Slices
Prepare
This time with God matters to you, but also to all who depend on you and interact with you, and to the spiritual powers around you. Be present!
Bible passage
God’s marvellous plan for the Gentiles
3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles –
2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
Explore
Paul spent around two years in Ephesus (see Acts 19:10). Writing from house arrest in Rome five years later, he recognises that the church in Ephesus will now contain many people who never knew him personally. Those who had been in the church for longer would be concerned that their founder was in detention. What were the implications for Christianity?
Paul does not want them to be discouraged (v 13), so he recounts his personal commission as Christ’s apostle to the Gentiles (v 8). Despite his detention, his ministry continues and his calling remains the greatest privilege he can imagine (v 8).
The world was watching the fledgling church. The first period of state‑sponsored persecution would shortly begin, and Paul was concerned that the churches he had founded should stand strong. However, the church had another audience, ‘the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms’ (v 10).
Whatever the visible activity of the church, its very presence and continued life through the Holy Spirit send out a powerful message about the wisdom of God in uniting humanity under Christ. So, says Paul, do not forget your greatest source of strength, namely, freedom and confidence to approach God through Jesus (v 12, compare 2:18).
Respond
Whether you are busy for God or life is quiet, pray for the maintenance of your vital connection with the Father through Jesus.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Ezekiel 26,27; 1 Peter 4
Pray for Scripture Union
Please pray that God will continue to open doors in schools, churches and communities across England and Wales. Ask that simple, everyday moments would lead to meaningful conversations, and that many children and young people would be drawn to explore who Jesus is and the difference he can make in their lives.
Help children discover the heart of Christmas
Give children more than the excitement of Christmas. Help them discover the hope, joy and good news of Jesus through fun, engaging and easy-to-use resources for children, families, churches and schools.
Whether you’re planning a Christmas event, session, gift or outreach, these resources make it simple to share the true meaning of Christmas in ways children can connect with and remember.
Ready to share the heart of Christmas?
🎄 Find your Christmas resources
📘 Also available from your local Christian bookshop.
