Ephesians 3:8-13

⁸ “To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, ⁹ and to enlighten all people as to what the plan of the mystery is which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things; ¹⁰ so that the multifaceted wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. ¹¹ This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, ¹² in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. ¹³ Therefore I ask you not to become discouraged about my tribulations in your behalf, since they are your glory.”

Least of all saints: Paul is not speaking from some sort of false humility. He is speaking with his past life in mind. He is the least because he murdered Christians, the very people he now loves. God’s grace to Paul against this backdrop demonstrated the grandness of God’s plan for Paul (1 Timothy 1:15). God’s grace is always bigger than our sins.

Heavenly places: Here Paul is likely referring to the saints of the past, the cloud of witnesses we see in Hebrews 11. As much as they looked forward to the fulfillment of the promise, these saints did not receive it, nor did they understand that it was largely about the inclusion of the Gentiles. But now God’s wisdom has been revealed fully in Christ. The Old Testament heroes did not have the market cornered on God as much as they are often revered. God was with them, but not permanently in them as is the case with New Covenant believers (Galatians 2:20).

Boldness: Both Jews and Gentiles can access God boldly. This was especially relevant for Gentiles who had no previous covenant with God (Ephesians 2:12). Now they can approach God boldly because they are chosen for salvation. This means that Gentiles now have access to God. This access is not because clean living or obedience to religious regulations. It is because of the wealth of Christ’s grace.