Surely you have heardThis phrase suggests that the audience, primarily Gentile believers in Ephesus, is already familiar with Paul's ministry and message. 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.
about the stewardship of God’s grace
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 in1 Corinthians 4:1-2, 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.
that was given to me
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 (Jeremiah 1:5).
for you
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 inEphesians 2:11-22, 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 (Genesis 12:3), fulfilled in Christ and extended through Paul's apostolic mission.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PaulThe 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.
2.
EphesiansThe 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.
3.
God's GraceThe unmerited favor and love of God, which Paul was entrusted to share, particularly with the Gentiles.
4.
StewardshipThe 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.
5.
GentilesNon-Jewish people who were also recipients of the gospel message, highlighting the inclusivity of God's plan of salvation.
Teaching Points
Understanding StewardshipRecognize 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.
Embracing God's GraceReflect on the transformative power of God's grace in our lives and how it compels us to share it with others.
Inclusivity of the GospelAppreciate the universal scope of the gospel message, which breaks down barriers and extends grace to all people, regardless of background.
Personal CallingConsider how God has uniquely called and equipped each of us to serve in His kingdom, just as Paul was called to the Gentiles.
Faithfulness in MinistryBe encouraged to remain faithful in whatever ministry or service God has placed us, knowing that we are stewards of His grace.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Ephesians 3:2?
2.How does Ephesians 3:2 highlight God's grace in your daily life?
3.What is the "stewardship of God's grace" mentioned in Ephesians 3:2?
4.How can you actively share God's grace with others, as Paul did?
5.Connect Ephesians 3:2 with another scripture about God's grace and stewardship.
6.How does understanding Ephesians 3:2 impact your role in the church community?
7.What is the "stewardship of God's grace" mentioned in Ephesians 3:2?
8.How does Ephesians 3:2 relate to Paul's mission to the Gentiles?
9.Why is the concept of grace significant in Ephesians 3:2?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 3?
11.What is Dispensationalism?
12.What does 'saved by grace' mean?
13.What defines Mid-Acts Dispensationalism?
14.What defines Ultra-Dispensationalism in Christian theology?What Does Ephesians 3:2 Mean
Surely you have heard aboutPaul begins with a warm reminder that his readers are already familiar with his story. InActs 19:1–10, many in Ephesus witnessed his teaching firsthand, and the church had likely circulated letters likeGalatians 1:11–24 that recounted his dramatic conversion. By saying, “Surely you have heard,” Paul underscores two things:
• They possess reliable, firsthand testimony of God’s work in his life, echoing2 Peter 1:16: “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths.”
• Their knowledge carries responsibility; awareness of God’s action invites deeper trust and obedience, just asHebrews 2:1 urges believers to “pay closer attention to what we have heard.”
the stewardship of God’s grace“Stewardship” pictures a household manager entrusted with valuable resources (compare1 Corinthians 4:1–2). God’s grace is that priceless resource. In Paul’s life this stewardship involved:
• Receiving grace—salvation entirely “by grace…through faith” (Ephesians 2:8).
• Administering grace—proclaiming the gospel so others could share in it (Romans 1:5).
• Protecting grace—defending its purity against distortion (Galatians 1:6–9).
Like Joseph managing Potiphar’s estate (Genesis 39:4–6), Paul manages a spiritual estate: “the glorious gospel of the blessed God” (1 Timothy 1:11).
that was given to meGrace is never earned; it is “given.”Acts 9:15 records Jesus telling Ananias, “He is My chosen instrument.” Paul emphasizes:
• Personal calling—God singled him out despite his past (1 Timothy 1:13–14).
• Divine enablement—“By the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10).
• Apostolic authority—the message carries weight because the Sender is God (Galatians 2:7–9).
His life showcasesRomans 11:29: “God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.”
for youThe stewardship is not self-serving. It is “for you,” aimed at blessing others—especially Gentile believers:
• Mission focus—God said, “I will send you far away to the Gentiles” (Acts 22:21).
• Spiritual inclusion—through Paul, Gentiles become “fellow heirs” (Ephesians 3:6).
• Costly love—Paul gladly suffers so others receive grace (Colossians 1:24–25).
This outward orientation reflects Jesus, who “came not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45).
summaryEphesians 3:2 shows Paul reminding the Ephesians that they already know his story: God entrusted him with managing and spreading the grace that saved him, gifting him with authority and power—all for their benefit. The verse invites believers to recognize God-given stewardship, embrace grace personally, and pass it on for the good of others.
(2)
If ye have heard.--The original word rendered "if" (the same used below,
Ephesians 4:21, and in
2Corinthians 5:3;
Galatians 3:4;
Colossians 1:23) 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.
The dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward.--The descriptive clause, "which is given me to you-ward," is seen in the original to belong to the word"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 inEphesians 1:10), the peculiar office in the ministration of the grace of God to the world, assigned to St. Paul by His wisdom. (Comp.1Corinthians 1:17-24, "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.") . . .
Verse 2. -
If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God. 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
Ephesians 1:2 - 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 (
Acts 22:18), he took kindly to the new sphere allotted to him, and magnified his office (
Romans 11:13).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Surelyγε(ge)Particle
Strong's 1065:A primary particle of emphasis or qualification.you have heard aboutἠκούσατε(ēkousate)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.theτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.stewardshipοἰκονομίαν(oikonomian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3622:Management of household affairs, stewardship, administration. From oikonomos; administration; specially, a 'economy'.of God’sΘεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.graceχάριτος(charitos)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5485:From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.that was givenδοθείσης(dotheisēs)Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1325:To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.to meμοι(moi)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.forεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.you,ὑμᾶς(hymas)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
Links
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NT Letters: Ephesians 3:2 If it is so that you have (Ephes. Eph. Ep) 
