November 1, 2015

Ephesians 3:6 NLT - "And this is God's plan:  Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God's children.  Both are part of the same body and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus."

Commentary:

Paul expands on what he spoke of in Chapter One that God's plan was to unite all believers into one body whether they were Jews or Gentiles.  And Paul especially emphasizes the Gentiles because they are the ones to whom Paul was called to preach.  He was letting them know that the salvation the Jews enjoyed was the same salvation for the Gentiles.  And, therefore, the inheritance that came as a result of that salvation is the same inheritance the Gentiles can enjoy.  What we today need to understand is that for the Gentiles of Paul's day to hear this was beyond belief!  They were awestruck that they would have the privilege that only the "chosen ones," the Jews, could enjoy.  And further, the Jews were astounded that God was able to save the Gentiles.  To the Jews, the Gentiles were beyond hope and could never be redeemed.  Well, God showed His power to do the impossible!  And today, 2,000 years later, the Church, the Body of Christ, continues to be made of believers from whatever race of people and whatever social status they may have.  No one is exempt from God's family.  BUT, each person who would seek to enter God's kingdom must understand they can only enter through one door, and that is Christ Jesus.  John 10:9, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved..."  NKJV