Ephesians 3:3

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

[It is] that God’s secret plan [i.e., revealed in the Gospel preached to Gentiles. See verse 6] was made known to me by way of a revelation. [See Acts 9:15; 22:21]. I have already written to you [about this] briefly [i.e., probably a reference to 1:9ff].

Cross References

Acts 22:17

“And it happened that when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the Temple, I fell into a trance [i.e., a semi-conscious vision-like state].

Acts 22:21

Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away from here to the Gentiles.’”

Acts 23:9

A loud commotion developed [in the Council meeting]. Some of the teachers of the Law of Moses who belonged to the Pharisee party stood up and argued, saying, “We can find nothing wrong with this man. What if an angel or spirit did speak to him?”

Romans 11:25

For I want you to know this secret, brothers, so you will not become conceited: Part of the Israelites have become [spiritually] insensitive [to God], [and will remain that way] until the fullness of the Gentiles occurs. [Note: As with the Jews (verse 12), “fullness” here may mean either a large or the complete number of Gentiles who will be saved].

Romans 16:25

– See Verse 27

2 Corinthians 12:1

Although I must boast about myself [See 11:21-27], it [really] is not profitable. So, I will go on to [tell about] visions and [inspired] revelations given [to me] from the Lord.

Galatians 1:12

[Furthermore], I did not receive this [Gospel message] from any person, nor was I taught it [by anyone]. Instead, it came to me through [a divine] revelation from Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:17

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, will give you a spirit [i.e., a disposition] of wisdom and revelation [or, “give you the spiritual gifts of wisdom and revelation”], so you can have full knowledge of God.

Ephesians 3:4

So, when you read this you will be able to understand my insight into the secret plan of Christ,

Ephesians 3:6

This secret plan is that the Gentiles [now] share in the inheritance along with us [Jews], and are fellow-members of the body [i.e., the church], and that they share, along with us [Jews], in the promise of the Gospel, in [fellowship with] Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 3:9

[I was given the responsibility] to enlighten all people regarding the working out of God’s secret plan, which has been kept hidden for ages in [the heart of] God, who created everything.

Ephesians 6:19

And [also pray] for me to be given boldness of speech in opening my mouth to make known the secret plan of the Gospel,

Colossians 2:2

[I do this] so that their hearts will be encouraged [while] being united in [mutual] love, [and] so that they will have the wealth of a fully assured understanding, in order to fully know about God’s hidden secret, [which is] Christ.

Colossians 4:3

At the same time, pray for us also, that God will open up a door [of opportunity] for [proclaiming] the message, so we can tell about the [previously] hidden secret of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned.

Hebrews 13:22

But I urge you, brothers [and sisters], listen to these words of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.

1 Peter 5:12

This brief message is being inscribed [or delivered] by Silvanus, whom I consider to be a faithful brother. [In it] I am exhorting you and giving testimony that it is a message about God’s genuine unearned favor upon you. So, continue to follow [and obey] what it says.

2 Peter 3:15

And consider [that] the patience of the Lord means [further opportunities for] salvation, [just] as our dearly loved brother Paul also wrote to you, using the wisdom given to him by God.