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Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 158

"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."

Text: Ephesians 3:9

THE MYSTERY OF THE RICHES OF CHRIST

This phrase is best understood when placed side by side with a previous statement Paul made earlier.

The mystery of Christ which in other ages
was not made known to the sons of men…
EPHESIANS 3:4B-5A

 

The mystery, which from the beginning of the ages
has been hidden in God who created all things
through Jesus Christ.
EPHESIANS 3:9

1. “The mystery”

Once again, the apostle Paul used the word “mystery” when he made reference to the revelation of the rich spiritual truths that are to be found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

a) The word “mystery” is virtually a transliteration of the Greek “musterion”
b) Two ideas are contained in the word “musterion”

The following ideas must not be separated! The first thought is made complete by the second. A correct understanding of the word “mystery” must contain both ideas.

i) It is a reference to the fact that this knowledge was “hidden” from man by God.
ii) However, the second meaning must be borne in mind even more sharply-That this knowledge of Christ is now made known by God

It has now been revealed by the Spirit
to His holy apostles and prophets
EPHESIANS 3:5B

2. “Hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ”

The word “hidden” (“apokekrummenon”) is most interesting. Let us ponder the following thoughts that are found in this word:-

a) A strong compound word

This is a compound word made strong by the addition of a preposition to the original word. It suggests a special act of God to hide “the mystery”.

b) It was a planned move of God

The perfective idea tells that this act of God to hide this mystery was planned by God right from the beginning. It was not an afterthought of God.

c) Tracing the mystery of Christ to the creation of time

When did God hide this mystery? With a great sense of awe, Paul indicated that God had planned all things, when He created all things in and through the Lord Jesus Christ.