John Calvin Commentary Ephesians 3:10

"to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly [places] might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God," — Ephesians 3:10 (ASV)

That now to the principalities and powers. Some are of the opinion that these words cannot apply to angels, because such ignorance, as is here supposed, could not be found in those who are permitted to behold the brightness of God’s countenance. They prefer to refer them to devils, but without proper reflection; for what could have been regarded as extraordinary in the assertion that by the preaching of the gospel and the calling of the Gentiles, information was, for the first time, conveyed to devils? There can be no doubt that the apostle endeavors to emphasize the mercy of God toward the Gentiles, and the high value of the gospel. For this purpose he declares that the preaching of the gospel exhibits the manifold grace of God, with which, until now, the heavenly angels themselves were unacquainted. The wisdom of God, therefore, which was manifested by uniting Jews and Gentiles in the fellowship of the gospel, should be regarded by people with the highest admiration.

He calls it πολυποίκιλον σοφίαν, manifold wisdom, because people are accustomed to judge it by a false standard, confining their view to a particular department, and thus forming a most inadequate conception of the whole. The Jews thought, for example, that the dispensation under the law, with which they were acquainted and familiar, was the only form in which the wisdom of God could be seen. But, by making the gospel to be proclaimed to all people without exception, God has brought to light another instance and proof of his wisdom. Not that it was new wisdom, but that it was so large and manifold, as to transcend our limited capacity. Let us rest assured that the knowledge, whatever it may be, which we have acquired, is, after all, but a slender proportion. And if the calling of the Gentiles draws the attention, and excites the reverence, of angels in heaven, how shameful that it should be slighted or disdained by people on earth!

The inference which some draw from this passage, that angels are present in our assemblies and make progress along with us in knowledge, is a groundless speculation. We must always keep in mind the purposes for which God appointed the ministry of his word. If angels, who are permitted to see the face of God, do not walk in faith, neither do they need the external ministry of the word. The preaching of the gospel, therefore, is useful only to human beings, among whom alone the practice exists. Paul’s meaning is this: “The church, composed both of Jews and Gentiles, is a mirror, in which angels behold the astonishing wisdom of God displayed in a manner unknown to them before. They see a work which is new to them, and the reason of which was hidden in God. In this manner, and not by learning anything from the lips of humans, do they make progress.”