Ephesians 1:9-10
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The verse highlights that this "mystery" isn't something God couldn't reveal, but something previously hidden, like a secret plan now being unveiled. It emphasizes that this unveiling is entirely rooted in God's own sovereign decision and good pleasure, not something earned or deserved by humanity.
making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth in him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is detailing God's eternal plan unfolding through Christ, revealing that this intricate design was not based on human works but was a divine choice made before the world began. This purpose is now being made known as a "mystery," specifically concerning the inclusion of Gentiles into God's people alongside Jews, all according to God's sovereign good pleasure. This divine plan culminates in bringing all things in heaven and on earth together under Christ.
Why does Scripture call God's plan a 'mystery'? It's not about being confusing, but about a truth hidden and then revealed.
The verse speaks of the 'mystery of his will.' In biblical language, a 'mystery' isn't something that's impossible to understand, but rather a truth that was once hidden and has now been revealed through God's action.
A Hidden Plan Revealed
For centuries, God's ultimate plan for humanity was not fully known. It was concealed, perhaps in partial forms or figures, but not openly declared. Think about the inclusion of Gentiles into God's people – this was a profound mystery for many.
Revealed in Christ
This 'mystery' is specifically revealed in Christ. He is the key that unlocks God's hidden purposes. His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate demonstration of what God has always intended. The gospel itself, with its incredible scope of salvation, is the core of this revealed mystery.
God's plan isn't based on human merit, but on something much deeper and more foundational: His own good pleasure.
The verse links the revealed mystery to 'his good pleasure, which he purposed in himself.' This emphasizes that God's eternal plan originates entirely within Himself.
From God's Heart to Reality
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This 'good pleasure' is not something God decided based on external factors or future human actions. It's an internal disposition, a delight in His own perfect will and purpose. He purposed these things 'in Himself,' meaning His plans are self-contained and sovereignly determined.
The Foundation of All Action
This sovereign, internal purpose is the bedrock of everything. Before creation, before anything existed, God's will and His pleasure in that will were established. This means our salvation and all spiritual blessings are not accidental or reactive, but are the deliberate outworking of God's eternal, joyful design.
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.
plērōmatos · Greek Noun
The ultimate point in history determined by God for the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes, marking the transition into the final stage of God's kingdom agenda.
anakephalaiōsasthai · Greek Verb
To bring together under one head or into a unified whole. Biblically, it refers to the gathering together of all creation under the rightful authority and lordship of Jesus Christ.
This passage directly parallels Ephesians 1:9 by referring to 'the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints,' emphasizing that God's plan, once concealed, is now made known.
Romans 11:25Here, Paul speaks of a 'mystery' concerning Israel's partial hardening, which remains until the full inclusion of the Gentiles, highlighting how God's salvific plan unfolds in stages, often unseen until revealed.
1 Corinthians 2:7This verse describes 'God's wisdom... a mystery that was hidden,' linking the hidden wisdom to God's plan before the ages, directly connecting to the idea of God's eternal purpose being revealed.
Matthew 13:11Jesus explains that to his disciples, 'the secrets of the kingdom of heaven have been given,' while to others they have not, underscoring that access to God's revealed will is a gift, a mystery to those outside.
Romans 16:25This verse mentions the 'mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed,' echoing Ephesians 1:9's theme of a long-hidden divine plan being revealed through Christ and the apostles.
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 verse highlights that this "mystery" isn't something God couldn't reveal, but something previously hidden, like a secret plan now being unveiled. It emphasizes that this unveiling is entirely rooted in God's own sovereign decision and good pleasure, not something earned or deserved by humanity.
Paul is detailing God's eternal plan unfolding through Christ, revealing that this intricate design was not based on human works but was a divine choice made before the world began. This purpose is now being made known as a "mystery," specifically concerning the inclusion of Gentiles into God's people alongside Jews, all according to God's sovereign good pleasure. This divine plan culminates in bringing all things in heaven and on earth together under Christ.
Paul is detailing God's eternal plan unfolding through Christ, revealing that this intricate design was not based on human works but was a divine choice made before the world began. This purpose is now being made known as a "mystery," specifically concerning the inclusion of Gentiles into God's people alongside Jews, all according to God's sovereign good pleasure. This divine plan culminates in bringing all things in heaven and on earth together under Christ.
"making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth in him." — The verse highlights that this "mystery" isn't something God couldn't reveal, but something previously hidden, like a secret plan now being unveiled. It emphasizes that this unveiling is entirely…
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Last reviewed October 2026
