Ephesians 3:2

This verse begins another long sentence that runs through Ephesians 3:13 in the Greek text. "If indeed" (NASB) means "Surely" (NIV, cf. Ephesians 4:21). The Ephesians had indeed heard of Paul’s ministry.

"Stewardship" or "administration" (Gr. oikonomia, dispensation, Ephesians 3:9; Ephesians 1:10) here has the idea of the management of someone else’s business (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:17; Colossians 1:25). Paul viewed God as in the process of dispensing His grace throughout history through various administrators. Paul’s responsibility was to carry God’s grace to all people, but particularly to the Gentiles (cf. Ephesians 3:8; Ephesians 2:7).

"God’s principles do not change, but His methods of dealing with mankind do change over the course of history. ’Distinguish the ages,’ wrote St. Augustine, ’and the Scriptures harmonize.’" [Note: Wiersbe, 2:27.]