Here we see Paul unpacking for us what he deems as a mystery, or something that was not known previously. In these verses, Paul says that he has been given insight into this mystery to share with the world. His particular insight would be that the Gentiles are fellow heirs of the inheritance in Christ. Paul reminds them that he was given his ministry by the grace of God, and even says that he is the last person who should be qualified for this ministry. He says that his ministry is to bring to light the wisdom of God, which has been God's purpose for all eternity, and it is fulfilled in Christ. He concludes by asking the church at Ephesus not to be worried over the suffering he was experiencing at the time (Paul was in prison).
"of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known," Colossians 1:25
"through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations," Romans 1:5
So what I take from this is that Paul is very clear in the second half of the passage to let the Ephesians know that he did nothing to merit the ministry he now has. He has been gifted with his ministry through the grace of God, and by nothing else.
I think sometimes I forget that my ministry is a gift from God. I sometimes feel it is a burden and something I have brought on myself, when in reality it is a gift from him, and something I should gladly receive. I think I would do well to think about how God has allowed me to be a part of his plan to bring people to himself.
LORD, help me today to not be burdened by the work you have given me. Instead let me rejoice in the fact that you have given me a part to play in your eternal work. Amen.
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