Second Sunday in Lent (NTA)

Ephesians 3:1-13

For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— ² assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, ³ how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. ⁴ When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, ⁵ which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. ⁶ This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 

⁷ 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. ⁸ To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, ⁹ and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, ¹⁰ so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. ¹¹ This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, ¹² in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. ¹³ So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. 

St Paul has been made a minister of the Gospel by the grace of God.  St Paul does not claim any worthiness for such a gift or office. St Paul simply reminds his readers of the task he has been given.  He has been given the task of revealing the riches of Christ and the eternal purpose of Jesus Christ.

St Paul is suffering greatly on account of his office.  He has suffered at the hands of many enemies and possibly even old friends.  But St Paul remains faithful to sharing the truth with all people.  He remains faithful to this office of which he is unworthy. St Paul recognizes as he is chief of sinners the need other people have to know that they also can be reconciled to God through Christ Jesus.

This was not the backup plan, nor a new mystery or insight from God.  Christ Jesus was made man in accordance with the eternal plan and purpose of God to rescue his people from their sins.  Jesus Christ has provided us access to everlasting glory, not temporal power or greatness.  It is everlasting glory and eternal salvation.