Ephesians 3:7 kjv

Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

Ephesians 3:7 nkjv

of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.

Ephesians 3:7 niv

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power.

Ephesians 3:7 esv

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power.

Ephesians 3:7 nlt

By God's grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.

Ephesians 3 verses

(h2)Meaning

Ephesians 3:7 elucidates the divine origin and nature of the apostle Paul's ministry. It declares that Paul's role as a "minister" or servant was not self-appointed or merited by his own efforts, but was divinely bestowed. His apostleship to reveal the mystery of Christ, especially to the Gentiles, stemmed directly from the undeserved favor and gracious gift of God. This commission and enablement were empowered by God's dynamic, inherent, and effective working power, underscoring that his service was entirely of God and for God's purposes.

(h2)Cross References

(h2)Context

Ephesians chapter 3 is a profound revelation concerning the "mystery of Christ" previously mentioned in 1:9-10 and 3:3. This mystery, unknown in prior ages, is the inclusion of Gentiles as co-heirs and co-members in the body of Christ alongside believing Jews, sharing equally in God's promises through the gospel (Eph 3:6). Paul, imprisoned for this very truth, interjects here to explain his unique apostleship to the Gentiles. Verse 7 specifically addresses how he came into this ministry, emphasizing it was entirely a divine commission, empowered by grace and power, rather than human qualification or ambition. It sets the stage for his subsequent prayer for the Ephesians to grasp the breadth of God's love and power (Eph 3:14-21). Historically, Paul's Gentile mission faced considerable resistance from some Jewish believers, making his insistence on God's sole initiation and enablement of his ministry a direct assertion against claims of human merit or ethnic exclusivity.

(h2)Word analysis

• of which (οὗ - hou): Refers to the "gospel of the mystery" or "the stewardship of God" mentioned in the preceding verses (Eph 3:6). Paul's ministry is intrinsically tied to proclaiming the truth that Gentiles are fellow heirs and co-members of the body of Christ.

• I became (ἐγενόμην - egenomēn): Signifies coming into existence or becoming. It implies a definitive divine act, not a gradual human development or choice, directly referencing Paul's miraculous conversion and commissioning by Christ (Acts 9, 22, 26).

• a minister (διάκονος - diakonos): From which we get "deacon." Literally, a "servant," one who serves, a waiter, or an attendant. It denotes humility and diligent service, sharply contrasting with earthly titles of power or prestige. Paul chose this term deliberately to express his submission to Christ and his service to others for the sake of the gospel. This highlights a Christian leadership rooted in service rather than authority over others.

• according to (κατὰ - kata): Signifies conformity to a standard or source. Paul's ministry aligns perfectly with, and derives entirely from, what follows.

• the gift (τὴν δωρεὰν - tēn dōrean): Denotes a free, spontaneous, and unmerited giving. This word underscores that Paul's ministry was a gratuitous endowment from God, not something earned or deserved.

• of God’s grace (τῆς χάριτος τοῦ Θεοῦ - tēs charitos tou Theou): Charis (grace) is unmerited favor. Paul's entire existence and ministry, including his conversion from persecutor to apostle, are attributed solely to God's underserved favor and active benevolence. It negates any thought of personal worthiness or meritorious acts.

• which was given to me (τῆς δοθείσης μοι - tēs dotheisēs moi): Emphasizes a past, definitive action of God. The giving was not initiated by Paul but bestowed upon him. It is a divine bestowal, aligning with the concept of a gift.

• by the working (κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν - kata tēn energeian): Energeia means active power, operation, or efficiency. It signifies the dynamic, inherent energy or efficacy of God. It points to God's powerful active intervention, not a passive consent. This active power is crucial for the minister to carry out the commission.

• of His power (τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ - tēs dynameōs autou): Dynamis refers to inherent ability, strength, or might. It is the raw capability. Here, it is God's divine power. Paul's ministry wasn't just given by grace; it was actively energized and sustained by God's mighty ability, manifesting in his preaching, endurance, and miraculous signs.

• "according to the gift of God’s grace": This phrase encapsulates the core Pauline theology that ministry, like salvation, originates solely from God's unmerited favor. It debunks any reliance on human qualifications or merit.

• "by the working of His power": This phrase indicates the practical enablement and dynamic empowerment for the ministry. It shows that God not only calls and equips but also continually energizes the minister through His divine power for the fulfillment of the task.

(h2)Commentary

Ephesians 3:7 serves as Paul's personal declaration regarding the divine mandate for his ministry, particularly to the Gentiles. He emphasizes that his apostleship (referenced earlier in 3:1) is not a result of his zeal, education, or prior religious status, but purely a "gift of God's grace." This grace, far from being a passive concept, is actively infused and sustained "by the working of His power." This signifies that the effective operation of Paul's ministry – its ability to reveal profound spiritual truths, endure suffering, and reach nations – originated from the boundless, effective energy of God. It ensures all glory goes to God and illustrates that those called to service are not only called by grace but also enabled by divine strength to fulfill their calling. This principle applies to all Christian service: it is initiated by God's grace, empowered by His spirit, and enabled by His strength. For instance, sharing faith requires not just human courage but God's empowerment.

(h2)Bonus section

The combination of "grace" (God's unmerited favor) and "power" (God's active enablement) is a frequent theme in Paul's writings, indicating that God does not merely grant a calling but also supplies all the necessary resources and strength for its execution. This truth serves as a powerful encouragement that human inadequacy is met by divine sufficiency. Paul’s use of diakonos also subtly refutes the idea of a self-serving or authoritarian leadership, emphasizing that true spiritual authority in the Christian faith is rooted in humble service and empowerment from God, mirroring Christ's own example as the Servant-King.