The Apostle and His Ministry
J. Lathrop, D. D. Ephesians 3:8 To me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given… I. CONSIDER WHAT AN HUMBLE OPINION THE APOSTLE HAD OF HIMSELF. True religion in the heart will produce self-abasing thoughts. II. THE APOSTLE EXPRESSES HIS ADMIRING APPREHENSIONS OF GOD'S GRACE in calling him to the ministry. III. THE APOSTLE'S ELEVATED SENTIMENTS CONCERNING THE GOSPEL WHICH HE PREACHED. 1. The blessings of the gospel, being purchased by the blood of Christ, are called "riches." 2. They have called "riches" on account of their excellency, fulness, and variety. 3. They are called "unsearchable riches," because undiscoverable by human wisdom, and made known only by revelation. IV. CONSIDER WHAT GRAND AND ENLARGED CONCEPTIONS THE APOSTLE ENTERTAINED OF THE DESIGN AND IMPORTANCE OF HIS MINISTRY. Concluding reflections. 1. This subject may serve to enlarge our views of the Divine government. 2. This subject suggests to us, that heaven is a place of improvement. 3. We see the humility of angels. (J. Lathrop, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; WEB: To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,