making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ
English Standard Version (ESV)
The "mystery" here isn't something baffling or incomprehensible, but rather a divine plan previously hidden, now revealed through Christ. It's not about God's will being unclear, but about a specific, profound aspect of His will—His plan for salvation through Christ—being kept secret until the opportune time for its unveiling.
making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining how God's amazing plan of salvation, which was once hidden, is now revealed through Christ. This revelation is not based on human effort or understanding but flows from God's own sovereign choice and benevolent purpose. It's a direct result of the spiritual blessings God has already poured out on believers in Christ.
Ever wondered why certain truths feel hidden until God suddenly makes them clear? Paul calls this a 'mystery.' But it's not what you might think.
Paul uses the word 'mystery' (Greek: musterion) not to describe something utterly incomprehensible, but rather a truth that was previously concealed or unknown, now made known through divine revelation.
Hidden Until Revealed
Why did God reveal His will and plan? It wasn't based on human merit, but on something far more profound within Himself.
The revelation of God's will isn't random; it's deeply rooted in His own eternal character and choices.
God's Sovereign Choice
Ask a follow-up
You might notice a crucial figure is mentioned right before this verse. Who is the key to unlocking this mystery and fulfilling this purpose?
While verse 9 speaks of God's purpose 'in Himself,' the immediate context and the flow of Ephesians 1 make it clear that Christ is the focal point of this divine plan.
All Roads Lead to Jesus
Understand the original words
mystērion · Greek Noun
In biblical context, this refers to a truth that was previously hidden by God but is now revealed to His people through the Holy Spirit and the Gospel. It is not an obscure puzzle but a divine disclosure of God's redemptive plan.
thelēma · Greek Noun
The overarching desire or sovereign intent of God. It refers to His predetermined plan for history and the ultimate accomplishment of His purposes through Christ.
This passage directly echoes Ephesians 1:9 by referring to 'the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints,' highlighting how God's eternal plan was progressively unveiled.
Romans 11:25Paul calls the inclusion of Gentiles into God's plan a 'mystery' that he does not want them to be ignorant of, aligning with Ephesians' theme of a revealed, previously hidden divine purpose.
1 Corinthians 2:7This verse speaks of a 'mystery, even the hidden wisdom of God,' which was predestined before the ages, directly connecting to the idea of God's eternal purpose being revealed through Christ.
Matthew 13:11Jesus explains that to his disciples are given the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, while others are given parables, emphasizing the revelation of divine truth as a special gift to those who believe.
Romans 16:25This passage refers to the revelation of a mystery kept secret for long ages, which is now disclosed through prophetic writings and made known to all nations, reinforcing the theme of God's hidden plan being brought to light.
vincentEphesians 1:9: "Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:"
Having made knownThe participle is explanatory of which He made to abound, etc.: in that He made known.The mystery of His willFor mystery, see on Romans 11:25; see on Colossians 1:26. Another key-word of this epistle. 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…
gillEphesians 1:9: "Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:"
Having made known unto us the mystery of his will,.... The Gospel, which is a mystery, a hidden mystery, the mystery of God and of Christ, and the mystery of the Gospel; the several doctrines of it are called the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven; such as are concerning the trinity of persons in the Godhead, the union of the two natures in Christ, his sonship an…
The "mystery" here isn't something baffling or incomprehensible, but rather a divine plan previously hidden, now revealed through Christ. It's not about God's will being unclear, but about a specific, profound aspect of His will—His plan for salvation through Christ—being kept secret until the opportune time for its unveiling.
Paul is explaining how God's amazing plan of salvation, which was once hidden, is now revealed through Christ. This revelation is not based on human effort or understanding but flows from God's own sovereign choice and benevolent purpose. It's a direct result of the spiritual blessings God has already poured out on believers in Christ.
Paul is explaining how God's amazing plan of salvation, which was once hidden, is now revealed through Christ. This revelation is not based on human effort or understanding but flows from God's own sovereign choice and benevolent purpose. It's a direct result of the spiritual blessings God has already poured out on believers in Christ.
"making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ" — The "mystery" here isn't something baffling or incomprehensible, but rather a divine plan previously hidden, now revealed through Christ. It's not about God's will being unclear, but about a specif…
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Last reviewed October 2026