What is the "mystery" mentioned in Colossians 1:26? Definition of “Mystery” (μυστήριον) In Scripture, a “mystery” is not a riddle permanently locked away; it is truth once concealed by God and now uncovered by divine revelation (cf. Mark 4:11; 1 Corinthians 2:7). The Greek term μυστήριον carries the idea of sacred information entrusted to insiders. Paul’s usage consistently points to a redemptive reality hidden in previous ages, now disclosed through Christ and His apostles. Immediate Context: Colossians 1:24-29 Paul, writing from prison (ca. A.D. 60), celebrates his role in unveiling God’s plan: “the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations, but is now revealed to His saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:26-27) Everything in Colossians 1 builds toward this claim: Christ is pre-eminent in creation (vv. 15-17), reconciliation (vv. 18-22), and revelation (vv. 25-27). The “mystery” stands as the climactic disclosure of God’s universal purpose. Old Testament Foreshadowing • Abrahamic Promise – “All the families of the earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3). • Prophetic Hints – Isaiah foresees Gentile inclusion: “I will also make You a light for the nations” (Isaiah 49:6). • Typology of the Tabernacle/Temple – God dwelling among His people anticipates a greater indwelling (Exodus 25:8; Ezekiel 37:27). These strands disclose the silhouette; the full portrait awaited Messiah’s work. New Testament Unveiling Parallel texts specify the same mystery: • Ephesians 3:3-6 – “the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known … that the Gentiles are fellow heirs.” • Romans 16:25-26 – “the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed … to all the Gentiles.” • 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 – God’s “wisdom in a mystery” centered on the crucified Lord. The resurrection validated the disclosure (Acts 17:31). Early creedal material (1 Corinthians 15:3-5) circulating within five years of the crucifixion confirms that the risen Christ was proclaimed as the centerpiece of God’s secret now made public. Content of the Mystery 1. Christ Himself – The mystery is not merely about Christ; it is Christ: “Christ in you.” The eternal Son, once bodily present in Palestine, now indwells believers by His Spirit (cf. John 14:17-20; Galatians 2:20). 2. Jew-Gentile Unity – The indwelling is “among the Gentiles,” erasing ethnic barriers (Ephesians 2:14-16). 3. Eschatological Hope – “The hope of glory” points to bodily resurrection and participation in the renewed creation (Colossians 3:4; Romans 8:18-25). Thus the mystery is the Christ-centered, Spirit-applied union of all redeemed people with their risen Lord, guaranteeing future glory. Theological Implications • Soteriology – Salvation is Christocentric; righteousness is imputed by faith alone (Colossians 2:13-14). • Ecclesiology – The Church is a multinational body with Christ as Head (Colossians 1:18). • Sanctification – Indwelling power fuels progressive holiness (Colossians 1:28-29). • Eschatology – Present union ensures future glorification (Colossians 3:4). Practical Outworking Paul’s ministry model (Colossians 1:28-29): proclamation, admonition, instruction, goal of maturity. Every believer becomes a living exhibit of the mystery—Christ’s character manifested to the world (Matthew 5:14-16). Conclusion The “mystery” of Colossians 1:26 is the once-concealed, now-revealed reality that the crucified and risen Jesus personally indwells all who believe—Jew and Gentile alike—uniting them into one body and assuring them of ultimate glorification. Hidden in the councils of God, foreshadowed in the Hebrew Scriptures, verified by the empty tomb, and experienced daily by believers, this mystery stands as the heartbeat of the gospel and the centerpiece of redemptive history. |
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