Paul or one of his followers revealed God's plan to the people of Ephesus. First, there was the reference to Paul's encounter with Christ and then his commission from God to spread the good news. Paul's role was to reveal God's previously hidden plan for salvation in Christ Jesus. And what was this good news?

That through Christ, the Gentiles would become heirs with the apostles and prophets. In Christ, all would have access to God. To think that all are equal in Christ was truly revolutionary. Do we believe that today?

Jesus spoke about a master coming home without warning and expecting his servants to be alert and waiting for him. In the same way, no one knows when Jesus will return, but the disciples were expected to faithfully await His return. They were expected to be faithful to Jesus' teachings and to follow His way - to be compassionate and loving and merciful as Jesus was. The believers expected Jesus to return very soon; although this has not yet happened, we are still called to the same faithful and compassionate service.