November 10 2025

Monday November 10

“The Fellowship of the Mystery”

Ephesians 3:8-13

8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. 13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

Today we're looking at Ephesians 3:8-13. Early in my ministry at Shenandoah Valley Baptist Church, on Sunday mornings, I was impressed by the Holy Spirit to prayer walk around the church facilities at least seven times. I continued to do this at all the churches I was privileged to pastor. The verses we are studying today are really special to me because for the last 15 or so years, every Sunday morning, as I would take this prayer walk, I would quote these verses in Ephesians 3, reminding me of the wonderful responsibility and also the privilege and honor I have of proclaiming the mystery of the church. I was also praying these verses out loud knowing that the evil angels, “the principalities and powers in the heavenly place”, and Satan himself must tremble at the Word of God as we proclaim the mystery of the fellowship of the church.

Verse 8: “To me who am less than the least of all the saints. This grace was given that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” As I would quote that verse, I'd remind myself, I'm the less of the least. I have been so privileged to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ that was long hidden in the Old Testament, called the mystery. Some people might ask, why did God keep this mystery hidden for so long? Remember the mystery of salvation wasn't hidden because as far back as Genesis 12 God had promised through Abraham and his seed that all the nations of the earth would be blessed. Jesus had said in John 4 that “we know salvation is of the Jews”. It was obvious that God's great salvation, His plan of salvation, that would bring redemption to mankind, would come through the Jewish nation, through the Jewish people.

Abraham’s seed would give us the Bible, give us the Messiah, give us the Old Testament example of a Creator and Holy God working in their midst. And how only by faith can we experience and know Him. Yes, salvation is of the Jews. But the church was a mystery. How is that? That's what these verses are about. Because this is how that believers can come together as one! Both Jew and Gentile, no matter how rich or poor, no matter your background, your racial background, or anything else. No matter what differences, we can come together in the fellowship of the church through the blood of Jesus Christ. We can find grace to forgive each other. To forgive each other for former offences despite the hurt and pain it might have brought us. And we can be one in Christ.

That's a great mystery in the Old Testament. It's now possible through the blood of Christ and the creation of the church. I believe the church was born on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came down upon the believers in the upper room. The disciples were told to wait for the promise of the Father. On that day, when the Holy Spirit came down, something new that took place. The church was born. Now the church has the opportunity on earth to make known not only to the people of the world but even to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places.  

That's why Paul goes on to say, "And to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery”. The word fellowship could be translated, “the stewardship of the mystery which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. Therefore, I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulation for you, which is your glory."

My friend, what a wonderful mystery that has now been made manifest that we have the privilege of being a part of. Even Satan trembles when he sees how that people can forgive one another. How they can come together in unity and oneness and fellowship of the gospel of Jesus Christ. What a great witness to the world. People that hated each other now love each other. That is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This Gospel, that to the lost world is foolishness, but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God.

Oh how wonderful it is my friend, to be a part of His church. This great mystery hidden in ages past but now made known to us. Today, we have the responsibility and privilege to share this great news with the world around us.

God bless!