Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Ephesians 3:4

"whereby, when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;" — Ephesians 3:4 (ASV)

As they reread the earlier portions of the letter, the Ephesians will be able to judge for themselves whether Paul has really grasped the essence of God’s secret plan. “Understand” (GK 3783) is to receive into the mind or perceive; an element of intellectual discrimination is implied. “Insight” (GK 5304) results from the revelation (v.3) and represents the profound comprehension God grants his own. In Col 1:27, the “mystery” is Christ’s residence in or among believers, giving them an expectation of future glory. Here it has to do with the inclusion of the Gentiles as those who now inherit such promises (cf. vv.3, 6).