What is the "mystery of Christ" mentioned in Ephesians 3:4? Definition of “Mystery” (Mystērion) The Greek μυστήριον (mystērion) in Scripture denotes a truth once concealed within God’s counsel but now revealed by divine initiative. It does not connote something unknowable; rather it is a sacred secret openly unveiled to those granted spiritual insight (cf. Daniel 2:28; Matthew 13:11). Immediate Context in Ephesians Ephesians 3:3-6 : “...the mystery was made known to me by revelation… the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed… that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” Thus Paul defines the mystery in the very sentence: the full, co-equal inclusion of believing Gentiles with believing Jews in one new covenant people through Jesus Messiah. Content of the Mystery: Jew-Gentile Equality in Christ 1. Fellow Heirs—sharing the Abrahamic inheritance (Galatians 3:29). 2. Fellow Members of One Body—the Church as Christ’s organism (Ephesians 2:15-16). 3. Fellow Partakers of the Promise—the Holy Spirit’s indwelling and eschatological hope (Acts 2:39). The Mystery as Union with Christ and Indwelling While ethnic unity is the presenting aspect, its engine is the believer’s union with the crucified-risen Christ (Ephesians 2:5-6; Colossians 1:27). The indwelling Spirit applies this union, creating one temple (Ephesians 2:21-22). Chronological Unveiling in Salvation History • Promised, but veiled, in Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 49:6; Hosea 1:10. • Hinted at in Jesus’ ministry (John 10:16). • Publicly revealed after the resurrection and Pentecost (Acts 10–11; 15). • Commissioned to Paul as steward (Ephesians 3:8-9). Old Testament Foreshadowings – Abrahamic blessing to “all families of the earth” (Genesis 12:3). – The Gentile Ruth grafted into Messianic lineage (Ruth 4:13-22). – Psalm 87; Isaiah 2:2-4; 56:6-8 envision international worship at Zion. New Testament Development • Acts records successive unveilings: Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8); Cornelius (Acts 10). • Romans 16:25-26 names the same mystery now “made known to all the nations.” • Colossians 1:26-27 expands: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Relation to the Kingdom of God The mystery inaugurates the multi-ethnic kingdom foretold by Daniel 7:14. It anticipates the eschatological gathering of Revelation 5:9-10. Implications for Soteriology Salvation is by grace through faith apart from works of the Law (Ephesians 2:8-9). Circumcision, calendar, and ceremonial distinctions give way to the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement (Hebrews 10:14). Implications for Ecclesiology • One baptism, one Spirit, one hope (Ephesians 4:4-6). • Church governance transcends ethnic boundaries (Acts 13:1—multi-ethnic leadership at Antioch). • The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper visibly enacts this unity (1 Corinthians 10:17). Christological Centrality The mystery is “of Christ” because: 1. His incarnation unites God and humanity. 2. His cross removes the “dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14). 3. His resurrection life energizes the new body (Romans 6:4-5). Apostolic Stewardship and Revelation Paul, “least of all the saints,” received revelatory insight (Ephesians 3:8). Inspiration guarantees inerrant transmission (2 Peter 1:21). Early manuscripts—Chester Beatty P46 (c. AD 200) and Codex Sinaiticus (ℵ, 4th cent.)—contain these very lines, attesting stability of the text. Eschatological Dimension The present unity previews the consummated unity of the New Jerusalem where “the nations will walk by its light” (Revelation 21:24). The mystery, once hidden, reaches final visibility in the marriage supper of the Lamb. Practical and Behavioral Applications • Abolish racial prejudices within Christian fellowship (James 2:1-9). • Embrace cross-cultural evangelism—Paul’s logic grounds the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). • Cultivate corporate worship that reflects the multinational body (Colossians 3:11-16). Conclusion The “mystery of Christ” in Ephesians 3:4 is the once-concealed, now-revealed plan by which God unites believing Jews and Gentiles into one Spirit-indwelt body through the redemptive work of Jesus Messiah, thereby showcasing His manifold wisdom to all creation and advancing His eternal purpose. |
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