Visual Theology – Ephesians ?

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

Ephesians 3:2-4:16
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. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

The Christian Life in Ephesians: A Divine Progression

The Christian life in Ephesians is a progression into God's own household economy—a divine stewardship that begins with the revelation of Christ and culminates in participation in building up the Body of Christ. This calling is for every believer named by the Father according to His purpose (Ephesians 3:14-15).

The Foundation: Revelation of the Mystery

The journey begins with “a spirit of wisdom and revelation” to see the hope of His calling, the riches of His inheritance, and His surpassing power toward believers (Ephesians 1:17-19). This foundation is the knowledge of the mystery—Christ Himself. This mystery, once hidden, is now revealed: that Christ dwells in us, making us heirs together, members of one Body, and partakers of His promise (Ephesians 3:6). Paul prays we would “be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith” (Ephesians 3:16-17). This strengthening is “with all saints,” as the Church is filled unto God’s fullness (Ephesians 3:18-19). The vision is corporate: God is building a habitation of God in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:22), requiring the saints to apprehend the unsearchable riches of Christ.

The Means: Equipping by Word and Spirit

Revelation leads to equipping. Ministry is given “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). The Word and Spirit equip believers—not by outward law, but by the revelation of Christ and “the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20). This equipping brings each member into function as a vital joint of supply, so the body builds itself up in love (Ephesians 4:16).

The Outcome: Participation as Stewards of Grace

Ministry is the natural outflow of entering the fellowship of the mystery (Ephesians 3:9). As stewards of grace, believers receive and share Christ, ministering His unsearchable riches to others. This springs not from ambition, but from a burden for God’s heart—the building up of the body so Christ is expressed as the fullness of God in the Church (Ephesians 1:22-23; 3:19-21).

This progression is driven by revelation and sustained by the Spirit’s strengthening. Growth happens as we “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18), being rooted in love and speaking truth in love to supply Christ to others. Ministry distributes the riches of Christ so the Church becomes the fullness of him that filleth all in all.

The outcome is a Church built up in unity and love, displaying the manifold wisdom of God—even to angels (Ephesians 3:10). This divine progression—from knowing the mystery, through equipping, to active stewardship—is accomplished “by the power that worketh in us,” for God’s eternal glory in the Church (Ephesians 3:21).