What does Ephesians 1:9 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 1:9 tells us that God has revealed the mystery of His will to us, doing so according to His pleasure and by His purpose.

The "mystery" here refers to something that was once hidden but now has been unveiled.

In the context of the whole of Ephesians, this mystery is often understood to be God's plan of salvation and redemption through Jesus Christ, which was once unknown but is now revealed to the church.

This revelation is in accordance with God's good pleasure, meaning it delights God to make known to His people the purposes He has outlined for them and the world.

Historical Context

The book of Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 60-62 while he was in prison, likely in Rome.

The letter was addressed to the church in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) and a significant hub for early Christian evangelism.

Ephesus was a cosmopolitan city known for its cultural diversity and religious pluralism, including the worship of the Greek goddess Artemis.

Paul's revelation of a mystery might have resonated well in a context where mystery religions and secret knowledge were highly valued.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints might focus on various aspects:

• Predestinarian: The verse could be used to support the doctrine of predestination, emphasizing God's sovereignty in His eternal purposes.
• Dispensationalism: Some theologians might see this as a reference to the different economies of God's plan, revealing the Church Age as a mystery once hidden.
• Covenant Theology: Contrarily, others may interpret it more in light of covenant relationships, with Christ's redemptive work fulfilling the old and instituting a new covenant.
• Ecclesiology: From an ecclesiological perspective, the verse suggests the role of the church in making known the manifold wisdom of God.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse reassures believers that God's plans are good, intentional, and meant for their understanding and benefit.

It encourages believers to seek God's will actively, trusting that He desires to make His purposes known.

It also underscores the importance of community within the church as God's will is often revealed within a corporate context.

Cross-References

• Mystery Revealed: 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,"
• According to His Pleasure: Philippians 2:13 - "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."
• God's Purpose: Ephesians 3:11 - "According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:"

Language Study

• "Mystery" (Greek: μυστήριον, mustērion): In the New Testament, this word denotes something that has now been revealed by God, specifically something that could not be known by humans by their own understanding.
• "His will" (Greek: θέλημα, thelēma): Referring to God's volition or decree, emphasizing His sovereignty and intention.
• "Purposed" (Greek: προθέσεις, prothesis): To set forth, propose, or plan.

In biblical terms, it often refers to the divine purpose or plan.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of "mystery" in Ephesians 1:9 may be compared to the mystery cults of the ancient world, where secret knowledge was accessible only to the initiated.

However, the Christian revelation differs in that it is made freely available to all, not kept secret for a select few.

In other religious traditions, such as Gnosticism, the understanding of secret knowledge was also pivotal, but unlike Paul's assertion, Gnosticism claimed that this knowledge was esoteric and not intended for all.

Scientific Perspectives

Ephesians 1:9 does not directly engage with scientific ideas, as its focus is on the theological realm of God's will and revelation.

However, it may intersect with modern discussions on the nature of knowledge and understanding: the process by which we come to know things, the interplay between known and unknown, and how revelation might be understood in a world governed by physical laws and empirical observations.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Ephesians 1:9 often highlight the centrality of Christ in God's plan for humanity.

John Stott, an Anglican theologian, views the verse as evidence of God's ultimate plan to unite all things in heaven and earth under Christ.

Matthew Henry's commentary places an emphasis on the grace of God in revealing this mystery to sinful humans.

F.F.

Bruce, a Biblical scholar, discusses the inclusivity of this revelation which was once restricted to the Jewish people but is now extended to Gentiles.

These views underscore the belief that the mystery of God's will is deeply tied to the person and work of Jesus Christ.