[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,
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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:
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
Linguistic Insights
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.