in his Jewish origin and in all the privileges which he had thus inherited. But since his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 3:1-13

Paul's apostleship to the Gentiles: introduction. The apostle has it in his mind to pray for the Ephesian Christians. There is a twofold ground upon which he proceeds. 1. What has been said about them . "For this cause." He has described them in three ways as incorporated in the Church. His last statement pointed to their being built in . They were, therefore, objects for intercession, such as their heathen ancestors had not been. 2. His relation to them . He did not... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 3:1-13

Aspects of the true gospel ministry. "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; 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; that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by... read more

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