Ephesians 3:7

KJV

Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whereof {G3739} I was made {G1096} a minister {G1249}, according {G2596} to the gift {G1431} of the grace {G5485} of God {G2316} given {G1325} unto me {G3427} by {G2596} the effectual working {G1753} of his {G846} power {G1411}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I became a servant of this Good News by God’s gracious gift, which he gave me through the operation of his power.

Berean Standard Bible

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power.

American Standard Version

whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 3:7 serves as a profound declaration by the Apostle Paul, articulating the divine origin and nature of his apostolic ministry. He asserts that his role as a minister, particularly in revealing the long-hidden mystery of Gentile inclusion in God's redemptive plan, was not a result of human merit or self-appointment. Instead, it was an unmerited gift, bestowed upon him solely by the sovereign grace of God and empowered by the dynamic, effective working of God's own omnipotent power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's exposition of the "mystery of Christ" (Ephesians 3:4), which he has just revealed to be the inclusion of Gentiles as "fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel" ([Ephesians 3:6](/ephesians/3-6 "Ephesians 3:6 - Gentiles as Fellow Heirs")). Having explained *what* the mystery is, Paul now transitions to *how* he became the primary instrument for its proclamation. Verse 7 clarifies his personal commission and authority, emphasizing that his stewardship of this profound truth is entirely God-ordained, not self-initiated. This personal testimony serves to validate the revelation he is sharing and sets the stage for his subsequent prayer for the Ephesians, which begins in [Ephesians 3:14](/ephesians/3-14 "Ephesians 3:14 - Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul, originally Saul of Tarsus, was a zealous Pharisee who vehemently persecuted Christians before his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus ([Acts 9:1-19](/acts/9-1-19 "Acts 9:1-19 - The Conversion of Saul")). His calling to be an apostle to the Gentiles ([Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - Paul's Commission to the Gentiles")) was revolutionary, challenging deeply entrenched Jewish-Gentile divisions prevalent in the first century. In a world where status was often tied to birthright, social standing, or personal achievement, Paul's insistence that his ministry was a pure "gift of grace" underscored the counter-cultural nature of the Gospel. The term "minister" (Greek: _diákonos_) in the Greco-Roman world typically referred to a servant or attendant, often in a menial capacity, which Paul humbly embraced to describe his service to God and humanity.

* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 3:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ephesians and Paul's broader theology. It highlights the **Divine Sovereignty** in calling and equipping individuals for service, demonstrating that God initiates and empowers His chosen instruments. The verse also underscores **Grace as the Foundation of Ministry**, asserting that Paul's significant role was not earned through human effort or merit but was a pure, unmerited favor from God, a theme consistently present in Paul's writings (e.g., [1 Corinthians 15:10](/1_corinthians/15-10 "1 Corinthians 15:10 - Paul's Labor by God's Grace")). Furthermore, it emphasizes **God's Enabling Power** as the true engine behind effective ministry, illustrating that divine energy is what sustains and accomplishes God's purposes through human vessels, as seen in Paul's own testimony of laboring "according to his working, which works in me mightily" ([Colossians 1:29](/colossians/1-29 "Colossians 1:29 - Paul's Struggle by God's Power")). Finally, the verse implicitly promotes **Humility in Service**, as Paul attributes all success and ability to God, deflecting glory from himself.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Minister (Greek, _diákonos_):** This term (G1249) describes an attendant, a waiter, or one who runs errands. In a Christian context, it signifies a servant, particularly one dedicated to carrying out God's will and serving His people. Paul consistently portrays himself not as a master or one of authority in himself, but as a humble servant commissioned by God.
* **Gift (Greek, _dōreá_):** Derived from G1431, this word refers to a gratuity, something freely given without expectation of return or merit. Its use here emphasizes that Paul's ministry was not earned but was a pure, unmerited bestowal from God, highlighting the generosity and unconditionality of divine favor.
* **Grace (Greek, _cháris_):** This foundational New Testament concept (G5485) denotes graciousness, unmerited favor, or the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life. It signifies God's benevolent disposition towards humanity, freely given. Paul's apostleship and ministry were entirely a result of this divine, unmerited gift.
* **Effectual working (Greek, _enérgeia_):** From G1753, this powerful word signifies efficiency, active, dynamic, operative power, or "energy." It describes God's divine energy actively at work, producing results. It's not a passive force but God's dynamic power making Paul's ministry effective and fruitful.
* **Power (Greek, _dýnamis_):** This term (G1411) refers to force, ability, or strength, often implying miraculous power. When combined with "effectual working," it emphasizes the inherent, active strength of God that empowers Paul to accomplish what he could never do in his own human capacity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whereof I was made a minister":** The antecedent "whereof" refers directly to the "mystery of the gospel" concerning the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:6). Paul states that he "was made" (Greek: _gínomai_, G1096, indicating a coming into being or becoming) a minister. This passive construction strongly emphasizes that his appointment was not self-initiated or by human design, but a divine act, a sovereign commissioning by God. He is a servant specifically for the purpose of proclaiming this mystery.
* **"according to the gift of the grace of God":** This clause specifies the *basis* of his ministry. It is not based on his past merits, his Jewish heritage, or his intellectual prowess, but entirely "according to" (Greek: _katá_, G2596, indicating correspondence or agreement with) the "gift" (G1431) that stems from the "grace of God" (G5485, G2316). This highlights the unmerited, benevolent favor of God as the sole source of his calling and enablement.
* **"given unto me":** This phrase further reinforces the idea of divine bestowal. The ministry was not something Paul seized or earned, but something God freely "gave" (Greek: _dídōmi_, G1325) to him (G3427), underscoring its nature as a pure, unearned endowment.
* **"by the effectual working of his power":** This final phrase describes the *means* by which the ministry is made effective and operative. It is "by" (Greek: _katá_, G2596) the dynamic, active "effectual working" (G1753) of God's (G846) inherent "power" (G1411). This signifies that God's own divine energy and strength are the true engine behind Paul's successful ministry, enabling him to accomplish what is humanly impossible.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in [Ephesians 3:7](/ephesians/3-7 "Ephesians 3:7 - Paul's Ministry by Grace and Power") to underscore the divine origin and nature of his ministry. The most prominent is **Attribution**, where he consistently credits God as the sole source of his calling and effectiveness, rather than himself. Phrases like "I was made a minister," "gift of the grace of God given unto me," and "by the effectual working of his power" all serve to deflect any personal glory and direct it entirely to God. This creates a powerful sense of **Humility** and **Theocentricity**. Furthermore, Paul uses a form of **Emphatic Reinforcement** through the accumulation of synergistic terms: "gift," "grace," "effectual working," and "power." Each word, while distinct, contributes to a cumulative emphasis on the divine, unmerited, and dynamic nature of his commission, ensuring that no listener could misunderstand the ultimate source of his authority and ability. The phrase "his power" also functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where "power" stands in for God Himself as the ultimate source of all might and capability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 3:7 provides a profound theological statement about the nature of Christian ministry and service, extending far beyond Paul's specific apostolic calling. It establishes that all true ministry originates from God's sovereign initiative and is sustained by His unmerited favor and dynamic power, rather than human merit, ability, or effort. This perspective fosters deep humility and dependence on God, reminding believers that any effectiveness in service is a testament to God's work through them, not their own inherent strength. It underscores the truth that God's grace not only saves but also equips and empowers for service, demonstrating His commitment to accomplishing His purposes through willing vessels. This divine empowerment is essential for overcoming human limitations and fulfilling the challenging demands of proclaiming the Gospel and building up the body of Christ.

* [1 Corinthians 15:10](/1_corinthians/15-10 "Paul's Labor by Grace")
* [Colossians 1:29](/colossians/1-29 "Paul's Struggle by God's Power")
* [Romans 12:6](/romans/12-6 "Gifts by Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 3:7 offers profound insights for every believer today, regardless of their specific role in the church. It challenges us to re-evaluate the source of our spiritual effectiveness and motivation. If Paul, the preeminent apostle, attributed his entire ministry to God's grace and power, how much more should we? This verse calls us to embrace a posture of humility, recognizing that any spiritual gift, talent, or opportunity to serve is a "gift of the grace of God," not something we have earned or can claim credit for. It encourages us to lean fully on God's "effectual working of his power" in our lives, especially when faced with daunting tasks or personal inadequacies. Our effectiveness in sharing the Gospel, serving others, or overcoming personal struggles is not dependent on our own strength or wisdom, but on the limitless power of God at work within us. This truth liberates us from the pressure of self-reliance and redirects all glory to the One who truly enables.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding your abilities or opportunities for service as a "gift of the grace of God" change your perspective on them?**
* **In what specific areas of your life or ministry do you tend to rely more on your own strength than on God's "effectual working of his power"?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reliance on God's grace and power in your daily walk?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "minister" in this context?**

Answer: In Ephesians 3:7, when Paul states he "was made a minister," he uses the Greek word _diákonos_ (G1249), which broadly means "servant" or "attendant." In this specific context, it signifies a divinely appointed and commissioned servant. Paul is not merely a general servant of God, but one specifically chosen and equipped to proclaim the "mystery of Christ" to the Gentiles, as he has just explained in [Ephesians 3:6](/ephesians/3-6 "Ephesians 3:6 - Gentiles as Fellow Heirs"). His ministry is therefore a stewardship, a sacred trust given by God, rather than a self-appointed role or one earned through personal merit.

**How does "grace" relate to "power" in this verse?**

Answer: In Ephesians 3:7, "grace" and "power" are intricately linked, representing distinct yet complementary aspects of God's work in Paul's ministry. "Grace" (Greek: _cháris_, G5485) refers to God's unmerited favor—it is the *source* or *foundation* of the gift of ministry itself. God, in His benevolent disposition, freely bestowed this calling upon Paul, despite his past as a persecutor. "Power" (Greek: _dýnamis_, G1411), specifically through its "effectual working" (Greek: _enérgeia_, G1753), is the *means* by which that ministry is made effective and operative. So, God's unmerited favor (grace) gives the calling and the gift, and His dynamic, active energy (power) enables Paul to fulfill that calling and ensures its success. Grace initiates and commissions, while power empowers and accomplishes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 3:7, while focusing on Paul's personal ministry, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's ministry, described as a "gift of the grace of God," directly reflects the ultimate **Grace** revealed in Christ. It is through Christ that "the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men" ([Titus 2:11](/titus/2-11 "Titus 2:11 - The Grace of God Has Appeared")). Jesus himself is the embodiment of God's unmerited favor, full of "grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Furthermore, Paul's ministry is empowered "by the effectual working of his power," which is none other than the resurrection **Power** of Christ. This is the same "immeasurably great power for us who believe" that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at God's right hand ([Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - God's Power in Christ")). Paul, as a minister, is an instrument through whom Christ's power continues to operate, revealing the mystery of Gentile inclusion, which was accomplished through Christ's atoning work on the cross, breaking down the wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, Paul's divinely appointed and empowered service is a direct extension of Christ's ongoing redemptive mission, bringing all people into one body through the Gospel.

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

Ephesians 1:19

And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

Ephesians 3:20

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Ephesians 3:2

If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

2 Corinthians 3:6

¶ Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Colossians 1:23

If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

Colossians 1:25

Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

Hebrews 13:21

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.