Visual Theology – Ephesians ?

This chart shows the structure. What follows explains each part.

Ephesians 3:1-11
For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward, how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel; whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

Paul’s Stewardship of the Mystery

Paul’s ministry was a unique dispensation of God’s grace, entrusted to him for the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:1-11). This stewardship centered on revealing the mystery of Christ—a truth not disclosed in prior ages. At its heart is the distinction between Israel’s earthly inheritance and the Church’s heavenly inheritance.

Israel’s Earthly Inheritance

The Old Testament prophets spoke primarily of Israel, a nation under the law, with promises concerning the land, the kingdom, and the Davidic throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Israel’s inheritance is earthly, awaiting fulfillment in the future kingdom. Jesus referred to the “times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24), a period when Israel is set aside.

The Church’s Heavenly Inheritance

Paul revealed that Gentiles are “fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel” (Ephesians 3:6). The Church does not supplant Israel or inherit its earthly promises. Instead, the Church’s inheritance is heavenly, not earthly. In Christ, Jew and Gentile are reconciled into one new man, the body of Christ (Ephesians 2:14-15; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

This distinction is crucial. Some misinterpret Ephesians 3:6 to mean the Church takes Israel’s promises. But Paul reveals our inheritance is “in the heavenlies,” joint with Christ, “far above all principality, and power” (Ephesians 1:21). We are “blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3) and “seated together in heavenly places” (Ephesians 2:6).

The Church’s inheritance is Christ Himself—“Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). As members of His body, we are co-heirs, sharing His life and glory (Romans 8:29). Our position is acceptance in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6), with access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18). This is not of law, but of the Spirit indwelling us, making believers the habitation of God (Ephesians 2:22).

Preserving the Distinction

The distinction between Israel and the Church is intrinsic to God’s eternal purpose. Israel’s promises remain for future fulfillment. The Church, God’s new creation, is the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 1:23). Our hope is not an earthly kingdom, but to appear with Christ in glory (Colossians 3:3-4).

Understanding this dispensational distinction grounds our identity. We are not spiritual Israel or under the law. Our rule is Christ Himself in us (Galatians 2:20). Through faith, we receive the Spirit and partake of Christ’s inheritance.

The Key to Christian Establishment

Paul’s ministry, given by revelation from the ascended Christ, is key. To be established, we must understand the mystery revealed to Paul—the heavenly calling, the new creation, and being joint heirs with Christ. This vision anchors us in God’s grace and our heavenly inheritance.