Welcome to Week Four of our Ephesians for Families Bible Study – The Mystery of the Gospel!
The Apostle Paul wrote Ephesians to the church in Ephesus while he was under house arrest. Instead of focusing on his own tough times, Paul used the opportunity to strengthen and encourage Christ-followers. Ever since he encountered Jesus in the book of Acts, his life had been marked by a commitment to preach the gospel and build up churches. The goodness of the gospel fueled Paul’s passion to plant churches and encourage believers wherever God sent him.
This week, Paul reveals a deeper truth: the gospel is God’s plan from eternity to bring everyone, no matter their background, into His family. And now, we have a role to play in sharing that grace.
Note for Parents: The post is divided into two parts. The first section is for parents, giving you a deeper look at the passage before you teach it to your kids. Feel free to highlight and make notes as you go. The second section is the Family Bible Study, including a prayer, discussion questions, and a family activity.
Let’s Study the Bible Together: For Parents
Bible Passage: Ephesians 3:1-13 – “For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will give you insight into my understanding of the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.
This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.“
Big Idea: God’s gift in Christ is for everyone, and we are His messengers to share that grace.
Introduction
After reminding us that Jesus brings peace and unity between people who were once far apart, Paul continues by revealing something amazing: God’s plan to bring all nations together in Christ was not a last-minute idea. It was His purpose from the very beginning, and now that mystery has been made known through the gospel.
The Mystery
In this passage, Paul speaks from prison about a truth he considers foundational: the mystery of Christ. In older generations, God’s plan to bring Gentiles, basically anyone who was not Jewish, into His family was hidden. Now it is revealed through the gospel. And this was always God’s sovereign plan. Including the Gentiles IS NOT God’s backup plan because things didn’t work out like He expected. It was THE plan from the very beginning.
The differences between Jews and Gentiles will most likely be a difficult concept to teach your kids. So if there is one thing to focus on, it’s this: The Gospel of Jesus is not just for a select few — it’s for everyone who believes.
Paul points out that Gentiles are now fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise. That means people from every background, Jews and non-Jews, are equally part of God’s family through Jesus. There is no division in Christ. Another layer of the plan that God had since the beginning was being revealed to the world. The inclusion of all people in God’s rescue plan was a huge deal!
God’s Grace
In an ironic twist to the Biblical narrative, Paul, who formerly persecuted Jesus-followers, is the person God chose to spread the Gospel to all people. He is the one entrusted with the mission to preach this mystery. Why would God choose Paul? God’s purposes are beyond our complete comprehension, but we do know that He chose Paul by His grace.
What is grace? Grace is God’s unmerited favor. God didn’t choose Paul because of his resume. He chose Paul despite his past accomplishments and sinful life as a Pharisee. Through his dramatic encounter with the risen Christ in the book of Acts, Paul came to understand that Jesus was truly God AND that he (Paul) was God’s chosen instrument to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles. Paul doesn’t boast in himself; instead, he points to God’s grace, power, and purpose. His confidence comes from Christ, through faith, not from his own strength.
The Jesus-Follower’s Response
The result of the Gospel is the salvation of individuals and the expansion of the church. God’s purpose is bigger than anyone can imagine. Through the church, He is demonstrating His wisdom to spiritual rulers and authorities worldwide. The church isn’t just a local community—it’s part of God’s eternal plan. Because of Christ, believers have boldness and access to God. We can now approach Him with confidence because of Jesus. And we can join His mission to spread the Gospel to our own neighborhoods and every corner of the world.
Family Study Guide: The Mystery of the Gospel
Opening Prayer: God, thank You for giving us Your Word so we can know You better. Thank You for showing us Your great plan through Jesus and bringing everyone together in Your family. Open our hearts and minds as we read and talk about Your truth today. Help us to understand more of Your love and to live it out together. Amen.
Note for Parents: This week’s family Bible study is divided into three shorter sections. Each part focuses on a smaller portion of Ephesians 3 to help your family slow down and take in the passage piece by piece. You can do one section per day or spread them out through the week. This approach makes it easier for kids to stay engaged and gives your family time to reflect, discuss, and pray over what you’re learning together.
Day One – The Mystery
Read Our Bible Passage: Ephesians 3:1-6
“For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will give you insight into my understanding of the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.
This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”
Discussion Questions
When you hear the word mystery, what do you think about?
What is the mystery that Paul is talking about in these verses?
Do you know what the Gospel is? How does someone come to have a relationship with Jesus?
How does it feel that God had a plan to save you from the very beginning of time?
Family Activity
Puzzle Plan – Bring out a small puzzle or even just a few interlocking pieces. Talk about how each piece looks different but fits together to make one picture. God’s plan brings all kinds of people together to make something beautiful—His Church!
Day Two – God’s Grace
Read Our Bible Passage: Ephesians 3:7-10
“Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.”
Quick Recap: God gave Paul the responsibility of sharing the Gospel with the Gentiles. But why? Did Paul do something to earn that role? Nope. It was only because of God’s grace. Paul wasn’t worthy of the job, but God chose Him anyway. This gave Paul both confidence and humility.
Discussion Questions
How did Paul get the job to share the Gospel with the Gentiles?
What is grace?
Tell us about a time your parents, teachers, or siblings showed you grace in the past.
Why do we need to experience God’s grace to be saved from our sins?
Day Three –The Jesus-Follower’s Response
Read Our Bible Passage: Ephesians 3:11-13
“This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.”
Discussion Questions
What does Paul say Jesus did for people who were far away?
How does Jesus make peace between people?
What does it mean to be part of God’s household (family)?
How can we live like one family in Christ this week?
Do you have any other questions about the verses we just studied?
Note for Parents: You know your kids better than anyone else, so feel free to adjust the questions to work for your family. Enjoy!
Closing Prayer
God, thank You for showing us the mystery of Your plan to bring all people together through Jesus. We’re amazed that You invite us to be part of Your family and Your Church. Help us live with gratitude and confidence, knowing that we belong to You. Give us courage to share Your love with others this week, and remind us that Your grace gives us everything we need to follow You. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Additional Resources:
Ephesians for Families Bible Study | Week 1
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