In Ephesians 3:1-13, the Apostle Paul gives us a powerful perspective on how to view our Christian life and purpose. Despite writing from a Roman prison while chained to a guard, Paul’s attitude wasn’t one of despair but of privilege.

Paul’s perspective challenges us to reconsider how we view our own circumstances and calling. Let’s explore four privileges Paul embraced that we can apply to our lives today.

The Privilege of Suffering

“For this reason, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, on behalf of you Gentiles...” (Ephesians 3:1)

Notice how Paul identifies himself not as a prisoner of Rome or Nero, but as “a prisoner of Christ Jesus.” This subtle distinction reveals his entire perspective on suffering. Rather than viewing his imprisonment as an injustice or hardship, he saw it as part of his service to Christ.

Paul understand something profound: suffering has purpose when viewed through the lens of faith. As he wrote in Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy of comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us.”

When we face difficulties, we have two options:

• See ourselves as victims of circumstances
• See ourselves as champions for Christ

The shepherds, teachers, parents, and caregivers among us understand this principle. They willingly surrender their own comfort for the benefit of others. This sacrificial mindset reflects Christ’s own example.

The Privilege of Proclaiming

“...assuming that 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...” (Ephesians 3:2-3)

Paul viewed his salvation not just as a personal blessing but as a stewardship—a responsibility to share with others. God entrusted him with the mystery of salvation through Jesus Christ, previously hidden but now revealed.

This same privilege extends to us today. We've been given opportunities to make the mystery of salvation known to others through our everyday conversations and interactions. These moments often arise unexpectedly—at restaurants, grocery stores, workplaces—when God positions us to proclaim His greatness.

Paul emphasizes three important aspects of this message in verse 6:

• We are fellow heirs - adopted into the same family regardless of background
• We are members of one body - united under Christ as the head
• We are partakers of the promise - sharing equally in God’s kingdom

The Privilege of Serving

“Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given to me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given...” (Ephesians 3:7-8)

Despite his impressive religious credentials, Paul considered himself “the least of all saints.” Perhaps he remembered standing by as Stephen was stoned to death or his own persecution of the early church. This humility led him to marvel: “Of all people, why me?” We might ask the same question. Why would God choose us to participate in His kingdom work? Not because He needs us, but because He wants us to join Him in His purpose. This should inspire us to serve others not out of duty but privilege—with the attitude of “my pleasure.”

The precious gifts of Christianity aren’t meant to be hoarded but shared. When we recognize that we were born at this specific time for a specific purpose, serving becomes not an obligation but an honor.

The Privilege of Access

“...so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly place... in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.” (Ephesians 3:10,12)

In a remarkable revelation, Paul explains that the church serves as a model for those in the spiritual realm to understand God’s wisdom. Even angels are watching how we live out our faith!

Beyond this cosmic significance, our salvation gives us direct access to God Himself. We can “draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace in help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). The Creator of the universe invites us into His presence at any moment—what an incredible privilege!

Life Application

As we reflect on these four privileges—suffering, proclaiming, serving, and access—consider how they might transform your perspective this week:

• How do you currently view suffering in your life? Are you seeing it through physical eyes or spiritual eyes? Ask God to help you see how He might be glorified through your difficult circumstances.
• What opportunities has God given you to share the good news of Jesus? Pray that the Holy Spirit will make you mindful of these moments and give you courage to speak.
• Have you considered that God brought you into existence at this specific time and place for a purpose? What might that purpose be, and how are you fulfilling it?
• Are you taking full advantage of your access to God through prayer? Remember that approaching His throne isn to just a responsibility but a privilege.

To suffer for Christ is not a penalty but our glory, for it allows us to demonstrate our loyalty to Him. Whatever challenges you face this week, approach them with the confidence that you are Christ’s ambassador, privileged to represent Him in this generation.