What does "proclaim the mystery of Christ" mean in Colossians 4:3? Text of Colossians 4:3 “Pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.” Immediate Setting • Paul writes from prison (cf. Colossians 4:18) • He is asking believers to partner with him through prayer, not for his release, but for an open door to speak God’s word • The focus of that word: “the mystery of Christ” What Scripture Means by “Mystery” • Greek mystērion describes a truth once hidden by God, now openly revealed (Romans 16:25-26) • It is not mystical speculation; it is divinely disclosed fact • Key passages shedding light: – Colossians 1:26-27 “the mystery hidden for ages … Christ in you, the hope of glory.” – Ephesians 3:3-6 “… the mystery … that the Gentiles are fellow heirs … through the gospel.” – 1 Timothy 3:16 “A mystery of godliness: Christ was revealed in the flesh … proclaimed among the nations.” Core Elements of the Mystery of Christ • The eternal Son took on flesh, died, and rose (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) • Salvation is by grace through faith, apart from works (Ephesians 2:8-9) • Jew and Gentile are united in one body (Ephesians 2:14-16) • The indwelling presence of Christ in every believer (Colossians 1:27) • The future gathering of all things under Christ’s headship (Ephesians 1:9-10) “Proclaim”—Paul’s Specific Request • To declare plainly, openly, and publicly (cf. Acts 28:30-31) • Not merely to hint or discuss, but to herald with Spirit-given boldness (Ephesians 6:19) • Requires God to “open a door” both for circumstances and for receptive hearts (1 Corinthians 16:9; Acts 14:27) Why Paul Calls It a Mystery Even After Its Revelation • It remains profound—human reason alone could never have conceived it • Its riches are inexhaustible (Ephesians 3:8) • Each new audience still needs the hidden now-revealed truth unwrapped for them (2 Corinthians 4:3-6) Practical Implications for Today • Prayer precedes effective gospel witness; believers still ask God for open doors • The message proclaimed must center on Christ’s person and work, not moralism or self-help • Because the mystery unites all peoples, divisions in the church contradict the very gospel we announce • Chains or hardship do not negate ministry; they can magnify the clarity and reach of the proclamation (Philippians 1:12-14) Summary To “proclaim the mystery of Christ” means to openly announce the once-hidden but now-revealed gospel truth: Jesus the Messiah died and rose to bring Jews and Gentiles alike into one Spirit-indwelt body, offering salvation by grace and the sure hope of glory. Paul asks for prayer so that, even in chains, he can declare this divine secret with clarity and boldness wherever God opens the door. |
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