Ephesians 3:6 – Joint enjoyers of an allotment

…in spirit the nations are to be joint enjoyers of an allotment and a joint body and joint partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus…

Now then, in this verse the word comes out. What is the content of the secret that Paul is talking about? In the first place this: it is in the atmosphere of spirit – not of flesh. “In flesh” (2:11), in terms of lineage, the nations were outsiders. But now “in spirit” (2:22) they are elevated to the highest level.

To describe the position of the nations, Paul uses the word ‘joint’ three times (literally ‘together’). Horizontally: the nations together. But, above all, vertically: together with Christ. As Paul says in Romans 8:17, “joint enjoyers with Christ’s allotment”. Most translations speak of “joint-heirs”. But originally the word has the thought of a fate that belongs to someone. That can indeed be an inheritance (Luke 20:14), but that does not necessarily apply. For example, the tribes of Israel literally received their land by casting lots.

What is the allotment that the nations receive? This: that all which has been promised to Christ Jesus is for them! “…in Him Whom our lot was cast also…” Paul wrote earlier (1:11). Because GOD has predestined us for that. As a lot form the lottery it is allocated to us!

Delen: