Eph 3:5-9 | JFB | STEP | 5. in other ages-- Greek, "generations." not made known-- He does not say, "has not been revealed." Making known by revelation is the source of making known by preaching [Bengel]. The former was vouchsafed only to the prophets, in order that they might make known the truth so revealed to men in general. unto the sons of men-- men in their state by birth, as contrasted with those illuminated "by the Spirit" (Greek, "IN the Spirit," compare ), . as-- The mystery of the call of the Gentiles (of which Paul speaks here) was not unknown to the Old Testament prophets ( , ; ). But they did not know it with the same explicit distinctness "As" it has been now known ( , ; ). They probably did not know that the Gentiles were to be admitted without circumcision or that they were to be on a level with the Jews in partaking of the grace of God. The gift of "the Spirit" in its fulness was reserved for the New Testament that Christ might thereby be glorified. The epithet, "holy," marks the special consecration of the New Testament "prophets" (who are here meant) by the Spirit, compared with which even the Old Testament prophets were but "sons of men" ( , and elsewhere).

‏ Ephesians 3:5-9

5. in other ages--Greek, "generations."

not made known--He does not say, "has not been revealed." Making known by revelation is the source of making known by preaching [Bengel]. The former was vouchsafed only to the prophets, in order that they might make known the truth so revealed to men in general.

unto the sons of men--men in their state by birth, as contrasted with those illuminated "by the Spirit" (Greek, "IN the Spirit," compare Re 1:10), Mt 16:17.

as--The mystery of the call of the Gentiles (of which Paul speaks here) was not unknown to the Old Testament prophets (Is 56:6, 7; 49:6). But they did not know it with the same explicit distinctness "As" it has been now known (Ac 10:19, 20; 11:18-21). They probably did not know that the Gentiles were to be admitted without circumcision or that they were to be on a level with the Jews in partaking of the grace of God. The gift of "the Spirit" in its fulness was reserved for the New Testament that Christ might thereby be glorified. The epithet, "holy," marks the special consecration of the New Testament "prophets" (who are here meant) by the Spirit, compared with which even the Old Testament prophets were but "sons of men" (Eze 2:3, and elsewhere).

6. Translate, "That the Gentiles are," &c. "and fellow members of the same body, and fellow partakers of the (so the oldest manuscripts read, not 'His') promise, in Christ Jesus (added in the oldest manuscripts), through the Gospel." It is "in Christ Jesus" that they are made "fellow heirs" in the inheritance of God: "of the same body" under the Head, Christ Jesus; and "fellow partakers of the promise" in the communion of THE Holy Spirit (Ep 1:13; He 6:4). The Trinity is thus alluded to, as often elsewhere in this Epistle (Ep 2:19, 20, 22).

7. Whereof--"of which" Gospel.

according to--in consequence of, and in accordance with, "the gift of the grace of God."

given--"which (gift of grace) was given to me by (Greek, 'according to,' as in Ep 3:20; 1:19: as the result of, and in proportion to) the effectual working (Greek, 'energy,' or 'in-working') of His power."

8. am--Not merely was I in times past, but I still am the least worthy of so high an office (compare 1Ti 1:15, end).

least of all saints--not merely "of all apostles" (1Co 15:9, 10).

is--Greek, "has been given."

among--omitted in the oldest manuscripts Translate, "to announce to the Gentiles the glad tidings of the unsearchable (Job 5:9) riches," namely, of Christ's grace (Ep 1:7; 2:7). Ro 11:33, "unsearchable" as a mine inexhaustible, whose treasures can never be fully explored (Ep 3:18, 19).

9. to make all men see--Greek, "to enlighten all" (Ep 1:18; Psa 18:28; He 6:4). "All" (compare Col 1:28).

fellowship--The oldest manuscripts read, "economy," or "dispensation" (compare Col 1:25, 26; and see on Ep 1:10, above). "To make all see how it hath seemed good to God at this time to dispense (through me and others, His stewards) what heretofore was a mystery." Ellicott explains it, "the arrangement," or "regulation" of the mystery (the union of Jews and Gentiles in Christ) which was now to be humbly traced and acknowledged in the fact of its having secretly existed in the counsel of God, and now having been revealed to the heavenly powers by means of the Church.

from the beginning of the world--Greek, "from (the beginning of) the ages." Compare Ep 1:4; Ro 16:25; 1Co 2:7. The "ages" are the vast successive periods of time, marked by successive stages of creation and orders of beings.

in God--"hidden in" His counsels (Ep 1:9).

created all things by Jesus Christ--God's creation of the world and all things therein is the foundation of the rest of the "economy," which is freely dispensed according to the universal power of God [Bengel]. AS God created "the whole range of things" (so the Greek), physical and spiritual alike, He must have an absolute right to adjust all things as He will. Hence, we may see His right to keep the mystery of world-wide salvation in Christ "hidden in Himself," till his own good time for revealing it. The oldest manuscripts omit "by Jesus Christ."