31 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles-
31 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
31 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles--
31 This is why I, Paul, am in jail for Christ, having taken up the cause of you outsiders, so-called.
31 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles--
31 When I think of all this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the benefit of you Gentiles . . .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ephesians 3:1
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.