What does Colossians 1:26 mean?

Explanation

Colossians 1:26 refers to a "mystery" that was hidden for ages but is now disclosed to the followers of Christ, known as the "saints.” The term "mystery" in the New Testament often signifies a divine truth that was once concealed but has now been revealed through the Gospel.

In this context, the mystery is broadly understood as the plan of God for salvation, which extends to all peoples, Jews and Gentiles alike, through Jesus Christ.

The revelation of this mystery promotes the concept that salvation is not limited to a specific ethnic group but is available to all through faith in Christ.

Historical Context

The Apostle Paul wrote the Epistle to the Colossians while he was in prison, which is believed to be around AD 60–62.

The church in Colossae was facing heresies that potentially undermined the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ in salvation.

Paul's emphasis on the "mystery" in Colossians 1:26 is his way of combating false teachings by affirming that God's redemptive plan has been fully revealed in Jesus Christ.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Colossians 1:26 underscores the doctrine of progressive revelation.

This is the concept that God disclosed His purpose and plan for humanity progressively over time, reaching its climax in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Different theological traditions interpret this verse with nuances, but commonly it is understood to confirm the universal scope of the Gospel and the unity of believers in Christ, regardless of their background.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to embrace the inclusivity of the Gospel. It serves as a call to recognize and proclaim that salvation through Christ is not confined to any one group.

Christians can learn from this verse to break down barriers, whether they be racial, cultural, or socio-economic, and to spread the message of salvation to all people.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 3:3-6: "How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel."
• Romans 16:25-26: "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, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:"

Language Study

The Greek term for "mystery" used here is "mysterion," which often denotes a secret or hidden truth that is not accessible to human reasoning alone but is revealed by God.

The phrase "now is made manifest" (Greek: "phaneroō") conveys an act of revealing or uncovering what was previously hidden or unknown.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient mystery religions often had secrets known only to initiates.

Comparatively, Christian teaching demystifies these secret truths, making them available to all believers rather than a select few.

This was revolutionary in a cultural context that often restricted religious participation to specific classes or groups.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not typically intersect directly with the concept of revealed religious mysteries.

But modern studies in sociology or anthropology may explore the impact of universal access to religious truths on the formation and dynamics of religious communities, potentially relevant to the discussion of "mysteries" made known to all believers.

Commentaries

Commentators generally agree that the "mystery" mentioned in this verse refers to the previously hidden plan of God to save humanity through Jesus Christ.

Commentators like Matthew Henry note the graciousness of God in making this mystery known to the apostles and saints.

Others, like John Gill, discuss how this mystery was progressively revealed through various means, like prophecy, and fully unveiled in the New Testament.

Contemporary scholars often emphasize the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, a radical notion at the time of Paul's writing, which is now an accepted tenet of Christian theology.