Least Of All The Saints

 
“To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 3:8-10 ESV

Paul confidently declares that he is the least of all the saints and holds no false humility. He acknowledges his past participation in the arrest and death of many Christians before he met Jesus, and he bears the weight of this debt on their behalf. He also recognizes the significant burden of his call and revelations to carry the gospel to the disinherited nations from the time of the tower of Babel. But Paul rises to the challenge with unwavering determination and fortitude. He will fulfill the call of Christ, come what may.

Paul is reaching out to the Gentiles in various nations surrounding Israel. These nations were previously punished by God during the time of Nimrod, the ruler of Babel. God punished them because of their pride and their attempt to become like God by building a tower up to heaven. At that time, these people all spoke the same language. As a result of their disobedience, God mixed up their languages, so they could not understand each other. Many of these people dispersed and went to different lands to start their own tribes and families, eventually becoming the seventy nations to which Paul is now preaching the gospel.

Paul speaks of the "unsearchable riches of Christ," which can also be understood as "incomprehensible riches of Christ." These riches exceed our natural understanding. We cannot fully comprehend the power and majesty of Christ, no matter how much we try. These are the riches that Paul refers to. The magnitude of Christ's beauty and power is beyond our imagination. As Isaiah 64:4 ESV says, "From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him."

The plan of God was truly remarkable as it was hidden in plain sight. There were many references to Christ in the Old Testament, but the plan was not spelled out clearly. It was scattered throughout the Torah and the prophets in bits and pieces. I personally believe that this was done to conceal this information from the principalities and powers, giving the Church time to build and assemble. Even Satan, the accuser, was unaware of the plan in its entirety. As stated in Proverbs 25:2 ESV, "It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out." We are kings and priests unto God and his Father. It's important to remember that we have all been offered the same redemption package, and there is no "one-upmanship" to be had here. We have all been redeemed through the blood of Christ, and it is up to us to respond to God's call. Once we acknowledge God's pursuit of us, and receive His powerful gift, we can rest in the knowledge that He has completed the necessary work to save us. We can stand (or rest) in the finished work of that salvation.

Paul goes on to say that the plan or ‘mystery’ (is a matter to the knowledge of which initiation is necessary) so that the Church might NOW reveal the infinite wisdom of God to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.  Why would God do this? And why now? I believe it was time-sensitive, if the plan were revealed too early, there would be too many sons of God who would have attempted to undo the plan and take out the Church.

Do keep in mind that God created ALL things for His glory, there is not one thing that escapes His gaze. “For all things in heaven and on earth were created in him—all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers—all things were created through him and for him. He himself is before all things and all things are held together in him. He is the head of the body, the church, as well as the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he himself may become first in all things. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in the Son, and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of his cross—through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” Colossians 1:16-20 NET

When Satan was cast down to earth, he had the desire to rule over all of mankind. However, God had already declared that man was to be the ruler of the earth. Satan's only option was to submit to mankind. Instead, driven by his pride and accusing nature, Satan chose to deceive mankind by causing them to doubt the word of God. This led to the loss of mankind's innocence before God and introduced them to the knowledge of good and evil. Satan had succeeded in getting back at God by attempting to destroy God’s creation in mankind, by bringing them under his rulership and power, and introducing death to the world. “How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit.” Isaiah 14:12-15 ESV

In addition to Satan, there were other threats, such as the sons of God who were appointed over the seventy nations as punishment. They, too, rebelled against God and sought their own way. The Bible states in Psalm 82:1-2 ESV, "God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: 'How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?'"

Paul writes about the church's role in revealing God's ultimate plan and purpose on earth to the principalities and powers. The church is meant to be a part of God’s divine council, replacing the rebellious sons of God on earth. The church will rule and reign with Christ on earth as co-regents and demonstrate true righteousness and judgment through Christ Jesus. Were you ever wondering about the purpose of the Church in the world? There it is.

Stephen Barnett