Ephesians – Chapter 3

New Testament21 Verses

1For this cause, I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ, for you Gentiles:

2If yet you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me towards you:

3How that, according to revelation, the mystery has been made known to me, as I have written above in a few words:

4As you reading, may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ,

5Which in other generations was not known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit:

6That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs and of the same body: and copartners of his promise in Christ Jesus, by the gospel

7Of which I am made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God, which is given to me according to the operation of his power.

8To me, the least of all the saints, is given this grace, to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ:

9And to enlighten all men, that they may see what is the dispensation of the mystery which hath been hidden from eternity in God who created all things:

10That the manifold wisdom of God may be made known to the principalities and powers in heavenly places through the church,

11According to the eternal purpose which he made in Christ Jesus our Lord:

12In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

13Wherefore I pray you not to faint at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

14For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15Of whom all paternity in heaven and earth is named:

16That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened by his Spirit with might unto the inward man:

17That Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts: that, being rooted and founded in charity,

18You may be able to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

19To know also the charity of Christ, which surpasseth all knowledge: that you may be filled unto all the fulness of God.

20Now to him who is able to do all things more abundantly than we desire or understand, according to the power that worketh in us:

21To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, unto all generations, world without end. Amen.

Reflection for Today

The message of Ephesians Chapter 3 unfolds within the broader narrative of the Church as Christ's body and bride. Catholic theology, drawing on Ephesians grounds Catholic ecclesiology (CIC 772-776), sees in this chapter a call to deeper faith. The principle that Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her guides our interpretation.

The Church Fathers, including St. Augustine, St. Jerome, and St. John Chrysostom, devoted themselves to explaining Scripture for the faithful. Their insights, preserved in the Church's Tradition, continue to illuminate our reading. The Catechism reminds us that "the Church has always venerated the divine Scriptures as she venerated the Body of the Lord" (CIC 103).

As you engage with this chapter, bring your questions, struggles, and hopes to the text. God's Word addresses the whole person—mind, heart, and will. Through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we receive the grace to live what we read. May this chapter strengthen your faith and deepen your love for Christ and His Church.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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