how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul emphasizes that his understanding of the "mystery" didn't come from human teaching but from a direct divine revelation. This wasn't just a general insight; the text suggests it was specifically about the radical inclusion of Gentiles into God's plan, a truth he'd touched upon briefly before.
how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining how he received his specific commission to preach the gospel, particularly to the Gentiles, emphasizing that this understanding came directly from God through a revelation, not from human teaching. He refers back to earlier parts of his letter where he briefly touched upon this "mystery," which is the incredible truth that Gentiles are now included equally with Jews in God's plan of salvation through Christ.
How did Paul, a former persecutor, become the apostle to the Gentiles? It wasn't through schooling or earthly knowledge.
Paul emphasizes that his understanding and commission regarding the 'mystery' came directly from God through divine revelation. This wasn't a doctrine he pieced together or learned from human teachers.
What exactly is this 'mystery' Paul received by revelation? It was a truth so profound it transformed God's relationship with humanity.
The 'mystery' Paul refers to is the inclusion of Gentiles on equal footing with Jews in God's plan of salvation through Christ. This was a radical concept that wasn't fully understood in previous ages.
Ask a follow-up
Paul mentions writing 'briefly.' How can such a monumental truth be summarized so concisely?
Paul's statement, 'as I have written briefly,' points to his ability to condense profound theological truths into accessible language, trusting that the readers will recall or understand the fuller context.
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.
The mystery Paul discusses in Ephesians 3:3 wasn't just a theological concept; it was a revelation directly from God to Paul, especially concerning the radical inclusion of Gentiles into God's people. This was a groundbreaking, and often controversial, idea that shaped the early church and Paul's own challenging ministry.
c. AD 34
Paul's Conversion and Commission
Saul of Tarsus encounters the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, experiencing a dramatic conversion and receiving his commission to preach to the Gentiles.
c. AD 34-37
Paul in Arabia and Damascus
After his conversion, Paul withdraws to Arabia for a period of reflection and receives direct revelation from God concerning the Gospel, particularly its implications for the Gentiles.
c. AD 47-48
First Missionary Journey
Paul, along with Barnabas, embarks on his first major missionary journey, establishing churches in Asia Minor and facing initial resistance and acceptance from both Jews and Gentiles.
c. AD 50
Jerusalem Council
A crucial council in Jerusalem addresses the issue of Gentile inclusion in the church, affirming that Gentiles do not need to become Jews to be saved. Paul's apostleship and ministry to the Gentiles are affirmed.
c. AD 53-55— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spends an extended period ministering in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor, during his third missionary journey. He writes to the Ephesians during or shortly after this time.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment and Letter
Paul writes the Epistle to the Ephesians while under house arrest in Rome, reflecting on the 'mystery' of God's plan to unite Jews and Gentiles in Christ, a revelation he received directly from God.
Paul directly states that the gospel he preaches was not received from human sources but came through a direct revelation from Jesus Christ, mirroring his claim in Ephesians 3:3 about the mystery being revealed to him.
Acts 26:16-18This passage recounts Jesus' commission to Paul, indicating that the revelation concerning his mission to the Gentiles (a key part of the mystery) was given around the time of his conversion, as suggested by the scholarly context for Ephesians 3:3.
1 Corinthians 2:7-10Paul explains that the wisdom of God, including his mysteries, was revealed by God's Spirit, not by human intellect, which strongly parallels the emphasis on 'revelation' in Ephesians 3:3.
Ephesians 1:9-10This earlier section of Ephesians, to which Paul likely alludes by 'as I wrote afore in few words,' already touches upon the mystery of God's plan to unite all things in Christ, providing context for the detailed explanation to come.
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…
Paul emphasizes that his understanding of the "mystery" didn't come from human teaching but from a direct divine revelation. This wasn't just a general insight; the text suggests it was specifically about the radical inclusion of Gentiles into God's plan, a truth he'd touched upon briefly before.
Paul is explaining how he received his specific commission to preach the gospel, particularly to the Gentiles, emphasizing that this understanding came directly from God through a revelation, not from human teaching. He refers back to earlier parts of his letter where he briefly touched upon this "mystery," which is the incredible truth that Gentiles are now included equally with Jews in God's plan of salvation through Christ.
Paul is explaining how he received his specific commission to preach the gospel, particularly to the Gentiles, emphasizing that this understanding came directly from God through a revelation, not from human teaching. He refers back to earlier parts of his letter where he briefly touched upon this "mystery," which is the incredible truth that Gentiles are now included equally with Jews in God's plan of salvation through Christ.
"how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly." — Paul emphasizes that his understanding of the "mystery" didn't come from human teaching but from a direct divine revelation. This wasn't just a general insight; the text suggests it was specifically…
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Last reviewed October 2026