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;

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};

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

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.

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

Ephesians 3:5 is a pivotal verse within Paul's explanation of the "mystery of Christ," which he received by revelation. It highlights the progressive nature of God's unveiling of truth, specifically concerning the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant blessings of God through Christ.

Context

This verse continues Paul's discourse from Ephesians 3:3-4, where he states that the "mystery" was made known to him by revelation. The broader context of Ephesians chapters 2 and 3 emphasizes the breaking down of the wall of division between Jews and Gentiles, bringing them together as one new humanity in Christ. Paul sees himself as a steward of this particular aspect of God's eternal plan, now revealed for the church.

Key Themes

  • The Mystery of Christ: The primary "which" refers to the profound truth that Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel (Ephesians 3:6). This was not fully understood or revealed in previous dispensations.
  • Progressive Revelation: God's truth is revealed incrementally through history. What was "not made known unto the sons of men" in earlier times is now clearly illuminated. This contrasts the Old Covenant's partial understanding with the New Covenant's fuller revelation.
  • Divine Revelation by the Spirit: The knowledge of this mystery is not humanly devised but divinely imparted. It is "now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." This underscores the Holy Spirit's essential role in enabling spiritual understanding and communicating God's truth to His chosen messengers. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
  • Apostolic and Prophetic Authority: The apostles and prophets are the divinely appointed channels through whom this newly revealed truth is communicated to the church. They form the foundation upon which the church is built, with Christ as the chief cornerstone.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "mystery" is mysterion (μυστήριον), which in a biblical sense, does not mean something unknowable, but rather something previously hidden or concealed that is now being disclosed or revealed.
  • "Revealed" comes from the Greek apokalypto (ἀποκαλύπτω), meaning "to uncover," "unveil," or "make manifest." This emphasizes the active unveiling by God.
  • "By the Spirit" (ἐν Πνεύματι) highlights the Holy Spirit as the active agent in this divine disclosure, ensuring accuracy and spiritual comprehension.

Practical Application

Ephesians 3:5 invites believers today to marvel at the breadth of God's saving plan, which extends beyond any single ethnic or national group. It reminds us:

  • To appreciate the clarity and fullness of the Gospel we have received, understanding that it was a profound "mystery" to generations before Christ.
  • To rely on the Holy Spirit for understanding scripture and God's will, recognizing that spiritual truths are spiritually discerned.
  • To embrace the unity of the church, celebrating that in Christ, all barriers are broken down, and believers from every background are equally part of God's family. This truth should foster humility and gratitude for God's inclusive grace, as seen in Galatians 3:28.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 1:10 (10 votes)

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

  • 1 Peter 1:12 (10 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

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

  • 2 Peter 3:2 (7 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • Titus 1:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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 (6 votes)

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