SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS


Text: Ephesians 3:1–13

Theme: God’s Eternal Plan and the Privilege of the Church


Opening

Read Ephesians 3:1–13 out loud.



Group Study


1. Paul’s Perspective in Prison (v. 1)


In this verse Paul describes himself not as a prisoner of Rome but “a prisoner of Christ Jesus.” He sees his situation through the lens of God’s sovereignty, meaning God was still in control despite his circumstances.


  • Why do you think it would matter for Paul’s readers to see him as Christ’s prisoner not Caesars?
  • When you face struggles, what difference does it make to remember you belong to Christ?


2. The Stewardship of Grace (vv.2-3)


Paul says he was given a stewardship—a responsibility—to share God’s grace with the Gentiles.

To be steward means that he manages what belongs to someone else.


  • How does calling the gospel a “stewardship” show that it’s not Paul’s message, but God’s?
  • In what ways are we stewards of God’s grace in our daily lives (family, work, friendships)?


3. The Mystery Revealed (vv. 4–6)


Paul says the mystery hidden for ages is now revealed: Jews and Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow

members, fellow sharers in Christ. This was unthinkable in Paul’s day.


  • Why would this truth have been shocking both for Jews and Gentiles? (Think of the old barriers of law, temple, and ethnicity.)
  • Where do you see “dividing walls” today that Christ calls the church to tear down?



4. The Unsearchable Riches of Christ (vv. 7–9)


Paul, though once a persecutor of Christians, now proclaims the “unsearchable riches of Christ.” The reality is that God delights to use the least likely for His glory.


  • What does Paul’s humility (calling himself the “least of all the saints”) teach us about grace and ministry?
  • This verse teaches that God can use even our weakness and past failures. How can knowing that encourage us to serve Him?



5. God’s Wisdom on Display (v. 10)


God’s plan is so profound that even the spiritual powers in the heavenly realms learn about His

wisdom through the church.


  • What does this verse teach us about the central role of the church in God’s plan?
  • How does this challenge the way we think about the importance of gathering as the church today?



6. Bold Access to God (vv. 11–12)


Because of Christ, we have bold and confident access to the Father. No more fear, no rituals—

just faith in Christ.


  • How is this different from the access people had to God under the Old Covenant?
  • Do you ever find yourself hesitant to approach God with confidence? If so, how can the truth of this verse help?



7. Suffering and Glory (v. 13)


Paul ends by telling the Ephesians not to lose heart because his suffering is for their glory.


  • What do you think he meant by that?
  • How might this perspective help you or someone you know walk through trials without losing heart?



Final Question for the Group: Which truth from this passage most encourages you today, and why?