”The Prison Epistles” by Chris Young Part 3

September 24, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

In this episode we dive into Ephesians chapter 3 as part of a continuing study of Paul's prison epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon), written while Paul was under house arrest around AD 60–62. The speaker reviews major themes from Ephesians—spiritual blessings in Christ, the role of the Holy Spirit, grace through faith, God’s eternal plan for redemption, and the unity of Jews and Gentiles in the church—before unpacking chapter 3 in detail.

Key topics include Paul’s self-identification as a prisoner of Christ for the Gentiles, his stewardship/dispensation of God’s grace, and the revelation of the “mystery” that Gentiles are fellow heirs and members of the body of Christ through the gospel. The episode highlights Paul’s humility and gratitude, his calling to minister to the Gentiles, and his emphasis on God’s unsearchable, unfathomable riches in Christ.

Chris connects these doctrinal points to pastoral application: how the first three chapters of Ephesians present doctrine and spiritual blessings, while chapters 4–6 move into practical instruction for Christian living. Paul’s prayer for believers is examined—asking that they be strengthened in the inner man, that Christ dwell in their hearts, and that they comprehend (as much as possible) the width, length, depth, and height of Christ’s love. The episode also explores the call to unity in the church (Ephesians 4), emphasizing humility, gentleness (meekness), patience, and bearing with one another in love as essential to maintaining the unity of the Spirit.

Listeners will hear cross-references to Acts, 1 Corinthians, 1 Timothy, Philippians, and 1 Peter to illuminate Paul’s ministry, his self-awareness as “less than the least,” and the broader biblical context of God’s revealed plan. Expect reflections on prayer, spiritual maturity, the manifold wisdom of God revealed through the church, and practical challenges of walking worthy of the calling—living out humility, unity, and sacrificial love within the body of Christ.

 

Duration 42:31