The phrase “manifold wisdom of God” comes from Ephesians 3:10 which says, “so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.” This verse points to the grand purpose of God’s wisdom being displayed through the church.
The word “manifold” means multi-faceted, diverse, or having many sides. God’s wisdom is far beyond human understanding – it is infinitely complex and multidimensional. His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). The manifold wisdom of God encompasses all of creation and human history, weaving them together to ultimately accomplish His divine purposes.
Specifically, Ephesians 3:10 speaks of God’s wisdom being made known “through the church.” The very existence of the church – with its diverse membership of Jews, Gentiles, slaves, free, men, and women – is a testament to the multifaceted wisdom of God. Only an infinitely wise God could take people from every tribe, tongue, and nation and unite them into one body of Christ (Ephesians 2:14-18).
God’s wisdom is seen in His plan of redemption through Jesus. God sent His Son to die on the cross at just the right time in history (Galatians 4:4-5). Christ’s crucifixion displayed God’s manifold wisdom by satisfying His justice and holiness, while also extending His mercy and grace. The gospel message itself is a profound display of God’s wise ways.
There are several aspects of God’s manifold wisdom that are demonstrated through the church:
1. His wisdom in bringing salvation to both Jews and Gentiles
The Old Testament focuses primarily on God’s work among the Jewish people. But Ephesians 3:6 says that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs with the Jews – united in one body. God’s plan was always to bring salvation to the whole world, not just the Jews (Genesis 12:3, Galatians 3:8).
In His wisdom, God selected Israel and gave them His laws and covenants in order to prepare the way. The Jews were blessed to be channels of God’s salvation to the nations. But most did not understand this. When Christ came, the gospel burst the boundaries of nationalism. God’s manifold wisdom was displayed in extending grace to all peoples (Ephesians 2:11-18).
2. His wisdom in uniting different types of people
During Bible times, there were major divisions between Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free people, men and women. The Greco-Roman world was highly stratified according to race, social status, and gender. But the church broke down these socio-economic barriers.
God’s manifold wisdom was shown in taking people from every layer of society – whether racial, social, economic, or gender – and building them together into one new people, the body of Christ. Only God in His infinite wisdom could accomplish such an incredible feat (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).
3. His wisdom in the structure and function of the church
Paul wrote much about how the church is to be ordered and operated. God has arranged the various spiritual gifts among believers (1 Corinthians 12). He has instituted the offices of elder/overseer and deacon (1 Timothy 3:1-13). He has given instructions for church gatherings, discipline, financial giving, and more.
The commands concerning the church reveal the manifold wisdom of God in structuring this spiritual institution. God has designed the church so that it works harmoniously and flourishes, achieving His purposes on earth. The level of order and unity commanded for the church displays God’s infinite knowledge.
4. His wisdom seen in the growth and impact of the church
Over two thousand years have passed since Christ first announced that He would build His church (Matthew 16:18). In spite of intense persecution, the church has survived and spread worldwide. The expansion of the church reveals God’s manifold wisdom. He uses ordinary Christians to spread the gospel near and far, allowing the church to multiply.
In addition to numerical growth, the influence of the church has been immense. Lives have been changed, society has been impacted, and nations have been altered – all because of the manifold wisdom of God in growing His church throughout the centuries.
5. His wisdom seen in equipping believers for service
If the manifold wisdom of God is to be displayed through the church, then believers must be well-equipped for Christian ministry. Ephesians 4:11-16 describes how God has orchestrated the preparation of believers within the church. He gave the church pastor-teachers to train Christians for service.
As believers are built up in love and unity, the body of Christ grows and builds itself up. The righteous character produced in believers results in fruitful ministry. God’s multifaceted wisdom is evidenced in how He thoroughly equips His people for service in His kingdom.
6. His wisdom seen in the Christ-focused nature of the church
The pinnacle of God’s manifold wisdom is that He chose to unite all things in Christ (Ephesians 1:10). Jesus Christ is the unifying center and head of the church (Colossians 1:18). The manifold wisdom of God is highlighted in making Christ preeminent in all aspects of church life and ministry.
Within the context of the church, believers are discipled and rooted more deeply in Christ. Corporate worship focuses on adoring Christ. Preaching declares the excellencies of Christ. Mission work spreads the name and fame of Christ. The manifold wisdom of God is evidenced in the Christ-centered nature of the church.
7. His wisdom seen in the eternal purpose of the church
The church was not established simply to provide salvation in this age. God’s manifold wisdom can be seen in the grander, eternal purposes for the church. Ephesians 3:21 says that through the church the glory of God will be proclaimed “throughout all generations, forever and ever.”
The church will reign with Christ in the ages to come (Ephesians 2:7). God will exhibit the church as a trophy of His grace for eternity. His manifold wisdom devised the church to be an eternally living demonstration of the glory of God.
In summary, the manifold wisdom of God is infinitely displayed through every aspect of the church – its composition, function, growth, impact, equipping of believers, Christ-centered focus, and eternal purpose. As we contemplate the various ways God’s multifaceted wisdom is evidenced in the church, we should respond in worship and adoration of our all-wise God.
