In Ephesians, Chapter 3 and verse 8, Paul says, "To me, least of all the saints, is given the grace to preach the unsearchable riches of the gospel of Jesus Christ." One of our modern translations renders the text thus: "the incalculable riches." I like that better, because it expresses the vastness of the gospel, rather than its "mystery." Paul was sharing this testimony with the members of the churches of the city of Ephesus. They knew him well; for he had first preached in their midst and nurtured them from infancy.

If you remember your geography you know that Ephesus is located on the shore of Asia Minor adjoining the Aegean Sea; and, as the crow flies, midway between Jerusalem and Rome. That in itself is symbolic. Paul is sharing with these Christians his great joy that he has been pri…