The Mystery Revealed: What It Means to Be a Prisoner of Christ


We have been looking briefly at the incredible privileges we have as believers in Christ. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul uses a specific phrase: "For this reason." He is saying that because of these supernatural privileges you have received through faith, he is driven to pray for you.

Before we look at his prayer, we must look at our position. Christ has done something radical: He made us all one in the church. There are no differences between Jewish believers and Gentile believers.

While this concept was incredibly difficult for many traditionalists to accept, the Gentiles were thrilled to hear it. As Luke recorded in the Book of Acts:

"When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed." — Acts 13:48

The Ultimate Perspective: A Prisoner of Christ

When Paul begins his second prayer, he drops a phrase that shifts our entire perspective on suffering:

"For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles..." — Ephesians 3:1

Everything between verse 1 and verse 13 functions like a parenthetical statement—additional, powerful thoughts that flooded Paul’s mind the moment he called himself a "prisoner."

Paul started this letter identifying himself as an apostle—a commissioned messenger or ambassador. But now, he is a prisoner.

Why was Paul in prison?

Historically, he was under house arrest in Rome because of his ministry to the Gentiles. In Acts 22, when Paul defended his faith and mentioned that God sent him to the Gentiles, the crowd literally rioted.

Yet, notice his vocabulary. Paul did not call himself a prisoner of the Jews, nor a prisoner of Caesar. He was a prisoner of Christ Jesus. Paul saw the bigger picture.

What are you a prisoner of?

Today, we use the phrase "prisoner of love" to describe a deep emotional attachment—a willing surrender to a powerful force where your well-being is tied to another.

  • Are you a prisoner of your circumstances?

  • Are you a prisoner of anxiety or past mistakes?

Paul wasn't. He surrendered his freedom to Jesus. Though he was restricted, his confinement gave him the time to write the very scriptures we read today.

Demystifying the "Mystery" of God

Paul uses the word mystery several times in this passage:

"...the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly." — Ephesians 3:3

In the ancient world, "Gnostics" believed in secret, spooky knowledge reserved only for an elite few. But biblical mystery is different. It simply means a divine truth that was once hidden but has now been openly revealed by the Spirit.

While the gospel seems like foolishness to those who are perishing (1 Cor. 1:18), it is pure power to those who believe.

What is the grand mystery?

"This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus." — Ephesians 3:6

The mystery is that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. Christ came to destroy segregation, prejudice, and hatred. He made us equal heirs in God's family.

From Apostle to 'Less Than the Least'

As Paul reflects on this, his humility deepens. He journeys from Apostle, to Prisoner, to Less than the least of all God's people.

Interestingly, the name Paul in Latin means "small." Perhaps he chose this name as a constant reminder of his humble position before a gracious God. He recognized that while God keeps some secrets to Himself (Deuteronomy 29:29), the truths He has revealed belong to us to obey.

The Cosmic Impact of the Church

God’s intent is that through the church, His "manifold wisdom" is put on display for the rulers and authorities in heavenly realms. When the church functions in true unity, the angels look on in glory, and the enemy looks on in disaster. As Paul famously wrote elsewhere:

  • Galatians 3:28: There is neither Jew nor Greek... for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

  • Colossians 3:11: Christ is all, and in all.

Two Ultimate Privileges for You Today

Because of this beautifully revealed mystery, Paul highlights two magnificent privileges we possess right now:

  1. Freedom of Approach: We don't have to shrink back in fear.

  2. Confidence: We can approach the throne of grace boldly to find help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

Paul concludes his parenthetical thought by urging the believers: "...I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory." (Ephesians 3:13). Paul was happy to sit in a cell if it meant the Gentiles discovered they were equal in the eyes of God.

What Does This Mean for Us Today?

Unless you have Jewish lineage, you are a Gentile. You and I were once outsiders to the historical promises of Israel. Yet, in His immense mercy, God chose to break down the walls of division.

When we look at the church—and when we come to the Communion table—we are all completely equal. Your past reputation does not define you. Your cultural background does not categorize you. As a believer, you are a full member of God’s family with every right, privilege, and position that comes with it.

What areas of your life do you need to stop viewing through your circumstances, and start viewing as a "prisoner of Christ"? Let’s chat in the comments below!

Originally delivered 2024.02.04


Location: Caldwell, KS 67022, USA

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