if so be that ye have heard of the dispensation of that grace of God which was given me to you-ward;
The gospel is God's grace at work; I am merely His steward, commissioned to dispense it to you. The calling of the Gentiles apart from the law was hidden from the ages, yet so stupendous a redemption, wrought by the incarnation and passion of the Son of God, could never have been conceived by man; God Himself had to reveal it.
AI summary
Paul's mind was so full of this subject he hardly knew where to begin. When he mentioned being a prisoner for the Gentiles, he at once reflected they would grieve for him; so he launched into this account to show them his sufferings were by God's appointment, unfolding an eternal purpose meant to promote their glory and His own.
AI summary
While at Ephesus, Paul said nothing on these matters, for no controversy had arisen about the calling of the Gentiles. He raised no disputes of his own accord; only when his adversaries' wickedness made it necessary did he reluctantly defend his ministry and speak of the commission God had given him.
AI summary