Ephesians 3:6

KJV

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

KJV (with Strong's)

That the Gentiles {G1484} should be {G1511} fellowheirs {G4789}, and {G2532} of the same body {G4954}, and {G2532} partakers {G4830} of his {G846} promise {G1860} in {G1722} Christ {G5547} by {G1223} the gospel {G2098}:

Complete Jewish Bible

that in union with the Messiah and through the Good News the Gentiles were to be joint heirs, a joint body and joint sharers with the Jews in what God has promised.

Berean Standard Bible

This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.

American Standard Version

to wit, that the Gentiles are fellow-heirs, and fellow-members of the body, and fellow-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 3:6 profoundly reveals the content of the "mystery of Christ," declaring that Gentiles, once alienated from God's covenant promises, are now fully and equally integrated into the spiritual family of God. Through the transformative power of the gospel, they are made co-heirs with Jewish believers, members of the same unified body, and joint partakers of God's divine promise in Christ Jesus, dismantling ancient barriers and establishing a new, inclusive humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic unveiling of the "mystery of Christ" that Paul introduces in the preceding verses of [Ephesians 3:3-5](/ephesians/3-3-5 "Ephesians 3:3-5 - The Mystery Revealed to Paul"). Paul emphasizes that this mystery, previously hidden, has now been revealed to God's holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. Ephesians 3:6 explicitly states the astonishing truth of this mystery, building upon the foundational work laid out in [Ephesians 2](/ephesians/2 "Ephesians 2 - From Death to Life and Unity"), where Paul describes how both Jews and Gentiles, once separated by sin and the law, have been reconciled to God and to one another in one body through the cross of Christ. The immediate context, therefore, is the *content* and *implication* of God's sovereign plan for the inclusion of all peoples in His saving work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division between Jews and Gentiles was one of the most significant social and religious realities in the ancient world. Jews, as God's chosen people, possessed the covenant, the law, and the promises, often viewing Gentiles as "outsiders" or "dogs." This theological and cultural chasm was reinforced by practices such as circumcision, dietary laws, and the physical barrier in the Jerusalem Temple that prohibited Gentiles from entering certain sacred courts. For a Jew to consider a Gentile as an equal heir or a member of the same spiritual body was revolutionary, challenging deeply ingrained traditions and prejudices. Paul's revelation in [Ephesians 3:6](/ephesians/3-6 "Ephesians 3:6 - Gentiles as Fellow Heirs") directly confronts and dismantles these historical and cultural barriers, asserting a radical new reality forged by Christ.
* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 3:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the letter. Foremost is the theme of **Radical Inclusion and Equality**, asserting that God's salvation is not ethnically exclusive but extends fully to Gentiles, granting them equal status with Jewish believers. This leads directly to the theme of **Unity in Christ**, where the former dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Broke Down the Wall")) is broken down, creating "one new humanity" ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - Creating One New Humanity"))—the Church—where all believers are reconciled in one body. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **Shared Inheritance and Promise**, emphasizing that Gentiles now fully participate in the spiritual blessings and covenant promises historically associated with Israel. Finally, it underscores **The Gospel as the Means** by which this profound transformation and inclusion are accomplished, revealing the gospel as the divine instrument for God's unifying and reconciling work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fellowheirs (Greek, _synklēronómos'_):** From σύν (syn, "with") and κληρονόμος (klēronómos, "heir"), this compound word signifies "a co-heir" or "participant in common." It powerfully conveys the idea that Gentiles are not merely beneficiaries of God's grace but are joint heirs, sharing equally and fully in the inheritance of God's spiritual blessings and promises alongside Jewish believers. This implies an unreserved and complete portion, not a secondary or lesser share.
* **Of the same body (Greek, _sýssōmos'_):** From σύν (syn, "with") and σῶμα (sōma, "body"), this term literally means "of a joint body" or "co-bodied." It emphasizes the organic and intrinsic unity of Jewish and Gentile believers within the Church. They are not just allied but are inextricably linked as members of a single, living organism, with Christ as its head. This highlights the profound spiritual reality of the Church as a unified entity, transcending all former distinctions.
* **Partakers (Greek, _symmétochos'_):** From σύν (syn, "with") and μέτοχος (métochos, "partaker" or "sharer"), this word denotes a "co-participant" or "joint sharer." It reinforces the complete and equal involvement of Gentiles in God's "promise." This is not a partial or conditional participation but a full and unreserved sharing in all the benefits and blessings of the divine assurance, particularly the promise of the Holy Spirit and eternal life through Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs":** This clause declares the radical new status of Gentiles. They are no longer excluded but are now fully included as co-heirs with Jewish believers in the spiritual inheritance of God's kingdom. This inheritance encompasses salvation, eternal life, the Holy Spirit, and all the blessings promised through Christ. It signifies a complete and equal share, challenging the long-held notion of Jewish exclusivity.
* **"and of the same body":** This phrase emphasizes the profound organic unity forged between Jewish and Gentile believers. They are not merely allied or tolerated but are integrated into a single, unified spiritual organism—the Church. This "same body" is the body of Christ, signifying a deep, living connection where all members are interdependent and share a common life in Him.
* **"and partakers of his promise":** This clause further specifies the nature of their inclusion: Gentiles are joint sharers in God's divine promise. This refers primarily to the overarching promise of salvation, the Holy Spirit, and new life in Christ, which was historically given to Abraham and fulfilled in Jesus. Their participation is not peripheral but central, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His expansive covenant purposes.
* **"in Christ by the gospel":** These concluding phrases identify the indispensable means and sphere of this radical inclusion. The unity and shared inheritance are realized "in Christ," meaning that union with Jesus Christ is the sole basis for this new reality. It is through His person and work that these barriers are broken down. This entire mystery is brought to light and actualized "by the gospel," the good news of Christ's death, resurrection, and reign. The gospel is the divine vehicle through which God's inclusive plan is revealed and enacted, reconciling all to Himself.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 3:6 powerfully employs **Parallelism** and a **Tricolon** through the repetition of the Greek prefix *syn-* (meaning "with" or "together") in the three key terms: *synklēronómos* ("fellowheirs"), *sýssōmos* ("of the same body"), and *symmétochos* ("partakers"). This rhetorical device creates a rhythmic emphasis, underscoring the complete, comprehensive, and harmonious integration of Gentiles into God's family. The cumulative effect of these three "co-" words is to stress the absolute equality and shared identity of all believers. Furthermore, the phrase "of the same body" functions as a potent **Metaphor**, portraying the Church not merely as a collection of individuals but as a living, unified organism, with Christ as its head. This organic imagery conveys intimacy, interdependence, and a shared spiritual life, transcending all former ethnic or social distinctions. The entire verse is presented as the culmination of a **Revelation**—the "mystery" that was previously hidden but is now unveiled, highlighting God's sovereign and surprising plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 3:6 stands as a monumental theological declaration, revealing the heart of God's redemptive purpose: the creation of a unified new humanity in Christ. It dismantles any notion of ethnic or social superiority within God's kingdom, asserting that salvation and spiritual blessings are equally available to all who believe, regardless of their background. This verse underscores the Church's true nature as a diverse yet organically unified body, reflecting God's multi-faceted wisdom to the principalities and powers. It proclaims that the gospel is not just a message of individual salvation but also a powerful force for reconciliation, breaking down the most entrenched barriers and forging a community where all are fellow citizens, fellow heirs, and fellow partakers in God's glorious promises.

* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ"): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
* [Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All in All"): "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all."
* [Romans 15:8-12](/romans/15-8-12 "Romans 15:8-12 - Gentiles Glorify God"): "Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 3:6 calls us to a profound re-evaluation of our understanding of God's grace, the nature of the Church, and our relationships with fellow believers. If Gentiles, once utterly alienated, can be made co-heirs and members of the same body, then no human-made barrier—be it racial, social, economic, or cultural—can legitimately divide those who are "in Christ." This truth should compel us to actively dismantle any lingering prejudices or exclusive attitudes within our hearts and communities. It challenges us to embrace and celebrate the rich diversity within the global Church, recognizing that every believer, regardless of their background, possesses equal dignity, value, and access to God's promises. Living out this verse means fostering genuine unity, pursuing reconciliation, and ensuring that our churches are welcoming spaces where all are truly fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household. It reminds us that the power of the gospel is not merely to save individuals but to create a radically inclusive and unified new humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that Gentiles are "fellowheirs" challenge any exclusive or elitist attitudes we might hold, either personally or corporately within the church?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as members of Christ's "same body," actively promote unity and break down divisions in our local church and broader community?**
* **Considering that Gentiles are "partakers of his promise," how does this deepen our appreciation for the expansive and inclusive nature of God's covenant faithfulness?**

### FAQ

**What is the "mystery" Paul refers to in Ephesians 3, and how does Ephesians 3:6 explain it?**

Answer: The "mystery" (Greek, *mystērion*) that Paul refers to throughout [Ephesians 3](/ephesians/3 "Ephesians 3 - The Mystery of the Gospel") is not something incomprehensible, but rather a truth previously hidden in God's eternal plan and now revealed through Christ and the apostles. [Ephesians 3:6](/ephesians/3-6 "Ephesians 3:6 - Gentiles as Fellow Heirs") directly explains the core content of this mystery: that the Gentiles are now fully and equally included in God's covenant promises alongside Jewish believers. Specifically, it states that Gentiles are "fellowheirs," meaning they share equally in God's inheritance; "of the same body," signifying their organic unity with Jewish believers in the Church; and "partakers of his promise," indicating their full participation in the blessings of God's covenant, all made possible "in Christ by the gospel." This revelation of radical inclusion and unity was a profound and surprising truth to many in the first century.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 3:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment and realization in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very foundation upon which this radical inclusion of Gentiles is built, for it is "in Christ" that this new reality is established. His atoning death on the cross did not merely reconcile humanity to God, but also "broken down the middle wall of partition" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Broke Down the Wall")), which symbolized the deep-seated animosity and legal separation between Jews and Gentiles. Through His sacrifice, Christ "made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Broke Down the Wall")), creating a "new man" ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - Creating One New Humanity"))—the Church—where ethnic distinctions are transcended. The gospel, which is the means by which this mystery is revealed and enacted, is the good news of Christ's finished work, His resurrection, and His reign. He is the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through faith in Him, all nations are blessed, fulfilling the ancient promise given to Abraham that "in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Blessing All Nations")). Thus, the inclusion of Gentiles as fellowheirs and co-members of the body is not an afterthought but the glorious culmination of God's redemptive plan centered entirely on Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 3:26

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:29

And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Romans 8:15

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Romans 8:17

¶ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.

1 John 1:3

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

1 John 2:25

And this is the promise that he hath promised us, [even] eternal life.

Galatians 3:14

That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.