What role does divine revelation play in understanding Ephesians 3:3's message? Setting the Verse in Front of Us “... the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.” (Ephesians 3:3) Paul’s Testimony of Revelation – Paul points to a direct, divine disclosure—“made known to me by revelation.” – He had not pieced the gospel together through study or tradition; Christ Himself appeared to him (Acts 9:3-6). – Galatians 1:11-12 echoes the same: “the gospel I preached is not according to man … I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ”. – This underscores that the authority behind Paul’s message—and the entire letter to the Ephesians—rests on God’s own unveiling, not human ingenuity. What Exactly Was Revealed? – The “mystery” (Greek: mystērion) refers to truth once hidden, now uncovered. – Ephesians 3:6 unpacks it: Gentiles are “fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel”. – Colossians 1:26-27 links the same mystery to “Christ in you, the hope of glory”. – Revelation, then, is the key that opens the door to the full inclusion of all peoples and the indwelling presence of Christ. Why Divine Revelation Matters • Protects the purity of the gospel—preventing it from being reshaped by cultural trends (Jude 3). • Confirms that salvation history is God-initiated, not man-made (Romans 16:25-26). • Unites Scripture from Genesis to Revelation: promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:3) find literal fulfillment in the multinational church. • Grounds assurance; if God revealed it, He will also accomplish it (Philippians 1:6). Scripture as the Ongoing Vessel – What was revealed to Paul is now preserved in writing. “When you read this, you can understand my insight” (Ephesians 3:4). – Inspiration guarantees accuracy: “Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). – The written Word allows every generation to access the same revelation without alteration (Psalm 119:89). The Spirit’s Present Work of Illumination – Revelation closed when the apostolic message was completed, yet illumination continues. – 1 Corinthians 2:10-13: “The Spirit searches all things … we have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand”. – The Spirit bridges the gap between ancient text and present reader, turning knowledge into conviction. Practical Takeaways for Today • Approach Ephesians with confidence: its message rests on God’s self-disclosure, not conjecture. • Expect Scripture to speak with authority on every matter it addresses—because revelation is literal, trustworthy, and sufficient. • Lean on the Spirit in study; the same One who unveiled the mystery to Paul now opens hearts to grasp it (John 16:13). • Embrace unity with believers of every background, seeing it as the direct outworking of God’s revealed plan. • Let gratitude rise: the God who once hid the mystery has now brought us into its light, inviting us to live as “fellow heirs” in Christ. |
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