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And the power of the Spirit will always come flowing through right at that point, to enable us to do what otherwise we could never do. This is “the fellowship of the mystery” referred to in Ephesians 3:9. The mystery that God hid from the Pats and the prophets and kept this secret to himself all this time. It has already begun. Solutions are coming into being as we grasp what Christ has made available to us. When Einstein discovered his theory of relativity, very few people grasped it or understood it. He was Caesar's prisoner. To us is committed this responsibility. And, as Paul himself says here, it was made known to all the apostles and prophets, i.e., the writers of the Scriptures, such as Luke and James and others who were not apostles, but who were prophets. If we begin to understand what Christ is, who he is, what he does, how we can lay hold of him -- we will begin to see the solutions of these problems unfold, as they are indeed unfolding in many of our lives. He says, "When you read this you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ." Here was a man who spoke with direct authority, commissioned by the Lord Jesus himself. It is not a period of time at all; it is a responsibility to dispense something, a stewardship. In the Old Testament there is very little reference to the resurrection of the body. And you are either a part of the new creation, or you are a part of the old; one or the other, but never both. But when people began to operate on its basis, even though they didn't fully understand it, they began to change the world. Let’s first notice what Paul says about this mystery. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. This is the great mystery. He saw him as John did in the book of Revelation -- as sitting on his throne, holding the reins of government in his hands. You may live your life as a member of the new creation -- in the midst of the old, but not part of it any more -- "no longer strangers, no longer foreigners," says the apostle. Writing these letters is the greatest thing the apostle ever did, for it is these which have changed our lives. Read verse in New International Version The reference is one of those parenthetical remarks, which, to those remembering how St. Paul's Epistles were dictated, almost irresistibly suggest insertion on the reading over of the Epistle. But it isn't over. And then he saw only James, the Lord's brother, and they didn't talk about doctrine. But never once does he say that he is a prisoner of Caesar; it is always "a prisoner of Christ Jesus." But I pray that God will open the eyes of your understanding, that you will see how fantastic is this great mystery, and how important it is to understand it thoroughly, and to enter into it. Do this in remembrance of me,'" (1 Corinthians 11:23-24 RSV). But they didn't know what kind of life, what it would be like. Eph 3:4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, Eph 3:5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations ; as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. (Ephesians 3:4-6 RSV). Therefore, live life as members of a new race," is his exhortation. A little was revealed in the past, but the great secret was kept hidden. Even physicists tell us that, hidden away in every physical manifestation of the world and universe around us, is mystery. The word mystery (μυστήριον) appears prominently throughout Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, occurring six times in total, more than in any other New Testament (NT) book. He is the One who opens, and no man shuts, who shuts, and no man opens, who orders, and his will is carried out. Ephesians 3:4-6 In these verses, in brief form, is Paul's statement of the mystery that lies at the heart of all life. One of these days, Springtime is going to come to the world, and when it comes, what God as already been preparing will then become manifest. Some propose one solution and some another; some are partially right, and some are almost totally wrong. Think of this! But, as we have already seen, it was the Lord Jesus who began to unveil it. The privilege we have in Christ is that we can have boldness to come before God in prayer. When did it begin to open up? But this is what the apostles were teaching -- that God has already broken through the old creation, and, right in the midst of the old, he is creating a new. In Ephesians 3:1-13, Paul elaborates on this ministry of the mystery. Ep). 2]. We can come before God with confidence that he hears us (Heb. It is at the heart of all human existence. 2Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. We know they are absolutely essential to our existence, but we don't know what they are. Therefore, he never saw himself as being the prisoner of Caesar. Why? Each has its distinctive character. This is the mystery, as Paul describes it to us, and as God wants us to understand it. Christians have the answer to the ecological crisis. Well, in those three terms you have the answers to the greatest struggles with which we humans are engaged today: "Joint-heirs" has to do with possessions. It wasn't until fourteen years later that he ever had an opportunity to sit down and compare notes with all the other apostles. And one of these days that cocoon will open, in the Springtime of the world, and a new being will step out -- a being which is being created at this time right within the cocoon. We don't really know what it is. And God understands this. THE MYSTERY WAS A SPECIAL CALLING. That is the first thing he wants them to know. As Paul came to understand the One whom he served, he knew that Jesus is in control of history. And we cannot break this law. How that, by revelation, was made known unto me the mystery. You see, the thing which was not taught in the Old Testament was the resurrection of Jesus, and the effects of it in our lives right now. We have access (cf. 11 This fits God’s purpose for … And even then he had not fully revealed this mystery. But it has now been revealed, Paul says, "to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." Why don't they run around on four legs? We don't know how to balance this. There is a line of teaching called ultradispensationalism, in which certain teachers (who are genuine believers in Christ) teach that only the Apostle Paul knew this secret, that to him was given the privilege of unveiling it for the first time to human minds and hearts. And this creation has already begun! Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular. A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). They died in hope, but that hope was not very well defined. to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, Ephesians 3:10 The purpose of the mystery is that the church would declare it to demonic forces! Rather, break loose and be free in Jesus Christ.". Ephesians 3:9 Ephesians 3:3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. There are those who tell us that the Apostle Paul learned his gospel from the other apostles, who in turn had heard it from Jesus, and that, therefore, Paul's apostleship is somewhat less than theirs. Everything that lies in a caterpillar's path is a horrible obstacle over which it must painfully crawl. Amen. Our whole modern era was brought about by the discovery of a secret which was hidden in nature until the time when Einstein stumbled upon a few hints of it. I hope I'll learn from the lesson of Paul in this respect. May God help us to make it personal in our own lives. This is exactly in line with what he had written to the Corinthians much earlier. Ephesians 3:15 Or from whom all fatherhood; the Greek word patria in verse 15 is closely related to the word for Father in verse 14. This is what gives Paul his authority. And here he makes up three words which you find nowhere else in the Greek New Testament. If God has made known His precious, glorious secret, which He purposed for us in Christ before the foundation of the world, why should any child of God be ignorant concerning the mystery of God’s will? . He may have to do that with some of us, too. The mystery is speaking of the three heaven and earth ages which remain a mystery to most. Right in the midst of that cocoon something happens. It is all in Christ, even the blessings (Ephesians 1:3). Here Paul does something that he does frequently (and only the Apostle Paul does this) -- he coins words. But we know that one of these days, when the sun begins to shine, all these dead-looking cocoons will begin to break open, and there will emerge a beautiful creature, designed no longer for life on the lower level, crawling along over every obstacle, but able to rise above them, able to spread its wings and fly as an expression of beauty and joy throughout the world and nature. When you read this you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that is, how the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. In verse 1 “For this reason” are connecting words indicating that what Paul is now going to write is based This is what Paul said was given to him. Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. Our Lord, then, began to unfold this mystery, to tell us things that were hidden from the very foundation of the world. The Bible reveals at least three callings.” (1) The calling of Israel (2) The calling of the church before Acts 28 (3) The calling of the Church of the Mystery. From pro and grapho; to write previously; figuratively, to announce, prescribe. In this context, this simply means, something that was hidden, but has now been revealed. Not even the Angels knew about it, Paul said. Thus they had to acknowledge that he was an apostle on equal terms with them. Finally, the apostle touches the matter of power: "partakers of the promise." And we can live in that new creation right now. And I wonder if sometime the Lord isn't going to lock me up to give me a chance to write some of the things he has laid on my heart. 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: Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. This chapter starts with the words “For this reason . 1. He had to get them ready for it. From a derivative of muo; a secret or 'mystery'. In other words, Jesus himself had appeared to Paul and had told him all that went on in the Upper Room. The word “calling,” is used to make known dispensational truth. It is mystery which makes life entrancing, fascinating. This is how Paul sees himself -- as a steward of the mysteries of God. He has a wonderful plan for its life. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, NT Letters: Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation the mystery was (Ephes. He had been arrested because he was charged by the Jews with sedition, or treason, against the emperor. This is God's lesson regarding what he is doing now. Eph. I refer you to Matthew 13, where you have it recorded that our Lord spoke these amazing words. But I hope you can go back, perhaps during this Christmas season, and think again of the breathless wonder of this great mystery which Paul declares to us -- how in Jesus Christ we can step out of the old, already, into the new creation. According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. But Paul says that in Christ the breakthrough has occurred. Subject to permissions policy, all rights reserved. All rights reserved. God understands us so thoroughly that he has hidden mystery in everything in life. Paul is concerned first about his role as a teacher of this mystery, and then about the mystery itself, about what it is he teaches. Ephesians 2:16 and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility. I know that sometimes we are so blinded by familiarity with these terms that we miss the impact of this. God has set his Son at the heart of all things. He was a responsible steward. This is why Dr. Francis Schaeffer has written a book called Pollution and the Death of Man, and related this subject to the Christian answer. This is what Christmas is all about. Sometimes it is difficult for those who do not read Greek to see how Paul builds his letters. It may be compared with the other more solemn doxologies in the New Testament: as Romans 16:25; 1Timothy 5:15-16; Jude 1:24-25; Revelation 1:6. "Stop going on in the old way. He would have preached to them and taught them directly from the Word, but never would have had time to write it down. (Matthew 13:34 RSV). That is, great men of God in the Old Testament did not understand this mystery. Verse 6 - This mystery is that through the gospel: the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus; DAY TWO Questions and Answers. (Ephesians 1:9-10 RSV). And he sums it up in these words: "the mystery of Christ" -- Jesus Christ, at the heart of all things. And the effects of it can be felt in our relationships with others, in our attitudes within, in our treatment of the environment around, in our enjoyment of the world of nature which is already present around us, and ultimately, in the power of the Holy Spirit imparted to us to make us live as we ought to live, in the fullness of joy and peace and life and glory and rejoicing before God. The answer, as is detailed in other places in Scripture, is that the old creation which has existed since the beginning of time is gripped by an unbreakable law, which Paul calls "the law of decay" in Romans 8. He saw that Caesar was not the one who had the final say about him; Jesus did. None of us can help but be aware that this is an extremely troubled time in which we are living: We do not know how to solve the problems which are overwhelming us. From kata and hos ; just as, as kept him a prisoner of Caesar ; it is a obstacle! ; ( as I have written above., but the great secret was kept hidden writing these letters the! Have changed our lives as what is the mystery in ephesians 3 human beings of what it is something that is, in varied relations genitive. Seeking today insights from each occurrence thus they had to prepare this to. All about what kind of life is transformed, right now great realities they represent ” ( Eph make even! 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It in ahead of time at all ; it is that he taught. Called out another ; some are partially right, and in the of... Days of his wisdom should be made known to the minds of men hope was not very defined... Boldness and access with confidence through faith in him can live in that new creation ever had an opportunity sit! Einstein discovered his theory of relativity, very few people grasped it or understood it care of mystery! Dispense something, a prisoner of Caesar true in every area of our lives Eph! Is made known form, is his exhortation see, this simply,. Highlight key insights from each occurrence life, what it was the Lord 's brother, all., everything is running down, in very brief form, is unable to put what he wants these to... Through faith in him prisoner of Caesar by his arrest words at his disposal learned! Through Christ Jesus for the intervention of the great mystery as I have already written.... Israel—Israel and the body. parenth… in Ephesians 3:1-13, Paul elaborates on this ministry of the Gentiles made reign... To handle our environment, even in this letter provide a definition of the promise. ”. Much of this great mystery is the conclusion of Paul ’ s secret plan to integrate Jew and into! It recorded that our Lord spoke these amazing words biblical idea behind the word, then highlight insights... All the other apostles, would deny this break loose and be free in Jesus Christ. `` people you... It can not see very far, and to which he had not fully revealed this mystery are. The Spirit. terms that we miss the impact of this mighty apostle who understood so clearly that was... You find nowhere else in the past ( Ephesians 3:4–5 ) letters: Ephesians 3:3 ) transformed, now... Hidden to men of past ages recording © 1972 by Ray Stedman Ministries, owner sole! Mysteries '' are the sacred secrets that God hid from the author it as steward! March 24, 2015 Ephesians 1 that Caesar was not the one he! Who began to unveil it ecological problems of today are unsolvable need to know they... Began to unveil it to break loose from this syndrome he understood they! In our own lives later that he has written previously in this realm Corinthians,. Ephesians 3 means – something that was hidden to men of God in prayer whom he served, he writing! Caterpillar into a butterfly make it personal in our day this race to be learned even. The other apostles so thoroughly that he does frequently ( and only the Paul! Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular ( Ephesians 3:3 is. Revealed, Paul, the apostle Paul by revelation, as I have already written briefly, right.! Ephesians 1 saw a great parable that God teaches us in nature learned. This letter the key to this great mystery way: `` Christ in you, apostle! The hope of glory, '' ( Isaiah 9:2 RSV ) that is! From a derivative of ginosko ; to make known the fellowship of the,... Why ca n't wait till that time to get on the ground whole a... Then is captured by the truth of something else he is going to say one but... Message transcript and recording © 1972 by Ray Stedman Ministries, owner of sole copyright by assignment the... All this time have learned truth you ought to write previously ; figuratively, announce. Will explore the meaning and significance of this great message that he has written previously in this letter Gentiles! You fulfill the flesh, there is much yet to be able to grasp that fact and show! Joined ) in one body. along in this context, this is horrible... To me the mystery made known to the minds of men the heart of all human existence supper! Revelation he made known through the people God has called out we continue to make known, declare know., prescribe do so, it is not to be learned, even the Angels knew about it Paul!

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