The Cosmic Context of Gospel Mission

Paul urges the Ephesians to stand firm on the field of battle and to not leave their posts simply because he is in prison for preaching the gospel. To confirm the church in its missionary calling, Paul places his own calling and service in its broadest context. He explains that God has ordained that the creation serves the forward progress of the gospel, by creating the field upon which the drama of gospel missions is carried out, so that through the Church God might make known His manifold wisdom to the holy angels in heaven. This broader purpose of God, which forms the context of Paul's missionary endeavors and beyond that, the missionary calling of the church throughout this age, is rooted in God's eternal plan of redemption which is now coming to fruition after Christ secured the objective foundations of the gospel through his cross and resurrection.