1 sn If indeed. The author is not doubting whether his audience has heard, but is rather using provocative language (if indeed) to engage his audience in thinking about the magnificence of God’s grace. However, in English translation, the apodosis (“then”-clause) does not come until v. 13, leaving the protasis (“if”-clause) dangling. Eph 3:2-7 constitute one sentence in Greek.
2 tn Or “administration,” “dispensation,” “commission.”
3 tn Grk “which, when reading.”
4 tn Grk “you are able to.”
5 tn Or “mystery.”
6 tn Grk “of which I was made a minister,” “of which I became a servant.”
7 tn Grk “according to.”
8 sn On the exercise of his power see 1:19-20.
9 sn In Pauline writings saints means any true believer. Thus for Paul to view himself as less than the least of all the saints is to view himself as the most unworthy object of Christ’s redemption.
10 sn The parallel phrases to proclaim and to enlighten which follow indicate why God’s grace was manifested to Paul. Grace was not something just to be received, but to be shared with others (cf. Acts 13:47).