… and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery,
Summary: Paul is a man with a mission. In fact, Paul is a man with two missions! Today’s passage is all about the second one.
When you think of Paul, what comes to mind? His conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9: 1-19)? The story of his shipwreck at sea while on his way to Rome (Acts 27)? Maybe you’re reminded of the time Eutychus fell out of a third-story window and died, and then Paul brought him back to life by the power of Jesus Christ (Acts 20: 7-12).
Of course, Paul is mainly known as the “Apostle to the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13). We who are not Jews by birth, whom the Jews of Jesus’ day considered “unclean” (Acts 10:28) owe a lot to Paul. Bringing the Gospel to Gentiles was Paul’s primary mission, but it was not his only mission. Today’s passage highlights his secondary mission; the “administration” of this mystery.
In this case, the word “administration” is an excellent translation of the Greek. It conveys the intent of the original language very well. So what does Paul mean? What, exactly, is he administering?
We know a lot about the “mystery” Paul is referring to. He calls it the “mystery of Christ,” describing this mystery as a “building” that is “joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:21). He also describes the body of Christ as a “household” (Ephesians 3:19).
When Paul writes this way, he uses euphemisms to describe what we know as the church. In his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul describes some of the different roles God assigns to people in the church. He writes:
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.” (1 Corinthians 12: 27-31)
When Paul writes that he is to “make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery,” he describes exactly what he is doing in his letter to the Corinthians. As we continue in Ephesians, we will see more of this kind of administration.
Because the Body of Christ is spiritual, this is not quite the same as administering a will in probate or setting up a business organization. The administration of the church is more subtle and more complex. It requires each of us to recognize our place in the body and listen to God’s Spirit and the Word. Guided by the Holy Spirit, Paul does an excellent job.
Application: Picture the body of Christ as an organization chart and think about where you fit in.
Food for Thought: What does it mean t be an administrator in the Body of Christ?
To be an administrator means to have been given official duties.
What are our official duties?
Jesus (The head of the Body) said:
Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Thank you, Chris!
That’s one duty that is also a joy – sharing the Good News!!
Thank you CH, I agree. The mission of the church is certainly what the administrator wants to accomplish – to make disciples of all people groups. To be Jesus’ witnesses in the power of the Holy Spirit to the ends of the earth (Acts 1: 8). He wants the disciples to mature in Christ and love Him and glorify Him (2 Corinthians 3: 17 – 18; Matthew 22: 37 – 40; Matthew 5: 16). The administrator is not focused on himself, but the one Whom he is serving. In this, the administrator is ultimately a servant (Mark 10: 42 – 45).
Rich,
Good point. I think Paul models the servant’s heart well. He certainly is a faithful servant to the Lord.
05-20-2023, What does it mean to be an administrator in the Body of Christ?
Administration is a gift from God, possibly a governing board which is focused on the physical needs of the church, allowing the pastoral staff to focus on and tend to the spiritual needs and growth of the church.
Romans 12:7, Acts 6:1-7, 1 Corinthians 12: 27-28. An administrator will be appointed by the leaders of the church and focus on physical issues, projects, budgets, committee meetings
1 Corinthians 14:40, Someone must insure all things are done properly and in order.
Luke 14:28-30, someone must calculate the costs before starting a project.
Genesis 41:37-44, Joseph consistently devoted himself to effective management for the goods of others and eventually was appointed Pharaohs administrator over Egypt.
Exodus 18:20-27, Moses appointed administrators over the people to help carry the load while he focused properly caring for his people.
Thanks Ron!
No matter what our gifting in the Spirit is, there are probably some administration duties that go along with it.