A purpose. “For this reason” (vv. 1, 14) refers to what Paul wrote at the end of chapter 2, the building of the church. That was the purpose behind his praying and his ministering. Jesus said, “I will build My church” (Matt. 16:18), but He uses people to help get the job done. Is the building of the church your motivation to pray and serve?
A parenthesis. The word Gentiles (v. 1) put Paul in prison (Acts 22:21). God gave him a special commission to evangelize the Gentiles and to explain to both Jews and Gentiles God’s “mystery” (sacred secret): in Christ, believing Jews and Gentiles are one and share the same spiritual riches. As He builds His church in this world, God is putting things together. Are you helping Him?
A prayer. This prayer is for spiritual vision, to see and lay hold of the greatness of God’s love and power. God wants you to be concerned about “the whole building” (2:21), “the whole family” (3:15), “the whole body” (4:16), and “all the saints” (v. 18). Is narrowness in your life leading to shallowness and weakness?
