EPHESIANS 3v8-13

The purpose of the day of grace

In the scope of these few verses, Paul outlines the superb purpose of the day of grace.  In verses 1-7 it was the mystery revealed to the apostles and prophets, now in verses 8-13 it is the mystery revealed to the universe.   This is in two parts a) World evangelisation; and b) Angelic education.   The second of these is not spoken of regularly, nevertheless it is clear that we,(human beings), are not the only consideration in the purposes of God.   In the light of this, Paul begins to feel the weight of this and senses a reason for his imprisonment.... he began the chapter with the words "for this cause", and repeats it in verse 14.   He understands that this is the greatest cause of all.   His stewardship weighs heavily upon him and he uses the phrase "the fellowship of the mystery", that is it must be shared as world evangelisation is vital, as is the education of angels.   The task is immense, but it is the work of God, and he feels his own insignificance, and also the huge significance of the message entrusted to him.

• a) The universal declaration of the grace of God to all mankind     He calls himself "less than the least of all saints."   This was no mock humility on the part of Paul, because he constantly belittled himself.   He called himself "the chief of sinners" (1 Timothy 1v15-16); in 1 Corinthians 15v9-10 he said he was the least of the apostles in terms of rank, and last of the apostles in terms of time.  Take away God's grace and what am I?   Says Paul, just a proud, hateful, intolerant man, motivated by self interest, and dominated by sin, in his case, the persecution of those of the opposite persuasion.   To such an one has God given this grace.   As much as he deprecates the messenger he extols the vast worth of the message he has been given.   He calls it "the unsearchable riches of Christ."   There is only one other place in the new testament this word is used in Romans 11v34; there it is translated "past finding out".....this translation perfectly describes it, there is no limit, no, end no searching out, of the unfathomable riches of Christ in the gospel.   The temple of Artemis in Ephesus was said to be "the bank of Asia" with it's fabulous wealth obtained from global trade in religious souvenirs.   Incalculable treasures were held in the vaults of the temple which was 220 years in the building, was over 400 ft. long, had 57 pillars, a magnificent structure, which was world-renowned.   Says Paul, to me has been given eternal treasures to share with all mankind!   He uses this imagery to describe the gospel (chapter 1v7, 1v18, 2v7, 3v8, and 3v18).   The spiritual riches of the gospel far outweigh the material riches of this world.   Material riches will end, riches of grace will never end, nor lose their value.   There is no limit to the wealth in the gospel of Christ.   Job 9v10 "He doeth great things past finding out; yea and wonders without number."    Again Job 5v9 " God...who does great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number."   Psalm 145v3 " Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised and His greatness is unsearchable."    These scriptures and others declare the infinite resources of God, and Paul applies them to the gospel of Christ....unsearchable riches.   His mission is to enlighten all men that God is offering grace to all on an equal footing in the person of His Son.   Legend has it that the goddess Diana descended from heaven to take up residence in the great temple, in luxurious surroundings, but with unholy practices.   The Son of God descended from heaven to build the holy temple of God with it's vast store of spiritual riches.   The temple of Diana has gone, the temple of God is in the building and will last forever.  
• b)   The revelation to angels in heaven of the manifold wisdom of God          Here we have an aspect of the present day we hear little of, probably because it doesn't affect us, nevertheless what is here is the specific statement that God created the world to further the education of angels.   This may come as a shock to many, but what is stated here is that God created all things to include the planet earth, as a stage on which He would create the church, with the express purpose, that, through the church, in the present age, He would reveal His manifold wisdom to the principalities and powers in heavenly places.   Note the clarity of the wording:

 "..to the intent that..."    A primary reason why God created all things                                                 

"...now..."                        In this present dispensation of grace.

"...unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places..."   clearly unfallen angels, He will not educate demons, although they will witness the wisdom of God.

"...might be known through the church...."   through the agency of the church, living, converted, human beings becoming object lessons in the hand of God to demonstrate to invisible creatures, greater than we are, the wisdom of God.   They cannot know the grace of God for they are sinless beings, but they can know His wisdom, and they learn it through us.
"...the manifold wisdom of God..."        Every attribute of God would be "manifold", He is a God of infinite variety.   Look at His creation, all different people, all different species, different colours, different cultures, variety, variety, variety, everywhere.   It means multi- coloured, variegated, many sided.   The church is today, and for many days already, and for however many days that are yet to come, an AUDIO-VISUAL of the wisdom of God.   The church consisting of people from every nation, from differing cultures, and with differing personalities, experiencing many different problems and challenges, demonstrates to angels in real life situations, the infinite variety of Divine wisdom.   Scripture says God's wisdom is infinite (Job 11v6-7).   Angels are intelligent beings, and, by reason of their longevity alone are wiser than men, but God is teaching them through us, aspects of His wisdom .   Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4v9, referring to his sufferings "we are made a spectacle unto the world, both to angels and to men."   In the same epistle chapter 11v10, angels are said to observe church order; Peter in chapter1v12 of his first letter says angels are intently interested in the progress of the gospel, they are spectators in the unfolding drama, and all the while they are learning more about the ways of God.
"...according to the purpose of the ages, which He made in Christ Jesus our Lord..."       all this was written into the Divine plan for the ages of time.   He created the world, in which He would bring forth the church, which would in turn reveal a part of God they had never seen.   Like the nature of the day of grace, the angels have never experienced like this.

Wonderful, wonderful truth, that underpins our faith to know that we are not only part of a great eternal plan, but that we are the means of furthering the understanding of angels!   Paul immediately turns this to practical effect by saying, therefore we should have boldness and freedom of access in confidence, knowing that we are partners in the process of Divine revelation.   In light of that he wishes them to correctly interpret his suffering on their behalf.... he said..."my tribulation for you.....your glory."   Such teaching should engender endurance and deeper knowledge of God.