Ephesians 3:7-8
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Paul's ministry wasn't just a job he took on; it was a "gift of God's grace" actively bestowed upon him. Notice how he emphasizes it was "according to the working of His power" – his apostleship was a direct result of God's dynamic, energizing force at work within him, transforming him and empowering him for the task.
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,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining how he, a former persecutor of the church, was chosen to be an apostle to the Gentiles. He emphasizes that this calling and the ability to fulfill it weren't due to his own merit but were entirely a gift from God's grace, empowered by His mighty work. This verse bridges his personal testimony with the grand mystery of the gospel reaching all nations.
Ever wonder if your calling or purpose comes from within or from somewhere greater? Paul tackles this head-on, clarifying that his role wasn't earned but given.
Paul emphasizes that his ministry wasn't a result of his own efforts, seeking, or inherent qualities. Instead, it was a 'gift of God's grace.' This means his apostleship was entirely a sovereign act of God's favor, bestowed freely.
It's crucial to grasp that this gift wasn't just an honor; it included the commission, the inspiration, and the enablement to fulfill his specific role. He was appointed according to this grace, meaning his entire ministry was shaped and empowered by God's gracious initiative.
What fuels your actions when you feel stretched or inadequate? Paul points to a dynamic, 'working' power that isn't just a force, but a divine energy at work.
Paul connects his ministry not only to God's grace but also to the 'effectual working of his power.' This phrase points to God's active, energetic, and potent influence. It's not a passive presence but a dynamic force that brings about His will.
This power was evident in Paul's own transformation from persecutor to apostle, demonstrating God's ability to accomplish the extraordinary. His ministry was sustained and made effective not by his own strength or intellect, but by this continuous, in-working power of God transforming people and circumstances.
Understand the original words
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diakonos · Greek Noun
One who serves, specifically an appointed servant of the gospel or the church, emphasizing humble service under the authority of Christ.
charis · Greek Noun
The unmerited, gracious favor of God, whereby He bestows blessings and salvation upon those who deserve judgment.
hagios · Greek Noun/Adjective
Those set apart for God; a common New Testament designation for all true believers who have been sanctified and belong to Christ.
Paul's declaration in Ephesians 3:7 highlights that his apostleship wasn't earned but was a divine gift, empowered by God. This was especially remarkable given his past as a persecutor, underscoring the transformative power of God's grace and calling.
c. AD 34
Saul's Conversion
Saul of Tarsus, a fierce persecutor of Christians, has a dramatic encounter with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus. This event radically transforms him, marking the beginning of his ministry.
c. AD 35-45
Early Missionary Journeys
Paul undertakes initial missionary journeys, primarily focusing on Jewish communities in Damascus, Arabia, and Jerusalem. He begins to share the gospel, often facing significant opposition.
c. AD 46-50
First Missionary Journey
Paul, along with Barnabas, travels through Cyprus and Asia Minor, preaching the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. This journey solidifies his role as an apostle to the nations.
c. AD 50-52
Second Missionary Journey
Paul ventures further into Asia Minor and into Europe, establishing churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth. He faces hardships and imprisonment but continues his ministry.
c. AD 53-57
Third Missionary Journey
Paul spends an extended period in Ephesus, strengthening churches and confronting pagan practices. He continues to evangelize throughout the region, facing renewed opposition.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Imprisonment in Rome
Paul is imprisoned in Rome, awaiting trial. During this time, he writes several epistles, including Ephesians, from his confinement.
Paul directly states that by the grace of God and His working, he became an apostle, echoing the theme of his ministry being a divine enablement, not personal merit.
Galatians 1:15-16This passage describes Paul's apostleship being directly appointed by God's good pleasure and His power to reveal His Son in him, mirroring the 'gift of God's grace given by the working of His power' in Ephesians.
Colossians 1:29Paul explains that his ministry and struggle involved Christ's power working powerfully within him, aligning with the concept of God's active power enabling his service as described in Ephesians.
2 Corinthians 4:7This verse uses the analogy of a precious treasure in an earthly vessel to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us, highlighting the divine source of ministry gifts and strength.
cambridgeEphesians 3:7: "Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power."
7 . a minister ] Diâconos , a worker, helper. Cp. Colossians 1:23 . The word implies activity and subordination.—“I” here is not emphatic. according to the gift , &c.] See above on Ephesians 3:2 . The “gift” includes the commission and the inspiration. His “ministry,” both in field and in effect, was “according to” this great gift. given ] I.e. (by the b…
vincentEphesians 3:7: "Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power."
Gift of the graceThe gift in which the grace of God consisted, the apostleship to the Gentiles.By the effectual working of His power (κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ)Rev., better, according to the working, etc. The gift was bestowed in accordance with that efficiency which could transform Saul the persecutor into Paul the apostle to the Gen…
Paul's ministry wasn't just a job he took on; it was a "gift of God's grace" actively bestowed upon him. Notice how he emphasizes it was "according to the working of His power" – his apostleship was a direct result of God's dynamic, energizing force at work within him, transforming him and empowering him for the task.
Paul is explaining how he, a former persecutor of the church, was chosen to be an apostle to the Gentiles. He emphasizes that this calling and the ability to fulfill it weren't due to his own merit but were entirely a gift from God's grace, empowered by His mighty work. This verse bridges his personal testimony with the grand mystery of the gospel reaching all nations.
Paul is explaining how he, a former persecutor of the church, was chosen to be an apostle to the Gentiles. He emphasizes that this calling and the ability to fulfill it weren't due to his own merit but were entirely a gift from God's grace, empowered by His mighty work. This verse bridges his personal testimony with the grand mystery of the gospel reaching all nations.
"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 unsearchabl…" — Paul's ministry wasn't just a job he took on; it was a "gift of God's grace" actively bestowed upon him. Notice how he emphasizes it was "according to the working of His power" – his apostleship wa…
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Last reviewed October 2026
