Ephesians 3:5
Which in other ages was not made knowen vnto the sonnes of men, as it is now reueiled vnto his holy Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit, Ephesians 3:5 (KJV)
Context: The book of Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul while he was imprisoned, traditionally believed to be in Rome. It is a letter addressed to the believers in Ephesus and contains instructions for living a Christian life and building up the body of Christ.
Divine Revelation: In Ephesians 3:5 Paul refers to the mystery that was not made known to previous generations. The mystery specifically pertains to the inclusion of the Gentiles in the Body of Christ and the plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, a truth that was hidden until now and revealed by the Holy Spirit to the apostles and prophets.
Previous Ages: Paul emphasizes that this mystery was not known in previous ages. In the Old Testament there were glimpses and foreshadowings of God’s redemptive plan, but the fullness of the revelation regarding the Gentiles’ inclusion and the complete plan of salvation was concealed until the appointed time.
Revelation to Apostles and Prophets: God chose to reveal this mystery to His holy apostles and prophets, individuals appointed and inspired by the Holy Spirit to receive and communicate His divine message. They were entrusted with proclaiming the Gospel and making known the mystery of Christ.
The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit played a vital role in revealing this mystery. He inspired the apostles, prophets, and believers, guiding them into all truth and enabling them to understand and proclaim God’s plan of salvation. The revelation was not a result of human wisdom but came directly from the Spirit of God.
Application: Ephesians 3:5 reminds believers of the privilege we have in Christ. Through the Scriptures, which include the writings of the apostles and the inspired message of the early church, we have access to the fullness of God’s revelation. With the help of the Holy Spirit we can study and understand the mystery of Christ, the plan of salvation, and the deep truths of God’s Word.
Appreciating God’s Revelation: This verse calls us to appreciate the significance of God’s revelation. The mystery of Christ’s redemptive work, once hidden, is now made known as a testament to God’s grace and His desire to bring salvation to all people. As we study God’s Word, we should approach it with reverence, recognizing the incredible privilege of having access to the revealed mystery.
Remember, studying the Bible involves diving deeper into the surrounding verses, understanding the historical and cultural context, and exploring additional commentaries or resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of God’s Word.
