What does "administration of this mystery" mean in Ephesians 3:9? Verse in Focus “and to illuminate for everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.” (Ephesians 3:9) The Word Behind “Administration” • Greek: oikonomía – from oíkos (“house”) and némō (“to manage”). • Core idea: household management, stewardship, a God-given responsibility to arrange and dispense resources. • Paul uses the same word in: – Ephesians 1:10: “a plan for the administration of the fullness of times…” – Colossians 1:25: “I became its servant according to the stewardship from God…” What Paul Means by “Mystery” • Not something spooky or unknowable; in Scripture a “mystery” is truth once concealed, now revealed by God. • Here, the mystery is that Jews and Gentiles are united in one body through Christ (Ephesians 3:6). • Hidden “for ages,” unveiled in the gospel era. Putting the Two Ideas Together • God entrusted Paul with the stewardship—the practical rollout—of this newly revealed truth. • Paul’s job: – Announce the inclusion of Gentiles. – Organize and nurture multi-ethnic congregations. – Write Spirit-inspired letters laying doctrinal foundations. • In other words, “administration” highlights both God’s plan and Paul’s hands-on management of it. Cross-References That Shed More Light • 1 Corinthians 4:1–2 – “servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries.” • Romans 16:25–26 – the mystery “now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings.” • Acts 26:16–18 – Paul’s commission “to open their eyes… that they may receive forgiveness.” • Galatians 2:7–9 – apostles recognize Paul’s stewardship to the Gentiles. Why This Matters for Believers Today • God’s plans come with clear, orderly stewardship; He is not chaotic (1 Corinthians 14:33). • The church’s unity across ethnic and cultural lines isn’t optional—it’s the very thing God is administrating. • Every believer receives a share in this stewardship: – Guard the pure gospel. – Welcome all who trust Christ. – Use gifts to build up the unified body (Ephesians 4:11-16). Summary at a Glance Administration = God-given management of the newly revealed plan. Mystery = Jew and Gentile together in Christ. Paul = chief steward who implements, teaches, and models that plan so the church can live it out today. |
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