Colossians 1:26

[Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

Even the mystery {G3466} which {G3588} hath been hid {G613} from {G575} ages {G165} and {G2532} from {G575} generations {G1074}, but {G1161} now {G3570} is made manifest {G5319} to his {G846} saints {G40}:

the secret hidden for generations, for ages, but now made clear to the people he has set apart for himself.

the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints.

even the mystery which hath been hid for ages and generations: but now hath it been manifested to his saints,

Colossians 1:26 speaks to a profound theological truth: the unveiling of a divine secret that God had kept hidden for ages but chose to reveal at a specific time in history. This verse introduces the core subject of Paul's ongoing ministry and the central message he proclaims to the Colossian believers.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's exposition on the supremacy of Christ and the nature of his own apostolic ministry. Having described Christ as the head of the church and the reconciler of all things (Colossians 1:18, Colossians 1:20), Paul then explains his suffering and labor for the sake of the church. Verse 26 clarifies what he is making known: a "mystery" previously concealed. This mystery is further defined in the very next verse as "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27), emphasizing the inclusion of Gentiles into God's saving plan, a concept also explored in Ephesians 3:6.

Key Themes

  • The Revealed Mystery: The primary theme is that God has revealed something previously unknown. This "mystery" is not an enigma that cannot be understood, but a truth that God intentionally kept undisclosed until the appointed time.
  • Divine Timeliness: The phrase "hid from ages and from generations" highlights God's sovereign plan and perfect timing in revealing this truth through Christ.
  • Universal Access to Truth: The phrase "but now is made manifest to his saints" underscores that this revelation is for all believers, breaking down the spiritual barriers that once separated people. It points to the inclusivity of the Gospel message.
  • The Person of Christ: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, the context of Colossians clarifies that the mystery's essence is the indwelling presence of Christ in believers, particularly Gentiles, offering hope and glory.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "mystery" is mystērion (μυστήριον). In the New Testament, it refers to a divine truth or purpose that was once hidden but is now revealed by God, especially through Christ and the apostles. It signifies a truth that could only be known through divine revelation, not human discovery.
  • "Made manifest" comes from the Greek ephanerōthē (ἐφανερώθη), meaning to make visible, clear, or known. This emphasizes God's active role in unveiling this truth, making it accessible and understandable to His people.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers to appreciate the profound privilege of understanding truths that were once hidden. It reminds us that our faith is built upon a divine revelation, not human philosophy. The fact that this mystery is "made manifest to his saints" means that all who believe in Christ have access to this saving knowledge and the indwelling presence of Christ. This should inspire a deeper sense of gratitude, strengthen our hope, and motivate us to share this glorious truth with others, knowing that God's plan of salvation is for all people, as revealed in the Gospel of Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 8:10

    And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

  • Romans 16:25

    ¶ Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

  • Romans 16:26

    But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

  • Matthew 13:11

    He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

  • Ephesians 3:3

    How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

  • Ephesians 3:10

    To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

  • 1 Corinthians 2:7

    But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

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