Ephesians 3:7-13
The church is like a diamond, reflecting the glory of God’s wisdom in saving sinners through Christ.
13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you [prisoner for you, 3:1], which is your glory.— when they ask Paul, why are you here, imprisoned, he can point to the born again, baptized church in Ephesus. It is for them. “Do to me what you wish, but I want those Ephesians to know that God’s grace is as much intended for them as for anyone.” They are honored, their salvation being worth every suffering Paul must endure. He suffers because he has brought the gospel to the Ephesians, Philippians, Thessalonians–Gentiles, and they believed. They are united by the Spirit into a growing temple of all believers. The church stands as evidence of God’s gracious, unstoppable wisdom to unite all things under the kingship of our Lord Jesus Christ.
