3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.
3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.
3 I got the inside story on this from God himself, as I just wrote you in brief.
3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,
3 As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ephesians 3:3
Commentary on Ephesians 3:1-7
(Read Ephesians 3:1-7)
For having preached the doctrine of truth, the apostle was a prisoner, but a prisoner of Jesus Christ; the object of special protection and care, while thus suffering for him. All the gracious offers of the gospel, and the joyful tidings it contains, come from the rich grace of God; it is the great means by which the Spirit works grace in the souls of men. The mystery, is that secret, hidden purpose of salvation through Christ. This was not so fully and clearly shown in the ages before Christ, as unto the prophets of the New Testament. This was the great truth made known to the apostle, that God would call the Gentiles to salvation by faith in Christ. An effectual working of Divine power attends the gifts of Divine grace. As God appointed Paul to the office, so he qualified him for it.