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EPHESIANS - LESSON FIVE

INTRODUCTION

What was the underlying cause for Paul being a prisoner? Could Paul being a

prisoner be discouraging to the Christians in Ephesus? In Ephesians 3:1-13, Paul

addresses these issues. Paul states his imprisonment was connected with the cause of

Christ "in behalf of you Gentiles" (3:1). He then lays down the background of his

ministry in receiving the gospel of grace and how the Gentiles are included in God's

redemptive plan in Christ (3:2-12). By knowing Paul's ministry is in behalf of the

Gentiles, they should not be discouraged, but rejoice in the glory of the cause (3:13).

I. THE REVEALING OF THE DIVINE MYSTERY (3:1-13)

A. Paul Imprisoned for the mystery (v.1). (cf. Acts 9:15, 22:17-21).

B. Received mystery through revelation - understood when read (v.2-5).

C. Mystery defined: Gentiles share in the promise of Christ (v.6)

D. Great mystery preached by humbled apostle Paul (v.7-9).

E. Mystery manifests varied wisdom of God to spiritual powers through the church      (v.10-11).

F. Mystery revealed gives boldness and strength through faith (v.12-13).

QUESTIONS:

1. For what cause was Paul a prisoner?

2. How did Paul's imprisonment help the Gentiles?

3. "Dispensation" in verse 2 indicates (a) a time frame (b) a stewardship or

    administration (c) an exemption or remission.

4. How did Paul get the message he preached?

5. In what sense is Christianity "a mystery"?

6. To what does Paul refer when he said, "as I wrote before in few words"?

7. To what two groups of men has God revealed the mystery of Christ?

8. In (or by) what has the mystery been revealed?

9. Name the three things in which the Gentiles are now "fellows" with the Jews.

10. What is the promise of which the Gentiles are sharing in ?

11. According to what two things was Paul made a minister?

12. How did Paul look at himself in comparison to the least of saints?

      Why did he have such a view?

13. What did Paul preach unto the Gentiles?

14. What is seen in the establishing of the church?

15. The church and God's eternal purpose are (a) connected (b) separate with/from

      one another.

16. What are the "principalities and powers" to which God's wisdom is to be made

      known?

17. In whom an we have boldness in approaching the Father?

18. Why should the Gentiles not faint at Paul's tribulations?