THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST

Ephesians 3:1-13

Key Verse: 3:6

"This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus."

1. Read verses 1-2. Why did Paul say that he was a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of the Gentiles? Find out what you can about why he was in prison (1-2; Gal 2:12-14; Ac 19:21).

2. Read verses 3-6. How many times do you find the word "mystery" in this chapter? What is the mystery? What was Paul's special insight into the mystery of Christ? (3-6; Ex 19:5-6; Isa 2:3; Isa 9:6,7)

3. What is the "administration of God's grace" given to Paul? How does he fulfill it?

4. Read verse 6 again. Why is Paul's message in this verse revolutionary? (See Jn 4:9; Gal 2:14) What does it mean that the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel? (2 Ti 2:11-12; Ro 8:17) Members of one body? Sharers in the promise?

5. Read verses 7-13. How does Paul apply the mystery of the gospel to himself? What mission had God given him? What is God's intention and great purpose through the church? (10)

6. What do we gain through faith in Jesus? (12)

7. Why might the Ephesians be discouraged? How did Paul encourage them? (13)