Ephesians 3:3-4
how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul emphasizes that this profound truth about God's plan wasn't something he figured out on his own; it was directly revealed to him by God. This "mystery" he's referring to isn't just a secret, but the incredible, long-hidden truth of Gentiles being fully included alongside Jews in God's family, something he'd already briefly touched on.
Paul is explaining how he received the gospel message, particularly the "mystery" of Gentiles being included in God's plan. He emphasizes this wasn't from human teaching but a direct divine revelation, which he'd briefly touched on earlier in the letter. This is crucial for establishing his authority and the truth of his message, especially concerning the Gentiles' equal standing in Christ.
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.
synesis · Greek Noun
The God-given ability to understand, grasp, or discern deep spiritual truths. It implies more than mere intellectual knowledge; it involves an enlightened perception of divine realities.
The 'mystery' Paul speaks of wasn't a sudden philosophical idea, but a profound divine revelation about God's plan to bring Gentiles into His family on equal footing with Jews, a truth directly commissioned to him at his conversion and central to his apostolic mission.
c. AD 33-36— this verse
Paul's Conversion
Saul of Tarsus encounters the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus, leading to his conversion and a period of immediate divine instruction. This event marks the beginning of his apostleship to the Gentiles.
c. AD 36-37
Paul's Time in Arabia
Following his conversion, Paul withdraws to Arabia for an undisclosed period. This time is understood by many scholars as a crucial phase for receiving direct revelation and understanding his mission to the Gentiles.
c. AD 46-49
First Missionary Journey
Paul, along with Barnabas, embarks on his first major missionary journey, taking the gospel to Gentiles in Asia Minor. This journey exemplifies the practical outworking of the 'mystery' revealed to him.
c. AD 49
Jerusalem Council
A pivotal council is held in Jerusalem to address the issue of Gentile inclusion in the church. Key apostles, including Paul, Peter, and James, affirm that salvation comes by grace through faith, not adherence to Jewish law, validating Paul's ministry.
Paul asserts that the gospel he preaches was not humanly devised but directly revealed to him, echoing Ephesians 3:3's emphasis on divine revelation for his apostleship.
Acts 26:17This passage describes Jesus appearing to Paul and commissioning him, likely the very moment this divine mystery began to be revealed to him, connecting the 'revelation' in Ephesians to a specific historical event.
1 Corinthians 2:10The Spirit reveals what God has prepared, highlighting that such profound truths, like the mystery Paul received, are beyond human comprehension and require divine unveiling.
Ephesians 1:9Paul refers back to his earlier mention of a 'mystery' in this same letter, reinforcing the idea that what he is explaining in chapter 3 is a previously introduced, yet now more fully revealed, divine secret.
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 this profound truth about God's plan wasn't something he figured out on his own; it was directly revealed to him by God. This "mystery" he's referring to isn't just a secret, but the incredible, long-hidden truth of Gentiles being fully included alongside Jews in God's family, something he'd already briefly touched on.
Paul is explaining how he received the gospel message, particularly the "mystery" of Gentiles being included in God's plan. He emphasizes this wasn't from human teaching but a direct divine revelation, which he'd briefly touched on earlier in the letter. This is crucial for establishing his authority and the truth of his message, especially concerning the Gentiles' equal standing in Christ.
Paul is explaining how he received the gospel message, particularly the "mystery" of Gentiles being included in God's plan. He emphasizes this wasn't from human teaching but a direct divine revelation, which he'd briefly touched on earlier in the letter. This is crucial for establishing his authority and the truth of his message, especially concerning the Gentiles' equal standing in Christ.
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c. AD 50-52
Ministry in Corinth
Paul spends a significant amount of time in Corinth, a major Gentile city. During this period, he writes letters like 1 and 2 Corinthians, further expounding on the gospel and the inclusion of Gentiles.
c. AD 60-62
Imprisonment in Rome
Paul is imprisoned in Rome. From prison, he writes letters including Ephesians, where he reflects on the profound mystery of God's plan to unite Jews and Gentiles in one body through Christ, a truth revealed directly to him.
"how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ," — Paul emphasizes that this profound truth about God's plan wasn't something he figured out on his own; it was directly revealed to him by God. This "mystery" he's referring to isn't just a secret, but…
