3:3 revelation. Paul frequently asserted that his preaching and writing concerning the person and work of Christ, while often quoting Old Testament Scriptures in support thereof, nevertheless had also come to him by specific divine revelation. Note, for example, such passages as I Corinthians 2:13 and Galatians 1:11-12.

3:3 wrote afore. Paul may have written an earlier letter to the Ephesians, of which we have no record. This assertion may also suggest, on the other hand, that his previous epistles to other churches were already being circulated among the different churches and recognized as inspired and authoritative messages from God.