THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST

THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST

By which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),  which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:  that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,  of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power (Ephesians 3:4-7)

Verse 4: The mystery of Christ - Ephesians 1:10–12; 2:11, 12; Matthew 13:11; 1 Corinthians 2:7; Colossians 1:26, 27. There were many truths hidden and later revealed in the NT that are called mysteries. Here is one: Jew and Gentile brought together in one body in the Messiah (1 Corinthians 15:51; Colossians 1:27; 1 Timothy 3:16). Paul not only wrote of the mystery that, in Christ, Jew and Gentile become one in God’s sight and in His kingdom and family, but also explained and clarified that truth. He realized that spiritual knowledge must precede practical application. What is not properly understood cannot be properly applied.

Verse 5: In other ages was not made known - Though God had promised universal blessing through Abraham (Genesis 12:3), the full meaning of that promise became clear when Paul wrote Galatians 3:28. Isaiah 49:6 predicted salvation to all races, but it was Paul who wrote of the fulfillment of that pledge (Acts 13:46, 47). Paul disclosed a truth that not even the greatest prophets understood—that within the church, composed of all the saved since Pentecost in one united body, there would be no racial, social, or spiritual distinctions.

Verse 6: Gentiles should be fellow heirs - A summary of 2:11–22 (1 Corinthians 12:12, 13; Galatians 3:29).

Verse 7: Became a minister - No man can make himself a minister (literally, servant) of God, because the calling, message, work, and empowering of genuine ministry to and for God are His prerogative alone to give (Acts 26:16; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Colossians 1:23, 25, 29.