COMMENTARY ON EPHESIANS
LESSON NUMBER 32
Eph 3:7 "Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ"
(Eph 3:7-8)
I WAS MADE A MINISTER
INTRODUCTION
The measure of one's value to the Lord is determined by the degree to which his works are in synch with, and complementary of, the purpose of God. In the heavenly order of things, natural human ingenuity and creativity count for nothing. Further, those who labor in the vineyard of the Lord must know what He is doing, what He is raising, and the intended use of that which is harvested. So far as the work is concerned, the objective, integrity, greatness, and satisfaction of the Owner is essential. The sum of those takes place when God is said to be "glorified." The message that is proclaimed by those who are "laborers together with God" (1 Cor 3:9) must have its genesis with the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and must have Jesus Christ as its epicenter of power. The work must be one in which the hand of the Lord is present, and can be clearly seen by principalities and powers in heavenly places. Those among whom the laborer works, and who receive and rely upon His message will prove to be among those in whom the Holy Spirit will work, changing them from one increasing stage of glory unto another (2 Cor 3:18), until at last they are conformed to the image of Christ (Rom 8:29), or Christ is "formed" in them (Gal 4:19). Further, the qualification of the laborers is determined by their commission from God, and their faithfulness to that commission. For those with eyes to see, these are matters that Paul; is establishing in this third chapter. He has said that the church is being made a habitation of God through the Spirit (Eph 2:22). Now he is confirming that this is not mere philosophical babble. He is revealing how God is doing this.
A MINISTER ACCORDING TO THE GIFT OF GRACE
Eph3:7 "Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power."
WHEREOF. Other versions read, "of which," NKJV "of this Gospel," NRSV "of this,"NAB "For this cause." ABP The point of reference in the word "whereof," or "of which," is the last expression of the previous verse: "the Gospel." That was the stewardship that was given to him - "the Gospel of Christ," which IS "the power of God unto salvation." That was the matter concerning which he had the most extensive illumination. He knew about other things, such as the nature of the flesh and its militancy against the Spirit (Rom 7-8). He knew what should be done when the "old leaven" of wickedness was found in the church (1 Cor 5:1-5). He could give excellent counsel concerning marriage, and its various ramifications (1 Cor 7). He had insight into spiritual gifts, what they were, and how they were to operate (1 Cor 12-14). He had extensive understanding of the resurrection of the dead (1 Cor 15). He could trace the history of the Jews, show when they stumbled, and expound on their rejection (Acts 13). He could speak extensively about edification and its critical role in the body of Christ (Eph 4:11-16; 1 Cor 14). He could delineate the function of elders and deacons, and even declare the qualities to be found in the wives of deacons (1 Tim 3). But they were not the focus of his ministry.
Paul was not raised up to correct the church - although he did it better than anyone else. He was not raised up to ensure that the domestic lives of believers were honoring to God, although he did some work in that area. However, his primary ministry pertained to the Gospel, and whatever area he touched, he cast the light of the Gospel upon it.
I WAS MADE A MINISTER. Other versions read, "became a minister," NKJV "became a servant," NIV "made a preacher," BBE "made a servant," CSB "I have been appointed to serve," WEYMOUTH "I was called to serve," WILLIAMS "it became my job," CEV "this is my life work." MESSAGE
The literal rendering of the phrase is, "of which I became dispenser." INTERLINEAR The word "made" comes from a word that means to come into existence, to begin to be. It carries the idea of Divine creation, or making. Jesus "apprehended" Paul, or took hold of him, in order that he might declare and expound the Gospel of Christ. That was, so to speak, his field of expertise. Not only was he able to handle the Scriptures with unequaled expertise, He was given "visions and revaluations" concerning the great work of redemption (2 Cor 12). He was able to communicate it words the Spirit could use to bring the understanding of it within the reach of God's people.
Elsewhere Paul affirms that Jesus "put" him into the ministry (1 Tim 1:12). Here Paul is declaring the purpose or objective of that ministry. As a faithful steward he opened up the significance of removing sin, bringing in everlasting righteousness, having access to God, being free from a condemning conscience, the inner conflict created by newness of life, the involvements of being the children of God, the inheritance of the saints, and the exaltation of Jesus and the reason for it. This included the intercessory and mediatorial ministries of Jesus, the present reign of Jesus, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit who is given to the children of God.
These are aspects and implications of the Gospel of Christ. They are the ministered means by which the eyes of men are opened, and they are turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God. This is the message through which they learn that their sins are forgiven, and that they have an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith (Acts 26:18).
ACCORDING TO THE GIFT OF GRACE GIVEN UNTO ME. Other versions read, "by God's gracious gift, which He gave me" CJB "the gift of the goodness of God, which was imparted to me," MRD "by the gift of God's grace that was granted me," NAB and "according to the gift of God's free grace (undeserved favor) which was bestowed on me." AMPLIFIED
Often, serving God in a particular capacity is declared as an obligation, necessity, or even the result of special training by men. Here, however, Paul refers to his ministry as a "gift," given to him by the grace of God. Elsewhere he confessed, "by the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Cor 15:10). An effective minister has been endued with capability by the Head of the church. That being true, whether or not men should hear what he says is a pointless question. Once it has been established that a person has been gifted by the Lord, and given insights into what is summarized in the Gospel, all controversy about whether or not he is to be heard is brought to a grinding halt.
ACCORDING TO THE EFFECTUAL WORKING OF HIS POWER. Not only was Paul's ministry a gift, given to him by the grace of God, it was according to God's effective power, which sees to it that His will is done. Once the power of God undergirds a matter, it becomes a sure thing. This means that anywhere and everywhere Paul's message is heard and embraced, the objectives of God will begin to take place: conformity to the image of Christ, establishment in the faith, a display of the wisdom of God to heavenly personalities, etc. In the Kingdom of God, a powerless messenger is no messenger at all. If a message can be heartily embraced without the ordained changes taking place in the individual, the message is flawed. And, if the message if flawed, it did not come from God. The effects of Paul's ministry prove it was of God.
LESS THAN THE LEAST OF ALL SAINTS
3:8a "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given. . ."
In Jewry, Paul had impressive credentials, and the Scriptures fully support that claim. "Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless" (Phil 3:5-6). However, in Christ none of those circumstances are of any lasting value. Paul now refers to that state - highly esteemed among men - which actually disqualified him from being given such a marvelous stewardship.
UNTO ME. There comes a time when individual assessment trumps the assessment of others. This is especially true of those who labor in the vineyard of the Lord. They must have a proper view of themselves, especially in regard to any ministry they may have. Keep in mind that we are speaking of an effective ministry, not mere human activity. How will Paul account for his own understanding, and the ability to open the eyes of others to see what he saw?
LESS THAN THE LEAST. Other versions read, "the very least of all saints," NASB "the least important," CJB "the least deserving people," NLT "the most useless Christian there is," LIVING "the least important of all the holy people," IE "I was the least qualified of any of the available Christians," MESSAGE
This expression of humility is matched by at least two others. One to the Corinthians: "For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God" (1 Cor 15:9). The other to Timothy: "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief" (1 Tim 1:15). Elsewhere Paul also traces his unworthiness to the fact that he opposed and persecuted those in Christ Jesus: "beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it" (Gal 1:13). He also spoke of his aggressive stance against the church: "Concerning zeal, persecuting the church" (Phil 3:6).
In heaven, this is counted as being done to Jesus Himself. Speaking of those who refused to come to the aid of His people, Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me" (Matt 25:45).
The awareness of these things is what moved Paul to refer to himself as "less than the least of all saints." He was not blessed with a key role in the body of Christ because he was the most familiar with the Scriptures, or because he was raised up from a youth in a spiritually disciplined environment. It was not because of his keen mind, or because he could be more easily molded, constrained, and directed.
The point is that with all of the information Saul of Tarsus had, and with all of the advantages that were given to him in Jewry, he concluded that Jesus of Nazareth was nothing more than an imposter, and that he ought to persecute His followers. So far as ranking was concerned, than moved him to the bottom of the category of "least."
There is certainly something to be learned from all of this. When a person's professed commitment to Christ, joined with his commitment to the Scriptures, leads him to the conclusion that he ought to oppose the people of God - for whatever reason - he falls to the bottom of the ranks of the ignorant and undeserving. Why? Because to whom much is given, much is required!
IS THIS GRACE GIVEN. The "grace" that was "given" was his ministry - his custodianship of the revelations that were given to him. Grace has to do with seeing and comprehending as well as with saving and justifying. In this case, grace has to do with seeing and comprehending as well as with saving and justifying. It specifically relates to insight into the nature of salvation, as well as its benefits. The cause of salvation, and its objective was vouchsafed to Paul - not for himself alone, but for propagation to the people. His audience, according to the commission given to him, included "the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel" (Acts 9:15). His objective was not merely to tell the people what he knew by revelation. Rather, it was "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me" (Acts 26:18). Paul was given a message that was conducive to that end, and the ability to expound it.
Right here a means of measuring valid ministries is disclosed. A valid message, delivered by a valid messenger will yield spiritual insight to the people. There are some messages that may sound good, but they are not able to open men's eyes and turn they from a declining position to an advancing one. There are some messages that may sound good, but they are not able to open men's eyes and turn they from a declining position to an advancing one. No matter how long the people embrace such a message, they will not progress, for neither the messenger nor his message was given by the grace of God. The perception of this will cause bitterness in the belly, even as it did to John. "Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings" (Rev 10:9-11).
PREACHING THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES
3:8b " . . . that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ."
Paul now summarizes his ministry, which was comprised of a message to proclaim, and the insight to proclaim it fully and effectively. Both of these came to him by the grace of God.
THAT I SHOULD PREACH. Other versions read, "bring . . . the news," NRSV "to make clear," BBE "announcing," CJB "proclaim," CSB "to spread," GWN "telling," NLT "preaching and writing." MESSAGE
Paul was given a message to announce, proclaim, declare, or preach. He was not a researcher or a problem solver. He was not sent to "plant" churches - although they sprang up wherever he preached. He was noted for his message, as well as his understanding of it.
It should not surprise you that a great number of ministers have no authentic message. Their message often consists of the things that have impressed them intellectually. Some have messages of novelty, and attract people because they are intellectually different. Still others spout a party line, or a sectarian emphasis. Many bring a message that is driven by social, political, and domestic situations. Still others are fond of asking the people what they want to hear.
However, here was a man who had a message that was not updated by circumstance, or changed by human desires. It was a fixed message of staggering size and proportions. It was like a great warehouse of wisdom and provision that had to do with man's relation to God Himself.
AMONG THE GENTILES. The focus of Paul's ministry was the Gentiles - the nations among whom the light of God had not shone. These were the people who had not been prepared for the coming Messiah as the Jews had been. They were a people to whom the oracles of God had not been committed, and from whom not a single prophet had come.
The man sent to the Gentiles had not been trained in the customs and characteristics of those people. What he knew about them had been shaped by Scripture, not familiarity with their manners. He was not an expert in their gods, their religious ways, or the philosophies that compelled them to do what they did.
The message Paul had been given would address every critical factor. It would expose every false way. It would set before the people the meaning of life, and what was involved in being created in the image of God. He required no special training in Gentile manners to be effective.
THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF CHRIST. And what was it that Paul declared to the Gentiles? It was "the unsearchable riches of Christ!" Other versions read, "unfathomable riches," NASB "boundless riches," NRSV "unending wealth," BBE "incalculable riches," CSB "immeasurable wealth," GWN "inscrutable riches," NAB "endless treasures," NLT "untraceable riches," YLT "exhaustless wealth," IE and "unending (boundless, fathomless, incalculable, and exhaustless) riches of Christ [wealth which no human being could have searched out]." AMPLIFIED
The "riches of Christ" are like the universe - no matter how much is seen, and no matter now much searching and inquiry is made, there is still more to see. It is all contained in the circumference of the Gospel, and is staggering for its size and complexity. No matter how long a person is in Christ, or how astute they become in their perceptions, they will still be amazed at the quantity and depth of the truth as it is in Christ Jesus.
Now, we come to the very heart of Paul's ministry. It has to do with declaring "the unsearchable riches of Christ." To whom did Paul make known this marvelous abundance?. Was is before the deputy of the country of Cyprus (Acts 13:7-12)?Was it before the Lycaonians (Acts 14:14-18)?To what Gentiles did he declare these things? Was it before the Philippian jailor and his household (Acts 16:29-33)? Was it before the Athenian philosophers (Acts 17:22-31)? Was it to Felix (Acts 24:24-25)? Was it to Festus (Acts 25:9-11; 26:25-26)? Was it before king Agrippa (Acts 26:1-29). Was it before the inhabitants of the Island of Melita (Acts 28:10).
IT WAS TO THE CHURCHES. It was to the churches among the Gentiles that Paul declared "the unsearchable riches of Christ" - The Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. To these he opened up the imputation of righteousness (Rom 3-4), the purpose of God (Rom 8:29-30; Eph 1:9-11), and victorious warfare (Rom 7-8), the resurrection of the dead (1 Cor 15), the superiority of the New Covenant (2 Cor 3), and the reconciliation effected by Christ (2 Cor 5:15-21). He proclaimed what was involved in Jesus coming to earth and dying (Phil 2:7-13), what took place when Jesus died (Col 2:11-15), what grace has accomplished (Eph 2-3), how the body of Christ is formed and works (1 Cor 12; Eph 4:8-19), how the saved are illuminated (Eph 1:15-20; 3:15-20), and the impact of the second coming of Christ (Col 3:4,20-21; 1 Thess 4:14-18; 2 Thess 1-2).
Paul's primary ministry was to the church - and he "labored more abundantly than they all" (1 Cor 15:10). Yet, we are faced with a contemporary generation of professing Christians that are abysmally ignorant of Paul's ministry. How will such fare on the day of judgment when they confront the God who made such a gracious provision for their understanding and participation? Let us see to it that we avail ourselves of Paul's indispensable ministry.