Less Than The Least (Ephesians 3:8-11)

 

"To me, who am LESS THAN THE LEAST of all the saints, this grace was given; that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, AND to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ, to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,......"


Let's first discuss Paul's self-description that he is "less than the least of all saints".  How could that be an accurate evaluation if our Lord chose him to write a large portion of the New Testament? Paul informs us that he was behind no other apostle in exploits for the Lord's kingdom; in fact, more fruitful. What could he possibly mean? Was he exaggerating or exhibiting false humility? In Galatians 2:20, Paul informs us that he "has been crucified with Christ; it is no longer (he) who lives but Christ lives in him." Could he mean that the "I" or "me" in him (Paul) is less than in any other saint?  He is no longer governed by "himself" but by Christ Jesus; that Christ has come to abide in him; that he has become complete in Him; that which is perfect or mature has come to/for him? In Luke 14:33, Jesus teaches "whoever does not forsake ALL that he has cannot be My disciple."


Now, lets look at what "less than the least" produced for Paul. Because he forsook all that he had, God's grace was given to: preach the unsearchable riches of Christ; to make all see (by his words and deeds) what is the fellowship of the mystery which is hidden in God so that manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church according to His eternal purpose. Lets ask this question: what kept the the "mystery and manifold wisdom" from being revealed, aside from what the Father revealed through Jesus Christ, by the other disciples?  Could it be that Paul emptied or surrendered himself to a place no other had to that point? It is available for all in Christ to understand and demonstrate these "unsearchable riches" and "fellowship in the hidden mysteries in God." But, why are these truths hidden? For the same reason you don't share your deepest feelings with just anybody: the relationship is not intimate enough.


Could it be that Paul emptied or surrendered himself to a place no other disciple had to that point; a kind of first fruits of those who would walk just as Jesus walked?