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7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. (Ephesians 3:7-9)
In today's text, we come to Paul's further explanation of "the mystery." This mystery is the answer to all of mankind's questions, enabling enemies to be friends. People with major differences (Jews and Gentiles in this case) made joint heirs of the promise of the Spirit of God. The power of God is given to us to do what we otherwise could never do.
In v.7 Paul reminds us that suffering is part of God's pathway to victory. The Apostle had been taught this appreciation for his pain by the Lord Jesus. And, as a result, he never lost his sense of amazement that God included him in His family. Paul knew the value of the gift that God had given him. This gift, which opened him up to the realities of life. Paul knew that we lead best through our weaknesses.
When we were born, we received certain talents. When we were "born again" we received certain gifts of the Spirit. Here, the Apostle begins to highlight the leadership gifts of the Spirit. The word translated to preach really means "to evangelize." So Paul had the gift of evangelism among his many gifts, and this is what drove him to do what he did.
As mentioned before, the Apostle had a great appreciation for his weaknesses. Paul writes in v.8, "I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people." As Paul grew in his understanding of the mystery, his understanding of who he was became clearer. The answer is this: out of weakness comes strength. And, as a result, our giftedness will always be used of God to give us direction for ministry.
In v.9, we discover the point of our talents, gifts and callings: "to make plain to everyone the administration (plan) of this mystery." The phrase "to make plain" means to enlighten, to bring light to all men about the knowledge of this mystery. God reveals truth to us so that we will be poised to help others know Him.
