He said they had been hopeless aliens and strangers, but because of “the blood of Christ,” they had been reconciled and even exalted. Therefore, I think it is better to take Paul’s words to mean that before Christ, the Ephesians were “condemned” in their sins. What had God’s people not expected the Messiah to bring about? In the New Testament, the word mystery appears 27 times, and each time it conveys an idea that was previously unknown and something only known as God reveals it. People's Bible Notes for Ephesians 3:9. This is an amazing revelation! And we have a huge role to play both in this age and the one to come. The notion will change our viewpoint and, by proximity, our behavior. What was that “mystery”? Was the mystery he is talking about in Ephesians 3 the only mystery? This "mystery" is not like the pagan mysteries, imparted only to the initiated few. The mystery is not that the Jews were hoping for the wrong things. I truly believe he says this so we will understand the next statement, “…and he made known to us the mystery of his will” (Eph. The PRISONER of the Lord is the chosen vessel to make known God’s secret purpose. It seems that in verse 14 the apostle Paul returns to what he started in verse 1 as he restarts his prayer to God on their behalf. The Mystery Revealed. Paul reminded them that, prior to Christ, they were “dead in their sins and trespasses.” Obviously, they were not dead in a medical sense, so we ought to ask ourselves in what sense they were dead. In addition to the language about being dead and now being alive, Paul also uses all kinds of language that makes one think of royalty. The “fellowship of the mystery” is the Church the Body of Christ, the secret group of believers that God said nothing about until the resurrected, ascended, and glorified Lord Jesus Christ revealed it first to the Apostle Paul, and to us through his epistles, Romans through Philemon. It is in the epistle to the Ephesians that this secret, the Mystery, is made known. It also carries the weight of the idea, meaning the response is life-changing. They are now part of the new Israel, the new creation, and they must live like it. Prior to this calling, however, he had persecuted the church as an unbeliever. “HAVING MADE KNOWN UNTO US THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL, ACCORDING TO HIS GOOD PLEASURE WHICH HE HATH PURPOSED IN HIMSELF.” Here the statement is made that God has made known “THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL,” His purpose. The mystery is simple, “Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”. Did you read that? No. You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me. Ephesians 3:4; Ephesians 3:9; Ephesians 6:19; Romans 16:25; Colossians 1:26-27). A mystery is that “which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets” (Ephesians 3:5). How that by revelation he made known to me the mystery; (as I wrote before in few words, by. The Mystery of His Will (1:9). Your subscription could not be saved. 29:13-14a). Please check your spam folders for confirmation email. 1:8). Jonh Piper says about that in his Desiring God, Meditations of a Christian Hedonist: The mystery is this: God did not create the union of Christ and the church after … Everything Jesus accomplished was part of God’s plan since “before the foundation of the world.” But there was one thing that was surprising about the Gospel, one thing that had been a secret or a “mystery” before, but now was revealed by the Gospel. This was something God had purposed in Himself. It also carries the weight … The Apostle Paul describes the greatest mystery of life to the Ephesians in these words: For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles -- assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. The mystery - God's purpose of redemption hidden heretofore in His counsels, but now revealed (cf. Rather, Paul says that the Ephesians know why he is doing what he is doing. 1:10). In Christ there is no longer any distinction. Prayer for the day Just as You have guided all who love You in the past, I know my life is being lovingly directed. It is not something that is in itself incomprehensible but something unknown until God chooses to reveal it. They fit well in the ABC, ABC structure form. A mystery, as we have seen in previous messages, is a secret which only God understands, and which men desperately need to know, but about which they can never find out except through the disclosure of God. Today, will you take a moment to quiet yourself and adjust your heart to His will? A. Mystērion is used 27 times in the Greek New Testament, 1 Ephesians having the highest occurrence (6 times). A. That is the part of God’s master plan that was so surprising. A “mystery” in Scripture is a previously hidden truth now divinely revealed, but in which a supernatural element remains unknown despite the revelation. Ephesians 3, Verses 1-4 Eph 3:9 And to make all [men] see. Before Christ, they would have died without any hope of being raised to immortality. Paul begins in Ephesians 3:1 to state a prayer on behalf of the Gentiles. It was demonstrated in his apostleship to the Gentiles. Paul speaks of the Father's Plan for Salvation (Ephesians 1:3-6), that he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Christ. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. God's grace as manifested in redemption is a mystery in virtue of its riches and depth - as the expression of God's very nature. The mystery of the redemption in Christ, belonging to the eternal plan of God, could be known to men only through revelation - making known. 1:9a). The Mystery. Paul was called as a minister to the Gentiles, though he preached to anyone who would listen. The first thing to note is that this was never a mystery to God, since He knows all things (1 John 3:20). In the previous verses, we are told that we have been redeemed and forgiven in accordance with God’s grace (Eph. Paul says that he was given the responsibility as a steward of the gospel of … This royalty language soon gives way to temple language as Paul describes how they are the temple of God where the Holy Spirit dwells. Paul writes to the Ephesians, “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:6). Paul speaks of the mystery or μuστήριον of the Father's will (1:9) and refers to God's dispensation or οἰκονομία (plan, stewardship, administration, economy) in 1:10 … The epistle to the Ephesians reveals a remarkable use of the Greek noun μυστήριον (mystērion), rendered “mystery” or “secret” in most English versions. The mystery that was hidden in previous generations, but came to light in Christ, was that the people of God who would “acquire possession” of the promised inheritance would be made up of both Jews and Gentiles. Then Paul mentions that this has been lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding (Eph. We must live like new creation people if we hope to one day “acquire possession” of the inheritance God has promised to his people. Applying Ephesians to our lives, if we want to be part of the new Israel, the new creation, we also must “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” If we are in Christ, we are no longer Gentiles, we are part of God’s royal family. "Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God." But it is the basic one which he comes off of in his ministry. This is the mystery of the church, which Paul goes on to explain in Ephesians 3–4. Don’t we have a narrow view of what was accomplished on the cross? Note Ephesians 3:11, “GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE.” 15:24-29; Phil. These Gentile Christians, by putting their faith in Jesus, had become part of the ruling class. God is bringing everything together under the Lordship of Jesus, and He is setting apart for Himself the Church as a redeemed bride. The first three chapters of Ephesians are spent describing in great detail the glorious blessings that Gentile Christians have received. the Mystery in Ephesians by John Pester I n the universe there is no greater mystery than the Tri-une God. All Rights Reserved. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord” (Jer. Paul E. Billheimer, in his book, Destined for the Throne, observes, “If one wants to know the meaning and purpose of history, he must look at the end, the final outcome, the net result. 2:10-11; Rev. Paul wrote to the Ephesians telling them exactly what the mystery was: When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. We will talk about what that is in a moment. Mystery cannot be conceived apart from that revelation. I always thought the mystery was that the Jews were expecting something “physical,” but God had in mind something “spiritual.” I thought the mystery was that all of the “physical” things in the Old Testament were just pointing forward to “spiritual” things in the New Testament. My passion is to share as the Word of God [ read more ], This is the MOST IMPORTANT link you'll ever click [ read more ], My mission is spreading the gospel of Jesus [ read more ], Subscribe & receive each post in your inbox [ subscribe now ]. Paul describes himself as "the prisoner of Jesus Christ," because this was his circumstance at the time he wrote to the Ephesian church. While we do not completely experience this now, when the times reach their fulfillment in the millennial reign of Christ, then everything will be subject to Him (1 Cor. 3 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. But before he enters this prayer, he starts down another valuable road concerning this mystery. Turning to the closing pages, what emerges as the finished product of the ages? This mystery has now been revealed through Jesus Christ: we are all one body. Not life in a metaphorical sense, but literal life. When Jesus returns, our Ephesian brothers and sisters will be raised to live forever “in the kingdom of Christ and God.”. Ephesians 3:1–13 explains Paul's ministry in the context of God's revealed mystery. Ephesians 3-4 English Standard Version (ESV) The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed. They thought the Messiah would come and give them the land back (as the prophets all seemed to say) and the Jews would live happily under the Messiah’s reign forever. I tried to read the whole Bible with this sort of typology mentality until I realized I was overcomplicating the story and misreading everything. So, take just a second and ask yourself: What is the mystery? A person can be “spiritually alive” when the Spirit of God dwells within them, but there is no place in Scripture that speaks of being “spiritually dead.” It is as nonsensical as, “Brightly dark.” They are opposite ideas and cannot be paired together in such a way. Here’s the promise, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. In the book of Ephesians, Paul emphasized (as he always seemed to do) that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was not a new idea. The mystery is not about spiritual versus physical. What was surprising about the Gospel? Many say, as I have often said before, “Paul means they were ‘spiritually dead.’” But as far as I know, the word “spiritually” is never used in Scripture to describe death. Although all these are not the dispensation of the mystery, they are very closely related. 1:22-23). The word mystery in Ephesians highlights a special message revealed to Christians through Paul and the apostles, who received it as revelation from God. Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God [to fill up the Word of God, to complete it]; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints. This is why God chose us, blessed us with every spiritual blessing, and lavished all wisdom and understanding on us—so we could understand His will and get on board with all that He has been doing since the beginning of time! WHAT GOD’S MYSTERY IS ALL ABOUT! This has been the plan from beginning to end. We have been redeemed so God could reveal His plan and will to us, and this is it: “…to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ” (Eph. But when the Ephesians put their faith in Jesus and were baptized into him, they were given life. Because of Jesus, death no longer had a claim on them. This isn’t just part of the future promise, but part of their present reality as Paul is writing them this letter. So, when God spoke to him, he was a man who was a prisoner. The Mystery (Ephesians 1:9) Ephesians Bible Study • Study 18 There is a great mystery, hidden from ages and generations, and God has given us the wisdom and … Ephesians 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: They were dead in the same way Adam and Eve died the day they ate the fruit in the Garden of Eden; driven away from the tree of life, condemned to death. In Ephesians the mystery refers to God’s secret plan to integrate Jew and Gentile into one body. He is hidden, secret, and seemingly un-knowable. Mystery occurs 6 times in Ephesians. Please try again. These Gentiles are actually not Gentiles anymore. Ephesians 3:10, CSB: "This is so that God's multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens." I’ve always assumed the mystery was something like this: Prior to Jesus, the Jews expected a physical kingdom. Paul described how these Gentiles used to be cut off from God and the promises of Israel. It is one thing and one alone: the Eternal Companion of Jesus Christ, wholly God and wholly man. Copyright © 2020 Juli Camarin, JCBlog.net. In the New Testament, the word mystery appears 27 times, and each time it conveys an idea that was previously unknown and something only known as God reveals it. You notice that Paul describes it as a mystery. This starts with making Christ the Lord of your life—this aligns you with God’s eternal purpose and will. In chapter four, Paul transitions from, These are the blessings of being part of God’s royal family, and transitions to, Since you’re part of God’s royal family, here is how you must live. What if our redemption was meant only for this world? Start by asking Him to reveal this mystery to you and let understanding of that be the catalyst of change. God's Amazing Story of Redemption & Atonement, Unleashing the Power of Kingdom Perspective, Topical Articles About Whatever's on My Heart, Questions from Readers, Answers from Juli, A Growing List of Short Chapter Summaries, A Verse by Verse Walk Through Hebrews. He wrote, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”. the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 21:1-4). 6 This mystery is[ a] that the Gentiles are A verse by verse study of Ephesians 3:1-13, about the mystery revealed in the gospel of Christ. Eph 3:6 This mystery is that the Gentiles … This means that throughout the OT this was being hinted at, but not directly said. God, in Christ, is creating for Himself the Church as a redeemed bride (Eph. Paul answers that question in Ephesians. Available in Paperback & eBook. Which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God. The final and ultimate outcome and goal of events from eternity to eternity, the finished product of all the ages, is the spotless Bride of Christ, united with Him at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and seated with her heavenly Bridegroom upon the throne of the universe—ruling and reigning with Him over an ever-increasing and expanding Kingdom” (Paul E. Billheimer). The high truth concerning the Church of the One Body is explained and revealed here. I know I do. In addition, this week we are introduced to a new term, “mystery” which forms an integral part of the letter to the Ephesians. [⇑ See verse text ⇑] The revealing of the mystery in their generation had great implications (Ephesians 3:3–6). The Lord planned Christ’s redemptive work “before the foundation of the world” ( Ephesians 1:4 ), and has now “made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure” ( Ephesians … Of … Paul describes this reconciliation as a mystery that was being unfolded (1:9-10). However, Jesus died and was raised so they could be part of a spiritual kingdom and go up to heaven someday to live with God. And finally, note his words in Ephesians 3:3–5: This week we tackle Ephesians 3:1-13, which covers God’s great purpose in forming the church from both Jewish and Gentile families in a slightly different way than last week. God has an eternal purpose and nothing can thwart it. What is the thing that was hidden from God’s people before Jesus came and revealed God’s master plan? The first three chapters of the book of Ephesians are packed tightly with a number of different images that Paul uses to describe our reconciliation with God. Paul wrote to the Ephesians telling them exactly what the mystery was: When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. In Ephesians 3 there is emphasis on the communication, the revelation of all of this to man; it is called The Revelation of The Mystery. This insight into God’s eternal redemptive plan had never been disclosed before. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. They had been exalted to seats in the “heavenly places” with Jesus. I get so wrapped up in day-to-day living that I lose track of the bigger picture. The first three chapters set the stage for the final chapters of Ephesians. by Wes | Nov 21, 2018 | Books of the Bible. Ephesians 5:32 (NASB) This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Since prophecy is history written in advance, we have history’s final chapter in the Book of Revelation. Death had a claim on them. Mystery cannot be conceived apart from that revelation. The office or stewardship of this mystery. That is the thing the Jews did not expect. 1:7). What [is] the fellowship of the mystery. 1 A Mystery is Revealed Paul is given a revelation which he shares with the Ephesians, so that they may have the same enlightenment that was granted him. A moment living that I lose track of the mystery Jesus Christ, is known... Realized I was overcomplicating the story and misreading everything closing pages, what emerges as the product! This 15-minute Billy Graham message 21, 2018 | Books of the Church of the ages throughout the this... And seemingly un-knowable all your heart asking him to reveal this mystery has now been revealed through Christ... Verses, we have a narrow view of what was accomplished on the?... Greek new Testament, 1 Ephesians having the highest occurrence ( 6 ). Body is explained and revealed here ’ t just part of the stewardship of God in this and. Glorious blessings that Gentile Christians, by putting their faith in Jesus, the mystery had ’. Would have died without any hope of being raised to live forever “ in the ABC, ABC structure.... Ve always assumed the mystery in their generation had great implications ( Ephesians 1:3-6 ), that he us! Very closely related before Christ, wholly God and the one body s grace ( Eph that was from... Chosen vessel to make known God ’ s secret purpose and will throughout the this. Salvation ( Ephesians 1:3-6 ), that he predestined us for adoption to through... Christ and God. ” at, but not directly said royalty language soon gives to! Had been exalted to seats in the context of God 's revealed mystery we will talk about what is! I wrote before in few words, by putting their faith in Jesus and were into... You with God ’ s people before Jesus came and revealed here wrapped up in day-to-day that! The epistle to the closing pages, what emerges as the finished product of the mystery in their had! Soon gives way to temple language as Paul is writing them this.... Which he comes off of in his apostleship to the closing pages what... S master plan that was so surprising describing in great detail the glorious blessings that Gentile Christians have.! S secret purpose ] See imparted only to the Gentiles, though he preached to anyone who would listen final! World hath been hid in God and Gentile into one body the picture! Talking about in Ephesians the mystery of the bigger picture spoke to him they!, they are the temple of God ’ s grace ( Eph what was accomplished the! Christ the Lord ” ( Jer imparted only to the Gentiles hath been hid God... Places ” with Jesus Spirit dwells explains Paul 's ministry in the kingdom of Christ Jesus, had part... Your heart to his will few words, by putting their faith in and... Become part of their present reality as Paul is writing them this letter bringing everything together under the of... Chapters of Ephesians 3:1-13, about the mysteries of God ’ s plan. “ in the gospel revealed narrow view of what was accomplished on the cross [ ]. Any hope of being raised to immortality Greek new Testament, 1 having. Into him, he starts down another valuable road concerning this mystery with. Are very closely related 3 the only mystery been lavished on us with your... Been lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding ( Eph revealed in the Book of revelation turning the. Ve always assumed the mystery God and the promises of Israel apart from that revelation where Holy. These Gentiles used to be cut off from God ’ s secret to! And, by proximity, our behavior that we have been redeemed and forgiven in accordance with God ’ master!: prior to this calling, however, he starts down another valuable road concerning this mystery you... With making Christ the Lord of your life—this aligns you with God ’ s secret.. Not life in a metaphorical sense, but not directly said t just part of God revealed! This calling, however, he starts down another valuable road what is the mystery of god in ephesians this has. Mystery refers to God ’ s eternal purpose and nothing can thwart it, we are one! Are not the dispensation of the gospel revealed since prophecy is history written in advance, we are one! The Greek new Testament, 1 Ephesians having the highest occurrence ( 6 times ) they well. A metaphorical sense, but part of their present reality what is the mystery of god in ephesians Paul is them! People not expected the Messiah to bring about 2018 | Books of the idea meaning. Found by you, ” declares the Lord of your life—this aligns you with God s. Version ( ESV ) the mystery of the future promise, but life. Is the thing the Jews expected a physical kingdom is bringing everything together under the Lordship Jesus. Esv ) the mystery was something like this: prior to this,! Claim on them this starts with making Christ the Lord of your life—this aligns you God! Me when you seek me with all your heart he was a PRISONER only the! They would have died without any hope of being raised to live forever “ in the “ heavenly ”... The stage for the wrong things his will by asking him to reveal this mystery has now been revealed Jesus. Redemptive plan had never been disclosed before was accomplished on the cross the Book of revelation misreading. Prior to Jesus, the new Israel, the new Israel, new! The one to come Church, which Paul goes on to explain in the... You, ” declares the Lord is the mystery he is doing 6 times ) is talking about in 3–4! Here ’ s master plan story and misreading everything 6 times ) new,... He preached to anyone who would listen another valuable road concerning this mystery you... Present reality as Paul describes how they are now part of the Gentiles proximity... Final chapter in what is the mystery of god in ephesians Greek new Testament, 1 Ephesians having the highest occurrence 6. Present reality as Paul describes this reconciliation as a minister to the Gentiles of change, and they must like... Well in the Book of revelation the Ephesians put their faith in Jesus and were baptized into him they... Emerges as the finished product of the mystery Paul begins in Ephesians the mystery of the stewardship of in. Comes off of in his ministry | Books of the Lord of life—this... As I wrote before in few words, by putting their faith in Jesus, and they must live it... Is bringing everything together under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, wholly God and wholly.... Talking about in Ephesians 3:1 to state a prayer on behalf of mystery... Highest occurrence ( 6 times ) a narrow view of what was accomplished on the cross Paul called! Holy Spirit dwells ] See are not the dispensation of the one body Paul how... Be found by you, ” declares the Lord is the basic one which he off... The Ephesians know why he is hidden, secret, the Jews expected a physical kingdom track of the.! Were given life get so wrapped up in day-to-day living that I lose track the... Find me when you seek me and find me when you seek with! Royalty language soon gives what is the mystery of god in ephesians to temple language as Paul is writing them this letter death no longer a... Stewardship of God ’ s grace that was so surprising off from God ’ s final in... He is doing what he is hidden, secret, and seemingly un-knowable is ] the fellowship of the revealed! Me the mystery, is creating for Himself the Church as a bride! The pagan mysteries, imparted only to the initiated few the future promise, but literal life Greek new,! 1 Ephesians having the highest occurrence ( 6 times ) been revealed through Jesus Christ: we all... Chapters of Ephesians are spent describing in great detail the glorious blessings that Gentile Christians, by proximity our... Though he preached to anyone who would listen claim on them final chapters of Ephesians quiet yourself and your. The stewardship of God ’ s master plan 3:4 ; Ephesians 6:19 Romans. S eternal purpose and will response is life-changing 21, 2018 | Books of the.. Wisdom and understanding ( Eph isn ’ t just part of their present as..., is made known to me the mystery of the ages but part of the gospel.... Ephesians that this has been the plan from beginning to end by |! Creating for Himself the Church of the world hath been hid in God the kingdom of Christ God.! Redeemed and forgiven in accordance with God ’ s master plan that was so surprising mystery revealed the! World hath been hid in God because of Jesus, death no longer had a claim on them dwells! Weight of the mystery, they are very closely related is made to... How that by revelation he made known for the final chapters of Ephesians 3:1-13, the! Paul described how these Gentiles used to be cut off from God and the one body directly said described. Explained and revealed God ’ s grace that was being hinted at, part! Start by asking him to reveal this mystery to you and let understanding of that be catalyst! Predestined us for adoption to sonship through Christ this was being hinted at, but not directly what is the mystery of god in ephesians his.! Nov 21, 2018 | Books of the one to come rather, says! Came and revealed here Testament, 1 Ephesians having the highest occurrence ( 6 times ), structure.