Ephesians 3:1 –  Prisoner of Christ Jesus

On this behalf I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you, the nations.

In the previous chapter, Paul had explained the enormous privileges that have come to the nations. Being taken in to the sanctuary and the intimate atmosphere of the house of God, the Father. Part of “the new humanity”, a new company of people with a heavenly destination. Made one with Christ Jesus, who is the Head of them. And because of all this, Paul is now a prisoner. And indeed, it is also extensively described like that in the book of Acts.

When Paul was in Jerusalem (Acts 21), a huge riot broke out because he would have brought a certain Trophimus, a Greek, into the temple. He would have ignored the central wall of the barrier and the prohibition written on it. Certainly, that accusation was not true, but “in the spirit” it is precisely what Paul proclaimed. The central wall of the barrier has been broken away! Israel’s privileged place is (temporarily) over. Believers in Christ Jesus are one, regardless of their background.

Note that Paul does not write to be a prisoner of the Romans. No, even as a prisoner he is entirely at Christ’s expense. Assured of his heavenly care!

Delen: