Ephesians 3:2

If ye have heard. Here begins a digression that lasts perhaps to v. 14, where the words “for this cause” (v. 1) are repeated to resume the original train of thought. In this digression Paul deals with two closely related subjects: The revelation of the hidden mystery that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and his own special call to apostleship to make known to them this mystery.

The uncertainty expressed in the clause, “if ye have heard,” has been set forth as evidence that the letter was not addressed to the Ephesians. Paul would not, it is asserted, speak thus to a group among whom he had labored for three years. Several explanations have been offered: (1) That the statement is a delicately half-ironical reference to a thing that is not doubtful; (2) that the letter was intended, not for the Ephesians only, but for the churches in Asia generally; (3) that inasmuch as some five years had passed since Paul had last visited Ephesus, the composition of the church had changed to the extent that Paul chose to speak with less definiteness. He assumed that the new members had heard what he had told the older members. For a discussion of this problem see p. 993.

Dispensation. See on ch. 1:10. The essential idea of this word is stewardship (Eph. 3:2; Col. 1:25).

Grace. For a definition of “grace” see on Rom. 3:24. Paul exalts his office and humbles himself as an instrument, or steward. When the Master puts us to work He thereby honors us.

To you-ward. That is, to the Gentiles (see Acts 9:15; 22:21). His career and lifework consisted of entire commitment to the service of others (Acts 26:17, 18; Rom. 1:5).