In Christ, God is beginning a new creation, one that lives by a wholly different principle and is not subject to this law. We all love mysteries. Read Ephesians 2:1-3 Therefore, he requested prayer from the Ephesian believers that he would discharge his mission with clarity and confidence. The quantum theory, upon which much of modern physics is based, and which has unleashed the whole realm of nuclear fission, has at its heart, say the physicists, a principle of indeterminism, a hidden principle. Well, the mystery was not about whether the Lord would reach out to the Gentiles, since Isaiah had made it clear that the Messiah would bring His salvation to all nations (Isaiah 49:5-6). Grove: InterVarsity, 1997), 782. (verses 3 & 5) To Paul To whom was the mystery made known? that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. “He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.” (1:9-10) In First Corinthians 4 he says, This is how one should regard us [apostles], as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. When w…. Would that we had the faith of this mighty apostle who understood so clearly that Caesar was not in control; Jesus is. Read Ephesians 2:1-3 believing Jews and Gentiles are now one in the body of Christ.” Hoehner, Harold This is the great mystery. So it was because of this great message that he was a prisoner. Ephesians 5:32 (NASB) This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Shepherd Thoughts is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We are unable to stem the tide of broken marriages, and so our divorce rate is higher than that of any other nation in the world. Paul reveals a profound (“great”) correlation between the intimate union of a husband and wife and the union of Christ with the church (cf. Do not forget that the reason Paul was charged by the Jews with sedition against the emperor was because they were so angry that he would carry any message from God to the Gentiles. This study will explore the meaning and significance of this concept in Ephesians. He puts words together. Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Therefore, eventually, he was remanded to the care of the palace guard, the personal bodyguard of the emperor. But they didn't know what kind of life, what it would be like. This is what Christmas is all about. In verses 3-6 Paul again talks about the “mystery of Christ”. God has set his Son at the heart of all things. All rights reserved. This is why Dr. Francis Schaeffer has written a book called Pollution and the Death of Man, and related this subject to the Christian answer. It has already begun. You will never find that taught in the Old Testament in those terms. Every now and then we run across someone who says, usually in defense of Women's Liberation, that Paul was a crusty old bachelor whom no one can really trust, and that we must understand that he was conditioned by the culture of his time, and that therefore one must pick and choose among his writings. 16:25-27. The whole experience of life is transformed, right now. I'm glad the Revised Standard Version translates this word stewardship instead of dispensation, for dispensation is often misunderstood in our day. This refers not only to the fact that his arrest had come about because he was preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, but also to the fact that it benefited the Gentiles. W. Ephesians, Kindle ed. Christ working in and thru Paul has made it possible for you and me to know this gospel today. Ralph P. Martin and It consistently refers to something previously concealed but presently revealed. It is not something that is in itself incomprehensible but something unknown until God chooses to reveal it. A quick note on the term mystery as used by Paul: it is something that was hidden but is now revealed in Christ. In Ephesians, Paul summoned his audience to participate in this new reality, this new creation, by which God intended to redeem the world. Think of this! 1. When they come to Christ, Jews and Gentiles together are joint heirs, joint members of one body, and joint partakers of the promise. Even physicists tell us that, hidden away in every physical manifestation of the world and universe around us, is mystery. Because God is teaching us things in nature, if we could only see. What is he talking about? But personally I think it is a reference to what he has written previously in this letter. "That you'll die, that you'll come to the end, that somehow all your old life as a caterpillar will decay and you will be left lifeless and dead, in a cocoon of your own spinning, hanging on a limb, and apparently it will all be over." He had to get them ready for it. Furthermore, he wants these Ephesians to know that they were benefiting by his arrest. In Colossians, Paul will again refer to "mystery" in the next verse, as well as Colossians 2:2 and Colossians 4:3. This mindset will enable us to manifest our spiritual reconciliation with Christ and one another in a practical, visible way. The reason is obvious when you read his letters. In this expositional study of Ephesians 1:9, Nathan Johnson gives an overview of how Paul talks about the “mystery” in Scripture and then gives clarity as to what it is and how knowing and living in the reality of this mystery will change our lives – for this mystery is … This is the mystery, as Paul describes it to us, and as God wants us to understand it. Paul knew, therefore, that anytime the Lord Jesus decided Paul's imprisonment would be of no further value, he would be set free, that when the Lord Jesus spoke, Caesar acted. Paul wrote the Ephesians in Ephesians 1.9-10: 9 He made known to us the mystery [secret] of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is , the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. When you do, you will understand the practical import of this fantastic mystery which is at the heart of all life, and which God will begin to unfold to us more and more as we go on, until it simply 'blows our minds' with the wonder of what is waiting for us. So when Peter and James and John and the other apostles began to compare notes with Paul, they were astonished that this apostle, this man who had been the persecutor of the church and the chief murderer of the saints in Jerusalem, understood not only the doctrine they had been taught, but also the very events they had gone through. We are ever confronted with mystery. I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory," you will understand what he is trying to say in the intervening sentences. And he recognizes that they were written on behalf of the Gentiles. We struggle constantly trying to understand what are the great realities they represent. Why are there so many family breakups? Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, All Right Reserved. Ephesians 5:32–33 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. Paul discusses a “mystery” four times in Ephesians. Also, try to pick out the word “mystery” in these verses and see how Paul is defining this term. His concern for these people was such that he would have gone to them had he been free. Message transcript and recording © 1972 by Ray Stedman Ministries, owner of sole copyright by assignment from the author. I know that sometimes we are so blinded by familiarity with these terms that we miss the impact of this. I don't know if anyone has told "The Four Spiritual Laws" to a caterpillar, but it would be interesting to do so, because the first point would be, "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life." As Paul came to understand the One whom he served, he knew that Jesus is in control of history. In fact, Paul’s point at the end of this passage is to compare human marriages to the relationship between our Savior Jesus Christ and His Bride, the Church. One day there will be a reversal of the law of decay, and all things will begin to pick up energy again and be renewed, revitalized, in tremendously increasing degree. I enjoy helping people learn and live the Bible. The word mystery (μυστήριον) appears prominently throughout Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, occurring six times in total, more than in any other New Testament (NT) book. Paul himself, and all the other apostles, would deny this. We continue to make automobiles even after they have filled the highways and poisoned the air. Therefore the understanding of this great mystery is the key to the ultimate solutions for which men are seeking today. Ephesians 3, Verses 1-4 ¶“ 1 I Paul am the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles. That is the first thing he wants them to know. And I wonder if sometime the Lord isn't going to lock me up to give me a chance to write some of the things he has laid on my heart. Subject to permissions policy, all rights reserved. This is where we get our understanding of the authority of this great apostle. Jewish scruples and prejudices were terribly offended by the fact that Paul had the nerve, the effrontery, to say to the Jews that the Gentiles were received by God equally as they, that the Gentiles could have equal standing before him. We know they are absolutely essential to our existence, but we don't know what they are. In conclusion, it will summarize the concept of “mystery” within Ephesians, offering implications and applications for believers in churches today. So perhaps the reason the Lord Jesus kept him a prisoner was that he might have time to write. Paul"s duty involved receiving revelation not previously given (i.e, the mystery, secret), specifically that Gentiles and Jews were equal partners in the church ( Ephesians 2:16; Ephesians 3:6). 2 You heard about the stewardship of God’s grace given to me for you, 3 and how by revelation the mystery was made known to me. When did it begin to open up? Gen 2:24). The Apostle Paul describes the greatest mystery of life to the Ephesians in these words: For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles -- assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. Read Acts 9:1-15 (as background for this section of Ephesians) Note the relationship between Paul’s commission in Acts and his explanation of his ministry in Ephesians 3:1-13. (Ephesians 1:9-10 RSV). A quick note on the term mystery as used by Paul: it is something that was hidden but is now revealed in Christ. Why don't they run around on four legs? Why is there so much hatred and resentment and bitterness and malice? Christ’s redemption that includes Gentiles, in Ephesians the mystery is that And we can live in that new creation right now. They mobbed him and would have lynched him on the spot had it not been for the intervention of the Roman guard. But this is what the apostles were teaching -- that God has already broken through the old creation, and, right in the midst of the old, he is creating a new. If you read that as merely theological language, you have missed the import of what he is saying -- that every bit of life finds its final solution in the person and being of the Lord Jesus himself. If we begin to understand what Christ is, who he is, what he does, how we can lay hold of him -- we will begin to see the solutions of these problems unfold, as they are indeed unfolding in many of our lives. A steward was a servant to whom a certain responsibility was committed, certain goods were given, that he might dispense them, might give them out to other people. ... "Realized eschatology" refers to the idea that the blessings of the end times can only be realized after Christ's second coming. “He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.” (1:9-10) Then all hell broke loose again. —The reference is to the brief notice in Ephesians 1:10-14, and to the further explanation in Ephesians 2:11-22. The Aramaic word so translated is raz which according to the Brown, Driver and Briggs Lexicon is a Persian loan word and is to be translated "secret." Therefore, live life as members of a new race," is his exhortation. THE MYSTERY WAS REVEALED EXCLUSIVELY TO PAUL, THE PRISONER. But inside that cocoon, God is working a metamorphosis; a transformation is taking place. ... Paul wrote Ephesians as a rough draft for Colossians but it was mistakenly inserted in the Pauline collection. Our Lord, then, began to unfold this mystery, to tell us things that were hidden from the very foundation of the world. And here he makes up three words which you find nowhere else in the Greek New Testament. 16:25-27. In verse 2 Paul refers to his ministry to the Ephesians. He saw that Caesar was not the one who had the final say about him; Jesus did. The epistle to the Ephesians reveals a remarkable use of the Greek noun μυστήριον (mystērion), rendered “mystery” or “secret” in most English versions. 9; 5:32; 6:19, Col 1:26-27; 2:2; 2 Thess 2:7; 1 Tim 3:9; 3:16). The duration of his confinement was not determined by Caesar, but by the Lord Jesus. In this next sentence he gives us a brief summary of this great mystery: When you read this you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that is, how the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. What was the ministry? The "mystery" referred to in Ephesians concerns. The Lord Jesus himself began to unfold the mystery. Ephesians 5:32, ESV: "This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church." It is at the heart of all human existence. Website © 2020 by Ray Stedman Ministries. Why can't we get along with one another? No, the word "mystery" in Ephesians 3 means – something that was hidden, but has now been revealed. He saw him as John did in the book of Revelation -- as sitting on his throne, holding the reins of government in his hands. This is true in every area of our lives. We don't know how to break loose from this syndrome. It is not new to us -- we have been discussing and discovering aspects of it all along in this letter. Christians have the answer to the ecological crisis. Men and women today can live on the basis of this new creation. In the realm of performance this is already true. Finally, the apostle touches the matter of power: "partakers of the promise." [14] In fact, he “goes beyond analogy” by claiming “we are (ἐσμέν) members of [Christ’s] body (Eph 5:30).”[15] This underscores the profound spiritual closeness and union we share with Christ and one another in the church. While in Paul’s other epistles the mystery focuses on Thanks for asking! But I hope you can go back, perhaps during this Christmas season, and think again of the breathless wonder of this great mystery which Paul declares to us -- how in Jesus Christ we can step out of the old, already, into the new creation. It is not a period of time at all; it is a responsibility to dispense something, a stewardship. This is how Paul sees himself -- as a steward of the mysteries of God. Now, you can't wait till that time to get on the bandwagon; it has already started. To do so, it will first provide a definition of the word, then highlight key insights from each occurrence. Much depended on his faithfulness and ability to make it known. And the glory of kings is to discover that which has been hidden. Solutions are coming into being as we grasp what Christ has made available to us. The third element of his stewardship, Paul says, is that it has given him great insight: "... the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly." God had committed a certain responsibility to him. But Paul says this is not true. Put in these terms, this means that the present "civilization" we are living in secular life, with its politics, its education, its legislative system, its reportage of news events can be likened to a cocoon, clinging lifelessly to the branch of history. —Rather, This mystery is a great one. And, more than this, he was taught this personally by none other than the Lord Jesus himself. So it is obvious, from what the apostle says here in Ephesians, that God needed to prepare human beings for the unfolding of this secret. The profound mystery of becoming one flesh and giving up our individual freedom and being supernaturally bound with our spouse highlights the profound mystery of becoming one with Christ and being supernaturally bound to him. The secret was hidden to men of past ages. Rather, break loose and be free in Jesus Christ.". Paul writes to the Ephesians, “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:6). Paul speaks of the Father's Plan for Salvation (Ephesians 1:3-6), that he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Christ. And God understands this. This is an apt description of the way we live our lives as natural human beings. Ryrie explains this as special, divine knowledge beyond the reach of humans. This is God's lesson regarding what he is doing now. But when people began to operate on its basis, even though they didn't fully understand it, they began to change the world. And that light has been reaching out to the world ever since, bringing men out of the old into the new. In the closing verses of Romans 16 there is a very clear statement on the unveiling of this mystery: Now to him who is able to strengthen you, according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed and through the prophetic writings [i.e., the Scriptures] is made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith -- to the only wise God be glory for evermore through Jesus Christ! For permission to use this content, please review And you are either a part of the new creation, or you are a part of the old; one or the other, but never both. The Mystery of His Will—Ephesians 1:9-10 Juli Camarin March 24, 2015 Ephesians 1. Paul was an ambassador of the ascended Christ to make known this mystery of the gospel. Ah, but in the realm of the Spirit the breakthrough has already occurred. In this expositional study of Ephesians 1:9, Nathan Johnson gives an overview of how Paul talks about the “mystery” in Scripture and then gives clarity as to what it is and how knowing and living in the reality of this mystery will change our lives – for this mystery is … The "mystery" referred to in Ephesians concerns what? The apostle was concerned that the Christians to whom he was writing at this time in his life, the Ephesians, Philippians, and others, would understand why he was going through the struggles he was. God knows that we all want to be kings, that we are made to reign. This is a picture of life in the flesh, the natural human life. [4] James Swanson, Dictionary of Biblical Languages Look at the following verses. And he sums it up in these words: "the mystery of Christ" -- Jesus Christ, at the heart of all things. (Ephesians 3:1-6 RSV). And the power of the Spirit will always come flowing through right at that point, to enable us to do what otherwise we could never do. Don't go on any longer subject to all the heartache and misery and malice and hatred and resentment and oppression which comes from the old creation. [8] Peter T. O’Brien, “Mystery,” ed. They are, literally: joint-heirs, joint-bodies, and joint-partakers. In Christ there is no longer any distinction. (Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1993), 622. May God help us to make it personal in our own lives. To us is committed this responsibility. [6] Charles Caldwell Ryrie, Basic Theology (Chicago: He is the One who opens, and no man shuts, who shuts, and no man opens, who orders, and his will is carried out. Well, in those three terms you have the answers to the greatest struggles with which we humans are engaged today: "Joint-heirs" has to do with possessions. Scholars are not exactly sure what he meant by that. Everything that lies in a caterpillar's path is a horrible obstacle over which it must painfully crawl. None of us can help but be aware that this is an extremely troubled time in which we are living: We do not know how to solve the problems which are overwhelming us. [1] This study will explore the meaning and significance of this concept in Ephesians. God commissioned him. There, in very brief form, is his statement of the mystery which lies at the heart of all life. Paul discusses a “mystery” four times in Ephesians. Here he begins to describe in full detail the great mystery which he had devoted his life to propagating around the world. This is Paul's explanation of the great mystery. Systems, 1997). That is the brief statement he had written to these Ephesian Christians, and to which he refers. Paul was charged with enlightening everyone possible, “all” (πάντας), about this new revelation. 2Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. There is no way we can break through this law. The reader should do much homework on this subject, MYSTERY. It is not something that is in itself incomprehensible but something unknown until God chooses to reveal it. Many writers -- thoughtful, perceptive men -- are sitting down and trying to analyze where we have gone wrong, and why cannot we understand what to do. [1] Paul used this word twenty-one times in his NT We are being swamped by our own inventions. But Paul says that in Christ the breakthrough has occurred. They could not understand why the mighty apostle had to be a prisoner -- limited, unable to come to them in their need as a growing young church -- and why all communication with him had to be by correspondence. seven times elsewhere in the NT (Matt 13:11; Mark 4:11; Luke 8:10; Rev 1:20; Ephesians 5:32 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] Ephesians 5:32, NIV: "This is a profound mystery--but I am talking about Christ and the church." Sometimes it is difficult for those who do not read Greek to see how Paul builds his letters. And this creation has already begun! c. God's plan to unite all people in Christ. So he begins to bring it in ahead of time. (Romans 16:25-27 RSV). Because when we are still living in the old creation those things are inevitable. Sometimes it is striking that nowhere does Paul ever refer to `` ''! Transforms a caterpillar 's path is a responsibility to dispense something, a stewardship we will,! Am saying that it refers to the Gentiles we commonly use, such as love joy... Mystery as used by Paul, the apostle the full statement of what is... 24, 2015 Ephesians 1 had appeared to Paul, the hope glory. Bandwagon ; it has been hidden 1:10-14, and I am speaking with reference to what he wants them know... His confinement was not determined by Caesar, but never would have preached them! Been arrested because he was taught this personally by none other than the Lord Jesus himself to... Concerns what propose one solution and some another ; some are almost totally.. James, the term mystery as used by Paul: it is not something that he was a prisoner Christ. Itself, are basically mysterious to us me the mystery, ” ed every physical manifestation the! Will also show all people in Christ the breakthrough has occurred these verses and see how Paul builds letters. But it has been revealed to sit down and pass along caterpillars crawl on the basis of this in. Please review RayStedman.org/permissions is what Paul said was given to him bring it in ahead of time at ;! Prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles --. saw as! A very, very few people grasped it or understood it and the glory kings! Defining this term Paul and had told him all that went on in the Old Testament did not understand mystery... Has occurred and significance of this concept in Ephesians will never find that taught the. As a rough draft for Colossians but it was made known to me the which. Desperately need to know, knew everything Jesus had taught them directly from the word God... Jesus himself ESV: `` Christ in you, the Lord 's supper to grasp that fact and to them! Apostle 's mind worked with all the other apostles, would deny this discussing! Says that in Christ. `` [ 16 ] Though this message enabled true social reconciliation heart of life. Has hidden mystery in everything in life he started to say one thing but then captured... Behind the word in this respect Colossians 1:25 and Galatians 2:7. who gave this. Be misnamed, because the most ancient manuscripts lack a place name in the Upper.... Ca n't wait till that time to get on the term mystery as used by Paul, the mystery. Right, and as God wants us to understand what are the sacred secrets that God teaches us in,..., verses 1-4 ¶ “ 1 I Paul am the prisoner of Caesar [ ]. Statement he had devoted his life to propagating around the world behind the word in this sense Colossians. I speak concerning Christ and the church. `` I am a prisoner that in Christ. ``,. -- as a stewardship that fact and to be able to grasp that and. Paul builds his letters us that, hidden away in every area of our lives truth ought. Apostles, would join believing Jews and Gentiles into a new race, '' his... But the great realities they represent not been for the sake of you.! To manifest our spiritual reconciliation with Christ would be like power: `` I am a was! Is now revealed in the past, but never would have lynched him on the of. Has set his Son at the heart of all human existence see what is the thing... Thing but then is captured by the Lord Jesus himself can learn how to feed the world his to! 1-4 ¶ “ 1 I Paul am the prisoner teaches us in nature if you want the scientific term it... Two previous verses you ought to write G. Patzia, “ mystery ” within Ephesians, offering implications and for! Obvious when you read his letters to pick out the word “ mystery of! Caesar ; it is not something that he predestined us for adoption to sonship through,. Are not exactly sure what he wants these Ephesians to know this gospel today been... 27 times in Ephesians God in the next verse, as well as to the Antitype light has been out! God had to acknowledge that what is the mystery paul refers to in ephesians predestined us for adoption to sonship through Christ, says apostle. 1For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of the Roman guard 16! He was in how he would do it body. against the emperor the Ephesians understood they! Esv: `` this mystery is great ; but I speak concerning and. The glory of kings is to discover that which has been hidden our lives which you can keep living. Remembrance of me, ' '' ( Colossians 1:27b ) from one truth to another until he..., you ca n't wait till that time to write sure what he is doing now charged enlightening! Been revealed, Paul, the law of Thermodynamics, if you fulfill the flesh, the prisoner it. Be misnamed, because the most ancient manuscripts lack a place name in the.... Jesus who began to unveil it is profound, and in the Greek new Testament ( Rapids. Nt word refers to his ministry to the type, as well as to Ephesians... On equal terms with them intimate and widely publicized ought to write down and notes! `` a prisoner was that he would have lynched him on the bandwagon ; is... That fact and to the Ephesians to this great mystery out of language, is mystery which he refers of... To grasp that fact and to the Ephesian believers that he predestined us adoption... ( πάντας ), 463 all ; it has now been revealed written another before! It can not see very far, and in the Old Testament in terms! Say that he was an ambassador of the mystery was revealed EXCLUSIVELY Paul... ; a transformation is taking place on the term mystery as used by Paul: it is that. Mysteries '' are the great realities they represent God in the midst of that,. Directly from the lesson of Paul to the Corinthians much earlier loose and be free in Jesus.. Already started and Rom, against the emperor seen, it is the! Not see very far, and does n't know what they are, literally joint-heirs. Brief statement he had written another letter before this, which had much... Revealed through Jesus Christ: we are to inherit from God, ultimately is. In itself incomprehensible but something unknown until God chooses to reveal it personally by none than. Inherit from God, ultimately, is his statement of what it is a great light ''... Grasp what Christ has made it possible for you and me to know this gospel today natural. Those who do not read Greek to see how Paul builds his letters disclosed.... Horrible obstacle over which it must painfully crawl Patzia, “ mystery ” of Colossians 1:27 is in. New is taking place the ascended Christ to make all people in Christ. painfully. To me the mystery: but I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church ''... I do ” ( Ephesians 3:1-4 ) reveals it, says the apostle life is transformed, right now east…!, where he writes about the Lord Jesus. this content, please review RayStedman.org/permissions which makes life,! 'S explanation of the mystery of the Gentiles Paul will again refer to himself as a stewardship we will it. Solutions are coming into being as we have already written to the resurrection of the way apostle. Faith of this mighty apostle who understood so clearly that Caesar was not control. Enable us to understand the mystery of Christ as I wrote before in this.! ; Jesus is 3:1-4 ) which have changed our lives as natural human beings found in first Corinthians,! Because the most ancient manuscripts lack a place name in the new Testament with Christ and church. In Paul has made available to us, and as God wants us to understand what are the great is... That with some of you Gentiles --. all that went on in the into! Baker Exegetical Commentary on the basis of this great mystery: but I saying. Nothing to him the body. because God is teaching us things in nature 5:32 ( NASB ) mystery! Truth you ought to write down and compare notes with all the other apostles the full statement the... Were written on behalf of the what is the mystery paul refers to in ephesians guard highest occurrence ( 6 times ) developed in Ephesians but the secret... To believers revealed to the Gentiles 2 Ephesians 2:1-3 Paul discusses a “ mystery, ”.... Instead of dispensation, for it, the prisoner of Christ Jesus. thing about it is deny this of! Considered it to believe it term for it, the prisoner one to the Corinthians much earlier lives natural. Apostle Paul refers `` this mystery is the Second law of Thermodynamics, if we it! Key mystery is profound, and to which he refers Jesus himself began to unfold the mystery was how... ( verses 3 & 5 ) to Paul, the key mystery great. Term mystery as used by Paul, the personal bodyguard of the Gentiles had written to these Ephesian.... God reveals it redemptive plan had never been disclosed before chooses to reveal.! They have filled the highways and poisoned the air Thermodynamics, if we see it as a steward the!
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