Ephesians 3:4

Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

Whereby {G4314}{G3739}, when ye read {G314}, ye may {G1410} understand {G3539} my {G3450} knowledge {G4907} in {G1722} the mystery {G3466} of Christ {G5547})

and if you read what I have written, you will grasp how I understand this secret plan concerning the Messiah.

In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,

whereby, when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;

Ephesians 3:4 KJV serves as a pivotal statement by the Apostle Paul, emphasizing the clarity and purpose behind his written communication to the believers in Ephesus. Following his assertion that the "mystery" was made known to him by revelation (Ephesians 3:3), this verse assures his readers that by engaging with his letter, they will grasp the profound spiritual insights God has granted him.

Context

This verse directly follows Paul's declaration in Ephesians 3:3 that the "mystery" was revealed to him. The broader context of Ephesians chapters 2 and 3 centers on this very "mystery of Christ" – the astonishing truth that Gentiles, who were once alienated from the covenant promises of Israel, are now made fellow-heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of God's promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel. Paul, as the apostle to the Gentiles, was uniquely entrusted with this revelation, and he writes to ensure that this transformative truth is fully comprehended by all believers, both Jew and Gentile.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation and Human Understanding: The verse highlights the divine source of truth and the human capacity to understand it through inspired scripture. Paul's "knowledge" is not intellectual speculation but a direct revelation from God, intended for the church's edification.
  • The "Mystery of Christ": The central theme is this previously hidden truth—that God's saving plan includes all people, breaking down the spiritual and social barriers between Jews and Gentiles. They are now united as fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household (Ephesians 2:19). This profound unity is a hallmark of the new covenant.
  • Apostolic Authority and Clarity: Paul's confidence in his readers' ability to "understand my knowledge" underscores his apostolic authority and the clarity of the Gospel message he proclaims. His writing serves as a reliable conduit for God's revealed will.

Linguistic Insights

The term "mystery" (Greek: mystērion) in the New Testament does not refer to something incomprehensible or enigmatic, but rather to a truth previously hidden by God and now revealed. It's a divine secret that God chose to disclose at a specific time. Paul's "knowledge" (Greek: gnōsis) here denotes a deep, experiential understanding and insight into this divine plan, not merely intellectual awareness. This implies a profound, divinely-imparted grasp of spiritual realities.

Practical Application

Ephesians 3:4 encourages believers today to diligently read and study the Scriptures. Just as the Ephesians were to understand Paul's divinely given insights by reading his letter, so too can we gain profound "knowledge in the mystery of Christ" by engaging with the inspired Word of God. This verse reminds us that God desires us to comprehend His redemptive plan, particularly His inclusive love for all humanity and the unity He establishes among diverse peoples in the body of Christ. It calls us to seek deeper understanding of the Gospel's implications for our lives and for the church's mission in the world.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:1

    ¶ Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

  • Colossians 4:3

    Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

  • 2 Corinthians 11:6

    But though [I be] rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.

  • 1 Timothy 3:16

    And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:6

    ¶ Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

  • 1 Corinthians 2:7

    But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

  • Ephesians 5:32

    This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
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