Ephesians 3:3-5
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Paul isn't just saying he learned this "mystery"; he's emphasizing that it was revealed directly to him by God, making it a divine impartation, not human deduction. This highlights that the inclusion of Gentiles wasn't an afterthought or a clever interpretation, but a foundational truth from God's own heart that he was commissioned to share.
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)
Paul is explaining his apostleship, particularly his commission to preach to the Gentiles, which was a radical concept at the time. He asserts this calling came directly from God through revelation, not from human instruction, emphasizing its divine origin and countering potential doubts about his authority, especially since his ministry led to his imprisonment.
Did Paul learn this 'mystery' from other teachers or from direct divine instruction? This verse gives us a clear answer that impacts how we view spiritual truth.
Paul emphasizes that the understanding of the 'mystery' didn't come from human teaching or his own intellectual prowess. The phrase 'by revelation' points to a direct impartation of truth from God Himself.
A Divine Source
This wasn't a gradual discovery or a conclusion reached through study alone. The commentators suggest this revelation likely occurred around the time of his conversion, as detailed in Acts. It was a divine unveiling, a direct communication from God that commissioned him and illuminated the incredible truth of the gospel.
Not of Human Origin
This distinction is crucial. It means the core truths of the gospel, particularly the inclusion of Gentiles, are not human inventions. They are truths God chose to reveal directly, setting them apart from mere human philosophy or religious thought.
What exactly is this 'mystery' Paul refers to? It's a concept so significant that God Himself directly revealed it.
The 'mystery' Paul is speaking of, as explained in the verses that follow (Ephesians 3:5-6), is the astonishing truth that Gentiles were to be included in God's plan on equal footing with Jews.
Breaking Down Barriers
For centuries, God's covenant people were exclusively the Jews. The idea of Gentiles having full and equal access to God's promises through Christ was a radical concept, something unseen and unexpected. It was a 'mystery' in the biblical sense – not something incomprehensible, but a divine secret that God chose to reveal at a specific time.
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God's Unfolding Plan
Paul's apostleship and his understanding of this mystery were intrinsically linked. His commission, revealed directly to him, was to be the apostle to the Gentiles. This highlights that the inclusion of all nations in God's kingdom is not an afterthought but a central, divinely orchestrated part of His redemptive plan.
Paul mentions he 'wrote briefly' about this. Why is this seemingly small detail important for how we approach Scripture?
The parenthetical phrase 'as I have written briefly' is more than just a literary aside; it's a key to understanding Paul's method and the nature of his letter.
Reference to Prior Teaching
Commentators suggest Paul is referring to earlier sections within Ephesians itself, likely chapters 1 and 2, where he has already touched upon aspects of this mystery. This indicates that the readers already have some foundational understanding, and Paul is now elaborating further.
Building on the Word
This also shows that Paul didn't introduce entirely new concepts without grounding them. He built upon what he had already established, demonstrating a logical flow in his teaching. The repetition or reference reinforces the importance of the message and encourages the readers to connect the dots within Scripture.
Encouragement to Study
It invites us, as readers, to do the same: to look back at what has been written, to see how the pieces fit together, and to recognize that God's Word is a coherent message meant to be studied and understood.
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
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.
Paul emphasizes that his understanding of the gospel, especially the inclusion of Gentiles as fellow heirs with Jews, wasn't learned from other humans but was a direct, personal revelation from Christ. This divine impartation profoundly shaped his ministry and the message he delivered.
c. AD 33-36— this verse
Paul's Conversion
Saul of Tarsus encounters the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, marking the beginning of his transformation into the Apostle Paul. This event is considered the primary revelation of God's mystery to him.
c. AD 36-37
Paul's Time in Arabia
Following his conversion, Paul retreats to Arabia. This period is believed to be when he received further direct divine instruction and revelation about the gospel, particularly concerning the inclusion of Gentiles.
c. AD 46-48
First Missionary Journey
Paul, with Barnabas, travels through Cyprus and Asia Minor, boldly proclaiming the gospel to Gentiles and establishing churches. This journey validates the revelation he received about the Gentile mission.
c. AD 49
Jerusalem Council
A pivotal meeting where apostles and elders discuss whether Gentile converts must follow Jewish law. The council affirms that salvation comes by grace through faith, not by circumcision, validating Paul's Gentile ministry.
c. AD 50-52
Second Missionary Journey
Paul travels extensively, including to Corinth and Ephesus. During this time, he continues to preach to Gentiles, facing opposition but also seeing the spread of the gospel.
c. AD 53-57
Imprisonment in Ephesus/Caesarea
Paul experiences significant periods of imprisonment, notably in Ephesus and later Caesarea. His letters from prison, like Ephesians, often reflect on the grand scope of God's plan revealed to him.
Paul asserts that the gospel he preaches was not received from human sources but directly through a revelation of Jesus Christ, highlighting the divine origin of his apostleship and message.
Acts 26:17Jesus directly commissions Paul, commissioning him to open the eyes of the Gentiles and turn them from darkness to light, a core element of the mystery Paul discusses.
1 Corinthians 2:10This passage emphasizes that spiritual truths, like the mystery Paul received, are revealed by God's Spirit, not understood by human wisdom, reinforcing the idea of divine revelation.
Ephesians 1:9Paul previously introduced the concept of a 'mystery' in this letter, referring to God's plan to unite all things in Christ, providing context for the revelation he elaborates on.
Romans 16:25This verse speaks of the 'mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed' through prophetic utterances and made known to all nations, aligning with Paul's understanding of 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…
Paul isn't just saying he learned this "mystery"; he's emphasizing that it was revealed directly to him by God, making it a divine impartation, not human deduction. This highlights that the inclusion of Gentiles wasn't an afterthought or a clever interpretation, but a foundational truth from God's own heart that he was commissioned to share.
Paul is explaining his apostleship, particularly his commission to preach to the Gentiles, which was a radical concept at the time. He asserts this calling came directly from God through revelation, not from human instruction, emphasizing its divine origin and countering potential doubts about his authority, especially since his ministry led to his imprisonment.
Paul is explaining his apostleship, particularly his commission to preach to the Gentiles, which was a radical concept at the time. He asserts this calling came directly from God through revelation, not from human instruction, emphasizing its divine origin and countering potential doubts about his authority, especially since his ministry led to his imprisonment.
"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 isn't just saying he learned this "mystery"; he's emphasizing that it was revealed directly to him by God, making it a divine impartation, not human deduction. This highlights that the inclu…
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Last reviewed October 2026
