Ephesians 3:1 kjv

For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

Ephesians 3:1 nkjv

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

Ephesians 3:1 niv

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

Ephesians 3:1 esv

For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles ?

Ephesians 3:1 nlt

When I think of all this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the benefit of you Gentiles . . .

Ephesians 3 verses

Ephesians 3 1 Meaning

Ephesians 3:1 serves as a pivotal transition, connecting the profound theological truths previously expounded, particularly the unification of Jews and Gentiles in Christ, to the upcoming revelation of a divine mystery. Paul, the author, identifies himself as a prisoner whose current confinement is not merely a worldly consequence but a purposeful part of God's plan, undertaken specifically for the benefit of the Gentile believers. This statement sets the stage for Paul to elaborate on his unique commission to reveal this previously hidden aspect of God's redemptive work.

Ephesians 3 1 Context

Ephesians 3:1 acts as an introductory phrase to a digression, linking directly back to the profound theological exposition of unity presented in chapter 2. Paul has just detailed how Christ has demolished the "dividing wall" between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity and reconciling both to God in one body through the cross. His declaration, "For this reason," underscores that his subsequent discussion, revolving around the mystery of Gentile inclusion, flows directly from the completed work of Christ and the new reality of the church. The verse places Paul, likely imprisoned in Rome (c. 60-62 AD), in a context where his physical confinement ironically highlights his spiritual liberty and divine purpose as the apostle to the Gentiles.

Ephesians 3 1 Word analysis

• "For this reason" (Greek: Διὰ τοῦτο - Dia touto): This phrase signals a direct logical consequence or continuation. It connects the apostle's current status and the ensuing revelation to the magnificent theological truths of unity between Jews and Gentiles in Christ described in Eph 2.
• "I, Paul" (Greek: Παῦλος - Paulos): Paul's self-reference asserts his personal authority and identity as the apostle chosen by God, despite his circumstances. It adds a direct, personal appeal to his message.
• "a prisoner" (Greek: δέσμιος - desmios): Literally meaning "one who is bound," "a captive." This highlights his current physical state of imprisonment. However, the subsequent phrase redefines the very nature of his captivity.
• "of Christ Jesus" (Greek: Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ - Christou Iēsou): This vital qualification transcends physical confinement. Paul is not merely Rome's prisoner but Christ's. His chains are a consequence of his unwavering loyalty to Christ and his ministry for Christ. This perspective infuses his suffering with divine purpose and profound theological significance, transforming political imprisonment into spiritual dedication.
• "for you Gentiles" (Greek: ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν τῶν ἐθνῶν - hyper hymōn tōn ethnōn): This specifies the beneficiaries of his imprisonment and apostolic mission. Paul's suffering and current circumstances are on account of, and for the greater good of, the Gentile believers, ensuring their full participation in God's redemptive plan. It emphasizes that the very existence of the Gentile church is tied to his ministry.

Words-group analysis:

• "For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner": This opening phrase establishes the continuity of Paul's thought. His state as a prisoner is not accidental but purposeful, intrinsically linked to the monumental reconciliation and unity achieved by Christ and articulated in chapter 2. It connects Paul's personhood and predicament directly to divine purpose.
• "a prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles": This powerful statement transforms Paul's captivity from a misfortune into a commission. He defines his identity not by Roman jurisdiction but by his devotion to Christ and his unique, sacrificial ministry specifically on behalf of the Gentiles, thereby underscoring the vital connection between his suffering and the salvation and inclusion of non-Jews.

Ephesians 3 1 Bonus Section

Paul’s consistent self-identification as a "prisoner of Christ" or "of the Lord" throughout his letters is a recurring motif (e.g., Eph 4:1, Phil 1:7, Philem 1:1, 2 Tim 1:8). This is not a cry for sympathy but a profound theological declaration. It signifies that his suffering is volitional, an offering to Christ, and validates his apostleship. For Paul, the boundaries of a Roman prison could not confine the Word of God or the purpose for which he suffered. His suffering paradoxically became a platform for advancing the gospel and a living demonstration of the very "mystery" he was revealing – that the message of Christ transcends all human barriers, whether religious or physical.

Ephesians 3 1 Commentary

Ephesians 3:1 functions as Paul's deeply personal entry into unveiling the "mystery" that unfolds in the subsequent verses. By declaring himself "a prisoner of Christ Jesus," he shifts the narrative from mere physical bondage to a divinely ordained purpose. His chains are not a mark of shame or failure, but a testament to his faithful service to Christ and a badge of honor for his apostolic mission to the Gentiles. The phrase "for this reason" decisively links his current predicament to the profound truth established in Ephesians chapter 2 – the astonishing unity of Jews and Gentiles within one new body in Christ. Thus, Paul presents his personal suffering not as a detour, but as integral to the outworking of God's global plan to integrate the Gentiles fully into His redemptive purpose, a purpose which will be explained in greater detail following this transitional verse. It highlights how even adverse circumstances can be redeemed and utilized by God for the advancement of His Kingdom.