Colossians 1:26

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 1:26 unveils a profound divine truth: a "mystery" that God intentionally kept hidden throughout the span of human history and across countless generations, but which He has now, in His perfect timing, sovereignly revealed and made fully comprehensible to all who are His consecrated people, the saints. This verse serves as a crucial introduction to the essence of Paul's apostolic ministry, which is centered on proclaiming this previously concealed, yet now gloriously revealed, truth about Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Paul’s profound theological exposition in the letter to the Colossians. Following a majestic hymn extolling the supremacy and preeminence of Christ as the Creator, Sustainer, Head of the Church, and Reconciler of all things ([Colossians 1:15-20](/colossians/1-15-20 "The Supremacy of Christ")), Paul transitions to discuss his own apostolic ministry. Having established Christ's cosmic and redemptive work, he then explains his suffering and labor as being "for your sake" ([Colossians 1:24](/colossians/1-24 "Paul's Suffering for the Church")). Verse 26 clarifies the specific content of this ministry and suffering: the proclamation of a divine "mystery." The immediate follow-up in [Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "The Mystery: Christ in You") directly defines this mystery as "Christ in you, the hope of glory," thereby linking the universal scope of Christ's work to its personal manifestation within believers, particularly emphasizing the inclusion of Gentiles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Colossae was located in Phrygia, a region in Asia Minor, and was influenced by various philosophical and religious currents. The Colossian church faced a syncretistic heresy that blended elements of Judaism (e.g., asceticism, observance of festivals), Gnosticism (e.g., emphasis on special knowledge, devaluation of the material world, angel worship), and local pagan beliefs. This heresy threatened to diminish the unique supremacy of Christ. Paul's emphasis on a "mystery" now revealed directly counters the Gnostic claims of secret, exclusive knowledge accessible only to an elite few. By declaring that this mystery is "made manifest to his saints," Paul asserts that God's truth is universally accessible through Christ, not through esoteric rituals or human philosophies. This revelation also implicitly addresses the Jewish-Gentile divide, as the mystery's content (as revealed in [Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "The Mystery: Christ in You")) fundamentally includes Gentiles as full heirs in God's plan, a concept central to Paul's ministry and also articulated in [Ephesians 3:4-6](/ephesians/3-4-6 "The Mystery of Christ Revealed to Paul").
* **Key Themes:** Colossians 1:26 contributes significantly to several major themes within the letter. The primary theme is the **Revelation of Divine Truth**, highlighting that God has sovereignly chosen to disclose something previously hidden, emphasizing His perfect timing and deliberate plan. This ties into the broader theme of **Christ's Centrality and Sufficiency**, as the mystery itself is intrinsically linked to Christ and His indwelling presence. The phrase "made manifest to his saints" underscores the **Inclusivity of God's Salvation**, particularly the groundbreaking inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant people of God, a truth central to Paul's apostolic calling as seen in [Romans 16:25-26](/romans/16-25-26 "The Revelation of the Mystery"). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Apostolic Ministry**, as Paul presents himself as the steward of this newly revealed mystery, tasked with its proclamation to all people ([Colossians 1:25](/colossians/1-25 "Paul's Stewardship of the Gospel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mystery (Greek, _mystḗrion'_):** From a derivative meaning "to shut the mouth," this term refers to a divine secret or purpose that was previously concealed but is now revealed by God. In the New Testament, it does not imply something incomprehensible, but rather a truth that could only be known through God's direct revelation, not through human intellect or discovery. It signifies a truth that God intentionally kept undisclosed until the appointed time, often concerning His plan for salvation and the inclusion of Gentiles.
* **Hid (Greek, _apokrýptō'_):** This word, formed from "away" and "to conceal," means to conceal away, or fully to keep secret. It emphasizes the active and deliberate act of God in keeping this truth hidden for a specific period. It suggests a purposeful divine withholding, not an accidental obscurity.
* **Made manifest (Greek, _phaneróō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "apparent" or "visible," this verb means to render apparent, to make visible, clear, or known. In the passive voice ("is made manifest"), it highlights God's active role in unveiling this truth. It signifies that the mystery has been brought into the light, made accessible and understandable, and publicly displayed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Even] the mystery":** This introduces the central subject of the verse and the core of Paul's message. The "mystery" is not an enigma or something unknowable, but a divine truth previously kept secret by God. Its nature is further elaborated in the subsequent verse ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "The Mystery: Christ in You")), revealing it to be "Christ in you, the hope of glory," with a particular emphasis on the inclusion of Gentiles.
* **"which hath been hid from ages and from generations":** This clause emphasizes the profound duration and scope of the mystery's concealment. "Ages" (_aiṓn_) refers to vast periods of time, epochs, or dispensations, while "generations" (_geneá_) refers to successive groups of people. Together, they stress that this truth was hidden throughout all of human history, across all periods and peoples, until God's appointed time. This highlights God's sovereign control over revelation and His perfect timing.
* **"but now is made manifest to his saints":** The conjunction "but now" introduces a stark **contrast** and marks a pivotal point in redemptive history. What was once hidden is now unveiled. "Made manifest" signifies God's active, deliberate, and public revelation of this truth. The recipients of this revelation are "his saints" (_hágios_), referring to all believers, those consecrated and set apart by God. This underscores the universal accessibility of this truth to all who are in Christ, countering any notion of exclusive or esoteric knowledge.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Contrast**, setting "hid from ages and from generations" against "but now is made manifest." This highlights the dramatic shift in God's redemptive plan, moving from a period of divine concealment to one of glorious revelation. The term "**mystery**" itself functions as a **Theological Metaphor**, representing a profound divine truth that transcends human discovery and requires supernatural unveiling. The phrase "ages and generations" uses **Merism**, a literary device where two contrasting parts are used to represent a whole (in this case, all of time and all people). This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the mystery's prior concealment. The passive voice "is made manifest" also subtly employs **Divine Passive**, implying God as the active agent behind the manifestation, even without explicitly naming Him in that specific phrase.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 1:26 is foundational to understanding the New Testament concept of "mystery," which consistently refers not to something incomprehensible, but to a divine truth previously unrevealed in its fullness, now disclosed through Christ and the apostles. This verse underscores God's sovereign control over revelation, demonstrating that His plan unfolds according to His perfect timing. The revelation of this mystery, identified in the subsequent verse as "Christ in you, the hope of glory," radically expands the scope of God's redemptive work to include Gentiles as full participants in His covenant blessings, breaking down long-standing barriers and revealing the universal embrace of the Gospel. This truth transforms our understanding of salvation history, moving from a veiled promise to a glorious, manifest reality accessible to all who believe.

* [Romans 16:25-26](/romans/16-25-26 "The Mystery Revealed in Christ")
* [Ephesians 3:3-6](/ephesians/3-3-6 "The Mystery of Christ and the Gentiles")
* [1 Corinthians 2:7-8](/1_corinthians/2-7-8 "God's Wisdom, a Hidden Mystery")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 1:26 invites us to marvel at the wisdom and timing of God. For millennia, the full scope of His redemptive plan, particularly the inclusion of all peoples into the body of Christ, was a profound secret. Yet, in the fullness of time, God chose to unveil this glorious truth through the person and work of Jesus Christ and the preaching of the apostles. This should cultivate a deep sense of gratitude within us, recognizing the immense privilege we have to live in an age where the "mystery" is no longer hidden but is openly proclaimed and experienced. It reminds us that our faith is not based on human speculation or ancient myths, but on a divine revelation that transforms lives and unites diverse peoples. This understanding should fuel our worship, strengthen our assurance of God's faithfulness, and compel us to share this glorious, once-hidden truth with a world still in need of its light.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of a "hidden mystery" now revealed impact your understanding of God's sovereignty and wisdom?**
* **What does it mean for you personally that this mystery is "made manifest to his saints," and how does that truth empower your daily walk?**
* **In what ways can you participate in making this glorious mystery known to others who may still be "hidden" from its truth?**

### FAQ
**What exactly is "the mystery" referred to in Colossians 1:26?**

Answer: While Colossians 1:26 states that the mystery "hath been hid from ages and from generations," it is explicitly defined in the very next verse, [Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "The Mystery: Christ in You"), as "Christ in you, the hope of glory." This encompasses two primary aspects: first, the indwelling presence of Christ in believers, which is the source of their hope for future glory; and second, the radical inclusion of Gentiles as full and equal co-heirs with Jewish believers in God's covenant blessings through Christ, a truth that was not fully understood or revealed in the Old Testament. This universal scope of salvation through Christ is a recurring theme in Paul's epistles, particularly in [Ephesians 3:4-6](/ephesians/3-4-6 "The Mystery of Christ and the Gentiles").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 1:26 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the very embodiment and revelation of the "mystery" that was hidden for ages. The "mystery" is not merely a concept, but a living reality: "Christ in you, the hope of glory" ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "The Mystery: Christ in You")). Before Christ's advent, God's plan for universal salvation, particularly the full inclusion of Gentiles into His covenant people, was veiled. While hinted at in the Old Testament prophets ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "A Light to the Gentiles")), its full scope and mechanism were not fully disclosed until the coming of the Messiah. Jesus, through His life, death, resurrection, and ascension, not only inaugurated the new covenant but also broke down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Our Peace")). The Holy Spirit, poured out after Christ's glorification, then indwells all believers—Jew and Gentile alike—making Christ's presence a reality within them. Thus, the "mystery" is made manifest in the New Testament era through Christ's redemptive work, His Spirit's indwelling, and the subsequent proclamation of the Gospel to all nations, revealing God's glorious intention to save and unite a diverse humanity in His Son ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "No Jew or Gentile in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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: