In the opening line, Paul indicates that he is a prisoner. It is assumed that Paul is writing this letter from a Roman prison- for spreading the Gospel! So, he is a prisoner of Christ...he did what he did for Jesus. Do people today have the same conviction as Paul- willing to go to prison for spreading God's Word? The secret ( vv3-5) Paul talks about (some translations say "mystery") is the union of Jews and Gentiles- that Gentiles are also heirs to God's kingdom(v 6). Mystery (Greek - mysterion) is a truth that had been hidden but is now revealed through God. People of ancient Israel didn't know this, but it was revealed to Paul (and New Testament people- disciples, etc) through Christ. Paul continues to talk of unity and togetherness. Many of you spoke of unity in your comments yesterday. Peace and unity is possible, the walls can be broken down. I mentioned in one of my responses about the Berlin Wall coming down- we all thought that would never happen, but it did. Peace can happen;unity can happen. But we need to work for it! Paul's gift from God was the ability to go and tell people about Jesus. Paul uses the word "servant" in v 7 (some translations use "minister" which comes from the Greek (diakonos) "is a table waiter who is always at the bidding of his customers"). Paul continues the servant theology proposed by Jesus to the disciples. Do you view yourself as a minister? As a servant? Even with all the work he is doing- Paul seems himself as a small piece of the workings (v 8); Paul isn't boastful, isn't pompous...he is humble and continues this pattern. Do we know people that like to puff up their chest when they talk about what they have done for the church?
God has had a plan since the beginning of time (vv 9-12)...for all to be united and live in peace. Is that still possible today?
Paul mentions to the Ephesians that they shouldn't worry about him- even though he is in prison (v 13). Even in prison, Paul is doing God's work. Do we sometimes get discouraged when something prevents us from doing God's work? (FYI- Paul is in prison because he "incited a riot" of the Jews when he was preaching in Jerusalem suggesting that the Gentiles can also be part of God's kingdom-- see Acts 21- 22- or wait until we get there!)
Paul tells the Ephesians he is praying for them (v 14)..interesting that he bows (or some translations say on bended knee)...this is a position of humbleness and humility- as opposed to the "normal" position of prayer which is standing up with hands raised up. His prayer seems honest and sincere and one of truth. He really does care for the Ephesians and the church he started there. His prayer is for grace, understanding, strength, and faith. How does it feel to you when you know people are praying for you?
I love Paul's closing statement in this chapter (v 21) "God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine." We all can say that- but do we really believe that?
Have a great sunny day! Remember, we have the next two days off. We will pick up chapter 4 on Monday!
Shalom+
Pastor Paul
In reading this chapter, I wonder what Paul would be thinking about our church and its divisions today. After all, he was a devout Jew. So committed to his thoughts and religion that he was willing to kill for it! And asked for permission to do so from Rome - which he could do because he was in the rare position of also being a citizen of Rome. Gentiles were less then less along with the Jews who were “following in The Way”. Paul deeply felt they were wrong! It went against all of his upbringing, the very grain of what Paul was. And yet, he was able to change 180 degrees and completely live, believe, BE a different person. Not just a different person but different thoughts, different beliefs, loving those very people he was willing to drag from their homes and put in jail - and this included women and children. So if Paul could change this much, if Paul could then realize that all people were God’s children and were given God’s grace just by believing and accepting, what would Paul be telling us today! Especially those of us who feel that certain people are committing greater sins then we are or have. I honestly wish we did have someone today that loved us, prayed for us, guided us as Paul did for all the people of the churches he started then - even willing to suffer torture and imprisonment, not once but I think three times. Am I a minister - probably not. Am I a servant - I hope so. Would I be willing to suffer and go to jail? I am not sure. However, if I had seen Jesus as Paul did, and had things happen to me as Paul did, I might. Yes, God can do more than we can imagine. But are we imagining the right things?
ReplyDeleteI Often think similar thoughts-- what would Jesus think about he church? What does God think? What does Paul think? What kind of letter would he write to us! Change is possibly- and should happen when it comes to inclusion in God's love! One advantage- that you state- Paul and many of the people obviously had direct contact with Jesus- I think that makes a big difference!
DeleteWhat are we imagining?
Good points Donna, Thanks!
The definition of a Gentile is someone who is not Jewish. So I'm assuming that Paul is trying to convert Jews to a new way and school the people that didn't know anything about God. I just have to wonder how the Muslim people fit into this. It seems in the area of the world where Paul is there must have been a huge Muslim population. I looked up an article in the Berkley Institute for Islamic Studies. It says in a book written in d. 767 St Paul is identified as one sent by Jesus to carry his message. It looks like at that time Muslims were also trying to spread their religion through out the area and Paul was interfering with their cause. I thought this was interesting.
ReplyDeleteI have 2 people (elderly relatives) who tell me that they pray for me every day. I find that very comforting. I will miss hearing them say that someday. The youngest is 86.
I believe that God can do much much more than anything that we can ask or imagine. Anyone who has come through a very trying and difficult time to see happy days again knows His power.
Have a good weekend everyone.
"Gentile" means "nation" and like you say- it is someone who is not Jewish. They did have a theology and did worship gods, but I don't think they were monotheistic like the Jews. Paul's goal was to bring both Jews and Gentiles to follow God...for both sets of people it was a different way of life- but probably more different for the Jews since they had the Laws and God.
DeleteInteresting article! Competition!!
It is good to know people are praying for you...there is comfort in that!
Thanks for sharing Cathy!
In this chapter Paul as a prisoner, which he says a prisoner of Jesus, that he was imprisoned because of his teaching of the good news to the Gentiles and the Jewish leaders didn't like him doing that and had him imprisoned. He says that it was God's plan for him to do this teaching and to unify the Gentiles and Jews into a church.
ReplyDeleteThis church was to show God's power and wisdom to all the heavenly beings. Because of our faith we can go to God and not be afraid in his presence. Paul is praying that we can have faith in Jesus and that the Holy Spirit will empower us in our hearts to know God and know the strength and wonder of God's love for us.
There is a great divide in this world today I wonder what Paul would say and do to help this world to overcome our difficulties. Probably already what his has written and possibly more adamant like what he wrote in Galatians.
There is divide today-- how can work to resolve that? It is tough to see the division but there is hope that we can unify.
DeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts Clara
I am at a complete loss of anything to add here. My mind is blank. I know that I could never endure what Paul went through - being imprisoned for his beliefs. I have the deepest respect for people who stand up for their beliefs, but I am sure that I cannot do it myself. It seems to me that Paul spent a good deal of his adult life, both in and out of prison trying to get the Jews and the Gentiles on the same team - that of Jesus and the Good News. Was he successful? Probably not. I say this not because I have read ahead. I may be wrong here. Maybe Paul did bring them together. I am saying this because of the way people act in today's world, and I firmly believe that people in Jesus's and Paul's time were not much different.
ReplyDeleteI say that I would stand up for what I believe in...and I do quite often...but if it came to imprisonment- not sure I could do that. Paul was dedicate to God!
DeleteI agree- the world today is't too much different from Paul's world! We are facing similar division and hate and mistrust! Will God's unifying love for all people ever be realized?
Thanks for the thoughts Jack!
If I was in Paul's shoes, maybe I would be in prison like Paul. Just think having the Holy Spirit in you, feeling love for all, and no hurting. I just can't imagine what life would be like. I hope I can be a servant, when it comes to the church, I like to say what good things our church does, come and enjoy. But is that bragging or bribery
ReplyDeleteInteresting- your thought about you possibly being in prison! I don't know if I am that strong!
DeleteI like to invite people to see what we do also! But you're right- is it bragging or bribing?!
Good thoughts Rose Marie- thanks!