Ephesians 3:10
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's remarkable statement that God's purpose includes making 'known by the church' — to 'principalities and powers in heavenly places' — the 'manifold wisdom of God' presents the gathered, reconciled community of Jew and Gentile as a cosmic theological announcement. The 'principalities and powers' (archai kai exousiai) are the spiritual hierarchies whose created order had separated nations and peoples; the church's existence as a multi-ethnic body overturns that order as a declaration of the superior wisdom of new creation. The Greek 'polypoikilos sophia' (manifold/many-coloured wisdom) uses an extravagant compound adjective applied elsewhere to embroidery, suggesting the rich complexity of God's redemptive plan. This cosmic ecclesiology has been formative for ecumenical, missiological, and post-colonial theologies that see church diversity as gospel demonstration.
Other Translations
to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God,
that there might be made known now to the principalities and the authorities in the heavenly <FI>places<Fi> , through the assembly, the manifold wisdom of God,
So that now to the rulers and the authorities in the heavens might be made clear through the church the wide-shining wisdom of God,
Cross References
And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with …
Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he …
Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made …
Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now …
And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for …
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: …
All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth …
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast …
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world …
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.