For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This 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.

Ephesians 3:1 – 6

I wondered at first who Paul is now addressing, Jewish believers or Gentile believers?  He clarifies that – “you Gentiles,” he wrote.   Paul knows how hard it is for Jews to relate to Gentiles, given their long history of antagonism.  I need to remember that Paul is not only a Jew but a Pharisee, the strictest of the Jews, who insist on absolute obedience to the Law of Moses which sets them apart from Gentiles.

Paul then goes on to explain that he is a prisoner of Christ Jesus.  To be sure, he wrote this letter as a prisoner of powerful Rome. But he is quick to declare that he is not a prisoner of Rome but of Christ Jesus.   That makes all the difference!

Then Paul carefully explains that this vision of the Kingdom of God does not come from him, but from God himself.  Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.

This 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.

In a few words Paul describes the Kingdom of God.  It is a bombshell!  Gentiles and Jewish believers are now joint heirs in this new and amazing body, those who share the promises of Jesus that are for all.

That vision sets all on edge.  Old alliances are gone, old commitments to sectional interests are history for those who believe!  The new has come, a new thing on the earth.  It was taking shape in Ephesus!  As in many other places.

Imagine, a fellowship of love around Jesus Christ from every nation – living together today!  Now, that is a vision that surpasses all.