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Ephesians 3:1-4 (JDV)

Ephesians 3:1 For this, I, Paul have become the prisoner of Christ Jesus in behalf of you Gentiles.

Ephesians 3:2 You have heard, haven’t you, about the commission of God’s favor that he gave to me for you?

Ephesians 3:3 The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above.

Ephesians 3:4 By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.

prisoner for the revelation

Paul connects his current state of imprisonment with his commission as an ambassador of Christ. He thus calls himself a prisoner of Christ, even though it is a human authority that imprisoned him. He was where he was because of his commitment to Christ, and insisting on sharing the gospel with a world that did not want to hear it.

He also connects his commission with the revelation of a mystery. Because his insight was so great, his suffering was also great. We should not think as the world thinks – that if only we knew more, we would suffer less. God’s economy does not work that way. Our suffering is a badge of authenticy certifying the truth of the gospel we preach.

Lord, give us the strength to endure what is necessary to pass on the truth to our generation.