Mystery of Fellowship

Ephesians 3:6 (3 in Tamil) “that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel”.

In chapter 3, Paul writes to Ephesians that he is imprisoned to Christ as Jesus wanted him to be focused on one single ministry. Paul goes further to call this purpose a mystery and it was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit.

Verse 9 (11 in Tamil) says that this mystery was hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ. Paul explains here that God, who created everything through Jesus Christ, wants this mystery which is very valuable to be revealed only through Jesus Christ. We see the importance of Jesus here. The whole mystery was hidden in God. God kept this mystery to Himself safely to be revealed in the right time through Jesus Christ. We also read in verse 11 (v 9 in Tamil) that this revelation was according to the plan executed in Jesus Christ (the Cross). This fellowship is very much an outcome of the Cross.

In verse 2, Paul calls this receipt of Grace as “dispensation” or “Administration” in Greek. Both the words point to the fact that Paul calls himself to be in a disease of ignorance and then Grace was administered to him to cure him into revelation. Paul again mentions this in verse 5 where apostles and prophets got this understanding only as a revelation by the Holy Spirit.

In Romans 11:11 onwards, we see Paul’s emphasis on the salvation of Jews. Here, Paul mentions the state of Jews (disobedient) was the opportunity for us to come closer to God. And these ways of God are mysterious and unsearchable (v 33). For God to establish his purpose, He goes to any extent and is willing to lose a lot of people too. We cannot search that portion of His wisdom. Taking this verse not as an encouragement and as a commandment, this is an important verse for us to remember in times of trouble. God’s ways are far from our understanding, but His desires will be done.

One more thing that Christians should understand is that even if it is not reasonable that everybody (elders and juniors) are equal in a church, it is mandatory that we accept that completely without seeking any reasoning from God.

Ephesians 3:8-10 gives us the purpose of this mystery.

1. For Gentiles to be preached these unsearchable riches.

These are riches given to us and they are unsearchable, unattainable ourselves. Everybody in the world should be preached this mystery.

2. For All to see the fellowship of this mystery.

This mystery which makes everybody equal brings a fellowship and not jealousy or hatred. The wisdom of God is that we should attain a fellowship together and not claim anybody to be superior or inferior by taking responsibility of this fellowship to Himself. Any church or fellowship being formed is not anybody’s achievement. It is because of God’s mysterious ways.

3. The manifold wisdom of God to be known by the Church to the principalities and powers of the heavenly places.

The enemy should understand that God is very wise to do things at the right time and place by seeing our fellowship and equality in the church and thereby exalting God alone. This establishment will and should happen only by the Church. For God to be exalted in the Church, it should first and foremost promote equality.

Verse 12 says that we have boldness and access in confidence to be part of this fellowship. There is no need of anything that can stop our participation in the fellowship. This boldness comes as a part of our receipt of Jesus Christ. Since we are in Him, we get this boldness.

Therefore, as Paul says in verse 16-19,

1. Let us be strengthened in the inner man with might through the Holy Spirit.

2. Let Christ dwell in us through faith. He may not be felt or seen. It is faith that assures us of His existence in us.

3. We, being rooted and grounded in Love of Jesus (Cross), be able to understand the width, length, depth and height of Christ’s love which is above all knowledge. Our fellowship should make us understand and promote His love more and more in the Church. Our thoughts and sermons should always point to His love only.

4. Be filled with all the fullness of God.  Let all the qualities, talents, blessings fill us.

Paul concludes this by saying that, God who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly and very high above our thoughts be glorified in the Church. The exceedingly, abundantly and very high above our thought work by God is this mystery that has brought us fellow-heirs together with saints and His chosen people. This God, because of this great action should be glorified in the Church. This glory comes when the purpose of His church, equality and fellowship is served.

In Romans 16:25, Paul says that God is able to establish us or strengthen us according to this mystery. This was done according to the prophetical scripture and His commandments. That is, the reason for the Old Testament is that this mystery would be revealed to all of us and in the right time. The purpose of God revealing this is that we should obey to the faith. If we are faithful to God, we will trust Him into righteousness. Satan’s darts of lies cannot shake us as we are stable and strong into Jesus Himself.