Ephesians 3:5

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Which {G3739} in {G1722} other {G2087} ages {G1074} was {G1107} not {G3756} made known {G1107} unto the sons {G5207} of men {G444}, as {G5613} it is {G601} now {G3568} revealed {G601} unto his {G846} holy {G40} apostles {G652} and {G2532} prophets {G4396} by {G1722} the Spirit {G4151};

Complete Jewish Bible

In past generations it was not made known to mankind, as the Spirit is now revealing it to his emissaries and prophets,

Berean Standard Bible

which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.

American Standard Version

which in other generations was not made known unto the sons of men, as it hath now been revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 3:5 stands as a profound declaration of God's progressive revelation, emphasizing that a pivotal truth—the inclusion of Gentiles into the full blessings of God's covenant people through Christ—was previously hidden but is now unveiled. This verse highlights the distinct nature of the New Covenant era, where the Holy Spirit empowers God's chosen messengers, the apostles and prophets, to proclaim this once-concealed mystery, thereby establishing the foundation for the unified body of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's explanation of the "mystery of Christ" in [Ephesians 3](/ephesians/3 "Ephesians 3 - The Mystery Revealed"). It directly follows his personal testimony in [Ephesians 3:3-4](/ephesians/3-3-4 "Ephesians 3:3-4 - Paul's Revelation of the Mystery"). The broader context of [Ephesians 2](/ephesians/2 "Ephesians 2 - United in Christ") and [Ephesians 3](/ephesians/3 "Ephesians 3 - The Mystery Revealed") elaborates on the radical reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles into one new humanity in Christ, effectively dismantling the ancient wall of hostility. Paul views himself as a divinely appointed steward of this specific aspect of God's eternal plan, now fully revealed for the church's understanding and proclamation. The "which" at the beginning of [Ephesians 3:5](/ephesians/3-5 "Ephesians 3:5 - The Revealed Mystery") refers back to the content of the mystery described in [Ephesians 3:6](/ephesians/3-6 "Ephesians 3:6 - Gentiles are Fellow Heirs"), namely, that Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, particularly within Judaism, a strong distinction existed between Jews and Gentiles. The Mosaic Law and covenant practices served as a boundary, fostering a sense of unique identity and separation for the Jewish people. While the Old Testament hinted at God's universal redemptive plan (e.g., [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles")), the full implications of Gentiles being co-heirs with Israel, without first converting to Judaism, were not explicitly understood or revealed. This concept was revolutionary and often scandalous to many first-century Jews who held firmly to their exclusive covenant identity. The early church grappled significantly with this issue, as evidenced by the Jerusalem Council in [Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council"), which affirmed the inclusion of Gentiles by grace through faith, without requiring circumcision or full adherence to the Mosaic Law. Paul's revelation directly addresses this profound shift in God's redemptive strategy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ephesians and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **Mystery of Christ**, which refers not to an unknowable enigma, but to a truth previously hidden in God's eternal plan and now disclosed. This mystery's core is the radical inclusion of Gentiles into the full covenant blessings and body of Christ, breaking down all ethnic and social barriers (as seen in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Unity in Christ")). Another crucial theme is **Progressive Revelation**, illustrating that God's truth unfolds incrementally through history. What was "not made known unto the sons of men" in earlier dispensations is now clearly illuminated in the New Covenant era, signifying a new stage in God's unfolding plan. Furthermore, the verse underscores **Divine Revelation by the Spirit**, emphasizing that this profound knowledge is not a product of human ingenuity but a direct, supernatural impartation. The Holy Spirit is the active agent in this disclosure, enabling spiritual understanding and communicating God's truth to His chosen messengers, as also highlighted in [1 Corinthians 2:10](/1_corinthians/2-10 "1 Corinthians 2:10 - The Spirit Reveals God's Deep Things"). Finally, it highlights the **Apostolic and Prophetic Authority** as the divinely appointed channels through whom this newly revealed truth is communicated to the church, forming the very [foundation upon which the church is built](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - The Church's Foundation"), with Christ as the chief cornerstone.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ages (Greek, _geneá_):** From G1074, this word refers to a generation or a period of time, an age. In this context, "other ages" signifies previous historical periods or dispensations, particularly those before the coming of Christ and the full revelation of the gospel. It emphasizes that the truth about Gentile inclusion was not fully understood or revealed in the Old Testament era, even though its seeds were present.
* **made known (Greek, _gnōrízō_) / revealed (Greek, _apokalýptō_):** G1107 (_gnōrízō_) means "to make known" or "to declare," while G601 (_apokalýptō_) means "to uncover," "unveil," or "disclose." The use of both terms (implied by the KJV "was not made known" and "is now revealed") powerfully conveys the transition from concealment to full disclosure. God actively "unveiled" this truth, demonstrating His purposeful timing and the distinctiveness of the New Covenant era.
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma_):** G4151 refers to a current of air, breath, or figuratively, a spirit, including the Holy Spirit. Here, "by the Spirit" unequivocally identifies the Holy Spirit as the divine agent responsible for revealing this mystery. This highlights the Spirit's essential role in illuminating God's truth, empowering the apostles and prophets, and enabling spiritual comprehension of divine realities that are beyond human discovery.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men,"**: This clause establishes a clear historical contrast. The "mystery" (referring to the inclusion of Gentiles as co-heirs with Israel in Christ) was not fully or explicitly disclosed to humanity in previous eras, such as the Old Testament period. While glimpses and prophecies existed, the comprehensive nature and means of this inclusion remained veiled. "Sons of men" is a general term for humanity, indicating that this truth was universally uncomprehended by people in general.
* **"as it is now revealed"**: This phrase marks a decisive turning point in God's redemptive history. The word "now" (G3568, _nŷn_) signifies the present era, the time of the New Covenant and the advent of Christ. It asserts that what was once hidden has now been fully and clearly unveiled, indicating a new phase in God's communication of His plan. This revelation is an active, divine act, not a human discovery.
* **"unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;"**: This final clause specifies the recipients and the agent of this revelation. God chose "his holy apostles and prophets"—the foundational leaders and inspired speakers of the early church—as the direct recipients of this unveiled truth. The phrase "by the Spirit" (G1722, _en_ G4151, _pneûma_) is crucial, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit is the divine source and means of this revelation, ensuring its authenticity, authority, and spiritual power. This underscores the supernatural origin of the gospel message and the unique authority of those who first proclaimed it.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in [Ephesians 3:5](/ephesians/3-5 "Ephesians 3:5 - The Revealed Mystery"). The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting up a clear distinction between "other ages" (past) and "now" (present). This highlights the progressive nature of God's revelation, emphasizing that the New Covenant era brings a fuller, clearer understanding of God's redemptive plan than was available previously. There is also an element of **Divine Agency**, where the passive voice "was not made known" and "is now revealed" strongly implies God as the active subject, underscoring that this truth is not a human discovery but a divine disclosure. The phrase "by the Spirit" further reinforces this divine agency, almost bordering on **Personification** of the Holy Spirit as the active revealer. Finally, the specific mention of "holy apostles and prophets" serves as a form of **Apostolic Authority**, legitimizing the message Paul preaches by associating it with divinely appointed and inspired messengers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 3:5 is a cornerstone for understanding the New Testament concept of the "mystery" (Greek, _mystērion_), which refers not to something unknowable, but to a divine truth previously concealed and now divinely disclosed. This verse underscores the radical inclusivity of God's saving grace, revealing that the long-held distinction between Jew and Gentile has been abolished in Christ, bringing both into one unified body. This truth was hinted at in the Old Testament, but its full scope and the means of its accomplishment were not fully comprehended until Christ's coming and the Spirit's outpouring. It speaks to God's sovereign timing and His deliberate unveiling of His redemptive purposes in stages, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The revelation to the apostles and prophets ensures that the church's foundation is built upon divinely inspired truth, providing authoritative guidance for all believers.

* [Romans 16:25-26](/romans/16-25-26 "Romans 16:25-26 - The Mystery Revealed")
* [Colossians 1:26-27](/colossians/1-26-27 "Colossians 1:26-27 - The Mystery Among the Gentiles")
* [1 Peter 1:10-12](/1_peter/1-10-12 "1 Peter 1:10-12 - Prophetic Revelation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 3:5 calls believers to a profound appreciation for the clarity and fullness of the gospel we have received. It reminds us that the unity we experience in the church, transcending ethnic, social, and cultural barriers, is not a human achievement but a divinely revealed mystery, a testament to God's expansive grace. This truth should foster both humility and gratitude: humility, recognizing that our understanding is a gift of revelation, not our own ingenuity; and gratitude, for being part of a plan that was once hidden but is now gloriously revealed. It encourages us to rely on the Holy Spirit for spiritual discernment, knowing that the same Spirit who revealed these truths to the apostles continues to illuminate scripture and guide believers into deeper understanding of God's will. Furthermore, it challenges us to live out this revealed unity, actively seeking reconciliation and celebrating the diversity within the body of Christ, reflecting God's inclusive love to a divided world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "mystery" of Gentile inclusion deepen your appreciation for God's redemptive plan?**
* **In what ways do you see the Holy Spirit revealing God's truth in your own life or in the life of the church today?**
* **How can the church better embody the unity of Jew and Gentile (and all peoples) that this verse describes, breaking down modern barriers?**
* **What does it mean for you personally that the gospel you believe was once a "mystery" but is now "revealed"?**

### FAQ

**What exactly is the "mystery" referred to in Ephesians 3:5?**

Answer: The "mystery" (Greek, _mystērion_) in [Ephesians 3:5](/ephesians/3-5 "Ephesians 3:5 - The Revealed Mystery") and throughout [Ephesians 3](/ephesians/3 "Ephesians 3 - The Mystery Revealed") is not something unknowable or enigmatic, but rather a divine truth previously hidden in God's eternal plan and now fully disclosed. Specifically, it refers to the radical inclusion of the Gentiles (non-Jews) into the full blessings of God's covenant people, making them "fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel" ([Ephesians 3:6](/ephesians/3-6 "Ephesians 3:6 - Gentiles are Fellow Heirs")). This means that Gentiles are brought into equal standing with Jewish believers, without needing to convert to Judaism or adhere to the Mosaic Law, but solely through faith in Christ.

**Why was this mystery "not made known" in "other ages"?**

Answer: While the Old Testament contained prophecies and hints about God's universal plan to bless all nations (e.g., [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant"), [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - Nations to Jerusalem")), the full extent and precise method of Gentile inclusion were not explicitly revealed or widely understood. The covenant with Israel largely maintained a distinct separation. God, in His sovereign wisdom, chose to reveal this truth progressively, reserving its full unveiling for the New Covenant era through the person and work of Jesus Christ and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This progressive revelation highlights God's perfect timing and the distinctiveness of the gospel age.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 3:5 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself, for He is the very content and means of the revealed mystery. The "mystery" that was hidden in "other ages" is precisely the truth that in Christ, God has broken down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity (as powerfully stated in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Unity in Christ")). Christ is the "peace" who has made both groups one, reconciling them to God in one body through the cross. His sacrificial death and resurrection inaugurated the new age where this mystery could be fully revealed. Furthermore, the revelation itself is "by the Spirit," the very Spirit whom Christ promised to send ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")) and who empowers the apostles and prophets to proclaim the gospel of Christ to all nations ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). Thus, Christ is not only the subject of the mystery but also the one through whom the Spirit reveals it, making Him the central figure in God's unfolding plan of salvation for all humanity, uniting all things in Himself ([Ephesians 1:10](/ephesians/1-10 "Ephesians 1:10 - Uniting All Things 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

1 Peter 1:10

¶ Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you:

1 Peter 1:12

Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

Jude 1:17

But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

2 Peter 3:2

That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:

Ephesians 2:20

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];

Titus 1:1

¶ Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

Titus 1:3

But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;