Ephesians 3:3-5
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, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul emphasizes that this truth wasn't human teaching, but a direct, divine unveiling to him personally. This "mystery" (the inclusion of Gentiles as equals with Jews in God's plan) was a profound, previously hidden revelation, not something he deduced or learned from others.
Paul is explaining the divine commission he received to preach the gospel, especially to the Gentiles, which he refers to as a "mystery." He emphasizes that this knowledge wasn't from human teaching but directly revealed to him by God, likely around his conversion experience. He then points back to things he's already written in the letter, indicating he's touched on this subject briefly before.
Paul emphasizes that the 'mystery' wasn't something he figured out on his own. It was a direct download from God!
The text here highlights that Paul received this crucial understanding of the 'mystery' by revelation. This means it wasn't human wisdom or something he deduced over time.
Direct from God:
It was a direct impartation of knowledge from God Himself. Think of it like a divine download. This is why Paul emphasizes that his gospel message and his understanding of the mystery of the Gentiles were not 'of man or by man' but by the revelation of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:11-12).
Not Human Deduction:
This stands in contrast to knowledge gained through study or philosophical reasoning. While Paul was incredibly learned, this specific truth about God's plan came from a supernatural encounter and ongoing divine instruction.
What exactly is this 'mystery' Paul is talking about? It’s a game-changer for how God works with people.
The 'mystery' Paul refers to, particularly in this context, is the incredible truth that Gentiles are now included in God's plan on equal footing with Jews.
Breaking Down Barriers:
For centuries, God's covenant people were primarily the Jews. The inclusion of Gentiles – people outside of the Jewish nation and covenant – as 'fellow-heirs' and part of the same body in Christ was a revelation that profoundly shifted the understanding of God's kingdom. This was a long-kept secret that God is now unveiling.
A Unified Body:
This mystery isn't just about adding people; it's about creating one new humanity in Christ, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility (Ephesians 2:14-16). It’s the breathtaking scope of God's love and redemptive plan extending to all nations.
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.
huios anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
The mystery Paul refers to wasn't some abstract theological concept, but the concrete, revolutionary reality that God's plan of salvation, long hidden, was now revealed to include Gentiles as equals alongside Jews in Christ. This revelation came directly from God to Paul, shaping his entire ministry and the very gospel he proclaimed.
c. AD 34
Paul's Conversion and Call
On the road to Damascus, Saul of Tarsus encounters the resurrected Jesus and is dramatically converted. This event includes a divine revelation of his commission to preach the gospel to the Gentiles.
c. AD 34-37
Paul's Time in Arabia and Damascus
After his conversion, Paul withdraws to Arabia for a period of reflection and direct divine instruction, likely receiving further revelation about the mystery of the gospel. He then returns to Damascus to preach.
c. AD 48-49
Council of Jerusalem
A crucial meeting where the apostles and elders discuss the inclusion of Gentiles in the church. The council affirms that salvation is by grace through faith for both Jews and Gentiles, a key aspect of the revealed mystery.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spends a significant amount of time in Ephesus during his second missionary journey, establishing a strong church. This is likely the period when he would have first taught these specific truths about the mystery to the Ephesian believers.
Paul explicitly states that the gospel he preaches was not from human teaching but through direct revelation from Jesus Christ, mirroring the 'by revelation' emphasis in Ephesians.
Acts 26:16Jesus tells Paul, 'I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a minister and witness to the things that you have seen and to the things in which I will appear to you,' highlighting the direct, revelatory commissioning of Paul.
1 Corinthians 2:10This passage speaks of God revealing His hidden wisdom through the Spirit, similar to how Paul received the mystery of the gospel, emphasizing that divine truths are not discovered by human intellect but are disclosed by God.
Ephesians 1:9-10Paul refers back to his earlier mention of God revealing 'the mystery of his will' and His plan to unite all things in Christ, showing that Ephesians 3:3 is a continuation of a theme previously introduced, albeit briefly.
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 truth wasn't human teaching, but a direct, divine unveiling to him personally. This "mystery" (the inclusion of Gentiles as equals with Jews in God's plan) was a profound, previously hidden revelation, not something he deduced or learned from others.
Paul is explaining the divine commission he received to preach the gospel, especially to the Gentiles, which he refers to as a "mystery." He emphasizes that this knowledge wasn't from human teaching but directly revealed to him by God, likely around his conversion experience. He then points back to things he's already written in the letter, indicating he's touched on this subject briefly before.
Paul is explaining the divine commission he received to preach the gospel, especially to the Gentiles, which he refers to as a "mystery." He emphasizes that this knowledge wasn't from human teaching but directly revealed to him by God, likely around his conversion experience. He then points back to things he's already written in the letter, indicating he's touched on this subject briefly before.
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Paul says he 'wrote briefly,' but this doesn't mean the concept is simple. It points to a deeper, foundational understanding.
Paul’s comment, 'as I have written briefly,' might seem a bit confusing. He’s not saying the mystery itself is simple, but that his written explanation in previous parts of the letter was concise.
Referencing Prior Teaching:
He’s pointing back to earlier sections of Ephesians (like chapters 1 and 2) where he’s already touched upon aspects of this mystery. He's essentially saying, 'I've explained this before, though in a condensed way.' This encourages the readers to recall what he's already shared.
Foundation for Further Explanation:
This brief mention serves as a bridge. He acknowledges he's already introduced the concept, but now, in chapter 3, he’s going to delve deeper into the administration and implications of this revelation, especially concerning his apostleship to the Gentiles. His earlier writing laid the groundwork; this section expands upon it.
A collective term for humanity. It emphasizes the commonality of all people who live in the physical realm, often highlighting their limitations in understanding divine secrets without direct revelation.
hagios · Greek Adjective
Those who are set apart and consecrated for God's use. In the New Testament, this signifies individuals or groups dedicated to God’s holy purposes, characterized by moral purity and devotion to His mission.
apostolos · Greek Noun
"Sent ones" commissioned directly by Christ with authoritative proclamation of the gospel. They serve as the foundational witnesses of the resurrection and the authoritative bearers of apostolic doctrine.
prophētēs · Greek Noun
Those empowered by the Holy Spirit to communicate God's message to His people. Their role is to speak the mind of God, often involving both the foretelling of future events and the forth-telling of God's revealed will.
pneuma · Greek Noun
The third person of the Trinity, the divine agent of God’s presence and power in the world. He is the one who dwells within believers, reveals divine truth, and empowers the church to fulfill its mission.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul Writes Ephesians from Prison
While imprisoned, likely in Rome, Paul dictates the Epistle to the Ephesians. He refers back to truths he previously shared and elaborates on the profound mystery of God's plan to unite Jews and Gentiles in Christ.
"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, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been…" — Paul emphasizes that this truth wasn't human teaching, but a direct, divine unveiling to him personally. This "mystery" (the inclusion of Gentiles as equals with Jews in God's plan) was a profound, p…
