God not only saved Paul; he gave him the most precious of all ministries—to bring a new people group into the kingdom, to “preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ.” The verb “preach” (euangelizō) means to proclaim the gospel or good news; it is transliterated into English as “evangelize.”

In this context the wisdom of God is especially the proclamation of the gospel and the inclusion of the Gentiles in the church. This demonstrates the boundless riches of God that are absolute proof of his wisdom. Moreover, it also proves that his wisdom is “manifold”—multifaceted or composed of diverse aspects. Here Paul has created a compound word composed of “many” and “diverse, various.” It could also be translated “many-sided,” and it demonstrates the great complexity and diversity of the work of God in the world

The language of “making known” here does not mean that the church is to evangelize the demonic forces. They have made an eternal decision to oppose God (Rev 12:4, 7–9) and are beyond redemption. Rather, the church reiterates Christ’s preaching to the spirits in prison (1 Pet 3:19) and tells the cosmic powers they have lost. It does so through its victorious ministry in the world

3:12. God’s plan of salvation purposed before the world and executed in the cross clears the path to God. Through Christ a person can enter God’s presence with freedom and confidence. The cross has provided salvation which cleanses us of sin, forgives us, makes us holy, and thus enables us to enter the presence of the Holy one

Therefore, Paul admonishes the Ephesians not to be discouraged at all the suffering he is enduring. There were certainly grounds for despair after four years, with about another year to go—Ephesians was probably written a year or so into the Roman imprisonment. Most of them likely saw his problems as emblematic of their own, with the Roman world turning progressively against them.

In this light Paul wanted to encourage the Ephesians. He writes that his sufferings are “for you” and will be “your glory.” Every step of Paul’s sufferings came about as a result of his bold ministry. His work with Gentiles, such as those addressed in this letter, was especially despised by the Jews, as seen in Acts 22:21–22. There Paul defended himself, retelling on the steps of the temple the story of his conversion and call to ministry. His Jewish audience listened quietly—until he related how God had called him to minister to the Gentiles, after which they erupted, “Rid the earth of him! He isn’t fit to live!” His imprisonments in Caesarea and Rome were the result of that animosity.

The language of “making known” here does not mean that the church is to evangelize the demonic forces. They have made an eternal decision to oppose God (Rev 12:4, 7–9) and are beyond redemption. Rather, the church reiterates Christ’s preaching to the spirits in prison (1 Pet 3:19) and tells the cosmic powers they have lost. It does so through its victorious ministry in the world