Ephesians 1:9-10
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)
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This verse reveals that God's "will" isn't a set of rules, but a profound "mystery"—a divine plan, hidden until revealed, which centers entirely on Christ and his ultimate purposes. This mystery, revealed through the gospel, wasn't just something God decided on the fly; it was a deliberate, internal "purpose" He set forth "in Himself" before time began.
Paul is explaining the divine plan that undergirds all the spiritual blessings believers have received. He's revealing that God's eternal purpose, hidden for ages, has now been made known through Christ, specifically concerning His will for salvation and the inclusion of Gentiles in His covenant people. This grand design was not a last-minute change but a settled intention from eternity, originating from God's own good pleasure.
Ever felt like God's plan for humanity is a secret code? Paul reassures us that what was once hidden is now being revealed.
The Bible uses the word 'mystery' not to mean something incomprehensible, but something that was previously concealed and is now made known through divine revelation. In Ephesians 1:9, this 'mystery of His will' primarily refers to God's eternal plan to unite all things in Christ. This includes the inclusion of Gentiles into God's people alongside Jews, a concept previously hidden but now clear through the Gospel.
Was salvation just a last-minute idea, or something deeply intentional? This verse points to an eternal decision.
The 'mystery of His will' wasn't conceived out of necessity or external pressure. It stems directly from God's own 'good pleasure' and His eternal 'purpose.' This means His plan for salvation, centered in Christ, originates entirely within Himself. It's a deliberate choice, made according to His sovereign will and for His own glory.
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
This passage directly echoes the idea of a 'mystery' that was hidden in past ages but is now revealed to God's people, just as Paul describes in Ephesians 1:9.
Romans 11:25Here, Paul speaks of a 'mystery' concerning Israel's hardening and the inclusion of Gentiles, highlighting how God's purposes can be hidden until He chooses to reveal them.
Matthew 13:11Jesus explains the concept of 'mysteries of the kingdom of heaven' as truths revealed to His disciples but hidden from others, paralleling the divine revelation of God's will.
1 Corinthians 2:7This verse describes God's hidden wisdom, a 'mystery' that was predestined before the ages, aligning with the eternal purpose mentioned in Ephesians 1:9.
Ephesians 3:9Paul revisits the theme of the 'mystery of Christ' in this chapter, emphasizing its hidden nature from previous generations and its present revelation, reinforcing the message of Ephesians 1:9.
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…
This verse reveals that God's "will" isn't a set of rules, but a profound "mystery"—a divine plan, hidden until revealed, which centers entirely on Christ and his ultimate purposes. This mystery, revealed through the gospel, wasn't just something God decided on the fly; it was a deliberate, internal "purpose" He set forth "in Himself" before time began.
Paul is explaining the divine plan that undergirds all the spiritual blessings believers have received. He's revealing that God's eternal purpose, hidden for ages, has now been made known through Christ, specifically concerning His will for salvation and the inclusion of Gentiles in His covenant people. This grand design was not a last-minute change but a settled intention from eternity, originating from God's own good pleasure.
Paul is explaining the divine plan that undergirds all the spiritual blessings believers have received. He's revealing that God's eternal purpose, hidden for ages, has now been made known through Christ, specifically concerning His will for salvation and the inclusion of Gentiles in His covenant people. This grand design was not a last-minute change but a settled intention from eternity, originating from God's own good pleasure.
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God's grand design unfolds throughout history, but where is its focal point? The answer is surprisingly simple, yet profound.
The ultimate expression and vehicle of God's will and purpose is Jesus Christ. The verse states the purpose was 'set forth in Christ.' This means His plan was always oriented towards His Son. From creation to redemption, Christ is the central figure.
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.
"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." — This verse reveals that God's "will" isn't a set of rules, but a profound "mystery"—a divine plan, hidden until revealed, which centers entirely on Christ and his ultimate purposes. This mystery, rev…
