Ephesians 3:7-9

3:7

I became – specific point in time when he decided? Was drafted? Drawn into?

servant – do the will of another; not my will but yours; softer word but similar concept to “prisoner” above

of the gospel – serving no a person but a message of good news; the Person is of course contained in the message and earlier Paul already identified himself as a prisoner of Christ Jesus; but here he is bound in servitude to the message

by the gift – freely bestowed, something he did not previously have, but now it is his and he can put it to use

of God’s grace – not only free, but also empowering, enabling to do God’s will

given me – triple emphasis on free gift

through – agency, by means of

the working of his power – double emphasis on energy, exertion. But this is not human power; it is God’s power working in and through Paul.

3:8

Although – in spite of the fact that …

less than the least – not inferiority, but least deserving in light of formerly having persecuted; I have not persecuted His followers, but I need to keep mindful of how I have dragged His name through the mud. Not to obsess about that, but keep it in mind so as to keep mindful of how undeserving I am of His grace.

of all God’s people – Healthy realization of the offenses he committed against our almighty, holy God. Well, I have not persecuted believers. But I have certainly given cause for his name to be slandered. I can either wallow in regret and shame or rejoice in his gifted grace that enables me to be a servant of the Gospel.

this grace – grace for a specific task

to preach – proclaim, announce, spread the word

to the Gentiles – a different people group for whom God specifically prepared him and motivated him. Now God empowers Paul with His grace for this particular service.

the unsearchable – beyond measure, bottomless pit

riches of Christ – Rich in material things, yes, but more: Mercy, grace, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control, compassion, strength, et al.

3:9

and to make plain – in addition to preaching, this grace also enabled him to teach, clarify, instruct

to everyone – preach to Gentiles but make plain to everyone

the administration [NLT = mysterious plan] – operation, organization, how God’s plan works, how the pieces fit together

of this mystery – not immediately plain, the clues are in the OT, but a person has to go back and look again to recognize them and discover the solution to the mystery

which for ages past – at least since Abraham

was kept hidden – these are the clues interlaced through OT

who created all things – Creation ex nihilo