A Royal Family

Ephesians 3


1For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—
2Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. 8Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

“For this reason” (3:1) refers back to the understanding of Ephesians 1 and 2. Paul unfolds his understanding of “mystery”. Then, in verse 6, Paul says plainly “this mystery is that the Gentiles are made heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus”. (does this unity sound like the concept of family?)

“Family” is a constant theme in the Pauline letters. When you read further on to verse 14, you will see, the concept of ‘family’ extends further than just an ordinary household.

“For this reason I kneel before the father,” and from whom His whole family in Heaven and on Earth derives its name”.

We are heirs to a Royal Family. Verse 12 uses the word ‘approach’, From the Greek, ‘prosagogh’ (could be ‘access’). Used in the Old Testament for approaching God in the Sanctuary (Lev 1:3; 3:13; 4:14). And here, it is used in the right to be admitted (to have access to)to have an audience with a king. “For this reason I kneel before the Father” is an extension of “His whole family” (Royal Mansion) that Paul speaks of in verse 12.

This is just another example of where God’s temple is. We are the body, both Gentiles and Jews.