Matthew Henry Commentary Ephesians 3
Matthew Henry Commentary
Ephesians 3
Matthew Henry Commentary
Ephesians 3
"For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus in behalf of you Gentiles,-- if so be that ye have heard of the dispensation of that grace of God which was given me to you-ward; how that by revelation was made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote before in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ; which in other generation was not made known unto the sons of men, as it hath now been revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; [to wit], that the Gentiles are fellow-heirs, and fellow-members of the body, and fellow-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power." — Ephesians 3:1-7 (ASV)
For having preached the doctrine of truth, the apostle was a prisoner, but a prisoner of Jesus Christ; the object of special protection and care, while thus suffering for Him.
All the gracious offers of the gospel, and the joyful tidings it contains, come from the rich grace of God; it is the great means by which the Spirit works grace in people's souls.
The mystery is that secret, hidden purpose of salvation through Christ. This was not so fully and clearly shown in the ages before Christ as to the prophets of the New Testament. This was the great truth made known to the apostle, that God would call the Gentiles to salvation by faith in Christ.
An effectual working of Divine power attends the gifts of Divine grace. As God appointed Paul to the office, so He qualified him for it.
"Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach unto the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery which for ages hath been hid in God who created all things; 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, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him." — Ephesians 3:8-12 (ASV)
Those whom God advances to honorable roles, he makes low in their own eyes; and where God gives grace to be humble, there he gives all other necessary grace. How highly he speaks of Jesus Christ: the unsearchable riches of Christ! Though many are not enriched with these riches, yet how great a favor to have them preached among us, and to have an offer of them! And if we are not enriched with them, it is our own fault.
The first creation, when God made all things out of nothing, and the new creation, by which sinners are made new creatures by converting grace, are from God through Jesus Christ. His riches are as unsearchable and as sure as ever, yet while angels adore the wisdom of God in the redemption of his church, the ignorance of self-wise and carnal men deems the whole to be foolishness.
"Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be strong to apprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled unto all the fulness of God." — Ephesians 3:13-19 (ASV)
The apostle seems to be more anxious that the believers should not be discouraged and faint because of his tribulations, than for what he himself had to endure. He asks for spiritual blessings, which are the best blessings: strength from the Spirit of God in the inner man; strength in the soul; the strength of faith, to serve God, and to do our duty.
If the law of Christ is written in our hearts, and the love of Christ is shed abroad there, then Christ dwells there. Where his Spirit dwells, there he dwells. We should desire that good affections may be firmly established in us. And how desirable it is to have a steadfast sense of the love of God in Christ for our souls!
How powerfully the apostle speaks of the love of Christ! The breadth shows its extent to all nations and ranks; the length, that it continues from everlasting to everlasting; the depth, its saving those who are sunk into the depths of sin and misery; the height, its raising them up to heavenly happiness and glory. Those who receive grace for grace from Christ's fullness, may be said to be filled with the fullness of God.
Should not this satisfy man? Must he indeed fill himself with a thousand trifles, imagining that by these he can complete his happiness?
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him [be] the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations for ever and ever. Amen." — Ephesians 3:20-21 (ASV)
It is proper always to end prayers with praises. Let us expect more, and ask for more, encouraged by what Christ has already done for our souls, being assured that the conversion of sinners, and the comfort of believers, will be to his glory, for ever and ever.
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