Ephesians 3:3

How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

How that {G3754} by {G2596} revelation {G602} he made known {G1107} unto me {G3427} the mystery {G3466};(as {G2531} I wrote afore {G4270} in {G1722} few words {G3641},

and that it was by a revelation that this secret plan was made known to me. I have already written about it briefly,

that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.

how that by revelation was made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote before in few words,

Commentary

Ephesians 3:3 introduces a pivotal concept in Paul’s letter: the divine origin of his understanding of the gospel, particularly regarding the inclusion of Gentiles. Paul emphasizes that his grasp of this profound truth came directly by divine revelation, not through human teaching or speculation. This verse sets the stage for his detailed explanation of "the mystery" that follows.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's prayer and exposition concerning his unique apostleship to the Gentiles. In Ephesians 3:1, he identifies himself as "the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles," highlighting his suffering for their sake. He then proceeds to explain the privilege and responsibility of his commission. Verse 3 serves as the foundation, asserting that his knowledge of this "mystery" is not of human origin, but a direct unveiling from God himself. The subsequent verses (Ephesians 3:4-6) elaborate on precisely what this mystery entails: that the Gentiles are "fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel."

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation: The passage stresses that spiritual understanding, especially concerning God's plan for humanity, often comes through direct divine disclosure. Paul's authority as an apostle was rooted in this direct communication from Christ (Galatians 1:1).
  • The "Mystery" of Christ: This term (Greek: musterion) in Pauline theology does not mean something incomprehensible, but rather a truth previously hidden from human understanding and now unveiled by God. In this context, it specifically refers to the inclusion of Gentiles as fellow heirs and co-members of the body of Christ, alongside Jewish believers, through the gospel.
  • Apostolic Authority: Paul's claim of direct revelation underscores the authenticity and authority of his message, particularly his mission to preach to the uncircumcised (Galatians 2:7).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "revelation" is apokalupsis, from which we get "apocalypse." It literally means "an uncovering" or "an unveiling," emphasizing that something previously concealed is now made visible or known. The term "mystery," musterion, signifies a divine secret that God has now chosen to reveal, particularly through Christ and the apostles. It's not a puzzle to be solved by human intellect, but a truth to be received by faith through God's gracious disclosure.

Practical Application

Ephesians 3:3 reminds believers that profound spiritual truths are often divinely revealed and not merely discovered through human wisdom. It encourages us to seek God for understanding and to value the written Word, which contains these revealed mysteries. For us today, "the mystery" of Gentile inclusion is a foundational truth of the Church, highlighting God's boundless grace that extends to all people, breaking down divisions and uniting diverse individuals into one body in Christ (Ephesians 2:14).

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Cross-References

  • Galatians 1:12 (20 votes)

    For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

  • Romans 16:25 (16 votes)

    ¶ 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,

  • Ephesians 1:9 (12 votes)

    Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

  • Ephesians 1:11 (12 votes)

    In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

  • Ephesians 3:9 (11 votes)

    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:

  • Ephesians 3:4 (9 votes)

    Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

  • Colossians 1:26 (9 votes)

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