Ephesians 3:1-6
For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, they mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Sprit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and shares together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
Reflection
Paul is saying in this passage that it has been revealed to him that he is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. Gentile is the term used to
refer to all people who are not of Jewish heritage.
The citizens of Israel viewed themselves as special because of the covenant that God had made with
them through Abraham and then was renewed
through Moses and sealed in the giving of the Law
(the Ten Commandments). Gentiles were seen as being outside of this covenant.
Through Jesus Paul is saying that all people are now included in the covenant. This new covenant is
sealed in the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed for
all people. Paul is saying that he has been called to proclaim the good news of Jesus to people that previously had been considered to be beyond God’s reach and love. Through Jesus God’s love is
extended to all people.
Today you are encouraged to consider how you might proclaim the good news to people that others might consider to be beyond God’s love. How can we share the love and grace of Jesus to those who are rejected and outcast by others?
