Colossians 1:26
the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The mystery wasn't just hidden; it was concealed "from the ages and from generations." This emphasizes a profound, long-standing plan of God that was beyond human comprehension, not just temporarily out of sight, but fundamentally concealed from the very fabric of time and human history until its appointed moment.
Paul is explaining the profound nature of God's message, which he calls the "word of God." He clarifies that this isn't just any message, but a hidden "mystery" that was concealed from the earliest times. Now, through Christ and the gospel, this profound truth has been fully revealed to God's people.
Ever heard a 'mystery' that sounds like a secret code? In the Bible, 'mystery' means something different – a divine plan, hidden for ages, now brought into the light.
The Bible uses the word 'mystery' not for something that's impossible to understand, but for a divine plan that was previously hidden from humanity.
Hidden Purpose
For ages and generations, God's specific plan for salvation, which includes Gentiles alongside Jews, was not fully understood. It was like a secret held in God's heart, hinted at in Old Testament prophecies but not clearly revealed.
Revealed Truth
But now, with the coming of Jesus Christ and the spread of the Gospel, this plan is being made known. It's not about complex rituals or exclusive knowledge; it's about God's grace being revealed to all His people.
The verse mentions 'his saints.' Does that mean only perfect people get to know God's plan? Not at all! Let's explore who these 'saints' really are.
The term 'saints' in the New Testament doesn't refer to a special, elite group of super-spiritual individuals. Instead, it refers to all believers who have been set apart by God for His purposes.
Called and Chosen
These are people who have responded to God's call and have been consecrated or made holy through faith in Christ. They are God's own possession, separated from the world for His use and glory.
Recipients of Revelation
It is to these 'saints' – all followers of Jesus – that God chooses to reveal His mystery. This isn't because of their own merit, but because of God's gracious decision to make His plan known to those who belong to Him.
Understand the original words
mystērion · Greek Noun
A spiritual truth that was previously concealed by God but is now made manifest to His people through revelation. It is not something to be solved by human intellect, but something to be known by divine disclosure.
hagios · Greek Noun
Refers to those set apart by God for Himself; those who are sanctified or made holy through faith in Christ. It denotes a position of belonging to God and reflects a status of consecration rather than moral perfection.
The 'mystery' spoken of here wasn't a puzzle only the elite could solve, but a truth hidden throughout Old Testament history—the inclusion of Gentiles into God's people on equal footing with Jews. This profound shift, now clearly revealed through Christ and the early church, was a radical departure from the established national boundaries of ancient Israel.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt under Moses, marking the establishment of God's covenant people and the giving of the Law. This event set the stage for Israel's unique relationship with God, which, in part, obscured the future inclusion of Gentiles.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, scattering its people. This event further emphasized Israel's distinctiveness and the perceived separation between them and the Gentile nations.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonian Empire destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling many Judeans. This marked a significant crisis for Jewish identity and their understanding of God's promises, yet also contained prophetic hints of future restoration and inclusion.
c. 4 BC - c. AD 30/33
Life of Jesus Christ
The earthly ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. His life and work fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and laid the foundation for the gospel message that would be revealed to all nations.
This passage explicitly states that the mystery was made known to Paul by revelation, directly linking to the idea of a hidden truth now being revealed.
Romans 16:25-26It speaks of the revelation of a mystery kept secret for long ages but now disclosed through prophetic writings, paralleling the concept of an ancient hidden truth revealed in the current era.
1 Corinthians 2:7This verse discusses God's hidden wisdom, ordained before the ages, which reveals a divine plan that was not known by rulers of this age, echoing the theme of a long-concealed mystery.
Matthew 13:11Jesus explains that to his disciples, the 'secrets of the kingdom of heaven' have been given, contrasting with those who do not understand, highlighting the idea of a revealed mystery accessible to believers.
vincentColossians 1:26: "Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:"
The mysterySee on Romans 11:25. The kindred word μεμύημαι I have been initiated (A.V., instructed) occurs Philippians 4:12, in the sense drawn from the technical use of the term, denoting the induction into pagan mysteries. Ignatius addresses the Ephesians as "fellow-initiates (συμμύσται), or students of the mysteries, with Paul" (Ephesians, 12). In the New Testament…
gillColossians 1:26: "Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:"
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and generations,.... This is said, as explanative of the word of God; signifying that he did not mean the Scriptures in general, which are the word of God, and every part of them; some part of which is historical, another prophetical, another practical, and another doctrinal; nor the law, which also is the word of God, but…
The mystery wasn't just hidden; it was concealed "from the ages and from generations." This emphasizes a profound, long-standing plan of God that was beyond human comprehension, not just temporarily out of sight, but fundamentally concealed from the very fabric of time and human history until its appointed moment.
Paul is explaining the profound nature of God's message, which he calls the "word of God." He clarifies that this isn't just any message, but a hidden "mystery" that was concealed from the earliest times. Now, through Christ and the gospel, this profound truth has been fully revealed to God's people.
Paul is explaining the profound nature of God's message, which he calls the "word of God." He clarifies that this isn't just any message, but a hidden "mystery" that was concealed from the earliest times. Now, through Christ and the gospel, this profound truth has been fully revealed to God's people.
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c. AD 30-33— this verse
Pentecost and the Early Church
The Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to preach the gospel. This event marked the public inauguration of the Church and the beginning of the explicit revelation of the mystery of Gentile inclusion.
c. AD 40-50
Paul's Missionary Journeys Begin
The Apostle Paul commenced his extensive missionary journeys, carrying the gospel to Gentile communities throughout the Roman Empire. His ministry was pivotal in articulating and demonstrating the mystery of God's plan.
c. AD 60-62
Paul Writes Colossians
While imprisoned, likely in Rome, Paul penned his letter to the Colossian church. In it, he explains the profound mystery of Christ's cosmic lordship and the inclusion of Gentiles as fellow heirs.
"the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints." — The mystery wasn't just hidden; it was concealed "from the ages and from generations." This emphasizes a profound, long-standing plan of God that was beyond human comprehension, not just temporarily…
