How does Ephesians 3:3 reveal the mystery of Christ to believers today? Setting the Scene • Paul sits in a Roman prison, yet his heart is bursting with news too good to keep quiet. • He writes to Gentile and Jewish believers in Ephesus, reminding them that God has pulled back the curtain on His eternal plan. Examining the Text: Ephesians 3:3 “that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I have already written briefly” Key phrases • “by revelation” – God Himself disclosed it; Paul didn’t figure it out. • “the mystery” – not a puzzle to stay hidden but a secret now unveiled. • “made known to me” – Paul becomes the messenger, not the source. • “as I have already written briefly” – a reminder that he has hinted at this earlier (1:9–10; 2:11–22). Unpacking “Mystery” in Scripture • In the New Testament a “mystery” (Greek: mystērion) is truth once concealed, now openly declared by God. • It is always something humans could never discover on their own (1 Corinthians 2:7–10). What the Mystery Is • Verses 4–6 spell it out: “the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” • Summarized: – One unified body—Jew and Gentile together (Galatians 3:28). – Equal heirs of every covenant promise (Romans 8:17). – All blessings come “in Christ” alone (Colossians 1:26–27). Why This Matters for Believers Today • Confidence in Scripture’s clarity—God does not leave His people guessing. • Assurance of inclusion—anyone who trusts Christ is fully accepted (John 6:37). • Motivation for unity—walls of hostility are demolished (Ephesians 2:14–16). • Fuel for mission—the gospel is designed for every nation (Matthew 28:19–20). Supporting Passages • Colossians 1:26–27 —“the mystery hidden for ages... Christ in you, the hope of glory.” • Romans 16:25–26 —“the revelation of the mystery... made known to all nations.” • 1 Timothy 3:16 —“Beyond question, great is the mystery of godliness: He appeared in the flesh…” Living Out the Revealed Mystery • Embrace identity in Christ—reject any hierarchy based on race, status, or past. • Cultivate gospel-centered fellowship—church gatherings mirror heaven’s diversity (Revelation 7:9). • Proclaim the unveiled secret—speak the gospel plainly; God has already done the hard work of revelation. • Rest in God’s sovereignty—He planned this inclusion “before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4) and will finish what He began. |
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