Ephesians 3:6

Context

Ephesians 3:6 is a pivotal verse within Paul's discourse on the "mystery of Christ," which he introduces in the preceding verses (Ephesians 3:3-5). Historically, there was a profound division between Jews and Gentiles, with Gentiles often considered outsiders to God's covenant promises. Paul, as the Apostle to the Gentiles, reveals that God's plan, which was hidden for ages, is now made manifest through the gospel: the full and equal inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community. This verse follows Paul's explanation of how the Gentiles, once alienated, have been brought near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13) and are no longer strangers but fellow citizens with the saints.

Key Themes

• Radical Inclusion and Equality: The verse powerfully declares that Gentiles are no longer secondary but are made equal to Jewish believers in every spiritual privilege. This challenges deeply ingrained societal and religious norms of the time.
• Unity in Christ: It emphasizes the profound unity forged in the new covenant. Jews and Gentiles are brought together as one spiritual family, part of the one body of Christ, the Church, dismantling former barriers.
• Shared Inheritance and Promise: Gentiles now fully participate in the blessings and promises of God, which were historically associated with Israel. This includes the spiritual inheritance of salvation, eternal life, and fellowship with God.
• The Gospel as the Means: This astounding inclusion is made possible "by the gospel." The good news of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection is the divine vehicle through which this mystery is revealed and enacted, reconciling both groups to God in one body.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translates three key Greek terms that highlight the profound unity and equality presented in this verse:

• "Fellowheirs" (Greek: sygkleronomos): This word signifies joint heirs, indicating that Gentiles share equally in the inheritance with Jewish believers. It emphasizes a complete and equal portion of God's spiritual blessings.
• "Of the same body" (Greek: syssōmos): This term literally means "of the same body" or "co-bodied." It stresses the organic unity of believers, forming a single spiritual entity—the Church—with Christ as its head. This is not merely an alliance but a living, unified organism.
• "Partakers of his promise" (Greek: symmetocha): This means "joint partakers" or "fellow sharers." It underscores that Gentiles participate fully and equally in God's promises, particularly the promise of the Holy Spirit and eternal life through Christ.

These three compound words, all beginning with the prefix syn- (meaning "with" or "together"), powerfully underscore the complete and harmonious integration of Gentiles into God's family through Christ.

Significance and Application

Ephesians 3:6 has profound implications for understanding the nature of the Church and God's expansive grace. It reminds us that:

• God's plan is inclusive: Salvation is not limited by ethnicity, social status, or any human distinction (Galatians 3:28). All who believe in Christ are part of His body.
• Unity is paramount: The verse calls believers to embrace and live out the unity that Christ has already established. Divisions within the Church based on background, race, or class contradict the very mystery revealed here.
• The Gospel's power: It highlights the transformative power of the gospel to break down barriers and create a new humanity in Christ. This unity is a testimony to the world of God's reconciling love.
• Shared blessings: Every believer, regardless of their background, shares equally in the blessings and promises of God through Christ. There are no second-class citizens in God's kingdom.