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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ephesians/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ephesians/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Surely you have heard about the administration of God&#8217s grace that was given to me for you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ephesians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />assuming, by the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ephesians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ephesians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Surely you have heard about the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/ephesians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Surely you have heard of the administration of God's grace, having been given to me toward you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ephesians/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ephesians/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ephesians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />if indeed you have heard of the administration of God’s grace which was given to me for you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ephesians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God&#8217s grace which was given to me for you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ephesians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ephesians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />if indeed you heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ephesians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was entrusted to me [to share with you] for your benefit;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ephesians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ephesians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />you have heard, haven&#8217t you, about the administration of God&#8217s grace that He gave to me for you? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ephesians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />if so be that ye have heard of the dispensation of that grace of God which was given me to you-ward;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ephesians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You have surely heard about God's gift of undeserved grace in choosing me to help you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ephesians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />if so be that ye have heard of the dispensation of that grace of God which was given me to you-ward;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ephesians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Certainly, you have heard how God gave me the responsibility of bringing his kindness to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ephesians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Surely you have heard that God in his grace has given me this work to do for your good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ephesians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Surely you have heard about the responsibility of administering God's grace that was given to me on your behalf, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ephesians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Surely you have heard about the stewardship of God?s grace that was given to me for you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ephesians/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ephesians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />if it is so that you have heard of the administration of that grace of God which was given me toward you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ephesians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me on your account.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />if, that is, you have heard of the work which God has graciously entrusted to me for your benefit,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ephesians/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />if it is so that you have heard of the administration of that grace of God which was given me toward you, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ephesians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />if, indeed, you heard of the dispensation of the grace of God that was given to me in regard to you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/ephesians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Surely you have heard of the administration of God's grace, having been given to me toward you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ephesians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> if, indeed, ye did hear of the dispensation of the grace of God that was given to me in regard to you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ephesians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If ye have heard of the distribution of the grace of God given to me for you:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ephesians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If yet you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me towards you: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ephesians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Now certainly, you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God, which has been given to me among you:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ephesians/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />if, as I suppose, you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Have you ever heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />If you have heard of the administration of the grace of God, which is given to me among you.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/ephesians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />if, indeed, you have heard of the stewardship of the grace of God, which was given to me for your benefit,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/ephesians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />if indeed you have heard the economy of the grace of God which is given to me unto you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/ephesians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />if so be, that ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/ephesians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />if so be you have heard of the charge, which God has graciously dispens'd to me for you Gentiles;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />if, that is, you have heard of the work which God has graciously entrusted to me for your benefit,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/ephesians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />if, at least, ye heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/ephesians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />as ye have heard the dispensation of the grace of God, which was given me <i>to preach</i> unto you:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ephesians/3-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=402" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ephesians/3.htm">The Mystery of the Gospel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles... <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: Ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/1065.htm" title="1065: ge (Prtcl) -- A primary particle of emphasis or qualification.">Surely</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: ēkousate (V-AIA-2P) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">you have heard about</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3622.htm" title="3622: oikonomian (N-AFS) -- Management of household affairs, stewardship, administration. From oikonomos; administration; specially, a economy.">stewardship</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God’s</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5485.htm" title="5485: charitos (N-GFS) -- From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.">grace</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: dotheisēs (V-APP-GFS) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">that was given</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: moi (PPro-D1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">to me</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">for</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> </span> <span class="reftext">3</span>that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-25.htm">Colossians 1:25-27</a></span><br />I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God, / the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints. / To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-15.htm">Romans 15:15-16</a></span><br />However, I have written you a bold reminder on some points, because of the grace God has given me / to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/1-15.htm">Galatians 1:15-16</a></span><br />But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased / to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-17.htm">1 Corinthians 9:17</a></span><br />If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/22-21.htm">Acts 22:21</a></span><br />Then He said to me, ‘Go! I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-11.htm">1 Timothy 1:11-12</a></span><br />that agrees with the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted. / I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-13.htm">Romans 11:13</a></span><br />I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-18.htm">2 Corinthians 5:18-19</a></span><br />All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: / that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/2-7.htm">Galatians 2:7-9</a></span><br />On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted to preach the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised. / For the One who was at work in Peter’s apostleship to the circumcised was also at work in my apostleship to the Gentiles. / And recognizing the grace that I had been given, James, Cephas, and John—those reputed to be pillars—gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/26-16.htm">Acts 26:16-18</a></span><br />‘But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen from Me and what I will show you. / I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them / to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-10.htm">1 Peter 4:10</a></span><br />As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">1 Corinthians 4:1</a></span><br />So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-11.htm">2 Timothy 1:11</a></span><br />to which I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Acts 9:15</a></span><br />“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Isaiah 49:6</a></span><br />He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:</p><p class="hdg">ye.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/4-21.htm">Ephesians 4:21</a></b></br> If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/1-13.htm">Galatians 1:13</a></b></br> For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/colossians/1-4.htm">Colossians 1:4,6</a></b></br> Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love <i>which ye have</i> to all the saints, … </p><p class="hdg">the dispensation.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/3-8.htm">Ephesians 3:8</a></b></br> 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;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/4-7.htm">Ephesians 4:7</a></b></br> But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Acts 9:15</a></b></br> But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/galatians/4-13.htm">Account</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-10.htm">Administration</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">Assuming</a> <a href="/galatians/5-2.htm">Benefit</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-10.htm">Dispensation</a> <a href="/galatians/2-9.htm">Entrusted</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-19.htm">God's</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/galatians/2-9.htm">Graciously</a> <a href="/galatians/4-21.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-15.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/galatians/4-27.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-10.htm">Ordering</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-10.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-17.htm">Stewardship</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-10.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-7.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-2.htm">Work</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-3.htm">You-Ward</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/5-6.htm">Account</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-9.htm">Administration</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-21.htm">Assuming</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Benefit</a> <a href="/colossians/1-25.htm">Dispensation</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-7.htm">Entrusted</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-5.htm">God's</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-7.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-7.htm">Graciously</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-21.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-21.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-21.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-9.htm">Ordering</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-4.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-9.htm">Stewardship</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-21.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-9.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-7.htm">Work</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-18.htm">You-Ward</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/3-1.htm">The hidden mystery that the Gentiles should be saved was made known to Paul by revelation;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/3-8.htm">and to him was that grace given, that he should preach it.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/3-13.htm">He desires them not to be discouraged over his tribulation;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/3-14.htm">and prays that they may perceive the great love of Christ toward them.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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Ephesus was a major city in Asia Minor, a hub of early Christian activity, and Paul had spent significant time there (Acts 19). The phrase implies a shared knowledge and understanding among the believers, indicating that Paul's teachings and the events surrounding his ministry were well-known.<p><b>about the stewardship of God’s grace</b><br>The term "stewardship" refers to the responsibility and management of something entrusted to someone. In this context, it highlights Paul's role as a manager or administrator of the divine grace given to him. This grace is not just for personal salvation but is a special commission to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. The concept of stewardship is echoed in <a href="/1_corinthians/4.htm">1 Corinthians 4:1-2</a>, where Paul describes himself as a steward of the mysteries of God. This stewardship is a divine appointment, emphasizing the responsibility and accountability Paul has in spreading the Gospel.<p><b>that was given to me</b><br>This indicates that Paul's role and mission were not self-appointed but divinely ordained. The passive construction "was given" underscores that it is God who initiates and empowers Paul's ministry. This aligns with Paul's conversion and calling on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), where Jesus directly commissions him to be a messenger to the Gentiles. It reflects the biblical theme of God choosing and equipping individuals for specific purposes, as seen with prophets like Jeremiah (<a href="/jeremiah/1-5.htm">Jeremiah 1:5</a>).<p><b>for you</b><br>The "you" refers to the Gentile believers, highlighting the inclusive nature of the Gospel. Paul's mission was to break down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles, as elaborated in <a href="/ephesians/2-11.htm">Ephesians 2:11-22</a>, where he speaks of the unity and peace brought through Christ. This phrase emphasizes the personal and direct impact of Paul's ministry on the Ephesian believers, showing that the grace given to Paul was intended for their benefit and spiritual growth. It reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's plan to bless all nations through the seed of Abraham (<a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Genesis 12:3</a>), fulfilled in Christ and extended through Paul's apostolic mission.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>The apostle who wrote the letter to the Ephesians. He is emphasizing his role as a steward of God's grace, specifically in his mission to the Gentiles.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesians.htm">Ephesians</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, a group of believers in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor known for its diverse population and the Temple of Artemis.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_grace.htm">God's Grace</a></b><br>The unmerited favor and love of God, which Paul was entrusted to share, particularly with the Gentiles.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/stewardship.htm">Stewardship</a></b><br>The responsibility and management of something entrusted to one's care. Paul refers to his role in managing and spreading the message of God's grace.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/gentiles.htm">Gentiles</a></b><br>Non-Jewish people who were also recipients of the gospel message, highlighting the inclusivity of God's plan of salvation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_stewardship.htm">Understanding Stewardship</a></b><br>Recognize that stewardship involves responsibility and faithfulness in managing what God has entrusted to us, whether it be spiritual gifts, resources, or the message of the gospel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/embracing_god's_grace.htm">Embracing God's Grace</a></b><br>Reflect on the transformative power of God's grace in our lives and how it compels us to share it with others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/inclusivity_of_the_gospel.htm">Inclusivity of the Gospel</a></b><br>Appreciate the universal scope of the gospel message, which breaks down barriers and extends grace to all people, regardless of background.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/personal_calling.htm">Personal Calling</a></b><br>Consider how God has uniquely called and equipped each of us to serve in His kingdom, just as Paul was called to the Gentiles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_ministry.htm">Faithfulness in Ministry</a></b><br>Be encouraged to remain faithful in whatever ministry or service God has placed us, knowing that we are stewards of His grace.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_dispensationalism.htm">What is Dispensationalism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'saved_by_grace'_mean.htm">What does 'saved by grace' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_mid-acts_dispensationalism.htm">What defines Mid-Acts Dispensationalism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_ultra-dispensationalism.htm">What defines Ultra-Dispensationalism in Christian theology?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">If ye have heard.</span>--The original word rendered "if" (the same used below, <a href="/ephesians/4-21.htm" title="If so be that you have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:">Ephesians 4:21</a>, and in <a href="/2_corinthians/5-3.htm" title="If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.">2Corinthians 5:3</a>; <a href="/galatians/3-4.htm" title="Have you suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.">Galatians 3:4</a>; <a href="/colossians/1-23.htm" title=" If you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;">Colossians 1:23</a>) conveys, in such collocation as this, a supposition which is only a supposition in form--a half-ironical reference to a thing not doubtful. The sense is "if (that is)," or "if, as I suppose," "ye heard the dispensation," &c. The passage bears on the question whether the Epistle was an encyclical letter, or one addressed to the Ephesian Church. The argument which has been drawn from it in the former direction is not so strong as appears in the English; for the original implies no doubt that the readers of the Epistle had heard, and the hearing might have been not about St. Paul, but from St. Paul himself. Still, there is a vague generality about the expression, which suits well an address to the Asiatic churches generally, but could hardly have been used to a church so well known and beloved as Ephesus, where "the signs of an Apostle" had been wrought abundantly.<p><span class= "bld">The dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward.</span>--The descriptive clause, "which is given me to you-ward," is seen in the original to belong to the word <span class= "ital">"</span>grace," not (as our version might suggest) to "dispensation." The grace of God is spoken of as given to St. Paul, not so much for his own sake, as for ministration to them of the dispensation described in the next verse. We find there that the revelation of salvation to the Gentiles was the "dispensation," that is (much as in <a href="/ephesians/1-10.htm" title="That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:">Ephesians 1:10</a>), the peculiar office in the ministration of the grace of God to the world, assigned to St. Paul by His wisdom. (Comp. <a href="/context/1_corinthians/1-17.htm" title="For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.">1Corinthians 1:17-24</a>, "God sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel . . . We preach Christ crucified . . . unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.") . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God.</span> Here begins the digression. The words, "if ye have heard," etc., do not denote an uncertainty, but are a delicate reminder. Doubtless they had heard of the matter when he was at Ephesus, and, as he remarks in ver. 3, he had already written briefly on it. Grace is here used in a more restricted sense than in <a href="/ephesians/1-2.htm">Ephesians 1:2</a> - in the sense of Divine favor, honor, privilege - the same as in ver. 8, "To me... is this favor given." Which is given me to you-ward. The grace or favor meant is that whereby Paul was constituted the apostle of the Gentiles. Deeply though he felt his being sent away from preaching to his countrymen (<a href="/acts/22-18.htm">Acts 22:18</a>), he took kindly to the new sphere allotted to him, and magnified his office (<a href="/romans/11-13.htm">Romans 11:13</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ephesians/3-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Surely</span><br /><span class="grk">γε</span> <span class="translit">(ge)</span><br /><span class="parse">Particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1065.htm">Strong's 1065: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle of emphasis or qualification.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you have heard about</span><br /><span class="grk">ἠκούσατε</span> <span class="translit">(ēkousate)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὴν</span> <span class="translit">(tēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">stewardship</span><br /><span class="grk">οἰκονομίαν</span> <span class="translit">(oikonomian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3622.htm">Strong's 3622: </a> </span><span class="str2">Management of household affairs, stewardship, administration. From oikonomos; administration; specially, a 'economy'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of God’s</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Theou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">grace</span><br /><span class="grk">χάριτος</span> <span class="translit">(charitos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5485.htm">Strong's 5485: </a> </span><span class="str2">From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that was given</span><br /><span class="grk">δοθείσης</span> <span class="translit">(dotheisēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> </span><span class="str2">To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to me</span><br /><span class="grk">μοι</span> <span class="translit">(moi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰς</span> <span class="translit">(eis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you,</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμᾶς</span> <span class="translit">(hymas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/3-2.htm">Ephesians 3:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ephesians/3-2.htm">Ephesians 3:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ephesians/3-2.htm">Ephesians 3:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ephesians/3-2.htm">Ephesians 3:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ephesians/3-2.htm">Ephesians 3:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/3-2.htm">Ephesians 3:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/3-2.htm">Ephesians 3:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/3-2.htm">Ephesians 3:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/3-2.htm">Ephesians 3:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ephesians/3-2.htm">Ephesians 3:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ephesians/3-2.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 3:2 If it is so that you have (Ephes. Eph. 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