Grace is defined as “unmerited favor.” It suggests something is given that is not deserved. Keep that definition in mind as we read Paul’s words from Ephesians 3:8-12:
“To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him (NASV).”
We see here: 1.) Preaching is a gift of grace. We do not deserve to be called to God’s side to assist Him in preaching the Gospel. But He has given us that grace, a blessing to work with Him.
2.) The grace of preaching extends universally. Not only was that gift given to the former murderer, persecutor, and blasphemer, Saul of Tarsus, but it also is offered to the Gentiles.
3.) The grace of preaching includes the unfathomable riches of Christ. Check your translation of that word “unfathomable.” It means “unsearchable, inscrutable.” Louw-Nida’s Lexicon says it pertains “to being impossible to understand on the basis of careful examination or investigation.” Thus, it had to be revealed through the Holy Spirit in His Word.
4.) The grace of preaching includes bringing to light the administration of those unfathomable riches of Christ that were a mystery before. There are a number of passages that show that the Gospel was a mystery in the Old Testament but has been explained in Jesus Christ and His church (Romans 16:25-26; 1 Corinthians 2:6-13; 1 Peter 1:10-12).
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5.) The purpose of the grace of preaching and bringing to light is that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known, that is, consummated in the church in Christ. To word that another way, it is the church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles in whom dwells the Godhead in Jesus Christ (Col. 1:27), that reveals the “manifold wisdom” of God. Again, consider your translation of the word “manifold.” It means “many-sided” and Louw-Nida write that it pertains “to that which is different in a number of ways.” The “many-sided” wisdom of God is seen in the church in Christ.
6.) The grace of preaching is directed toward the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Everyone now needs to know where the church fits into God’s scheme of redemption. That is how important the church is. It is the substance of preaching and bringing to light which we have been graciously called to do.
7.) The grace of preaching is part of God’s eternal purpose. Because the church was in God’s eternal plans and the role of preaching is to make known that plan and the church, then preaching has been a part of God’s eternal plan too. We cannot underestimate the power of preaching in God’s plans and in the worship of His church.
Therefore, let us boldly, confidently and graciously proclaim the Gospel message!
Paul Holland
