What does Ephesians 3:3 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 3:3 details part of the Apostle Paul's account of how he received the message of the gospel.

The phrase "by revelation he made known unto me the mystery" indicates that Paul had a divine encounter where God revealed to him a mystery which he refers to as something previously unknown or hidden.

Paul suggests that this mystery was given to him directly by God, rather than through human teaching or his own understanding.

The parenthetical statement "(as I wrote afore in few words)" likely refers to his previous writings, where he touched upon this mystery but perhaps had not elaborated on it extensively.

Here, Paul is underscoring the importance of direct divine revelation as the source of his understanding and his authority to speak on these matters.

Historical Context

The letter to the Ephesians is one of the epistles attributed to the Apostle Paul, generally dated to around AD 60-62, during his imprisonment in Rome.

During this period, Christianity was spreading across the Roman Empire amidst considerable cultural and religious diversity.

The "mystery" mentioned may be related to the inclusion of non-Jews (Gentiles) into what had been, until then, a predominantly Jewish Christian movement.

The early church wrestled with understanding how the Gentiles fit into the larger biblical narrative and how Jewish and Gentile believers related to one another in Christ.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints might interpret the "mystery" Paul refers to in various ways.

From a traditional Christian perspective, the mystery often relates to the unity of Jews and Gentiles in one body through the work of Jesus Christ.

Catholic and Orthodox traditions may emphasize the role of divine revelation in understanding the mysteries of faith, while Protestant traditions may emphasize the clarity and sufficiency of Scripture alone in revealing God's truth.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse could inspire believers to seek a personal understanding of their faith and the mysteries of God through both the study of scripture and openness to divine revelation.

It also may encourage believers not to rely solely on human wisdom but to have a personal connection and revelation from God.

Moreover, it can call for humility among followers of Christ, as it highlights that God can reveal His truths to anyone, regardless of their background or status.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 3:5 - "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;"
• Ephesians 1:9 - "Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:"
• Romans 16:25 - "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,"
• Colossians 1:26 - "Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, "revelation" is translated from "apokalypsis," which means "unveiling" or "disclosure." The word "mystery" comes from the Greek "mysterion," which denotes something that was once hidden but has now been revealed by God.

"Made known" is from the Greek verb "gnorizo," implying the act of imparting knowledge or making something known.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of mystery in religious texts is not unique to Christianity.

In various religious and philosophical traditions, mysteries refer to divine secrets accessible only to the initiated or those granted special revelation.

In the Greco-Roman world, mystery religions had secret rites and ceremonies.

Comparatively, in Paul's writing, the mystery is not esoteric, but something God wishes to reveal to all believers, Jew and Gentile alike.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse addresses spiritual matters more than scientific ones, there could be contemplation on what constitutes revelation from a psychological or neurological standpoint.

It raises questions about religious experience and how such experiences are processed and interpreted in the human brain.

Although, from a scientific perspective, divine revelation and mystical experiences are typically considered subjective phenomena and not empirical evidence.

Commentaries

Commentators generally agree that Paul is emphasizing the unique nature of his apostolic insight, which was given to him through divine revelation rather than learned through traditional means.

For example, Matthew Henry's commentary notes that Paul was made to understand the mystery of Christ and the church, particularly of Gentile inclusion, directly by God.

John Calvin's commentary acknowledges that while Paul speaks of mysteries and revelations, the truths he refers to were now disclosed and published through the gospel.

Modern commentaries may discuss the implications of direct revelation for understanding apostolic authority and the inclusivity message in the early church.