2. Ephesians 2:1-22 We were all dead in trespasses God’s grace made us alive Jesus broke down the walls of separation We are fellow citizens, one body

3. For this reason Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus A “prison epistle” Paul is a prisoner because of Jesus (he preached Jesus) Paul is also in bondage to Christ ( cf. Rom. 6:16-18 )

4. For this reason For you Gentiles His calling Acts 9:15, Gal. 2:7-9, Rom. 11:13 NOTE: Paul did NOT exclusively go to the Gentiles, but he helped establish their place (and ours) in the kingdom.

5. For this reason The dispensation of grace given to him Dispensation (stewardship) (or a plan or arrangement) - this was Paul’s mission – to carry out God’s plan NOTE: It is associated with “grace” – God’s part. Paul’s part also accords with Peter and Cornelius Acts 10:34- 35, 11:8, Acts 15 Romans 15:15-16

6. The Mystery Revealed How that by revelation ἀ ποκάλυψις, apokalypsis – an uncovering, to cause to be fully known. God’s word is “relevant” because it reveals HIS will Rom. 1:16-17, 2 Pet. 1:3

7. The Mystery Revealed Revelation God’s word is revealed 2 Peter 1:19-21 1 Cor. 2:10-13, cf. 14:37

8. The Mystery Revealed The mystery Μυστήριον, mystērion, a word meaning that which has NOT yet been revealed, either fully or partially. It does NOT mean that something is impossible to understand Paul now understands and writes to explain it

9. The Mystery Revealed As I have briefly written Paul recorded his revelation (a permanent record). This is how we can have and preserve God’s word 2 Tim. 3:16,17, Rom. 16:25-26 NOTE: Is Paul speaking of Eph. 1:9-10?

10. The Mystery Revealed So that we may understand His message did not require (further) special revelation to comprehend Ephesians 5:17 John 8:31,31, “And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free”

11. The Mystery Revealed My knowledge in the mystery of Christ This is why Paul came! John 12:32 2 Cor. 5:14-15 Ephesians 2

12. The Mystery Revealed Which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men 1 Peter 1:10-12 Prophets of old wrote some things they did not fully comprehend, Heb. 1:1-2

13. The Mystery Revealed As it has been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets They “mystery” is now known Apostles and prophets of that day Did former prophets speak of the Gentiles?

14. WHAT is the “mystery”? That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs It was formerly revealed Genesis 12:3 (24:6, 28:14) Amos 9:11-12 Isaiah 11:10, 49:6, 62:1-2

15. WHAT is the “mystery”? That the Gentiles are of the same body Part of His church! Ephesians 2:19-22

16. WHAT is the “mystery”? That the Gentiles should be (fellow) partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel Consider Acts 2:38-39. Paul was made a minister to reveal this grace (7)

17. Salvation is for all! Will you receive it?