Mystery.

Mystery.

[9] making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ
(Ephesians 1:9; Ephesians 3:3; Ephesians 3:4; Ephesians 3:9; Ephesians 5:32; Ephesians 6:19 ESV)    [3] how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.
(Ephesians 1:9; Ephesians 3:3; Ephesians 3:4; Ephesians 3:9; Ephesians 5:32; Ephesians 6:19 ESV)    [4] When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ,
(Ephesians 1:9; Ephesians 3:3; Ephesians 3:4; Ephesians 3:9; Ephesians 5:32; Ephesians 6:19 ESV)    [9] and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things,
(Ephesians 1:9; Ephesians 3:3; Ephesians 3:4; Ephesians 3:9; Ephesians 5:32; Ephesians 6:19 ESV)    [32] This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
(Ephesians 1:9; Ephesians 3:3; Ephesians 3:4; Ephesians 3:9; Ephesians 5:32; Ephesians 6:19 ESV)    [19] and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,
(Ephesians 1:9; Ephesians 3:3; Ephesians 3:4; Ephesians 3:9; Ephesians 5:32; Ephesians 6:19 ESV)

Ephesians lets its readers in on a cosmic secret, a “mystery” (mysteœrion, Eph 1:9; 3:3, 4, 9; 5:32; 6:19), a chapter of God’s eschatological plan that was laid “before the foundation of the world” (Eph 1:4), that was formerly concealed and now has been revealed in Christ. This mystery has been made known to Paul by a revelation (Eph 3:3)—though it has also been revealed to other apostles and prophets by the Spirit (Eph 3:5)—and the opening two chapters of Ephesians have unfolded Paul’s understanding of the mystery (Eph 3:4). The essential outline of the mystery is that Gentiles are now fellow heirs, members of the same body, sharers in the promise with believing Israelites who have followed Jesus Christ (Eph 3:6). But the mystery includes a “vertical” dimension, the union of Christ with his church, a [241] “great mystery” (Eph 5:32). The mystery has not been revealed to the cosmic powers (cf. 1 Cor 2:6–8), but the curtain is now being lifted and the mystery disclosed to them. The “rulers and authorities” are spectators as the wisdom of the Creator God’s cosmic drama is now being acted out in the story of the church (Eph 3:9–10).