v1: Paul was in prison for his love for Christ. His calling was as apostle to the Gentiles (Col 1.25), not the replacement for Judas Iscariot (see Acts 1.25-26). His prayer was that his imprisonment would be for the blessing of others, "for you Gentiles", and in fact the blessing has been far greater, as we have the words he wrote.

v2: Administration, or dispensation, or stewardship; something important for which Paul was responsible. This is a reference to the "mystery of Christ", the gospel to the Gentiles, and the wonderful plan for the church. Again, it is "for you", since the Gentiles were part of God's plan.

v3-4: The gospel is wonderfully wide-ranging, Rom 16.25-26. It was previously hidden, but has now been revealed by God through His Spirit.

In contrast to Greek 'mysteries', which were religious ceremonies practised by secret societies; those initiated possessed secret knowledge, they were the perfect, or anointed ones. This was common in first century Greece, and elsewhere. It influenced Gnosticism, which infiltrated the early church, and the letter to the Colossians, and 1 John are particularly addressed to counter the error. Today it is seen in Freemasonry and Christian Science, and has some influence in other 'christian' groups.

v5: The Holy Spirit is our teacher. He revealed the mystery to Paul, so that it could be proclaimed. The truths were revealed to the apostles and prophets, so that the church could be properly established, and so that the truths of God could be clearly explained.

Notice that the apostles and prophets are "holy", for the message of God is from a Holy God, given through the Holy Spirit, and makes men holy, 2 Pet 1.21.

v6: The content of the mystery, that Gentiles share the blessings of Christ. Christ was a Jew, born under the law, and the oracles of God had been committed to the Jews (Rom 3.2), but now the gospel has universal application and relevance; it is the only way that Jews and Gentiles can know God.

v7: Paul was called to be a minister, or servant of this gospel. He received the gift of the grace of God, a reference to spiritual gifts (Rom 12.6), and special authority as apostle (Rom 12.3); thus God selects and equips His servants.

Paul was undeserving of such blessings, and he states that this grace was given through the working of God's power.

v8: Paul's opinion of himself, less than the least of all the saints; John Baptist was similarly described by Christ (Matt 11.11).

• Both were set apart by God, Luke 1.15; Acts 9.15.
• Both were called to proclaim God's word, Matt 3.7-12; Acts 26.20.
• Both were truthful and faithful, Matt 3.2; 1 Tim 1.12.
• Both were effective, Matt 3.5; Luke 1.16; Phil 4.1.
• Both lived in a wilderness, John in a physical wilderness, Matt 3.1; Paul in a spiritual wilderness, amongst Gentiles, 2 Cor 11.26.
• Both constantly needed Christ, Matt 3.14; Phil 4.13.
• Both owned Christ before governors, and were imprisoned by them, Luke 3.19-20; Acts 23-24.

In contrast is Paul's opinion of Christ, for he was called to proclaim the "unsearchable riches", as explained in 1.3-14; 2.1-9; 3.18-19; Paul had no desire to exalt himself, but only to magnify Christ. His particular ministry was to proclaim Christ amongst the Gentiles.

v9: The mystery, having been revealed, must now be proclaimed and published, that "everyone" might know and understand the gospel.

v10: The testimony of the church must have a special character, and hence the prayer of v14-19. On the earth, the church may be small and despised, but the key aspect is its spiritual character, and its role in God's plan. The church, having received the blessings of Christ, now has the responsibility to declare the mystery to all people, and to the spiritual power and authorities.

‘God cannot and will not give up on His church as His intended medium for declaring His glory to the nations.’ (Mark Lees, quoted in Global Connections’ World Prayer News, Jun/Jul/Aug 2008)

Paul here refers to 'rulers and authorities in the heavenley realms.' Elsewhere he uses 'the basic principles of the world' (Gal 4.3; Col 2.20), reflecting the dominant spiritual forces in those places. aul is not blind to unseen forces. 

v11: This work of the church is part of God's eternal purposes, which are all accomplished in Christ Jesus. This is true for the church, which is chosen in Him (1.4), and true for the world, since all things are gathered together in Him (1.10). The eternal work of salvation, in its full consequences, is accomplished, Rom 8.29-30; world history is now the out-working of the completed work of Christ. The end is in no doubt.

v12: Our part is simply faith in Christ. We believe in Him, and accept His will in all things. The result is boldness before men, and access with confidence. It is foolish not to avail ourselves of these blessings and privileges.

v13: We can also find strength in tribulations, whether our own or others'. Paul insists that others must not become discouraged because of the trials he was going through.

v14: Paul prays for the church. Whilst we can use the words of this prayer individually, and doubtless find great blessing in doing so, its primary focus is God's blessings upon the church.

v15: The church is the whole family of God in heaven and earth. This is a wide view of the church, not limited by time and place. The church exists in two places, and will not be together in one place until Christ returns for the church. There is also a unity between those who have gone before, those who are alive today, and those yet to come. There is no distinction here between the ‘church militant’ and the ‘church victorious,’ that is, those on earth, and those in heaven. That distinction came with the crusades.

There is a continuity of community between those in this world and those in the next.

This concept is found in the Old Testament too. The Lord God introduced Himself to Moses as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Christ Himself concluded that God is not the God of the dead but of the living. Elsewhere, when someone died, he ‘was gathered to his fathers,’ an indication of re-joining the community of God’s people.he church belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom we are named, and receive our identity.

v16: Out of His glorious riches; we rely on Him to give, for He has riches, and He is generous. Paul makes no reference here to our needs; what is important is His mighty provision.

To be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man; this is spiritual strength for the renewed man; such things are only for those who know Christ.

v17: That Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith, John 14.23; a life of faith, demonstrating obedience and devotion, experiencing a real closeness with Christ. It is important this His presence is always welcome in our lives.

Being rooted and established (grounded) in love; love must characterise our behaviour and attitudes; and we are enabled to experience something of the love of Christ.

Rooted as a vine; established as a building; here is growth and stability, Col 2.7.

v18: May be able to grasp (comprehend); to realise the abundance of Christ's love. We must do this with all the saints. As we know more of His love, we find that there is much more to know.

v19: To know the love of Christ, its quality, that it surpasses knowledge, and is beyond human understanding.

That you may be filled with all the fullness of God; experience and understanding develop spiritual character. The Church must demonstrate the whole character of God. This cannot be done individually, although we do recognise that individual Christians can be, and ought to be, godly.

v20-21: God can do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can think or pray. Paul would not presume to exhaust God in any way, for He is so great. God is able to answer the most 'ambitious' prayer, 1.19; Phil 2.13. The answers to such prayers depend upon His ability, rather than the strength of our faith; it is the strength of our faith that asks such prayers.

God's glory is to be seen in the church; by our good works (2.10); by walking worthy (4.1-3); by walking as Christ walked (4.17, 21); by being followers of God (5.1); by walking in love (5.2); by walking as children of light (5.8).