Ephesians 3:9

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:

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}:

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,

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

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;

Ephesians 3:9 is a pivotal verse in Paul's exposition of the "mystery" of Christ, particularly his call to the Gentiles. It highlights the apostle's divine commission to make clear God's eternal plan for all humanity.

Context

This verse flows from Paul's explanation of his imprisonment (Ephesians 3:1) and his unique role as an apostle to the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:2). He reveals that he received a direct revelation concerning God's long-hidden plan, which he terms "the mystery." This mystery, further elaborated in Ephesians 3:6, is that Gentiles are now fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of God's promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Verse 9 states Paul's purpose: to illuminate this profound truth to everyone.

Key Themes

  • The Revealed Mystery: The core message is the unveiling of a truth previously unknown or dimly understood. This "mystery" (Greek: mysterion) is not something incomprehensible, but rather a sacred secret of God's will concerning salvation that has now been made manifest through Christ and the apostles. It specifically concerns the full and equal inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant people.
  • God's Eternal Purpose: The verse emphasizes that this plan was not an afterthought but was "hid in God from the beginning of the world." This underscores God's sovereignty and His unchanging, predetermined will for humanity, demonstrating His grand design for redemption and reconciliation.
  • Christ's Role in Creation and Revelation: The phrase "who created all things by Jesus Christ" serves as a powerful reminder of Christ's pre-existence and His active role in the very act of creation. This highlights that the same divine agent through whom the universe was formed (John 1:3, Colossians 1:16) is also central to the unfolding of God's redemptive mystery. It links God's work in creation directly to His work in salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the fellowship of the mystery" translates the Greek word koinonia, which typically means "fellowship," "sharing," or "participation." In some ancient manuscripts, the word oikonomia ("stewardship" or "administration") is found here, which would emphasize Paul's role in administering or making known this mystery. However, the KJV's reading of koinonia emphasizes the shared participation in this revealed truth among all believers, as well as the privilege of making it known. The "mystery" itself (mysterion) refers to God's previously hidden plan for the inclusion of Gentiles, now openly revealed.

Practical Application

Ephesians 3:9 reminds us of several vital truths for believers today:

  • God's Inclusivity: The "mystery" underscores that God's salvation is for all people, regardless of background, ethnicity, or social standing. There is no longer a barrier between Jew and Gentile, but all are one in Christ (Galatians 3:28).
  • The Importance of Proclaiming Truth: Paul's mission was to "make all men see" this truth. This calls believers to actively share the gospel and the understanding of God's inclusive plan with the world.
  • Confidence in God's Plan: Knowing that God's redemptive plan was "hid in God from the beginning" provides immense comfort and assurance. It means our faith is not based on a fleeting idea but on an eternal, unchangeable purpose of the omniscient Creator.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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;

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