3:9Ephesians 3:9

Grace was given to Paul, though less than the least of all saints, to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ and to make all people see the fellowship of the mystery hidden from the beginning of the world in God.Lt 69, 1904, par. 4+2 The mystery is that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs and of the same body and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel, united with Jews in bonds of Christian fellowship through faith in Christ.Ms 36, 1904, par. 20–21+3 That mystery was hid in God who created all things by Jesus Christ, the omniscient Father originating the world through His Son.Ms 43b, 1891, par. 4+2 It is now to be made known by the church on earth, so that the manifold wisdom of God according to His eternal purpose in Christ is displayed not only to this world but to principalities and powers in heavenly places.6T 13.1+2 The work of helping all to see it belongs to every gospel minister and every believer, by self-sacrificing personal labor and by a life in which Christ is present, and it is now urgent as the last worldwide proclamation of warning and salvation because the end is near.AA 527.1–2+4

Grace was given to Paul, though less than the least of all saints, to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ and to make all men see the fellowship of the mystery hidden from the beginning of the world in God who created all things by Jesus Christ.Lt 69, 1904, par. 4+4 That commission came to him as prisoner for the Gentiles by the dispensation of the grace of God and by revelation of the mystery not made known in other ages but now revealed to holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, and he was made a minister of it by the gift of grace and the effectual working of power.Lt 60, 1906, par. 8–11 Its intent is that now through the church on earth the manifold, many-sided wisdom of God and His riches according to the eternal purpose purposed in Christ Jesus might be made known not only to those living in this world but to the principalities and powers in heavenly places, in whom is boldness and access with confidence by faith.Lt 69, 1904, par. 4+3 The death of Christ declares His righteousness, which no man, woman, or child can declare in his own strength or words, so souls must be pointed to the uplifted Saviour instead of godless display and deception, and that righteousness is made known in that manifold wisdom because nothing unrighteous can be wise, while the wisdom and power of God wait for every human agent who puts every spiritual nerve and muscle to the tax and searches to know truth in order to win eternal life.Lt 58a, 1898, par. 12–14

The verse belongs to Paul's commendation, love, encouragement and prayer for the saints at Ephesus, for whom he had labored much, and is to be read in connection with the message to the church at Ephesus.Lt 125, 1903, par. 5–7 These words are to be read to hearers and impressed upon minds and read most solemnly with the fourth chapter of Ephesians.Lt 60, 1906, par. 8–11 The words spoken to Ephesus apply personally to believers now.Lt 125, 1903, par. 5–7+1 Their instruction calls for a great reformation from hard-spirited estrangement from the working of the Holy Spirit in life and words and works and spiritual understanding, for catching the inspiration of the angels in the heavenly courts and daily breathing the atmosphere of heaven, for being strengthened with might by the Spirit in the inner man, for Christ dwelling in the heart by faith, for being rooted and grounded in love to comprehend the breadth and length and depth and height and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge unto being filled with all the fullness of God.Lt 60, 1906, par. 8–11

Ephesians 3:7-21, to which the verse belongs, is for every minister in every conference, whether formally ordained or not, and for every believer, to be read carefully and prayerfully and taken personally.Lt 8, 1895, par. 36–38 It means ministers are to know God and the power of His grace, to have earnest travail for souls like a shepherd seeking the lost sheep, with earnest heart-searching and prayerful seeking, so that religious experience is not tame and commonplace but marked by grace and the decided working of the power of God with human effort.Lt 8, 1895, par. 36–38 Ephesians 3:8-12 sets forth the divine-human family.Ms 61b, 1895, par. 8–15 The chapter reveals the work to be done in everyone who is saved: Christ is to be revealed in and through them.Lt 92, 1901, par. 9

The hidden mystery is that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs with believing Jews and of the same body and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel.Ms 36, 1904, par. 20–21+4 In other ages this was not made known, but it is now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.Ms 36, 1904, par. 20–21+2 It is to be proclaimed as the unsearchable riches of Christ.Ms 36, 1904, par. 20–21+1

The fellowship of the mystery means that through faith in Christ Gentiles and Jews are united in bonds of Christian fellowship and communion.Lt 200, 1899, par. 10–12 Its foundation principles are the love and wisdom which through belief of the truth make those who are at variance one in Christ, hid with Him in God.Lt 200, 1899, par. 10–12 The mystery is vast, including the riches of Christ, and reveals the depth of God's love and goodness and compassion.ST Mar 25, 1897 It is centered on God manifest in Christ in the plan of redemption.ST Apr 15, 1897

The hidden mystery included God's plan for what would be done if heavenly beings rebelled, including the offering prepared to redeem fallen humanity.ST Mar 25, 1897 God knew what would happen without shaping His purposes to fit events.ST Mar 25, 1897 The divine council which had been hid in God from the beginning of the world came into place after Satan tempted Eve and she sinned and led Adam to sin.Ms 43b, 1891, par. 4

The plan of redemption is a mystery so great and sublime that human beings and angels cannot fully comprehend it.ST Apr 15, 1897+2 Its greatness exceeds human understanding and words cannot possibly explain it, requiring clear, sharp, critical spiritual intelligence to comprehend.Lt 200, 1899, par. 10–12+1 Limited spiritual understanding has kept people from seeing its fullness.ST Mar 25, 1897 Yet believers may grow in understanding Christ's love through faith and the strengthening of the Spirit in the inner man.ST Apr 15, 1897 The mystery now revealed is to be understood by diligent students, while other mysteries remain unrevealed because human minds would not know how to handle the Lord's treasures of wisdom without tarnishing His glory.Lt 222, 1903, par. 5 All spiritualistic ideas of God are to be shunned, while the truth that works by love and purifies the soul is to be cherished.Lt 222, 1903, par. 5

God, the omniscient Father, created all things and originated the world through Jesus Christ by the power of God.Ms 43b, 1891, par. 4+3 The One through whom all things were created is the light of the world and the way to eternal life, the Anointed One given to make an atonement for the sins of the world.Lt 253, 1903, par. 21 Everyone must believe in that atonement and know that he is bought with the price of the blood of the only begotten Son of God, or he will assuredly be bound up with the wicked one, left to become the sport of Satan's temptations, and lose his soul.Lt 253, 1903, par. 21

Creation was originated in God's purpose to glorify Himself in the redemption of the fallen race, which is the highest work of God.21MR 53.5–54.2+1 For this, Christ as the incarnate God came into the world to seek and to save the lost, giving His life so that through faith in Him man might secure life that measures with the life of God.Lt 72, 1897, par. 6–7 He has the care of every soul in view and has made abundant provision to save to the uttermost all who come to Him by faith, believing His blood cleanses from all sin, and He gives the grace of His Spirit.Lt 72, 1897, par. 6–7 He laid down His life for His sheep, and finds the reward of His sufferings and the travail of His soul in seeing souls saved and being satisfied.Lt 72, 1897, par. 6–7

The hidden mystery kept in God from the beginning of the world is to be made visible to all people, for God who created all things through Jesus Christ purposed in eternity that His manifold, many-sided wisdom according to His eternal purpose in Christ Jesus would now be made known by the church on earth.6T 13.1+3 Paul, though less than the least of all saints, was given grace to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ and to cause all to see this shared fellowship, so that the principles of His kingdom are proclaimed to rulers and authorities in heaven as well as on earth.Lt 69, 1904, par. 4+2 The intent is that this glory is revealed not only to those living in this world but to principalities and powers in heavenly places, so that God's purpose accomplished through His people reaches beyond this world to the universe.Lt 69, 1904, par. 4+2

That manifold wisdom declares God's righteousness, for nothing unrighteous can be wise, and the death of Christ declares a righteousness which no man, woman, or child can declare in his own strength or words.Lt 58a, 1898, par. 12–14+1 Souls are therefore to be pointed to the uplifted Saviour instead of godless display and deception, while God's wisdom and power wait for every human agent who puts every spiritual nerve and muscle to the tax and searches to know truth in order to win eternal life.Lt 58a, 1898, par. 12–14+1

The working out of the great plan of redemption in the history of this world is a revelation of the Father not only to men but to angels, displaying on one side Satan's work in degrading and ruining the race by sin and on the other God's work in recovering and uplifting man through the grace of Christ.Ms 41, 1892, par. 28–30 Every soul that develops a righteous character and withstands the wicked one testifies to the falsehood of Satan's charges against the divine government, and the exaltation of the redeemed through eternal ages will testify to God's love and mercy.Ms 41, 1892, par. 28–30 God's dealing with His church brings this convincing power to the rulers of the darkness of this world, opening hope and wonderful possibilities of heights and greatness to all who surrender to God and open their hearts by faith to receive an abiding Christ.Lt 200, 1899, par. 10–12

The church has this very important work of making all see the fellowship and of making known to heavenly powers the manifold wisdom, and these words are to be received as education and laid as the foundation of life.Ms 179, 1901, par. 7–8+1 Believing and living them brings the church into a life shaped by heaven, displaying God's wisdom according to His eternal purpose in Christ.Ms 179, 1901, par. 7–8+1 Upon that foundation the building is to be not with hay, wood, and stubble but with gold and silver and precious stones so the work has lasting value, which can only be done by reaching up both hands of faith to God.Ms 179, 1901, par. 7–8

The solemn work of the verse is to help all people see the fellowship of the mystery hidden in God from the beginning of the world, and that work is not preaching alone but self-sacrificing, well-directed personal labor for souls for whom Christ died.AA 527.1–2+2 The minister is to care for needs and sorrows, to visit people to learn their burdens, to share those burdens, to comfort and to lead souls to God, serving as Jesus directed.AA 527.1–2+2 To be content with preaching and leave personal ministry for someone else to do mistakes the calling and cannot be acceptable to God, for the care of the flock requires the demanding, self-forgetful part of ministry and follow-up labor that helps conscience understand and respond to truth.Lt 3, 1892, par. 8–10+2 Angels attend the faithful minister in this work, who is himself instructed and enlightened in saving truth, and when ministers are laborers together with God a solid and beautiful work for the saving of souls is wrought in all countries.RH Aug 8, 1912+1 Those who administer must fall upon the Rock and be broken so the Lord can put His superscription upon them and fashion them as vessels unto honor.Lt 3, 1892, par. 8–10

Making all see the mystery means more than speaking eloquently or saying the right words.2T 609.1–4+1 Christ is to be made known through a life in which He is present, so that hearers see Him in the messenger's words and actions.2T 609.1–4+1 The ministry of the gospel is thus to be carried out in life as well as presented in words.2T 609.1–4

The grace to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ and to make all see the fellowship of the mystery hidden from the beginning in God who created all things by Jesus Christ belongs to every individual believer and to the church now, when each must show growth or dwarf into nothingness.ST Mar 24, 1898 As the Word received into the heart transforms life and character, the influence flowing out becomes a positive, life-giving power for this work, to the intent that now by the church the manifold wisdom of God is made known to principalities and powers in heavenly places according to the eternal purpose in Christ Jesus.ST Mar 24, 1898 Unveiling the mysteries of redemption requires faith and spiritual power, practices in harmony with light and with privileges and opportunities granted of heaven, and bearing Christ's yoke and carrying His burden in work for the Master, yet few do this because they must be urged to take up their work and because the imputed righteousness of Christ does not shine through His professed followers as a light to the world.Ms 13, 1892, par. 7

Those who know the truth and occupy responsibility as teachers, ministers, workers, and all entrusted with positions in God's work must show God's principles in life so that example does not lead others astray.Ms 68, 1900, par. 20–21+1 When imperfections of character are manifest in those who should be examples to the flock, whether in school or church or world, they should be advised to take up some other work where they will not lead others in a wrong direction.Ms 67, 1907, par. 16

Ministers are to know God and the power of His grace, with earnest travail for souls like a shepherd seeking the lost sheep, with earnest heart-searching and prayerful seeking.Lt 8, 1895, par. 36–38 In this way religious experience is not tame and commonplace but marked by grace and the decided working of God's power with human effort.Lt 8, 1895, par. 36–38 Only God can give victory and do the work essential for saving the soul and making all see the fellowship, so power and efficiency must come from Him.Lt 200, 1899, par. 10–12

Sanctified ministry calls for self-denial, with the cross uplifted and given its central place in gospel work, and with human influence drawing its efficacy from Christ.Lt 204, 1899, par. 14–18 By union of church members with Christ and with each other the transforming power of the gospel is to be diffused throughout the world.Lt 204, 1899, par. 14–18 Every institution, including sanitariums and medical missionary work, must therefore be seen to be under the management of God, never independent of the church nor divorced from gospel ministry, under the control of the Spirit with no one man as sole head, because the divine mind has men for every place.Lt 204, 1899, par. 14–18

The grace given to Paul, though less than the least of saints, to preach the boundless riches in Christ and to make all see the shared fellowship shows the gospel invitation is for the whole world with none excluded, even those fallen through sin to the lowest depths.Ms 19, 1899, par. 35–37 It lays a charge on ministers to bring them where the light of truth shines and urge them to come as they are, because the Lord has uncovered the supper as His own.Ms 19, 1899, par. 35–37 Those who refuse the invitation will at last be shut out and not taste His supper, though they would give all for another opportunity.Ms 19, 1899, par. 35–37

The gospel makes visible to all what was once hidden in God, bringing those who receive it into one family as children of God with free access to Him as Father and with unselfish love for one another that leaves no room for selfishness, contention, or strife.Ms 161, 1902, par. 5–6+1 Through the church this revealed purpose displays God's manifold wisdom to the heavenly powers in keeping with His eternal purpose in Christ.Ms 161, 1902, par. 5–6+1 That same chapter describes the church's work in the world as to be carried out by all who are united to Christ through faith and embrace the truth together as one family.Lt 85, 1900, par. 18–19 Such united work magnifies the truth by its sanctifying, cleansing, and refining influence.Lt 85, 1900, par. 18–19

The mystery long hidden is now to be understood by diligent students, while other mysteries remain unrevealed because human minds would not know how to handle the Lord's treasures of wisdom without tarnishing His glory.Lt 222, 1903, par. 5 All spiritualistic ideas of God are to be shunned, while the truth that works by love and purifies the soul is to be cherished.Lt 222, 1903, par. 5 In Christ there is boldness and access with confidence by faith, so believers need not faint at tribulation.Lt 222, 1903, par. 5+1 The revelation leads to prayer to the Father of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that according to the riches of His glory believers would be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man.Lt 222, 1903, par. 5+2

That strengthening means Christ dwelling in hearts by faith, and being rooted and grounded in love so as to comprehend with all saints the breadth and length and depth and height.Lt 222, 1903, par. 5+2 It means knowing the love of Christ which passes knowledge, being filled with all the fullness of God, who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that is asked or thought according to the power working within.Lt 222, 1903, par. 5+2 This inner renewal calls for a great reformation from hard-spirited estrangement from the working of the Holy Spirit in life and words and works and spiritual understanding.Lt 60, 1906, par. 8–11 It calls for catching the inspiration of angels in the heavenly courts and daily breathing the atmosphere of heaven.Lt 60, 1906, par. 8–11

The fellowship of the mystery of redemption shows that transgression of the law exacted the price of the blood of the Son of the infinite God.Lt 63, 1895, par. 39–41 The reason for the great sacrifice on the cross of Calvary was to make it possible for man to come back to allegiance to the holy commandments of God.Lt 63, 1895, par. 39–41 Christ is the propitiation not for some sins alone but for the sins of the whole world, and Jesus is to be viewed by faith as a compassionate, tender High Priest.Lt 63, 1895, par. 39–41 The sinner who fixes the eye on the cross will hate the sins that wounded Jesus and will keep a contrite heart.Lt 63, 1895, par. 39–41 The work of human agents is to lead sinners to this view, to prepare a people to stand in the day of God's preparation, to trust God rather than man, and to seek wisdom from God, learning the way of the Lord by earnest prayer apart from human teaching.Lt 63, 1895, par. 39–41

The commission to make all see the fellowship of the mystery hidden in God now rests on believers because the end is near.RH May 10, 1906+1 A worldwide work must be done in earnest in a short time, and that work is the last message of warning and salvation.RH May 10, 1906+1 The voice must be lifted to show transgressions and sins that hinder its proclamation, with earnest hold on God.RH May 10, 1906+1 Paul carried the burden to preach to all, and the same burden must now be carried unitedly and intelligently.RH May 10, 1906 Satan is devising plans to keep God's forces out of the work and to keep people from realizing the swift judgments coming on the world.RH May 10, 1906 Those who have worked at cross-purposes must turn fully to the Lord now, for there will be no second probation, and if they hear His voice today He will have mercy and abundantly pardon.RH May 10, 1906

The work is the proclamation of salvation and telling those who never heard the reasons of the faith where the world stands in its history.Ms 36, 1904, par. 22 The words once spoken to Ephesus apply personally to believers now.Ms 36, 1904, par. 22 Satan hinders the work by alienation, disunion, diversity of opinion, self, envy, evil surmisings, faultfinding, seeking the highest place, and commercial business absorbing attention and means that belong to the gospel.Ms 36, 1904, par. 22 So the work is left undone while time passes and the world grows worse.Ms 36, 1904, par. 22 Despite long delay the Spirit of God still strives with souls, and those called must put on the whole armor of God to advance the work a thousandfold beyond what has been done.Ms 36, 1904, par. 22

Mysteries into which angels desired to look, which prophets and kings and righteous men desired to know, the church is now to unfold.Lt 404, 1907, par. 7 This unfolding is worldwide proclamation of the holy character and claims of the law of God, the message of Christ's righteousness, and the third angel's message as the last message of mercy to a perishing world.Lt 404, 1907, par. 7 It is to go forth as a burning lamp from one end of the earth to the other to arouse God's people and prepare the way of the Lord.Lt 404, 1907, par. 7 God's servants must labor together with Christ to roll away the curse that has made the church lukewarm.RH Nov 18, 1902 Then the church will shine forth fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.RH Nov 18, 1902

Paul's privilege was to preach Christ's unsearchable riches among the Gentiles and make all understand the hidden purpose fulfilled in Christ.RH Nov 18, 1902+1 That purpose, hidden in God from the beginning, reveals God's manifold wisdom through the church to heavenly powers according to the eternal purpose in Christ Jesus.RH Nov 18, 1902+1 It contributes to the time when the earth is filled with God's glory and all things are made new.Lt 416, 1907, par. 8–9