Paul was conscious that a new era of God’s work had begun. In the past God set Israel free from slavery to foreign gods and worked with them primarily. Meanwhile the rest of the world remained under the yoke of “the rulers…the authorities…the powers of this dark world and…the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” But now God is calling all people to himself to become a part of his family. Interestingly, Paul says that it is the very revelation of this plan that achieves its goal. The very announcement of God’s plan previously hidden from the world (there referred to here as a “mystery”) will set people free. It is the announcement that, through Christ’s work, the prison doors have been unlocked and everyone is free to return to God. This message is not just for the ‘prisoners’ but also to their demonic ‘gaolers’ (see vs. 10). The church is now given authority over the demonic world and may demand, through prayer, that Satan give up his hold on human lives. Hence, the next thing that Paul says: “For this reason…I pray…”. Prayer is the application of the good news of Jesus Christ. In prayer we take hold of what Christ gives to us. As I have been saying, our position is a wonderful one because it is a position of response to what Christ has already done. So don’t keep this good news a secret. It is not to remain a mystery. Rather, let it be made known to all people. Start with prayer and then see what God will do through you.
Pray for those whom you want to see come to faith in Christ.
Read Ephesians 3:1-13
