"The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law" (Deut 29:29).
"The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him” (Ps 25: 14).
The Greek “musterion” translated “mystery,” actually means “secret.” The verb mueoo, “to conceal,” that is, the sound made by closing the lips, to mute;[1] the Greek mustees refers to “one initiated” into “a revealed secret.” A “mystery” has reference to some operation or plan of God previously unrevealed. It does not carry the idea of a secret to be withheld, but of one to be published. It has the idea of information known to those on the inside, but hidden to those who are without (Mark 4:11) and to information which has been kept secret, veiled, even to the point of being considered sacred (Rom 16:25-26).
Donald Rumsfeld: “There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we now know we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we do not know we don’t know. Each year we discover a few more unknown unknowns.” Press Conference at NATO Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium, June 6, 2002.
The Manifestation of the Mystery
What is this mystery? What are God’s secrets never revealed?
a. God has some secrets that He never reveals. Deuteronomy 29:29 says, "The secret things belong unto the LORD...." This is where our intelligence ends and God's begins.
b. God has some secrets that He reveals only to special people. Psalm 25:14 tells who these special people are: "The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him." Proverbs 3:32 adds, "His secret is with the righteous." There are some things that only God knows, and some things that He only reveals to the righteous--those who believe in God, those who are committed to Him, those in whom the Holy Spirit dwells in this age, the children of God. The second half of Deuteronomy 29:29b clarifies that the “secret things belong unto the Lord,” but “the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever.” This involves observing “all the words of this law.” God’s revelation belongs to our children forever.
Deut 6:6-7 - And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up (NKJV).
Josh 8:34-35 - And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and the cursings, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. 35 There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded which Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel, with the women, the little ones, and the strangers who were living among them (NKJV cf. Neh 8:1-2).
c. God has some secrets which He hid in the past but has revealed to all the saints in the New Testament. These are the mysteries. So when you see the word mystery in the Bible, it refers to something that was never revealed in the Old Testament to anybody, but is now revealed in the New Testament to everybody who is a Christian.
Job 11:7 - "Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty? (NKJV).
Rom 11:33-36 - 33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! 34 "For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?" 35 'Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him?" 36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen (NKJV).
Col 2:18-19 - 18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God (NKJV).
The term mystery, moreover, refers not only to a previously hidden truth that is now revealed, but also contains a supernatural element that still remains even with the revelation.
Verse 26 looks something like this: "Even the things hidden from the Old Testament saints, which have been hidden from times and generations, but are now made manifest to the New Testament saints." You say, "What is this mystery which is now revealed?"
There are many things that God keeps as a secret from us. There are many things that God reveals to us. God forbids us from speculating about the secret things. At the same time, He encourages us to seek to know Him better. He encourages us to enter into the glories that He has revealed. He wants us to appropriate what He has freely given. We walk well below our privilege because we fail to appropriate our blessing. When we have been faithful in little, He will bless us with more.
God's secrets, counsels and purposes are not known to man apart from His special revelation in Scripture or by his prophets (Dan. 2:18-23; 27-30).
Dan 2:18-23 - 18 that they might seek mercies from the God of heaven concerning this secret, so that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. So Daniel blessed the God of heaven. 20 Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. 21 And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. 22 He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him. 23 "I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of You, for You have made known to us the king's demand" (NKJV).
Dan 2:27-30 - 27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, "The secret which the king has demanded, the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, and the soothsayers cannot declare to the king. 28 But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream, and the visions of your head upon your bed, were these: 29 As for you, O king, thoughts came to your mind while on your bed, about what would come to pass after this; and He who reveals secrets has made known to you what will be. 30 But as for me, this secret has not been revealed to me because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but for our sakes who make known the interpretation to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart (NKJV).
In most cases in the New Testament the secrets refer to church truth which was not known in Old Testament times, but has been revealed in the New Testament (cf. Eph. 3:1-9).
1 Peter 1:10-12 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven — things which angels desire to look into (NKJV).
The mysteries revealed in the New Testament are the mysteries of the Old Testament, but in the New Testament God’s people have the mysteries revealed, making the Old Testament meaningful. Paul is not talking about secret teaching, rites, or ceremony hidden from the masses and only revealed to an exclusive group of people, such as the mystical use of mystery in the Babylonian mystery religions. Paul’s use of the term “mystery” is merely something that was hidden in the past and is now revealed.
Stewarding the Mysteries
I Cor 4:1-2 - Let a man so consider us, as servants (hyperetes) of Christ and stewards (oikonomos) of the mysteries (musterion) of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful (NKJV).
Col 1:25 - Of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints” (NKJV).
What a remarkable statement by Paul, to the Corinthian church. The words “servant,” “mystery” and “stewardship” are loaded into one verse. Thus, this truly reflects the believer’s life in Christ. There are three main points: (1) the identification as a servant of Christ; (2) the responsibility of a steward, and (3) applying the characteristics of being both a ‘servant’ of Christ and a ‘steward’ of the mystery of God at the same time. Note the following from Stephen Kaung's book, Stewards of the Mysteries of God:
We know the duty of God's servants is to be faithful to the stewardship of God's mysteries. They are to manage God's mysteries. If they can faithfully manage God's mysteries, then they will be regarded as faithful servants. If they fail to manage God's mysteries faithfully, they will be considered as evil servants. We may say it this way: The management of God's mysteries tests our faithfulness to the Lord. Whether or not we are serving God on this earth depends on what we are managing. If our management is not God's mysteries, then we are not considered as doing God's work. If what we manage is God's mysteries, then we are indeed faithful servants of God. In order to manage God's mysteries, we have to first know God's mysteries. We cannot manage what we do not know.
Steward: In Paul’s thought, someone who is a “steward“ (Gr. oikonomos) is literally a manager of a household. Think of this term in the light of Joseph (Gen. 39). He had all authority over Potiphar’s house, goods, and slaves. Even though Joseph was “accountable” to Potiphar for these things, he literally became a guardian of someone else’s possessions. Joseph was appointed to this position. As Christians, we know we are supposed to be accountable for the things that the good Lord has given to us, especially being elected into His family. We are stewards of the mystery of God, and what is that mystery? The mystery is the fulfillment of the Scriptures in Christ. God from time in eternity past had ordained and decreed that He would redeem mankind through His Son. This in the minds of theologians is designated as “salvation history.” The continuity of the OT has a message continuous with the NT: Christ as the Messiah was the fulfillment of the prophetic Scriptures of the Old Testament.
Servant: What does Paul imply with the word “servant” (hyperetes)? A steward is a manager. Paul explained to the Corinthians that Messiah's ministers are appointed by God to reveal, to steward, to safeguard, to dispense and even to manage God's truths in a responsible and faithful way. Paul, Peter, Apollos and every disciple has been entrusted with the very revelations of God Almighty. The management of God's mysteries is our honor and solemn duty. In this verse and context, the Greek word hyperetes is used, unlike the usual word doulos that mean bond-servant, slave, and one who is purchased. The difference is that the word hyperetes is mainly translated as a servant-helper, officer, or attendant. The word literally means an “under-rower” (hyper). In the war ships, two levels of rowers existed--an upper level and a lower level, the most menial level. This designation implies an underling or someone who attends to the needs of a higher official, especially an official who designates some type of judgment, as in a magistrate. Since Christ is our King, we serve Him as an underling, we’ve been appointed to office. The first century underling was someone who made sure that the King’s decrees were being held to a high standard and respected. It becomes clear that Paul’s correlation between the two (steward and servant) have a specific meaning, which are tied together.
Mystery: What is a mystery? Of course, in the biblical sense it's not an Agatha Christie "who-done-it." The Greek word "musterion" means something previously hidden, but now fully revealed. In the New Testament, "mystery" always means any doctrine that has not, in former times, been made fully known to men. This word is found 27 times in the New Testament. It is a truth hidden within God himself.
C. G. Moule described that in a biblical context, a mystery is "'a truth undiscoverable except by revelation…it is a thing only to be known when revealed."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown: "Mystery" in Scripture means, not what remains always a secret, but that which is for a while hidden, but in due time manifested.
Dake's Annotated Reference Bible explains the phrase "stewards of the mysteries of God" as "administrators of Gospel truths of God." We are supposed to be administrators of Gospel truth. In order to be administrators of Gospel truth, we must first be apt to teach; we must be able to correctly divide the Word because the Scriptures dwell in us richly!
When Paul proclaims that people “should regard us” in a certain way, he was making a point that the Christian walk is separate from the world’s way. In the Greek, Paul utilizes the word logizomai (regard), this word can be translated meaning; to keep a mental record, reason or think about, or have an opinion.
“Mystery” in some passages has reference to a symbol, allegory, or parable, which conceals its meaning from those who only take it in a literal, physical sense and they miss the spiritual or metaphoric meaning, the hidden or mystical sense (Mark 4:11; Revelation 1:20; 17:5, 7). From this it follows that Christianity has no secret doctrines, for what was once hidden has now been revealed. But here arises a seeming contradiction. The mystery revealed to some would seem to be still concealed from others.
Jesus spoke in parables and symbolic forms to veil the concealed truth from those outside the kingdom, but those with a kingdom mindset would discover the key to its inner meaning (Matt 13:35; John 16:29). There is no esoteric doctrine or intentional holding things in reserve in the New Testament. On the one hand, the doctrines of Christ and of His Kingdom are hidden from the worldly wise and the prudent (Matt 11:25; 1 Cor 2:6 ff), and from all who are outside the kingdom (Matt 13:11-15). There are truths withheld even from Christians while in an elementary stage of development (1 Cor 3:1ff; Heb 5:11-14).
On the other hand, there are many passages in which the truths of revelation are said to be freely and unreservedly communicated to all (Matt 10:27; 28:19; Acts 20:20, 27; 2 Cor 3:12 f; Eph 3:9, 6:19ff; Col 1:28; 1 Tim 2:4). The explanation is that the communication is limited, not by any secrecy in the gospel message itself, but by the receptive capacity, or incapacity, of the hearer. In the case of the carnally-minded, moral obtuseness or worldliness may make them blind to the light which shines on them (2 Cor 4:2-4). In the case of the “babe in Christ,” the apparent gap may be due to immaturity in the word, and also to the teaching principle of adapting God’s truth to the increasing receptivity of the disciple (John 16:12ff).
The most common meaning in the New Testament is that which is so characteristic of Paul, namely, a divine truth once hidden, but now revealed.
Rom 16:25-26 - 25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began 26 but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith(NKJV).
What, then, is the content of the Christian "mystery"? In a wide sense it is the whole gospel, God's world-embracing purpose of redemption through Christ (e.g. Rom 16:25; Eph 6:19; Col 2:2; 1 Tim 3:9). In a special sense it is applied to some specific doctrine or aspect of the gospel, such as the doctrine of the Cross (1 Cor 2:1,7), of the incarnation (1 Tim 3:16), of the indwelling of Christ as the pledge of immortality (Col 1:27), of the temporary unbelief of the Jews to be followed by their final restoration (Rom 11:25), of the transformation of the saints who will live to see the Second Advent (1 Cor 15:51), and of the inclusion of the Gentiles in the gospel of salvation (Eph 3:3-6).
Mystery: Two Becoming One
In the New Testament, the unique nature of the “mystery” as taught by the apostles was that of two entities becoming one. Mystery has to do with things that were previously veiled, but have now been revealed, and things that are diverse coming supernaturally together.
1) The incarnation is a mystery because the two natures – deity and humanity – have been conjoined in one person (1 Tim. 316).
2) Marriage is a mystery because the two – husband and wife, or Christ and the church – become one flesh (Eph. 5:32).
3) The church is a mystery as well (Eph. 3:8) because in it the two people groups of the old world – Jew and Gentile – are married together into Christ. They become one flesh, one body, one new man.
Thus, the “mystery” of the kingdom in view has to do with the transition from Old Covenant to New Covenant and with the exalted status of the Gentiles (along with the remnant of believing Israel) in the new age. The kingdom mystery is the uniting of believing Jew and Gentile into a new covenant community that fulfills the prophetic vision.
List of the Mysteries
1. Mystery: The Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God (Matt 13:11; Mk 4:11; Lk 8:11). Jesus taught about the mystery of the Kingdom of God to his disciples three times: "It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven." To others He declared, "All things come in parables" (Mark 4:11). What are the mysteries of the kingdom? To name just a few: Salvation by faith in the atonement of Jesus--the free gift of God! The baptism in the Holy Spirit. Healing is in the Atonement. The laws of use, reciprocity, favor, etc. A believer as a disciple of Christ is to understand the mystery.
Matt 13:10-14 - And the disciples came and said to Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?" 11 He answered and said to them, "Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand (NKJV).
Luke 8:10 - And He said, "To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that 'Seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand' (NKJV).
Mark 4:10-12 - But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable. 11 And He said to them, "To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables, 12 so that 'Seeing they may see and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand; lest they should turn, and their sins be forgiven them'" (NKJV).
In Mark 4:11-12, the mystery of the kingdom is that most of Israel is bad soil and will not receive the word of Jesus. This is why Jesus cites Isaiah 6; He is explaining why his messianic mission to Israel will appear to “fail.” He goes on to promise that Gentiles will come into the kingdom on a massive scale (Mk. 4:26ff). To those receptive "the mysteries," or once hidden things of the kingdom of God, are now known; to the unbelieving they remain "parables," in which they see only the outward shell but do not taste the kernel (1 Cor. 2:9-10, 14-15; Ps. 25:14; 1 Jn. 4:20, 27; John 15:15). The parables are designed to rouse the carnal mind to search and reflect; Jesus did not begin to use parables until after He had for some time been speaking plainly.
2. Mystery: “Mysteries” and “Knowledge” (I Cor 13:2). God’s deep counsels are secret, but now known. Love's power is greater than knowledge, which tends to puff up (I Cor 8:1). Knowledge refers to truths long known.
1 Cor 13:2 - And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing (NKJV).
Matt 11:25-28 - 25 At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. 26 Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him (NKJV).
3. Mystery: Speaking in Unknown Tongues. A prayer language is not the same as public prophecy, which should be readily understood; prayer language refers to unintelligible syllables that creating wonder.
1 Cor 14:2 - For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries (NKJV).
4. Mystery: Holding the Mystery of the Faith with a Pure Conscience (I Tim 3:9). Paul made this a part of qualifying for deaconing ministry in the congregation.
1 Tim 3:8-10 - Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless (NKJV).
5. Mystery: God's Will (Eph 1:9). The dispensation of the fullness of the times as mentioned in the New Testament book of Ephesians was never mentioned in the Old Testament.
Eph 1:7-10 - In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth — in Him (NKJV).
6. Mystery: Hidden Wisdom, Knowledge, and Prudence of God Revealed in the Saints (I Cor 2:6-7; Col 2:3; Eph 1:8). The wisdom of God is the gospel of Jesus which was hidden up to the time of its revelation and which God ordained before this age for us. None of the rulers of this world knew this revelation. Also prophets searched diligently to understand what they prophesied about it, and even angels desired to comprehend it. Such mystery is now made clear through the preaching of the apostles and the revelation of the Scriptures primarily by Paul in the New Testament.
1 Cor 2:6-7 - However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature… 7 We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory (NKJV).
Col 2:2-3 - That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (NKJV).
Eph 1:7-8 - In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence (NKJV).
The false science of our present evil age tries to mystify all of this, but there is no mystery here. These are the plain facts of the spiritual realm and the earthly realm. This false science uses made-up information to declare that the spiritual realm is outside the sphere of science. By doing this, they experience premature closure of their inquiry. They fail to take the spiritual realm into account. Many things are beyond human comprehension at the present time, but there will come a time when God will reveal them.
1 Cor 2:6-8 - 6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (NKJV).
1 Tim 6:20-21 – 20 O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge — 21 by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith (NKJV).
7. Mystery: Godliness, God Manifest in the Flesh (I Tim 3:16; Col 2:2-3, 9; John 1:1-3, 14). The most primary part of the mystery was the appearance of God manifested in the flesh; his name was Jesus. The mystery of godliness is the process by which man becomes God-like in character through the person, work and life of Jesus Christ as He is faithfully proclaimed and defended by the church of Jesus Christ.
1 Tim 3:16a - And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh . . . (NKJV).
Col 2:2-3, 9 - That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. … 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power (NKJV).
John 1:1-3, 14 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. … 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth (NKJV).
8. Mystery: The Gospel of Salvation in Christ (Eph 6:18-20; Rom 16:25-26). Here Paul makes a prayer request for three things for Gospel preachers: for inspired utterance, boldness and clarity in sharing truth.
Eph 6:18-20 - Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints — 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak (NKJV).
Rom 16:25-27 - Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began 26 but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith — 27 to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen (NKJV).
9. Mystery: Christ Himself (Eph 3:3-4; Col 4:4). It is incredible that Christ dwells in our hearts by faith, the living God dwells within us, enabling us to know His love. It was Paul’s prayer that all of the available resource and power of God would be used in our lives. That's the subject of the ministry. The hope for man's honor now, and the guarantee for man's honor or glory in the future, is the indwelling Christ. He is power now, and the guarantor of future security with Him.
Eph 3:3-4 - How that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) (NKJV).
Eph 3:17-19 - That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height —19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God (NKJV).
Col 4:2-4 - Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak (NKJV).
John 6:53-57 - Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. 56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me (NKJV).
In other words, Jesus is asserting that if you will partake in My death spiritually (by accepting My death on the cross for you), and believe in My atoning blood (by accepting the sacrifice for sin that I made on the cross), then I will come and live in you.
John 14:16-18 - 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever — 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
10. Mystery: The Resurrection (I Cor 15:51, 53-57). There will come a day when death is swallowed up in victory and mortality puts on immortality at the sound of the last trumpet; quoting from Isaiah 25:8 and Hosea 13:14.
1 Cor 15:51, 53-57 - Behold, I tell you a mystery: … 53 the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." 55 "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (NKJV).
11. Mystery: That Which Has Been Hidden in Ages Past Is Now Revealed (Col 1:26).The word "ages" means "times," and "generations" means "people."
Col 1:26 - The mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints (NKJV).
Eph 3:4-5 – …by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ, which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets… (NKJV).
Generations past didn't know this truth; it was a mystery. It had to be “revealed.” It should be noted how closely "mystery" is associated with “revelation” (apokalupsis), as well as with words of similar import, e.g. “to make known” (Eph 1:9; 3:3, 5, 10; 6:19), “to manifest” (Col 4:3-4; Rom 16:26; 1 Tim 3:16). “Mystery” correlates with “revelation;” they are almost synonymous terms.
The mysteries of Christianity are its revealed doctrines, in contrast to the wisdom of worldly philosophy (see especially 1 Cor 2; compare Matt 11:25 ff). The contrast is not that the latter cannot be understood while the former is obscure, but that the latter is the product of intellectual research, while the former is the result of Divine revelation and is spiritually discerned.
12. Mystery: God’s Will to Unite All Things in Christ (Eph 1:9-10; Phil 2:9-11; Isa 45:22-23). Paul mentions the mystery of Christ no less than five times in Ephesians (Eph. 1:9, 3:3, 3:4, 3:9, 5:32, and 6:11). The first mention in Ephesians 1:9-10 focuses on God’s will to unite all things in Christ in the dispensation of fullness.
Eph 1:9-10 - Having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth — in Him (NKJV).
Phil 2:9-11 - Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (NKJV).
Isa 45:22-23 - Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. 23 I have sworn by Myself; the word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath (NKJV).
13. Mystery: The Administration of the Grace of God (Eph 3:1-3). Paul is showing us in Eph 3:1-3 how to administer the “mystery of Christ” as God’s stewards. Paul is saying that this “mystery of Christ” was given to him by revelation, no doubt while he was at Mount Sinai in Arabia shortly after his conversion. A “mystery” is a secret or hidden thing, so Paul says that this was not known to others, at least not in the clarity and manner in which it has now been revealed to the apostles and prophets since the day of Pentecost (3:4-6).
Eph 3:1-3 - For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles — 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (NKJV).
Eph 3:1-3 - For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— 2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly (NIV).
14. Mystery: Gentiles Are Fellow Heirs with Jews (Eph 3:4-6). The mystery of Christ was not made known to generations past, but is revealed in the New Testament days. This truth was witnessed by Peter in regard to Cornelius, the first Gentile convert (Acts 10:34-35) and quoted by James at the Jerusalem conference (Acts 15:13-17).
Eph 3:4-6 - By which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel (NKJV).
Acts 10:34-35 - Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. …” 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also (NKJV).
Acts 15:13-17 - And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me: 14 Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: 16 'After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; 17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the Lord who does all these things.’” (NKJV).
Amos 9:11-12 - On that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, and repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old; 12 That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all the Gentiles who are called by My name," says the Lord who does this thing (NKJV).
15. Mystery: The Unsearchable Riches in Christ and the Fellowship in the Mystery (Eph 3:7-9; 6:19; Col 4:3).
Eph 3:7-11 – I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power. 8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ (NKJV).
Another thing that the Jews never saw in the Old Testament was “the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles.” They may have understood the Messiah's relationship to Israel, but they never understood the relationship of an indwelling Messiah to the Gentiles--the mystery of the church.
16. Mystery: God’s Wisdom in Christ Made Known by the Church to Principalities and Powers (Eph 3:7, 8, 10-11).
Eph 3:7-11 – 7 I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power. 8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles … 10 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, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord (NKJV).
Col 4:3-4 – 3 Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak (NKJV).
17. Mystery: The Bride of Christ (Eph 5:32-33; Revelation 21:9). The “mystery,” a sacred secret revealed, is that Christian marriage parallels the union that exists spiritually between Christ and His bride, the Church. The Church, Body of Christ and the Bride of Christ are one in the same to be married to Christ after the rapture of the Church.
Eph 5:32-33 - This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband (NKJV).
Rev 21:9 - Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, "Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife." 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.
18. Mystery: Christ Indwelling Men; Christ’s Residence in Believers (Col 1:24-27). The mystery of the indwelling of Christ as the hope of glory or spiritual deliverance by the power of the indwelling Christ (Col. 1:26-27; 2:2). The second part of the mystery was the filling of believers with the Holy Spirit. This is often referred to as having “Christ in you,” being “in Christ,” or “Christ lives in me.” In the Old Testament, the Jews knew that the Messiah was coming, but they never knew that the Messiah would indwell the very bodies of His people. They didn't know that our bodies would become the temple of the living God.They were preoccupied with the physical temple in Jerusalem.
Col 1:24-28 - I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (NKJV).
Gal 2:20-21 - I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me (NKJV).
The mystery Paul is talking about here is the mystery of the indwelling Christ—Christ in you. New Testament ministry is telling people that the living God wants to come and dwell in their lives. The mystery is that Jew and Gentile are made fellow heirs to receive and possess God within them. What is “the hope of glory”? It is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). The only glory that a man could ever have--now or in the future--is obtained only when Christ is dwelling within him. God wants to live in you.
19. Mystery: The Seven Stars; Seven Candlesticks; Seven Churches (Revelation 1:20). These were seven literal churches in John's day but they also prophetically represent different phases of the entire Church age. The seven churches correspond with the seven parables of Matthew 13.
Rev 1:11-20 - Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. 19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. 20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches (NKJV).
20. Mystery: The Translation of the Church. The early church anticipated a translation of the church.
1 Thess 4:15-17 - For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord (NKJV).
1 Cor 15:51-52 - Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed (NKJV).
21. Mystery: The Jews and the Gentiles (Rom 11:25-26) - Paul announces that it is his calling (as apostle to the Gentiles) to make this once-secret mystery public by proclaiming it far and wide. In Romans 11:25-26, we find the mystery has to do with the “dance” of Jew and Gentile as one people group. The Gentiles are grafted in, with the ultimate goal that both people groups would experience redemption together in the same covenant tree.
22. Mystery: Israel's Temporary Partial Blindness and the Way to Salvation (Rom 11:25-26). The secret revealed is the spiritual blindness of Israel until Messiah comes, when physical Israel will be restored. The mystery of God’s purpose for Israel’s blindness (Rom 11:1-25).
Rom 11:21-27 - For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. 22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. 23 And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? 25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; 27 For this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins (NKJV).
23. Mystery: Gentiles Included in the Church (Eph 3:8-11; Col 1:27). Paul explains that he was made a prisoner for the cause of preaching that Gentiles are made equal with Jews in Christ. This mystery of the church describes the body of Christ where Jew and Gentile become one new man in Christ (Eph. 3:1-11; 2:11f). The Body of Christ is the union of Jew and Gentile in the Church Age. The mystery is the revelation that Gentiles are now fellow partakers of the promises with the Jews, so that there is no longer any Jew/Gentile distinction in the New Covenant community. This dynamic transformation of God’s redemptive program was hinted at all along, but the Old Testament clues only become clear in the light of Christ’s finished work.
Eph 3:1-7 - For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles — 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, 7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power (NKJV).
Eph 3:8-12 - To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 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, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him (NKJV).
The mystery is more than simply the inclusion of the Gentiles. It means Jew and Gentile together, in and through Christ, have entered the promised new age and have received the treasures of the kingdom, including access to the heavenly holy place. This is why the lowest New Covenant Gentile believer has a status above and beyond the greatest Old Covenant Jew, John the Baptist (cf. Mt. 11:11).
The mystery involves the fact that Gentiles (ethnos) are “fellow heirs” and “partakers.” The term “fellow heirs” is from the Greek word sunkleronomos, which means a co-heir or joint-heir. Paul uses this term also in Romans 8:17, saying that we are the children of God, “and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.”
Rom 8:16-17 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together (NKJV).
Heb 11:9-10 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God (NKJV).
24. Mystery: The Mystery of God’s Finished Work and the Casting out of Satan (Rev 10:7, 12:7-17). The idea is that time is short and that the fulfillment of the mysterious plan of God will be delayed no longer. The mystery of God, the answer to the age old question, why has God allowed Satan and evil to continue to exist? In Revelation 10:1-7, the mystery appears to be Jesus uniting Jew and Gentile, symbolized by land and sea (cf. Jonah; Isa. 5:30, 17:12-13, 57:20; Jer. 6:23; Lk. 21:25; Rev. 13:1, 11), in inaugurating the New Covenant.
Rev 10:5-7 - The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised up his hand to heaven 6 and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be delay no longer, 7 but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets (NKJV).
Rev 12:7-17 - And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, 8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. 9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. 12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time." 13 Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. 14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. 16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ (NKJV).
Why does God allow Satan and evil to exist? Please note that the answer to this is found in Scripture; it was preached to God's prophets. There are two key parts to this answer. (1) To resolve the angelic warfare, to answer and demonstrate that Satan, the accuser and slanderer of God's character is wrong in his accusations and that he is worthy of God's judgment for his sin. (2) To demonstrate God's patience and love, and to provide ample opportunity for men to come to Christ (2 Pet. 3:7-8). So when the angel of Revelation 10:7 says “time shall be no more” he means that when the seventh trumpet sounds, God’s character and sovereignty will bring Satan’s time to an end. In the first century (alpha time), it meant judgment was soon coming on those persecuting believers; in the final time (omega time), God will act swiftly in His season to establish His rule of righteousness on earth.
Jesus is the Angel who appeared to the covenant nation in ancient times (cf. Ex.32:34, 33:2; Num. 20:16), whose face shines like the sun (cf. Rev. 1:16; Mal. 4:2; Lk. 1:78, who is clothed with the glory-cloud of heaven (cf. Ex. 40:34-38; Lev. 16:2; Dt. 33:2; Ps. 68:17, 104:1-3), and whose legs are pillars of fire (cf. Ex. 13:21-22; 14:19, 24; 23:20, 23; 33:19; Num. 12:5; Hag. 2:5).
Jesus stands upon Israel and the nations and swears an oath. He promises to make the kingdoms of this world his own kingdom. When this union of two peoples into one is completed, the mystery of God is finished (cf. Rev. 11:15). In the first-generation, the seventh angel in 11:15 announces the final fall of the temple in Jerusalem in 70 A. D. It reinforces the perspective that the “mystery” involves the trans-union of Jew and Gentile in Christ. The mystery revealed in the New Covenant is the new shape of the people of God.
Rev 11:15 - The seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" (NKJV).
25. Mystery: The Spirit of Lawlessness (2 Thess 2:7; Mat 13:33). The mystery of lawlessness--the continuation and gradual build up of the state of lawlessness which will culminate in the man of lawlessness (I Thess. 2:7). Iniquity is Satan manifested in the flesh. In 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Paul is speaking of the “man of sin” or the Antichrist. Satan has been manifested in the flesh as the Antichrist. Paul called this manifestation the “Mystery of lawlessness” or the “Mystery of iniquity,” which was already at work in Paul's day. The “Mystery of Godliness” is God manifested in the flesh as Jesus, and the “Mystery of Iniquity” is Satan manifested in the flesh.
In contrast to the Divine mystery is the “mystery of lawlessness” (2 Thess 2:7) culminating in the coming of the Antichrist. Here, too, the word means a revealed secret, only in this case the revelation belongs to the future (verse 8), though the evil forces which are to bring about its fullness are already silently working.
2 Thess 2:1-12 - Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness (NKJV).
26. Mystery: Babylon the Great Harlot (Revelation 17:5, 7). Playing the whore in symbolic language refers to religious fornication and idolatry; it also refers to the mystery of Babylon, the truth regarding the source of the ancient and godless mother-child cult (Rev. 17:5, 7). Babylon was talked about in the Old Testament but not in direct prophetic terms.
Rev 17:3-7 - So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. 5 And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINA-TIONS OF THE EARTH. 6 I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement. 7 But the angel said to me, "Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns (NKJV).
The union of Christ and the church is such “a great mystery” (Eph 5:31-32). The church becoming a harlot by conformity to the world is a counter “mystery” (Rev 17:5). “Iniquity” (anomia) in the harlot is a leaven working in “mystery” at first, i.e. latently; afterward when she is destroyed, iniquity shall be revealed in “the man of iniquity” (ho anomos), the open embodiment of all previous evil, the mystery of iniquity and the revealed antichrist (2 Thess 2:7-8).
“The mystery of God” (Rev 10:7), in contrast, is man's “redemption from all iniquity” and its consequences. This mystery was once hidden in God's secret counsels, dimly-shadowed forth in types and prophecies, but now it is more and more clearly revealed as the gospel kingdom develops until its full consummation. “The mystery of godliness” (1 Tim 3:16) is the divine scheme embodied in Christ (Col 1:26-27). Hidden before “with God” as the “mystery,” He is now made manifest (John 1:1, 14; Rom 16:25-26). Redemption is for the whole Gentile world as well as for Israel. Although redemption for Gentiles seemed, in a great measure, restricted in Old Testament, it is now revealed to all. “The glory of this mystery is Christ in you (now: by faith, Christ as your hidden life, Col 3:8), and also the hope of glory” (the manifested life of Christ, 1 Cor 2:7-9; 2 Cor 4:17).
CONCLUSION: 1 Corinthians 4:1 declares that we are to be administrators and dispensers of these awesome mysteries! They are knowable because they have been revealed to us and to our children. How many of these mysteries do I comprehend? How many can you and I explain and manage? According to Paul, managing these mysteries is the ministry of every believer.
Early Gnosticism was introduced into the church and was preoccupied with mysteries. It introduced a system of obscure, mysterious doctrine and the mediaeval church perpetuated it. Jesus reserved the manifestation of Himself to a select few during His earthly ministry, previous to the Pentecostal outpouring of the Spirit (Mark 4:33; 9:9; Luke 9:21). However, New Covenant ministers as Paul declares have no right to hide God’s truth.
2 Cor 4:1-4 - Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them (NKJV).
2 Cor 2:15-17 - For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ (NKJV).
Acts 20:18-22, 27-28 - You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; 20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood (NKJV).
In summary then, what is the content of the Christian “mystery”? In a wide sense it is the whole gospel, God's world-embracing purpose of redemption through Christ (e.g. Rom 16:25; Eph 6:19; Col 2:2; 1 Tim 3:9). In a special sense it is applied to some specific doctrine or aspect of the gospel, such as the doctrine of the Cross (1 Cor 2:1,7), of the Incarnation (1 Tim 3:16), of the indwelling of Christ as the pledge of immortality (Col 1:27), of the temporary unbelief of the Jews to be followed by their final restoration (Rom 11:25), of the transformation of the saints who will live to see the Second Advent (1 Cor 15:51), and of the inclusion of the Gentiles in the gospel salvation (Eph 3:3-6).
God kept these wonderful truths secret until this age of grace. The mystery was made known to Paul by revelation. It was not made known to the sons of men in other ages. It concerns the Church and God's great eternal plan of redemption. In New Testament usage, a “mystery” is a spiritual truth heretofore hidden, incapable of discovery by mere reason, but now revealed. Not like the pagan mysteries, imparted only to the initiated few. All Christians are the initiated; unbelievers alone are the uninitiated (2 Cor 4:3). However, the unfortunate fact is that while the great secret has been revealed by Paul, many facets are not widely known by a lot of Christians. The truth about justification through the Lord’s death and resurrection is fairly well known, but others, such as the believer's position in and identification with the ascended Lord Jesus are not.
Thurlow Switzer; Living Grace Ministries, February 23, 2011; LGMweb.org
[1] “Mystery” Fausset's Bible Dictionary, Electronic Database Copyright © 1998, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc.
