What does Ephesians mean by “the manifold wisdom of God” being made known through the church?

Ephesians says God’s intent is that “through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known.” It specifically says this is made known “to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.” See Ephesians 3:10.

Passage context

In Ephesians 3:8–13, Paul says he has been given a gift he does not claim to deserve: to announce to non-Jews the vast benefits connected to Christ. He also aims to bring clarity about a long-hidden plan now being put into action. This unit continues Paul’s first-person explanation of his role in God’s plan, which began earlier in chapter 3 and grows out of the letter’s earlier claim that Jews and Gentiles are being brought together in one new people (see Ephesians 2:11–22).

Why it matters

Paul presents his mission as an undeserved gift of grace, not a credential he earned (verse 8). The content of that mission is centered on Christ and is aimed especially at the Gentiles: Paul announces the “unsearchable riches” connected with Christ (verse 8).

Read carefully

A common mistake is to turn the wording into a slogan. The better reading keeps the phrase tied to the passage, the speaker, and the problem the book is addressing.

Keep reading

Start with Ephesians 3:10, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.