- Until the time of Christ, Israel was known as God's chosen people. Others were essentially left out of the plan. Samaritans for example, were regarded even less than that. Now, Paul is saying that Christ came for everyone, and that we can all share in the blessings of God. (Ephesians 3:2-6)
- Paul understood God's grace and power, because he had lived it firsthand. He realized that he wasn't worthy of the position, but knew that he had a job to do to share the "mystery of Christ". (Ephesians 3:7-9)
- Because of Christ, we may now approach God with freedom and confidence. !!! (Ephesians 3:12)
- Paul prays for the Ephesians, and his prayer applies to us too. Take a minute to read it again, slowly. (Ephesians 3:14-19)
- Paul had complete confidence that God was able to do more than he asked in that prayer, and more than we could ever ask or imagine. It is God who deserves the glory. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Please share your thoughts on Ephesians 3 in the comment section.
I just have a quick question: so, in the past everyone who died who was not Jewish didn't go to Heaven? I'm probably not understanding the verse right but that's the question that came up as I was reading verses 2-6. On the bright side, I'm glad God's plan included people of all races!
Ephesians 3 v18- We are asked to think about the expansiveness of Christ's love. I don't think it's something we as humans would be capable of grasping in its entirety but meditating on Christ's love for us and His promises has been very helpful to me.
Sorry, I meant to reply directly to your post. My reply is a little down the page.
i loved Eph 3:14-19-- that prayer is wonderful!!!!
Eph 3:7-8 is wonderful too saying he was the least qualified but thru the power of God he was able to teach about Him.
I so desire that we are all loved and embraced and there be no more jealousy or favourtism, let this love more forward so His will can be done here.
Yes, Karen, God doesn't need us to be strong or talented; He just needs us to be willing. If we are willing, He can use us and provide everything else that we need to serve Him.
I think Rowena that those who listened to God have been saved. Look to the people of Nineveh who repented and God changed his mind about them. God's question of Jonah is (in my summary) "shouldn't I care for these many people?" Israel was chosen to be a light to the world so the world could see God's hands and come to His love.
Rowena and David, I believe that God chose His people so that He could have a relationship with them, but I think by Paul's time, the Jews had put a lot more emphasis on religion than on relationship. Since God is the same yesterday, today and forever, I am sure that He would never turn away anyone who would believe in Him. The Ninevites were a good example. Another one would be Abraham pleading with God for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah to save his nephew Lot. Unfortunately, the people of that city did not repent.
By Mark 16:15-16, Jesus had lived on earth, been crucified and resurrected. He had taught His disciples and done many miracles. He was getting ready to ascend to heaven. His instructions to His disciples were to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Those who believe will be saved and those who will not believe will be condemned.