the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Colossians 1:26
What does Colossians 1:26 mean?
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Colossians 1:26
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The phrase "hidden for ages and generations" isn't just about time passing; it emphasizes that this divine plan was concealed from the very foundational units of human history and existence itself. This profound hiding was not an accident but a deliberate withholding, setting the stage for its dramatic unveiling to God's "saints" – those set apart for Him.
the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining that the "word of God" he preaches isn't just any message; it's a profound "mystery" that was hidden throughout history but is now made known to believers. This mystery, which encompasses the inclusion of Gentiles into God's people alongside Jews, was part of God's eternal plan, concealed for ages until its perfect unveiling through Christ and the gospel.
Ever feel like some things are just too good to be true, or too complex to grasp? The Bible talks about a 'mystery' that was hidden for ages, and then brilliantly revealed.
The word 'mystery' in the Bible doesn't mean something spooky or unknowable. It refers to a divine secret, something God planned but kept hidden from human understanding for a long time.
From Ages Past
Revealed to Saints
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What exactly is this incredible mystery that was hidden and is now revealed? It's not just a theological concept; it's the very core of the Christian faith.
The 'mystery' Paul speaks of here is not some obscure or minor detail. It's the grand, overarching plan of God that finds its ultimate expression in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
What the Mystery Entails:
Why 'Mystery' and Not 'Secret'?
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' revealed in Colossians 1:26 refers to the groundbreaking inclusion of Gentiles into God's people on equal footing with Jews, a truth hidden in previous ages but now openly proclaimed through the gospel preached by Paul and others.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Life of Jesus Christ
The earthly life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and inaugurating the new covenant.
c. AD 30-33
Pentecost and the early church
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, empowering the apostles to preach the gospel and leading to the formation of the first Christian communities.
c. AD 33-36
Saul's conversion and early ministry
Saul of Tarsus, a persecutor of Christians, is converted and becomes the Apostle Paul, beginning his mission to spread the gospel, especially to the Gentiles.
c. AD 40s-50s
Paul's missionary journeys
Paul undertakes extensive missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches in cities like Antioch, Ephesus, Corinth, and Philippi, and encountering significant opposition.
c. AD 55-62— this verse
Paul's imprisonment and epistles
Paul writes several epistles, including Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon, while imprisoned in Rome, addressing theological issues and offering guidance to various churches.
This passage explicitly states that the 'mystery' was made known to Paul by revelation, mirroring how it was previously hidden but is now revealed.
Romans 16:25It speaks of a mystery kept secret for long ages but now revealed, directly paralleling the language and concept in Colossians.
Matthew 13:11Jesus describes the 'mysteries of the kingdom of heaven' as something not given to everyone to understand, highlighting the concept of divine secrets revealed to specific individuals.
1 Corinthians 2:7This verse speaks of God's hidden wisdom, predestined before the ages, which connects to the idea of a long-concealed plan now being revealed.
Colossians 1:27This verse immediately follows Colossians 1:26 and explains the content of the mystery: Christ in you, the hope of glory, showing what the 'hidden mystery' ultimately is.
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 phrase "hidden for ages and generations" isn't just about time passing; it emphasizes that this divine plan was concealed from the very foundational units of human history and existence itself. This profound hiding was not an accident but a deliberate withholding, setting the stage for its dramatic unveiling to God's "saints" – those set apart for Him.
Paul is explaining that the "word of God" he preaches isn't just any message; it's a profound "mystery" that was hidden throughout history but is now made known to believers. This mystery, which encompasses the inclusion of Gentiles into God's people alongside Jews, was part of God's eternal plan, concealed for ages until its perfect unveiling through Christ and the gospel.
Paul is explaining that the "word of God" he preaches isn't just any message; it's a profound "mystery" that was hidden throughout history but is now made known to believers. This mystery, which encompasses the inclusion of Gentiles into God's people alongside Jews, was part of God's eternal plan, concealed for ages until its perfect unveiling through Christ and the gospel.
"the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints." — The phrase "hidden for ages and generations" isn't just about time passing; it emphasizes that this divine plan was concealed from the very foundational units of human history and existence itself. T…
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Last reviewed October 2026