Ephesians 3:1-13 (NIV)
Read by: Livi Hollins
In today’s passage, Paul unpacks his calling from God to share that the inheritance of Israel is now available to the rest of the world--to those who the Jews called, “the Gentiles.” Churches in and around the city of Ephesus were diverse in ethnicity and socio-economic status. But the real sign that this church was something new was the fact that Jews and Gentiles were walking in faith together, on an even playing field.
The inheritance promised to the Jews, to rule and reign with God was now being extended to anyone who would put their trust in Jesus. He refers to this news as the mystery that has now been revealed in King Jesus.
----------REFLECT----------
1. What word or phrase stood out to you in the passage?
2. Most go to church with people who look like us or live lives similar to us. Somehow, we often forget the incredible mystery of the beautiful diversity that was revealed in the early church. In what ways might your church or community of believers need to renew its understanding of what God intended the Church to be?
3. Another incredible gift of the Messiah is the ability to approach God with freedom and confidence, knowing that forgiveness is joyfully offered through Jesus and that we are God’s children. Is there anything in your life that you’ve not felt confident to bring before the Father? Can you allow him access to that today?
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Bible Project Podcast: New Testament Letters >>
Bible Project Video: New Testament Letters: Historical Context >>
Bible Project Video: New Testament Letters: Literary Context >>
Bible Project Video: Ephesians >>
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