What does the word fellowship mean in Ephesians 3:9?
In Ephesians 3:9, fellowship means a meeting of the minds—like-minded thinking and shared understanding among believers. It describes the fellowship of the secret or mystery: God's previously hidden plan, now revealed, that Gentiles are joint heirs with Christ, and all believers are to see it.
Les explains that in Ephesians 3:9 the word fellowship means a meeting of the minds—like-minded thinking about things. When believers gather and speak of fellowship, they share a common understanding. In this verse Paul is to make all see the fellowship of the secret or mystery, which had been hid in God from the beginning of the age. Les emphasizes that this mystery was not revealed during Christ's earthly ministry; Jesus spoke only of Himself and Israel and never indicated this kind of consort between Himself and Gentiles. It was kept secret in the mind of God until revealed to Paul and now comes out to the whole Gentile world. The fellowship concerns the previously hidden truth that Gentiles are joint heirs with Christ, a prospect no Jew had heard in the covenant promises. It is for all believers to see, not just the spiritual, pastors, or theologians. Paul proclaims what had never been revealed before.
And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
More Questions
Can Ephesians 3:9 be twisted to mean something else?
The Scripture about this secret cannot be twisted to mean something else.
Can Ephesians 3:9 be interpreted to mean something other than a previously unrevealed mystery?
Paul's proclamation that he is revealing a previously hidden secret cannot be twisted to mean something else.