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21 I, Paul, write you this greeting in my own hand.(A)

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21 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.(A)

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11 See with what large letters[a] I am writing to you in my own hand!(A)

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Footnotes

  1. 6:11 Large letters: in contrast to the finer hand of the scribe who wrote the letter up to this point. The larger Greek letters make Paul’s message even more emphatic. Some find a hint of poor eyesight on Paul’s part. See note on Gal 4:13.

Not Circumcision but the New Creation

11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!(A)

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III. World Mission of the Church

Chapter 3

Commission to Preach God’s Plan.[a] Because of this,(A) I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ[b] [Jesus] for you Gentiles—

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Footnotes

  1. 3:1–13 Paul reflects on his mission to the Gentiles. He alludes to his call and appointment to the apostolic office (Eph 3:2–3) and how his insight through revelation, as well as that of the other apostles and charismatic prophets in the church (Eph 3:4–5), has deepened understanding of God’s plan of salvation in Christ. Paul is the special herald (Eph 3:7) of a new promise to the Gentiles (Eph 3:6): that the divine plan includes them in the spiritual benefits promised to Israel. Not only is this unique apostolic role his; Paul also has been given the task of explaining to all the divine plan of salvation (Eph 3:8–9), once hidden. Through the church, God’s plan to save through Christ is becoming manifest to angelic beings (Eph 3:10; cf. Eph 1:21), in accord with God’s purpose (Eph 3:11). The fulfillment of the plan in Christ gives the whole church more confidence through faith in God (Eph 3:12). The readers of this letter are also thereby encouraged to greater confidence despite Paul’s imprisonment (Eph 3:13).
  2. 3:1 A prisoner of Christ: see Introduction. Paul abruptly departs from his train of thought at the end of Eph 3:1, leaving an incomplete sentence.

God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner(A) of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

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IV. Final Greetings

17 This greeting is in my own hand, Paul’s. This is the sign in every letter; this is how I write.(A)

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17 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand,(A) which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.

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