Ephesians 3:10

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

This was done so that now God’s many-sided wisdom could be made known through the church, to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms [Note: “Heavenly realms” here refers to the world around us, where these angelic beings (good or bad) view the unfolding of God’s wonderful plan],

Cross References

Romans 11:33

O, how deep is the richness of God’s wisdom and knowledge! How difficult [it is for us] to explain His judgments and how impossible [for us] to accurately track how He operates!

Romans 8:38

For I am convinced that neither death, nor [the trials of] life, nor [evil] angels, nor [evil] rulers, nor present or future [circumstances], nor [evil] powers,

1 Corinthians 1:24

But to those who are called [by God to be saved], both Jews and Gentiles, [the message of] Christ is the power of God [See Rom. 1:16] and the wisdom of God. [See 1:30].

1 Corinthians 2:7

But we [apostles] speak God’s secret wisdom, which has been hidden [through the ages], which God predetermined for our honor before time began.

Ephesians 1:21

[There He is exalted] high above all rulers and authorities and powers and dominion and every name [i.e., title of honor] that can be given, not only in this present age but [also] in the one to come.

Ephesians 1:23

which is His [spiritual] body. The church is completely filled by Christ [or, “Christ is completely filled by God”], who completely fills everything in every way.

Ephesians 1:3

May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be praised, for He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in [fellowship with] Christ. [Note: The phrase “heavenly realms” is used somewhat differently throughout this book. Here it refers to Christians as part of the church on earth].

Ephesians 1:8

which He lavished on us. [He used] wisdom and understanding,

Ephesians 6:12

For our struggle is not [actually] against human beings, but against rulers and authorities and leaders of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [Note: “Heavenly realms” here refers to the struggle against Satanic powers which permeates life around us].

Colossians 1:16

For all things were created by Him; things in heaven and on earth; things visible and invisible, whether they are thrones [i.e., reigning beings], or lords, or rulers or authorities. [Note: “Authorities” here may refer to angelic beings]. All things were created by Him and for Him.

Colossians 2:10

and you people have been made full [i.e., spiritually complete] in [fellowship with] Him, who is the [spiritual] head over all who rule and have authority.

Colossians 2:15

[In doing this] Christ disarmed the rulers and authorities [i.e., evil forces] and made a public display of them, triumphing over them through the cross. [Note: This could possibly be rendered “God triumphed over them through Christ”].

1 Timothy 3:16

And without question the revealed secret of godly living is great. [It is this]: He [i.e., Christ, or God], who appeared in a fleshly body [was] vindicated [of false charges] by the Holy Spirit; [He was] seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed in throughout the world [and finally] was taken up into glory [i.e., heaven].

1 Peter 1:12

It was revealed to these prophets that you people, not they, were the ones being ministered to in the matters now being announced to you by those who preached the Gospel to you by the Holy Spirit, who was sent from heaven. [This message contained] things which angels would like to look into.

1 Peter 3:22

He has [now] gone to heaven, and is [seated] at the right side of God, where the angels and [other] authorities and powers have been subjected to Him.