Epiphany of the Lord Ephesians 3:1-12

Context

Layers

The responsible interpretation of any biblical text requires one to consider multiple levels of context, but these contextual strata are especially important to define and explore in the present passage, given the frequent internal referents to previous events and teachings. The opening words (“This is the reason…”) already point us backwards to the preceding pericope. Then, in verse 3, Paul prepares to elaborate on something he “wrote above in a few words.” So the passage itself reminds us to look at its literary context.

Paul refers to himself in the first verse of the passage as “a prisoner for Christ,” and he proceeds to presume that the Ephesians “have already heard” of his particular calling. So…

1. What is the mystery that Paul is speaking of? Now that it has been revealed, why might we still think that it is mysterious?

2. When Paul says that gentiles are fellow heirs with the Jewish people, what does he mean? What were the Jewish people heirs to that gentiles now have?

3. Who are outsiders today who we might forget are also heirs and recipients of Christ’s promise? How might we break down the “otherness” which separates us?

4. How might we both stress the inclusivity of the gospel without losing the absolute centrality of Christ that Paul stresses?

5. Why do you think…