Ephesians 3:10

"[The purpose is] that through the church the complicated, many-sided wisdom of God in all its infinite variety and innumerable aspects might now be made known to the angelic rulers and authorities (principalities and powers) in the heavenly sphere." Ephesians 3:10

Yes, Paul is referring to angels... all of them! To understand this verse, we must consider several other areas of scripture. God has said in His Word that He created angels and they have not existed from all eternity (Nehemiah 9:6; Psalm 148:2,5). Colossians 1:16-17...

"For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."

When angels were created is not specified, but it was likely in connection with the creation of the heavens in Genesis 1:1, and before He created the earth, because, according to Job 38:4-7, "the sons of God shouted for joy"

when He laid the foundations of the earth. So, angels have been around and observed man since we were first created! Hold on to this as we continue.

Angels were created, greater than man in knowledge, but not omniscient or, not capable of knowing everything (2 Samuel 14:20; Matthew 24:36). We must also consider that angels have been divided in a great unseen conflict raging all around us that is beyond our imagination. It is not, however, a fight between two equal and eternal forces. God who created all beings is still in charge, and once He has used angels to accomplish His purposes, He will bring the those which turned against Him to a final defeat and the holy angels will continue to worship Him in eternity. So there is much still ahead for both good and bad angles to know about. And Angels have and still learn from observing man as well as from God. Here in verse 10, Paul reminds us that what was revealed to Him was thus being revealed to angels now also.

The church, which exists because of Christ's triumph at the cross, displays God's wisdom and reminds the fallen angels of their impending doom. The fallen angels thought that they had triumphed at the cross, but God displayed His wisdom by using that very means to gain ultimate and final victory (Col. 2:15).

As for the holy angels, through the cross they "see a great and wonderful manifestation of the glory of God". The happiness of angels, as well as of people, consists very much in seeing the glory of God. They are also very interested in man, because they know how important and loved by God we are.

"Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Luke 15:10

In fact, we are (for the most part) a great part of their very existence. They serve God in the business of man... God has used them to bring His Word to some, protect others, fight evil, and much more in the business between Himself and man. So we can see why it is important for God's plan to be made known to the angelic rulers and authorities (principalities and powers) in the heavenly sphere.

Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 3:11-12 next time.

I love you.