Ephesians 3:4
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
Ephesians 3:4
In Ephesians 3:4, Paul instructs readers that by reading, they may understand his knowledge “in the mystery of Christ.” The exercise of reading is not a mere intellectual activity but a doorway into spiritual understanding. In the first-century church, illuminated teaching—often through letters, sermons, and oral tradition—was essential for preserving the apostolic doctrine. Paul’s claim invites believers to engage with his letter attentively, discerning the significance of his words for the unity of Jew and Gentile within Christ. The phrase “the mystery of Christ” links back to the previous verse, emphasizing revelation of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus. Paul writes so that readers are not simply readers but participants who grasp the implications of the gospel’s inclusive nature. His rhetorical strategy also anticipates potential misinterpretations, urging careful, prayerful reading to apprehend the depth of what God has accomplished in Christ.
Understanding the mystery is central to Pauline theology: God’s plan has always included all nations in salvation through Christ. The knowledge acquired through reading becomes transformative belief that unites diverse people. The emphasis on “revelation” and “mystery” underscores that true understanding comes from the Spirit’s work in the church, not from human ingenuity alone. This verse also reinforces reception of the gospel through instruction and community. The mystery invites humility—recognizing that there is more to grasp as God unfolds revelation through different ages and contexts.
Make Bible reading deliberate and expectant. When you study Ephesians, ask: What does this reveal about who belongs to God? How does this shape how I relate to others different from me? Practical steps: join a study group that tackles the broader themes of unity and inclusion; journal questions that connect the passage to your community dynamics; practice hospitality across cultural lines within your church or neighborhood. The verse encourages you to reexamine what you think you know about “insiders” and “outsiders,” inviting you to extend grace and embrace the mystery of God’s inclusive plan. Let reading lead to reflection, prayer, and concrete acts of reconciliation.
Cross-References: Colossians 2:2-3; Romans 11:33-36; 1 Corinthians 2:7-10; Luke 24:45; John 14:26