Ephesians 3:6

That the Gentiles, &c. It is well to pause over a passage like this, and reflect that what seems now to be an axiom of religious thought, the equality of mankind in view of the offer of salvation, was once an immense and long-withheld discovery. See above, on Ephesians 2:11.

should be Better, are; in the plan of God, now disclosed.

fellowheirs Cp. Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:29; Galatians 4:7. They are the childrenof God and brethren of Christ, equally with Jewish believers, and so equally heirsof their Father's kingdom; "joint-heirs with Christ" of "the better country, that is the heavenly" (Hebrews 11:16).

of the same body Better, fellow-members, a version which preserves the likeness of the two Greek words represented by this expression and "fellowheirs" respectively. On "the body," see notes on Ephesians 2:16.

partakers Fellow-partakers, R.V., still preserving the similarities of the Greek.

his promise See on Ephesians 2:12. Read, the promise.

in Christ Only in vital union with Christ was the promise to be inherited. It was inextricably involved in Him.

by the gospel Better, by means of the Gospel; the instrument by which the Divine Plan of Gentile incorporation is to be made actual. Cp. 1 Corinthians 4:15, "I begot you by means of the Gospel." See also Romans 10:8-15; Romans 16:25-26.