Ephesians 3:10

10. The design of God in giving Paul grace to proclaim to the Gentiles the mystery of salvation heretofore hidden.

now—first: opposed to "hidden from the beginning of the world" ( :-).

unto the principalities and—Greek adds "the"

powers—unto the various orders of good angels primarily, as these dwell "in the heavenly places" in the highest sense; "known" to their adoring joy (1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 1:12). Secondarily, God's wisdom in redemption is made known to evil angels, who dwell "in heavenly places" in a lower sense, namely, the air (compare Ephesians 2:2; Ephesians 6:12); "known" to their dismay (1 Corinthians 15:24; Colossians 2:15).

might be known—Translate, "may be known."

by the church—"by means of," or "through the Church," which is the "theater" for the display of God's manifold wisdom (Luke 15:10; 1 Corinthians 4:9): "a spectacle (Greek, 'theater') to angels." Hence, angels are but our "fellow servants" (1 Corinthians 4:9- :).

manifold wisdom—though essentially one, as Christ is one, yet varying the economy in respect to places, times, and persons (Isaiah 55:8; Isaiah 55:9; Hebrews 1:1). Compare 1 Peter 4:10, "stewards of the manifold grace of God." Man cannot understand aright its single acts till he can survey them as a connected whole (1 Peter 4:10- :). The call of the Church is no haphazard remedy, or afterthought, but part of the eternal scheme, which, amidst manifold varieties of dispensation, is one in its end.