Ephesians 3: Boldness of Paul and the Spirt of God

Wow! Here I am, just living life thinking I had already dropped my Ephesians 3 recap. Imagine my shock when I checked the blog and only saw Chapter 2.

My bad, family! I really let things slip away during the holidays. Between events, plays, practices, and trying to stay present for my family, and students, it’s been a lot. But you didn’t come for my excuses. Let’s dive in!

Paul’s Humility in Chains

Paul kicks off Ephesians 3 by humbly identifying himself: “Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles” (Ephesians 3:1).

Let me break this down: Paul is literally locked up at this moment. And let me tell you, Paul was no stranger to that "Locked up he won't let me out" life (for those of you who don't know this is a reference to Akon's song). At one point, he was even on house arrest — and as I am studying him I'm like, how did that even work back in the day? Did someone post bail? Did they say, "Paul, don’t leave this tent?" because what we doing? Nonetheless the amount of trouble he endured really speaks to his dedication, commitment, and sacrifice to not only God but spreading the Gospel. 

All jokes aside, Paul’s life shows a boldness for God that I love. No matter his situation, he remained dedicated to sharing the mysteries of Christ revealed to him:

“That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel” (Ephesians 3:6).

Here, Paul promotes unity in the body of Christ — reminding us we are part of God’s covenant and inherit His promises. Despite his suffering, Paul says:

“In Christ Jesus our Lord we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith” (Ephesians 3:12).

That’s a word! Paul’s telling us we can live, speak, and walk in boldness, purpose, and confidence because of our faith.

Paul’s Spiritual Prayer (Ephesians 3:14-21)

The last part of Chapter 3 is a prayer, sometimes called a spiritual prayer or a prayer for love that surpasses knowledge. Honestly, it’s both. Here’s what stood out to me:

1. Strengthened by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16)

Paul prays that we would be “strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.”

2. Christ Dwelling in Our Hearts Through Faith (Ephesians 3:17a)

This reminds me of the woman in Luke 8 who touched Jesus’ garment. He told her: “Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole” (Luke 8:48). Faith unlocks the power of Christ in our lives.

3. Rooted and Grounded in Love (Ephesians 3:17b)

Being rooted in God’s love brings stability, confidence, and boldness. It’s like Paul says in Galatians 5:22-23: when you’re rooted in God’s love, you produce good fruit.

4. Knowing the Love of Christ (Ephesians 3:18-19)

This part hits home. Paul prays that we comprehend the immeasurable love of Christ. Think about it:

• Jesus left heavenly perfection to walk among sinners.

• sinners who might I add rejected him and still continue to reject him

• Then he died for us, I am talking about literally presented himself his whole self as a living sacrifice, to offer salvation and eternal life.

  
  

That kind of love is unmatched. All we can do is imitate Him, love Him, and grow in our relationship with Him. Because how do you ever repay that kind of sacrifice? You can't at least not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). He does ask that we keep his commandments (John 14:15)  and I mean while you're at it being obedient would be a great addition to showing your appreciation, that's all I'm saying.

5. Filled with the Fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19)

To be filled with the fullness of God means being filled with His Spirit — the Holy Spirit. And let me tell you about the Spirit, because it’s worth understanding.

Quick Notes on the Holy Spirit

Here are some essentials about the Holy Spirit and supporting scriptures:

• The Power and Spirit of God (Genesis 1:2, Judges 3:10, Acts 1:8, Micah 3:8)

• Reveals and Helps Us Understand Scripture (2 Peter 1:21, John 16:13)

  • I found some very interesting scriptures about what happens if you don't have the Holy Spirit. Again these stood out to me.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:14 says that a person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit and considers them foolishness and can't understand. "Honestly, that's a crazy concept to consider anything the Holy Spirit does as foolish. But it shows just how much we need the Spirit to open our eyes to truth.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:4 says that blinded are the minds of the unbelievers. 

• Intercedes in Prayer (Romans 8:26-27): The Spirit prays with groanings when we don’t know what to say.

• The Holy Spirit Can Be Grieved (Isaiah 63:10, Ephesians 4:30).

• Gives Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).

• Our Advocate and Comforter (John 14:16-17, John 14:26).

• Produces Good Fruit (Galatians 5:22-23): If you’re led by God’s Spirit, you’ll bear His fruit.

• Indwells All Believers (1 Corinthians 6:19-20): Upon salvation, the Spirit dwells in you.

• Convicts Us (John 16:8): The Spirit of truth will always correct us.

Final Thoughts

Ephesians 3 is full of treasures: Paul’s boldness, humility, and love for the body of Christ. Above all, it’s a reminder of the immeasurable love of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us.

So, what stood out to you in Ephesians 3? 

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us… To him be glory!” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Be blessed, fam!