Ephesians 3:5

Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

Ephesians 3:5 (KJV)

Context

The apostle Paul wrote Ephesians while imprisoned, traditionally in Rome, addressing believers in Ephesus with instructions for Christian living and building up the church. In Ephesians 3:5, Paul explains a mystery that was not made known to previous generations but is now revealed to God’s holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.

Meaning

The mystery concerns the inclusion of Gentiles in the body of Christ and the full plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. In earlier ages, God’s redemptive plan was glimpsed through foreshadowings in the Old Testament, but the complete revelation of Gentile inclusion and salvation was concealed until the appointed time. The verse does not say the mystery was entirely unknown before; rather, it was not made known as clearly or fully as it is now under the new covenant.

God chose to reveal this mystery to His holy apostles and prophets—individuals set apart 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 revelation was not a result of human wisdom but came directly from the Spirit of God, who guided them into all truth.

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.

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.

Reflection

We live in a time when the mystery has been revealed, and we are called to receive and proclaim this revelation. The Holy Spirit continues to illuminate the Scriptures for believers, enabling us to grasp the depth of God’s plan and to share it with others.