Ephesians 3:3
how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "by revelation" isn't just saying Paul received information; it's highlighting that this profound truth about Gentiles being included in God's plan was not human wisdom but a direct, divine download from God Himself. This emphasizes the incredible, almost unbelievable nature of this "mystery" which, until then, had been hidden.
Paul is explaining the incredible truth that God's plan now includes Gentiles on equal footing with Jews, a concept previously hidden. He emphasizes that this understanding of God's "mystery" didn't come from human teaching but through direct divine revelation, a truth he briefly touched upon earlier in the letter. This personal revelation to Paul is the basis for his apostolic authority, especially concerning his mission to the Gentiles.
How did Paul know all this stuff about God’s plan? Was it just his brilliant theology, or something more?
Paul emphasizes that his understanding of the 'mystery' wasn't earned through study or human reasoning. He uses the phrase 'by revelation' to make it clear that this knowledge came directly from God.
Think of it like this: Instead of figuring out a complex puzzle piece by piece, God handed Paul the finished picture. This wasn't about Paul being smarter than others; it was about a specific divine impartation of truth. This direct divine communication is crucial because the mystery itself—the inclusion of Gentiles as equal heirs with Jews in God's plan—was so radical and unprecedented.
What exactly is this 'mystery' that Paul received by revelation? It sounds big, but what does it actually mean for us today?
The 'mystery' Paul refers to is the incredible truth that God's plan of salvation, once seemingly focused on the Jewish people, now equally includes Gentiles. This wasn't a secret God kept forever, but a plan hidden in previous ages, now unveiled through Christ.
Before, the lines between Jew and Gentile were stark. But through Christ’s work, both groups are brought into one new humanity, sharing equally in God’s promises and blessings. This unification is the core of the mystery that Paul was commissioned to proclaim.
Understand the original words
mystērion · Greek Noun
In the New Testament, this is a divine truth that was previously hidden or not fully understood but has now been disclosed by God to His people. It is not an esoteric secret, but a redemptive reality centered on Christ that is now proclaimed to all.
apokalypsis · Greek Noun
The act of God making known truths that could not be discovered through human reason or observation alone. It is the process by which God communicates His will, character, and redemptive plan to human instruments.
Paul's understanding of the 'mystery'—the inclusion of Gentiles into God's people on equal footing with Jews—was not learned through human teaching but through direct, divine revelation, particularly around his conversion and subsequent period of intense divine instruction.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Paul's Conversion and Commission
While traveling to Damascus, Saul of Tarsus has a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus. This event marks his conversion and the beginning of his direct revelation and commission as an apostle to the Gentiles.
c. AD 30-36
Paul's Time in Arabia
Following his conversion, Paul withdraws to Arabia for a period of about three years. This time is understood as a season of intense divine instruction and revelation, where he likely received foundational understanding of the Gospel's mysteries, particularly concerning the Gentiles.
c. AD 46-48
First Missionary Journey
Paul, along with Barnabas, embarks on his first major missionary journey, taking the Gospel to the Gentiles in regions like Cyprus and Asia Minor. This practical ministry validates the revelations he received concerning the inclusion of Gentiles.
c. AD 50
Council of Jerusalem
Paul emphasizes that the gospel he preaches wasn't from human authority but directly through a revelation of Jesus Christ, mirroring how he received the mystery of the Gentiles.
Acts 26:16In his defense before Agrippa, Paul recounts Jesus' commission to him, stating 'I have appeared to you for this purpose—to appoint you to serve and testify about what you have seen and what I will show you further,' which aligns with God revealing His purposes to Paul.
1 Corinthians 2:7This passage speaks of God's hidden wisdom revealed by the Spirit, contrasting it with the wisdom of the world, much like Paul explains the mystery revealed to him was not humanly devised.
Ephesians 1:9Paul refers back to an earlier point in the same letter where he mentions God making known 'the mystery of his will,' setting the stage for this more detailed explanation of his apostleship and the revealed mystery.
cambridgeEphesians 3:3: "How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,"
3 . by revelation ] Probably at or about the time of his conversion. Acts 26:17-18 , indicates that the Lord then and there gave him the special commission, and it is likely that a period of special and direct Divine instruction followed, perhaps in “Arabia” ( Galatians 1:17 ). See Galatians 1:11 , &c. for the positive assertion that “his gospel” was a direct revelation, and the connexion…
calvinEphesians 3:1-6: "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,"
- For this cause. Paul's imprisonment, which ought to have been held as a confirmation of his apostleship, was undoubtedly presented by his adversaries in an opposite light. He therefore points out to the Ephesians that his chains served to prove and to declare his calling; and that the only reason why he had been imprisoned was, that he had preached the gospel to the Gentiles. His unshaken firmness was no…
The phrase "by revelation" isn't just saying Paul received information; it's highlighting that this profound truth about Gentiles being included in God's plan was not human wisdom but a direct, divine download from God Himself. This emphasizes the incredible, almost unbelievable nature of this "mystery" which, until then, had been hidden.
Paul is explaining the incredible truth that God's plan now includes Gentiles on equal footing with Jews, a concept previously hidden. He emphasizes that this understanding of God's "mystery" didn't come from human teaching but through direct divine revelation, a truth he briefly touched upon earlier in the letter. This personal revelation to Paul is the basis for his apostolic authority, especially concerning his mission to the Gentiles.
Paul is explaining the incredible truth that God's plan now includes Gentiles on equal footing with Jews, a concept previously hidden. He emphasizes that this understanding of God's "mystery" didn't come from human teaching but through direct divine revelation, a truth he briefly touched upon earlier in the letter. This personal revelation to Paul is the basis for his apostolic authority, especially concerning his mission to the Gentiles.
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A pivotal meeting where apostles and elders address the issue of Gentile inclusion in the church. The decision supports Paul's ministry and affirms that Gentiles do not need to become Jews to follow Christ.
c. AD 53-57
Imprisonment in Caesarea and Rome
Paul spends significant time imprisoned, first in Caesarea and later in Rome. During these periods, he reflects on and writes his epistles, including Ephesians, often from a perspective shaped by his past revelations and ongoing ministry.
"how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly." — The phrase "by revelation" isn't just saying Paul received information; it's highlighting that this profound truth about Gentiles being included in God's plan was not human wisdom but a direct, divin…
