Articles
The Mystery of Christ – Ephesians 3
The Mystery of Christ – Ephesians 3
The making of one new man out of Jewish and Gentile believers is said to be God’s ‘mystery’ and ‘the eternal purpose’ of God (Eph. 3:3, 11). This chapter lays before us one of the more comprehensive summaries of the nature of the New Testament teaching about itself. Notice the following points made in vs. 1-5:
- It is God’s message - God’s mystery, the story of God’s grace.
- It was NOT made known in the Old Testament period AS it is NOW made known. That is, while there were ‘hints’ and ‘concepts’ that were prophesied, it has now been clearly stated.
- It has NOW been revealed. This is not the writings of men, but the revelation of God to man.
- It was revealed BY the Spirit, thus it was ‘made known’ and understood.
- It was revealed TO the apostles and prophets of the New Testament.
- It was understood by them - they had insight into such mystery of Christ.
- It was WRITTEN down by them so believers could read it.
- Believers are supposed to READ this.
- WHEN it is read, it is understandable.
Paul concludes by identifying what he means in this passage by 'the mystery: " This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel" (Ephesians 3:6). Thus he concludes that today "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" (Ephesians 4:4–6).
The duty of believers is then to maintain this unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:1-4). There is to be no division in the body. We are to show the same concern for each other as we do ourselves.
Let us immerse ourselves in reading, understanding, and following this revelation from God.
Hugh DeLong
