Ephesians 3:3

Context:The book of Ephesians is one of the letters written by the apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus. In this particular verse, Paul is referring to the mystery that has been revealed to him by God.

The Mystery:In the broader context of Ephesians, the mystery Paul is talking about is the mystery of the Gospel. Throughout the letter, Paul emphasizes the inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. This was a mystery or secret that was not fully understood in previous generations but has now been revealed to Paul by divine revelation.

Divine Revelation:Paul emphasizes that this mystery was made known to him by revelation. The term “revelation” refers to the act of God making something known to someone that was previously hidden or unknown. In this case, God specifically revealed the mystery of the Gospel to Paul. This shows that the understanding and knowledge of spiritual truths come from God and are not merely the result of human effort or wisdom.

Few Words:Paul mentions that he had already written about this mystery in “few words.” This could be a reference to the previous parts of the letter where Paul discusses the mystery of the Gospel, particularly in Ephesians 2. Although Paul had already written about it briefly, he goes on to elaborate further on this mystery in the following verses and chapters.

Implications:The fact that the mystery of the Gospel has been revealed to Paul and subsequently shared with the Ephesian church has significant implications for believers. It means that God’s redemptive plan encompasses all people, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. It also highlights the importance of unity in the body of Christ, as Paul emphasizes throughout the letter.

Overall, Ephesians 3:3 reminds us that God has chosen to reveal His divine mysteries to humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. The mystery of the Gospel, including the inclusion of all people in God’s plan of salvation, was made known to Paul through revelation. This verse encourages us to seek a deeper understanding of God’s truths and to recognize that spiritual wisdom ultimately comes from God Himself.