Ephesians 3:9

KJV

And to make all [men] see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} to make {G5461} all {G3956} men see {G5461} what {G5101} is the fellowship {G2842} of the mystery {G3466}, which {G3588} from {G575} the beginning of the world {G165} hath been hid {G613} in {G1722} God {G2316}, who {G3588} created {G2936} all things {G3956} by {G1223} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and of letting everyone see how this secret plan is going to work out. This plan, kept hidden for ages by God, the Creator of everything,

Berean Standard Bible

and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

American Standard Version

and to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery which for ages hath been hid in God who created all things;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 3:9 encapsulates Paul's divinely appointed mission: to illuminate for all people the profound truth of God's long-hidden plan, often referred to as "the mystery." This mystery, conceived in the mind of God before time began, reveals the radical inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant people of God, forming one unified body in Christ. The verse underscores that this eternal purpose, now unveiled through the gospel, is intricately linked to God's original act of creation, which was accomplished through Jesus Christ Himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 3:9 is a pivotal statement within Paul's exposition of the "mystery" in Ephesians 3. Having just explained his imprisonment as a "prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles" ([Ephesians 3:1](/ephesians/3-1 "Ephesians 3:1 - Paul, a Prisoner for the Gentiles")), Paul clarifies that his understanding of this mystery came through direct revelation ([Ephesians 3:3](/ephesians/3-3 "Ephesians 3:3 - Revelation of the Mystery")). He then defines the core of this mystery in [Ephesians 3:6](/ephesians/3-6 "Ephesians 3:6 - Gentiles are Fellow Heirs"), stating that "the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel." Verse 9, therefore, articulates Paul's specific commission—to make this astonishing truth known to everyone, emphasizing its cosmic origin and Christ's central role in both creation and revelation. The subsequent verses ([Ephesians 3:10-12](/ephesians/3-10-12 "Ephesians 3:10-12 - The Church's Role in God's Wisdom")) describe the church's role in displaying this multi-faceted wisdom of God to the spiritual realms.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop of Ephesians is the significant tension between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church. For centuries, God's covenant people had been exclusively the Jews, marked by circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law. The inclusion of Gentiles, without requiring them to become Jews first, was a radical departure from traditional understanding and a source of considerable controversy, as seen in [Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council"). The concept of a "mystery" (Greek: _mystērion_) in this context does not imply something incomprehensible, but rather a truth previously concealed by God and now divinely revealed. This revelation shattered the long-standing ethnic and religious barriers, creating a new, unified humanity in Christ. Paul's emphasis on this mystery being "hid in God from the beginning of the world" highlights that Gentile inclusion was not an afterthought but part of God's eternal, sovereign plan, now unveiled in the fullness of time.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes in Ephesians and Pauline theology. Foremost is the **Revelation of the Mystery**, which is the core message of [Ephesians 3](/ephesians/3 "Ephesians 3 - The Mystery Revealed"). This "mystery" is specifically the full and equal inclusion of Gentiles with Jews into one body in Christ, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Another key theme is **God's Eternal Purpose and Sovereignty**. The phrase "from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God" underscores that God's plan of salvation, including Gentile inclusion, was not a reactive measure but an intentional, predetermined design established before creation, demonstrating His unchanging will and omniscient wisdom ([Ephesians 1:4-11](/ephesians/1-4-11 "Ephesians 1:4-11 - God's Eternal Purpose")). Finally, the verse highlights **Christ's Centrality in Creation and Redemption**. By stating that God "created all things by Jesus Christ," Paul links Christ's pre-existence and active role in the universe's formation ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him"), [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")) directly to His role in unveiling and fulfilling God's redemptive mystery. This emphasizes that the same divine agent who brought the cosmos into being is also the one through whom God's ultimate plan for humanity is realized.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fellowship (Greek, _koinōnía_):** This word, derived from _koinōnos_ (partner), denotes partnership, participation, communion, or sharing. In the context of Ephesians 3:9, it refers to the shared participation in the mystery itself. While some ancient manuscripts read _oikonomia_ (stewardship or administration), the KJV's reading of _koinōnía_ emphasizes the privilege of participating in and making known this revealed truth, as well as the shared experience of this mystery among believers. It speaks to the communal aspect of understanding and proclaiming God's plan.
* **mystery (Greek, _mystḗrion_):** This term signifies a secret or a hidden truth, not something inherently incomprehensible, but rather a truth previously concealed by God and now revealed. In the New Testament, especially in Paul's writings, it often refers to God's redemptive plan, particularly the inclusion of Gentiles into the body of Christ on equal footing with Jews. It is a divine secret that God has chosen to disclose at a specific time, through specific agents (like Paul), for the benefit of His people.
* **hid (Greek, _apokrýptō_):** This verb means "to conceal away" or "to keep secret." Its use here emphasizes that God's plan for Gentile inclusion was not merely unknown, but actively kept secret or veiled by God Himself "from the beginning of the world." This highlights the sovereign control God exercised over the timing and manner of this revelation, underscoring its profound significance when finally unveiled.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to make all [men] see":** This phrase expresses Paul's primary purpose for which he received the revelation and was appointed an apostle. The verb "to make see" (Greek: _phōtízō_) means to enlighten or illuminate. Paul's mission is to bring light to, or make clear, this previously obscure truth to "all men," signifying a universal scope that transcends ethnic or social boundaries, encompassing both Jews and Gentiles.
* **"what [is] the fellowship of the mystery":** This specifies the content of what Paul is commissioned to illuminate. It is the "fellowship" or "participation" in "the mystery." As discussed in Key Word Analysis, "the mystery" refers to God's previously hidden plan for the full and equal inclusion of Gentiles into the body of Christ. Paul's task is to make clear how both Jews and Gentiles now share equally in the blessings and privileges of God's covenant through Christ.
* **"which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God":** This clause reveals the origin and nature of the mystery. It was not a new idea or an improvisation, but a divine secret that had existed "from the beginning of the world" (Greek: _apó tōn aiōnōn_, "from the ages") and was "hid in God." This emphasizes God's eternal foreknowledge and sovereign planning. The plan was not hidden *from* God, but *by* God, residing in His eternal counsel until the appointed time for its revelation.
* **"who created all things by Jesus Christ":** This final clause identifies God as the ultimate source of this mystery and provides a profound theological basis for its universal scope. The same God "who created all things" is the one who conceived this mystery. Crucially, this creation was accomplished "by Jesus Christ," highlighting Christ's pre-existence and active role as the agent of creation. This connection subtly links God's work in creation to His work in redemption, suggesting that the one who brought all things into being is also the one through whom all things are reconciled and unified in the divine plan.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 3:9 employs several powerful literary devices. **Paradox** is evident in the concept of the "mystery" itself: a truth that was "hid" but is now "made to see" or "enlightened." This tension between concealment and revelation underscores the profound nature of God's timing and wisdom. The phrase "from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the antiquity and eternal nature of God's plan, suggesting it was not merely old, but existed before time as we know it. There is also a strong sense of **Emphasis** through repetition of the idea of "all" (all men, all things), highlighting the universal scope of God's redemptive plan and Christ's cosmic authority. Finally, the verse uses **Connective Language** to link creation and redemption, showing that the same divine agency (God through Christ) is at work in both the initial act of bringing the universe into being and the ultimate act of bringing humanity into fellowship with Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 3:9 profoundly shapes our understanding of God's character and His redemptive purposes. It reveals a God who is not only omniscient and sovereign, orchestrating events from eternity past, but also deeply relational, desiring to bring all humanity into a shared "fellowship" with Himself and one another. The "mystery" of Gentile inclusion underscores the radical inclusivity of the gospel, breaking down all human-made barriers and demonstrating that salvation is by grace through faith for all who believe, regardless of ethnic or social background. This truth magnifies the wisdom of God, which is now displayed through the church to the cosmic powers, revealing a plan far grander and more intricate than previously imagined. It also firmly establishes Christ's preeminence and essential role in both the creation of the universe and the unfolding of God's eternal redemptive plan, making Him central to all of God's work.

* [Colossians 1:26-27](/colossians/1-26-27 "The Mystery Revealed")
* [Romans 16:25-27](/romans/16-25-27 "God's Revealed Mystery")
* [Ephesians 1:9-10](/ephesians/1-9-10 "God's Plan for the Fullness of Time")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 3:9 calls believers to a profound appreciation for the depth and breadth of God's eternal plan. Understanding that the inclusion of all peoples into God's family was not an afterthought but a pre-ordained "mystery hid in God from the beginning of the world" should fill us with awe and gratitude. This truth compels us to dismantle any lingering prejudices or exclusive attitudes, recognizing that in Christ, there is no longer Jew or Gentile, male or female, slave or free, but all are one. Paul's commission "to make all men see" this mystery becomes our shared mission. We are called to be active participants in illuminating this glorious truth to a world still divided by human distinctions. This means living out the unity we have in Christ, demonstrating the power of the gospel to reconcile diverse peoples, and boldly proclaiming the good news that God's salvation is for everyone, through the one who created all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of God's plan being "hid from the beginning of the world" impact your understanding of His sovereignty and wisdom?**
* **In what ways can we, like Paul, actively "make all men see" the fellowship of this mystery in our own contexts?**
* **Considering the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ, what barriers (ethnic, social, economic, etc.) might still exist within the church today that need to be overcome?**
* **How does Christ's role as Creator inform your understanding of His authority and ability to accomplish God's redemptive plan?**

### FAQ

**What is "the mystery" Paul refers to in Ephesians 3:9?**

Answer: The "mystery" (Greek: _mystērion_) Paul refers to is not something inherently incomprehensible, but rather a divine truth that was previously kept secret by God and has now been revealed. In the context of Ephesians 3, this mystery is specifically the astonishing truth that Gentiles are now fellow heirs with Israel, members of the same body, and partakers of God's promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel ([Ephesians 3:6](/ephesians/3-6 "Ephesians 3:6 - Gentiles are Fellow Heirs")). For centuries, God's covenant people were primarily the Jews, but through Christ, God has opened the door for all nations to be reconciled to Him and united into one new humanity ([Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - One New Humanity in Christ")). This radical inclusion and unity in Christ is the core of the mystery.

**How does Christ's role in creation relate to His role in the "mystery" of salvation?**

Answer: The phrase "who created all things by Jesus Christ" in [Ephesians 3:9](/ephesians/3-9 "Ephesians 3:9 - The Fellowship of the Mystery") is a profound theological statement that links Christ's pre-existence and active involvement in creation directly to His centrality in God's redemptive plan. It emphasizes that the same divine agent through whom the universe was brought into being is also the one through whom God's eternal purpose for humanity is unfolded and fulfilled. Just as Christ is the orchestrator of physical creation ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him"), [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")), He is also the means by which God is creating a "new humanity" ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - One New Man")) and reconciling all things to Himself ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciling All Things")). This connection highlights the cosmic scope of Christ's work, asserting His ultimate authority and sovereignty over all of creation and redemption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 3:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "mystery" that was "hid in God from the beginning of the world" is not merely a concept or a plan, but a living reality embodied in Christ Himself. He is the very content of the mystery, for it is "Christ in you, the hope of glory" ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You")). It is through His atoning sacrifice on the cross that the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile was broken down, creating "one new man in Himself, thus making peace" ([Ephesians 2:14-15](/ephesians/2-14-15 "Ephesians 2:14-15 - Christ Our Peace")). Furthermore, the verse explicitly states that God "created all things by Jesus Christ," underscoring Christ's pre-existence and divine agency in the very act of creation. This establishes Him as the cosmic Lord, the one through whom all things exist, and therefore the only one capable of bringing about the reconciliation and unity that is the heart of God's eternal plan. The "fellowship of the mystery" is thus a fellowship *in Christ*, a participation in His life, death, and resurrection, which enables both Jews and Gentiles to draw near to God "through Him" ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access Through Christ")). Christ is not just the revealer of the mystery, but the mystery revealed, the means of creation, and the ultimate goal of all God's redemptive purposes, bringing all things together in Himself ([Ephesians 1:10](/ephesians/1-10 "Ephesians 1:10 - Summing Up 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

Colossians 1:26

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

Matthew 13:35

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

2 Timothy 1:9

Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Colossians 3:3

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

John 1:1

¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:3

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Isaiah 44:24

Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I [am] the LORD that maketh all [things]; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;