Ephesians 3:6

Fellowheirs. Compare Rom. 8:17; Gal. 3:29; 4:7; Heb. 11:9. None of the blessings of salvation were to be withheld from the Gentiles; thus would be fulfilled the promise to Abraham that in him all families of the earth would be blessed (Gen. 12:2, 3).

Their national history shows clearly that the Jews did not comprehend the extent of the plan for the Gentiles and the universality of the gospel; hence the Gentiles remained in comparative ignorance. However, throughout the OT there were intimations of the glory that God intended to reveal (Gen. 18:18; Ps. 22:27; etc.; see Vol. IV, pp. 26-30).

Same body. See ch. 2:16. To bring together in one body those who for centuries have been separated by fears and animosities is the avowed purpose of God through Jesus Christ. All historical differences of race, nation, and social status are to be obliterated, not by political unification, but by the overwhelming power of love and a common allegiance to the person of Christ. All of men’s worthy but forlorn efforts to harmonize their differences inevitably fail because they are not directed according to the basic principles of the kingdom of God, the principles of mutual respect and love. This, Paul came to announce to Jew and Gentile alike.

Partakers. Literally, “joint sharers.” The word thus translated occurs only here and in ch. 5:7.

His promise. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “the promise.” That is, the promise of salvation.

In Christ. The key phrase (see on ch. 1:1). Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the reading “in Christ Jesus.” All the precious promises of God to Israel, and now to the Gentiles also, were fulfilled in Christ (2 Cor. 1:20). The phrase “in Christ by the gospel” refers not only to the “promise” but also to “fellowheirs” and to “partakers.”

By the gospel. Or, “by means of the gospel.” Compare the statement, “I have begotten you through the gospel” (1 Cor. 4:15; cf. Rom. 10:8-15; 16:25, 26). The news that men need not be lost, that they may be joined in one body to Christ, to their eternal salvation, is the gospel.