Ephesians 3:1 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

For this cause That you may be so built up together, and made the temple of God, and his habitation through the Spirit; I bow my knees, &c., see Ephesians 3:14, with which the words are evidently closely connected, (as they are also with the close of the preceding Chapter s) the subsequent paragraph to the end of Eph 3:13 manifestly coming in by way of parenthesis. I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles For your advantage, for asserting your right to these blessings. This it was which so much enraged the Jews against him. If ye have heard Or, seeing ye have heard, as ειγε ηκουσατε may be properly rendered; and being so rendered will be very applicable to the Ephesians, who, no doubt, were well acquainted with Paul's apostolical commission. Here, by way of digression, the apostle sets forth the nature and dignity of his apostolical office toward the Gentiles, as in Romans 11:13. Of the dispensation of the grace of God For the meaning of the word οικονομια, here rendered dispensation, see note on Ephesians 1:10. It here means the authority and commission given him to declare the doctrine of the grace of God to the Gentiles, as displayed in the gospel; which is given me to you- ward Which office is committed to me chiefly with relation to you Gentiles, to be employed for your edification; how that by revelation, see (Acts 26:16-17,) and not by the instrumentality of any human testimony; he made known to me the mystery Which had so long been concealed, namely, that salvation by Christ alone was free for both the Jews and Gentiles; as I wrote afore Namely, chap. Ephesians 1:9-10; in few words The very words of which passage he here repeats. The apostle does not appear to mean that he had written of the mystery in a few words, for the greatest part of the preceding Chapter s is taken up in explaining that mystery; but his meaning seems to be, that he had written before in a few words concerning the discovery of the mystery to him by revelation. The mystery which in other ages was not made known So clearly and fully; unto the sons of men No, not to the Jews themselves; (see on Matthew 13:17;) as it is now revealed In consequence of the death and resurrection of Christ; unto his holy apostles and prophets Namely, of the New Testament: see on 1 Corinthians 12:28. That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs With the believing Jews, (Galatians 3:29,) and Christ himself, (Romans 8:17,) of the heavenly inheritance; and of the same body Under Christ the head, or incorporated in the true church; and partakers of his promise Of pardon, adoption, the renewing of the Holy Ghost and eternal life; in Christ Purchased by him, and enjoyed by virtue of your union with him; in the gospel Preached to you. Whereof I was made a minister When first called by Christ himself appearing to me for that purpose; according to the gift of the grace of God To which office he raised me, not through any worthiness of mine, but of his free grace; given unto me In a most extraordinary and remarkable manner; by the effectual working of his power Which conquered my prejudices, enlightened my understanding, changed my heart, and prepared and qualified me for that high and holy office, averse as I once was to all the purposes of it.