how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words, by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit,
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Ephesians 3:3-5 sits inside this longer paragraph.
For this cause I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles, if it is so that you have heard of the administration of that grace of God which was given me toward you, how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words, by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News, of which I was made a servant according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power. To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ, to the intent that now through the assembly the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him. Therefore I ask that you may not lose heart at my troubles for you, which are your glory.
Parallel Translations
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how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words,
by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ,
which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit,
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For by revelacion shewed he this mistery vnto me as I wrote above in feawe wordes
wher by when ye rede ye maye knowe myne vnderstondynge in the mistery of Christ
which mistery in tymes passed was not opened vnto the sonnes of men as it is nowe declared vnto his holy apostles and prophetes by the sprete:
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That is, that God by reuelation hath shewed this mysterie vnto me (as I wrote aboue in fewe wordes,
Whereby when ye reade, ye may knowe mine vnderstanding in the mysterie of Christ)
Which in other ages was not opened vnto the sonnes of men, as it is nowe reueiled vnto his holy Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit,
Cross-references (50)
- Galatians 1:12 (v3) For I didn’t receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ.
- Romans 16:25 (vv3, 5)
- Ephesians 3:9 (vv3, 5) and to make all men see what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through…
- Ephesians 1:9-11 (v3) making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him to an administration of the fullness of…
- Acts 22:17 (v3) “When I had returned to Jerusalem, and while I prayed in the temple, I fell into a trance,
Show all 48 cross-references
- Ephesians 3:4 (v3) by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ,
- Colossians 1:26-27 (v3) the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to his saints, to whom God was pleased to make…
- 1 Peter 1:10-12 (v5) Concerning this salvation, the prophets sought and searched diligently. They prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching for…
- 2 Corinthians 11:6 (v4) But though I am unskilled in speech, yet I am not unskilled in knowledge. No, in every way we have been revealed to you in all things.
- Colossians 4:3 (v4) praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds,
- Acts 22:21 (v3) “He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you out far from here to the Gentiles.’”
- 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (v3) But as it is written, “Things which an eye didn’t see, and an ear didn’t hear, which didn’t enter into the heart of man, these God has…
- 1 Corinthians 4:1 (v4) So let a man think of us as Christ’s servants, and stewards of God’s mysteries.
- 1 Corinthians 2:6-7 (v4) We speak wisdom, however, among those who are full grown, yet a wisdom not of this world nor of the rulers of this world who are coming to…
- Galatians 1:16-19 (v3) to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I didn’t immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to…
- Ephesians 1:17 (v3) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him,
- Ephesians 2:11-22 (v3) Therefore remember that once you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “uncircumcision” by that which is called “circumcision” (in the…
- 2 Peter 3:2 (v5) that you should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and…
- Acts 23:9 (v3) A great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ part stood up, and contended, saying, “We find no evil in this man. But if…
- Acts 26:15-19 (v3) “I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ “He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But arise, and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to…
- Romans 11:25 (v3) For I don’t desire you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, so that you won’t be wise in your own conceits, that a partial hardening…
- Colossians 2:2 (v4) that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that…
- Titus 1:1-3 (v5) Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s chosen ones, and the knowledge of the truth which…
- Jude 1:17 (v5) But you, beloved, remember the words which have been spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Luke 10:24 (v5) for I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see the things which you see, and didn’t see them, and to hear the things which you…
- Acts 10:28 (v5) He said to them, “You yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man who is a Jew to join himself or come to one of another nation,…
- Ephesians 2:20 (v5) being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone;
- 1 Timothy 3:9 (v4) holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
- 1 Timothy 3:16 (v4) Without controversy, the mystery of godliness is great: God was revealed in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by angels, preached…
- Matthew 13:17 (v5) For most certainly I tell you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which you see, and didn’t see them; and to…
- Luke 2:10-11 (v4) The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born…
- John 14:26 (v5) But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said…
- Ephesians 1:9 (v4) making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him
- Ephesians 6:19 (v4) on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News,
- Matthew 13:11 (v4) He answered them, “To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them.
- Luke 8:10 (v4) He said, “To you it is given to know the mysteries of God’s Kingdom, but to the rest in parables; that ‘seeing they may not see, and…
- John 16:13 (v5) However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he…
- Ephesians 5:32 (v4) This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and of the assembly.
- Matthew 23:34 (v5) Therefore behold, I send to you prophets, wise men, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of them you will scourge…
- Luke 2:26-27 (v5) It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. He came in the Spirit…
- Acts 10:19-20 (v5) While Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men seek you. But arise, get down, and go with them, doubting…
- 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 (v5) For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; to another…
- 1 Corinthians 12:28-29 (v5) God has set some in the assembly: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, then gifts of healings, helps,…
- 1 Corinthians 13:2 (v4) If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don’t…
- Ephesians 4:11-12 (v5) He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints,…
- 2 Timothy 1:10-11 (v5) but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light…
- Hebrews 11:39-40 (v5) These all, having had testimony given to them through their faith, didn’t receive the promise, God having provided some better thing…
- Luke 11:49 (v5) Therefore also the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and apostles; and some of them they will kill and persecute,
48 distinct cross-references across this passage (50 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (20 sources)
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John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On vv3–5 3. That by revelation. Some might imagine, that, in…
3. That by revelation. Some might imagine, that, in attempting to discharge the office of an apostle, he had acted rashly, and was now paying the penalty of his rashness. It was this that made him so earnest in pleading the Divine authority for all his transactions. The present instance, on account of its novelty, had few supporters; and therefore he calls it a mystery. By this name he endeavors to remove the prejudice which the general displeasure at the event was fitted to excite. His own personal interest in the matter was less regarded than that of the Ephesians, who were deeply concerned in the information, that, through the settled purpose of God, they had been called by Paul’s ministry. Lest what is little known should forthwith become the object of suspicion, the word mystery places it in opposition to the perverse judgments and opinions which were then prevalent in the world.
By revelation he made known to me the mystery. Paul draws the line of distinction between himself and those fanatics, who ascribe to God and to the Holy Spirit their own idle dreams. The false apostles boast of revelations, but it is a false boast. Paul was persuaded that his revelation was true, could prove it to others, and speaks of it as a fact of which no doubt could be entertained.
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As I wrote a little before. This refers either to a rapid glance at the same subject in the second chapter, or — which appears to be the general opinion — to another Epistle. If the former exposition be adopted, it will be proper to translate, as I wrote before in few words; for the subject had received nothing more than a passing notice; but the latter being, as I have said, the prevailing opinion, I prefer translating, as I wrote a little before. The phrase, (ἐν ὀλίγῳ,) which Erasmus has translated in a few words, appears rather to refer to time. On this supposition there would be an implied comparison between the present and the former writings. But nothing would be more unlike the fact, than to contrast them on the score of brevity; for a more concise mode of expression than this passing glance can hardly be imagined. The phrase, a little before, seems purposely to be used as an appeal to their remembrance of a recent occurrence, though I do not insist on this point. There is more difficulty in the next verse.
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On v5 He meaneth not that none knew the calling of…
He meaneth not that none knew the calling of the Gentiles before, but because very few knew of it, and they that did know it, as the Prophets, had it revealed unto them very darkly, and under figures.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv3–5 3 How that by revelation he made known unto…
3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
Ver. 3. As I wrote before in few] sc. Eph 1:9; Eph 2:3, &c. Fulness of matter in fewness of words. This is the Scripture’s precellency above all human writings.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv3–5 By revelation; not by man, but immediately, Act 9:15;…
By revelation; not by man, but immediately, Act 9:15; Gal 1:12.
He made known unto me the mystery; viz. of calling the Gentiles to salvation by faith in Christ, without the works of the law, Eph 3:6.
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As I wrote afore; in the two former chapters of this Epistle.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
William Burkitt 1703 · Public Domain On v4 Our apostle here proceeds in setting forth this great…
Our apostle here proceeds in setting forth this great mystery of man’s redemption in general, and the calling of the Gentiles in particular: he styles it a mystery.
1. Now a mystery is a purpose and decree of God, unknown to, and unsearchable by, man, unless first by revelation discovered and made known by God himself; such a mystery was the whole gospel in general, and this article concerning the calling of the Gentiles in particular.
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2. St. Paul styles it a mystery, in other ages of the church, not made known, that is, not so plainly and clearly, unto the sons of men, Jews or Gentiles; for the calling of the Gentiles was foretold and prophesied of, under the Old Testament, but darkly and obscurely; the time when, the manner how, and the means by which, were not understood, till now the Holy Spirit of God revealed it to the apostles and evangelical prophets under the New Testament.
3. The apostle amplifies and sets forth the glorious excellency of that mystery which here he had made mention of; namely, that the Gentiles should have access into the church without an entrance by the door of circumcision, be joint-heirs of the heavenly inheritance with all believers, and together with the Jews taken into the bond of the covenant; and finally, that they were brought into this happy estate by the preaching of the gospel, and by believing and obeying of it.
Learn hence, That the calling of the neglected and despised Gentiles to the knowledge of Christ, and participation of gospel privileges with the Jews, was a great mystery, awfully to be admired, and a glorious mercy, with all thankfulness to be acknowledged, That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs of the same body, & c.
William Burkitt's Expository Notes on the New Testament (1700–1703) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv3–5 How that by revelation he made known unto me…
How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery,.... Or "is made known unto me": so the Alexandrian copy, and some others, and the Vulgate Latin version. The Gospel, which is sometimes called a mystery, the mystery of the Gospel, the mystery of godliness, and the mystery of faith: the several doctrines of the Gospel are the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven; such as a trinity of persons in the Godhead, the union of the two natures in Christ, the saints' union to Christ, and communion with him, the resurrection of the dead, and the change of living saints, and the whole doctrine of salvation by Christ, of justification by his righteousness, pardon by his blood, and atonement by his sacrifice; and this was made known to the apostle, not in a mere notional and speculative way, but in a spiritual and saving manner; not by men, for he was not taught by men, nor did he receive it from them, but had it by the revelation of Jesus Christ, and by the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
as I wrote afore in few words: in the two first chapters of this epistle, which are a compendium of the mystery of the Gospel, in its several parts; as predestination, election, redemption, regeneration, and salvation by free grace.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv3, 5 The mystery - Of salvation by Christ alone, and…
The mystery - Of salvation by Christ alone, and that both to Jews and gentiles. As I wrote before - Namely, chap. i, 9, 10; the very words of which passage he here repeats.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv3–5 Verse 3. By revelation he made known unto me]…
Verse 3. By revelation he made known unto me] Instead of εγνωρισε, he made known, εγνωρισθη, was made known, is the reading of ABCD*FG, several others, both the Syriac, Coptic, Slavonic, Vulgate, and Itala, with Clemens, Cyril, Chrysostom, Theodoret, Damascenus, and others: it is doubtless the true reading.
The apostle wishes the Ephesians to understand that it was not an opinion of his own, or a doctrine which he was taught by others, or which he had gathered from the ancient prophets; but one that came to him by immediate revelation from God, as he had informed them before in a few words, referring to what he had said Eph 1:9-12.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv3–5 How that by revelation - see the notes at…
How that by revelation - see the notes at Gal 1:12. He refers to the revelation which was made to him when he was called to the apostolic office, that the gospel was to be preached to the Gentiles, and that he was converted for the special purpose of carrying it to them; see Act 9:15; Act 22:21.
Unto me the mystery - The hitherto concealed truth that the gospel was to be preached to the Gentiles; see the notes, Eph 1:9, on the meaning of the word “mystery.”
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As I wrote afore in few words - Margin, “a little before.” To what this refers commentators are not agreed. Bloomfield, Doddridge, Rosenmuller, Erasmus, Grotius, Locke, and others, suppose that he refers to what he had written in the two previous chapters respecting the plan of God to call the Gentiles to his kingdom. Calvin supposes that he refers to some former epistle which he had written to them, but which is now lost. Hc remarks in regard to this, “If the solicitude of Paul be rightly considered; if his vigilance and assiduity; if his zeal and studious habits; if his kindness and promptitude in assisting his brethren, it is easy to suppose that he wrote many epistles publicly and privately to this place and to that place. But those only which the Lord saw necessary to the welfare of his church has he taken care to have preserved.” In this opinion there is nothing in itself improbable (compare introduction to Isaiah, section 5 (1)), but it may be doubted whether Paul here refers to any such epistle. The addition which he makes, “whereby, when ye read,” etc., seems rather to imply that he refers to what he had just written.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv3, 5 The mystery, &c. By this mystery, he means what…
The mystery, &c. By this mystery, he means what he has already mentioned in the last chapter and what he continues to speak of, to wit, that by the coming of Christ, and the preaching of his gospel, all both Jews and Gentiles, all nations should be united into one Church, by one and the same faith. (Witham) --- Mystery, &c. Revelation, the same as he mentions Galatians i. 12.; where speaking of his gospel, he says, For neither did I receive it of man, nor did I learn it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. This revelation seems to have regarded principally three things: 1. The redemption and justification of man by Jesus; 2. the vocation of the Gentiles; and thirdly, a positive command to announce the gospel to them. He speaks particularly of the second and third. (Estius) --- Made known to me by revelation, and to the other apostles and prophets. (Witham)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv3–5 he made known--The oldest manuscripts read, "That by revelation…
he made known--The oldest manuscripts read, "That by revelation was the mystery (namely, of the admission of the Gentiles, Eph 3:6; Eph 1:9) made known unto me (Gal 1:12)."
as I wrote afore--namely, in this Epistle (Eph 1:9-10), the words of which he partly repeats.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv3–5 3. By revelation—At his powerful conversion, as narrated in…
3. By revelation—At his powerful conversion, as narrated in Acts ix; but the revelation is detailed in his own statement, in Act_26:16-20.
The mystery—The fact heretofore held, undisclosed, in only the foreknowledge of God.
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Wrote afore—Above wrote, in Eph_3:11.
In few words—In brief. The same phrase, εν ολιγω, as used by Agrippa and by Paul, (Act_26:28,) and means smallness of amount.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv3–5 3. by revelation] Probably at or about the time…
3. by revelation] Probably at or about the time of his conversion. Act_26:17-18, indicates that the Lord then and there gave him the special commission, and it is likely that a period of special and direct Divine instruction followed, perhaps in “Arabia” (Gal_1:17). See Gal_1:11, &c. for the positive assertion that “his gospel” was a direct revelation, and the connexion of this with events at and just after the conversion. Perhaps visions such as St Peter’s (Acts 10) entered into the process. It is a wonderful paradox, yet deeply truth-like, that the great champion of Pharisaism should have been chosen to be the Apostle of the heathen.—For the phrase, “by revelation,” cp. Rom_16:25 (Greek); Gal_2:2; and for St Paul’s claim to be a recipient of revelations, 2Co_12:1; 2Co_12:7; Gal_1:16.
he made known] Better, was made known.
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the mystery] Explained below, Eph_3:5-6, as being the long-kept secret of the absolutely equal welcome to Christ of the Gentile with the Jew.—On the word “mystery,” see note on Eph_1:9.
as I wrote afore] The reference is to previous passages in this Epistle; Eph_1:9, &c., Eph_2:11, &c. English idiom would say, as I have written afore.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv3, 5 (3) How that by revelation he made known unto…
(3) How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery.—The words “by revelation” are doubly emphatic. By revelation, not by the wisdom of man (as in 1Co_2:7-16): for “God hath revealed them to us by His Spirit.” By direct revelation to St. Paul himself, as in Gal_1:12, “not of man or by man, but by revelation of Jesus Christ,” and in Rom_16:25, “according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery.” (See also 2Co_12:17.) This revelation we may refer especially to the time when, after his conversion, he was “in a trance while praying in the Temple,” and “saw Christ Himself,” saying unto him, “Depart, for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles” (Act_22:17-21).
As I wrote afore in few words.—The reference is to the brief notice in Eph_1:10-14, and to the further explanation in Eph_2:11-22. Hence, in English, the idea would be more clearly expressed by “I have written above.” St. Paul refers them back to these passages as embodying his “understanding,” or conception, of the mystery thus revealed especially to him. The reference is one of those parenthetical remarks, which, to those remembering how St. Paul’s Epistles were dictated, almost irresistibly suggest insertion on the reading over of the Epistle.
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(3) Eph_3:20-21 sum up the whole in a doxology to God the Father through Christ Jesus. It may be compared with the other more solemn doxologies in the New Testament: as Rom_16:25; 1Ti_5:15-16; Jud_1:24-25; Rev_1:6. Each has its distinctive character. Here the prevailing idea of the preceding chapters is the wonder and the mystery of God’s fore-ordaining love, overflowing in the riches of His grace to those who are made one with Him and with each other in Christ Jesus. Hence, God is here described as He “who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,” and to do all “by His power dwelling” and working in us.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv3–5 How that, by revelation, was made known unto me…
How that, by revelation, was made known unto me the mystery. The mystery, as is explained afterwards (ver. 6), was not the gospel itself, but its destination to the Gentiles as much as to the Jews; although, as appears afterwards, this fullness of blessing is really the great glory of the gospel. Mystery, that which is known only to the initiated, does not denote here a thing obscure in its own nature, but only something that had been concealed from view. It was only the initiated that now knew that God designed the gospel for Gentile and Jew alike. Paul had been initiated "by revelation not by his own reflecting power, not by his study of Scripture, not by communication from ether men, but by a special communication from God. (Gal_1:12) As I wrote before in few words. Where? In another Epistle? No; but in the earlier part of this Epistle. (Eph_1:9 Eph_2:18, etc.) If it be said the allusions in these places to the topic in question are rather vague and general, the apostle virtually admits it he wrote of it "in few words;" but, as it is a great and glorious truth, he returns to it to amplify it and place it in a brighter light.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv3–4 How that by revelation He made known unto me…
Eph_3:3
How that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery.
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Revelation of Gods mystery
1. Those whom God sends, He also teaches.
2. We have by nature a veil before our eyes, that we cannot see spiritual matters till they be revealed.
(1) Wherefore we must all pray that the veil may be removed from these points of the gospel, that the spirit of liberty may be given us, which brings light and understanding wherever it comes.
(2) See what we must impute our not profiting to, viz., this, that we have not got that eyesight of the Spirit, wherewith our eyes should be cleared. Many of us are like the woman who, going to bed seeing and in the night taken blind, waking in the morning, complained of the curtain; for, not discerning our spiritual blindness, we complain of the curtain--strange manner of teaching, obscure speaking, perplexed sentences, I know not what in the teacher--when the fault is nearer home; we are too much in our own light, not knowing ourselves.
3. The doctrine of salvation is a hidden thing to the world. Things are lightsome or obscure in themselves, or to us. To be made lightsome in themselves, there needs but the light of the sun to shine upon them; but to make them lightsome to us, we must have inward light in the eye whereby to discern them: thus the counsel of God is for the nature of it light itself.
4. It is made sensible or visible, the light of revelation shining on it.
5. It is so discerned where there is the supernatural eye of the Spirit, by benefit of this external light to discern it. We need to pray with David, Lord, open our eyes, that we may see the wonders or hidden things of Thy law. You see, we are all of us men of clay, and living here as it were in the bottom of the ship, walking upon clay; and therefore, if we would know the will of God, concerning us men here below, either God must be revealed from heaven extraordinarily, whereof we have no warrant, or ordinarily, and that is by these books written and indited by the Spirit of God, to be seen, read, and understood. Now this must stand by great reason, for if a man were in a mineral or coal pit, infinite fathoms toward the centre of the earth, it were impossible he should know the will of us men here above, unless we either descend ourselves, or send, or at least throw in a letter of our mind, which notwithstanding will be never the nearer unless we convey light to read the same: so I say, either God must call to us in an audible voice, or send His angels, or raise up afresh some extraordinary means of revealing His will, or else send His letter of His mind to us His loving friends, redeemed by the blood of Christ, yea, and reach us light also for the perusing of the same, or surely we shall never as long as we live attain to the knowledge of His will. Now I grant that the books of Scripture contain the Divine will of God, but such is the darkness of our understanding, that we cannot conceive thereof unless the outward means of the preaching of the Word be joined with the inward working of the Spirit, as fire to enlighten the whole house. Not that the Word in itself is obscure and dark, but that it lighteth into those hands of such blind expositors, in whom is nothing but darkness, as the bright silver lying in a dark chest. (Paul Bayne.)
Revelation
No revelation can be adequately given by the address of man to man, whether by writing or orally, even if he be put in possession of the truth itself. For all such revelation must be made through words: and words are but counters--the coins of intellectual exchange. There is as little resemblance between the silver coin and the bread it purchases, as between the word and the thing it stands for. Looking at the coin the form of the loaf does not suggest itself. Listening to the word, you do not perceive the idea for which it stands, unless you are already in possession of it. Speak of ice to an inhabitant of the torrid zone, the word does not give him any idea, or if it does, it must be a false one. Talk of redness to one who cannot distinguish colours, what can your most eloquent description present to him resembling the truth of your sensation? Similarly in matters spiritual, no verbal revelation can give a single simple idea: for instance, what means justice to the unjust--or purity to the man whose heart is steeped in licentiousness? What does infinitude mean to a being who has never stirred from infancy beyond a cell, never seen the sky or the sea, or any of those occasions of thought, which, leaving vagueness on the mind, suggest the idea of the illimitable? It means, explain it as you will, nothing to him but a room: vastly larger than his own, but still a room terminated by four walls. Talk of God to a thousand ears, each has his own different conception of the Almighty Being who rules all. The sensual man hears of God, and conceives one idea; the pure man hears, and pictures another. Whether you speak in metaphysical or metaphorical language; in the purest words of inspiration, or the grossest images of materialism; the conceptions conveyed by the same word are essentially different, according to the soul which receives them. (F. W. Robertson, M. A.)
Accepting the mysteries of God
The decree of God is a sealed book, and the names in it are secret; therefore thy part is to look to Gods revealed will--namely, to make thy calling and election sure by making thy regeneration sure. Dost thou not know that secret things belong to God, but revealed things, to us and to our children? Oh tis dangerous to meddle with the secrets of princes! (G. Swinnock.)
The gospel a revelation
It is an historical fact which has not been sufficiently noticed, that human nature is always below revelation. This fact indicates the Divine origin of revelation. Great discoveries are usually the product of preceding ages of thought. One mind develops the idea; but it is the fruit of the age ripened in that mind. A pearl is found, but the location had been indicated by previous researches. But revealed religion is something different from this. It is separate from and superior to the thought of the age. It calls the wisdom of the world foolishness, and introduces a new standpoint, and starting point, around which it gathers what was valuable in the old, and destroys the remainder. (J. B. Walker.)
Few words
Very wisely does an American writer say, There is a mighty difference between preaching the everlasting gospel and preaching the gospel everlastingly. There is no end to the truth, but there should be an end to the sermon, or else it will answer no end but that of wearying the hearer. A friend who occasionally visits the continent always prefers the passage from Dover to Calais, for a reason which we commend to the notice of certain prosy speakers--it is short. If you speak well, you will not be long; if you speak ill, you ought not to be so. We commend to the verbose brother the counsel of a costermonger to an open-air preacher--it was rather rude, but peculiarly sensible--I say, old fellow, cut it short. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain On vv3–5 3. How that by revelation he made known unto…
3. How that by revelation he made known unto me. See Gal. 1:12. The mystery. This mystery was revealed by God to him. A mystery is a truth, or fact, or purpose, which is hidden until it is revealed. This mystery is declared in verse 6. As I wrote afore in few words. In 1:9, and 2:11–13.
B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On v3 (See Scofield "Mat 13:11").
mystery
(See Scofield "Mat 13:11").
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On v3 according to the revelation made known to me
according to the revelation made known to me
This can be stated in active form. AT: "according to what God revealed to me" (See: Active or Passive)
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about which I briefly wrote to you
Paul refers to another letter he had written to these people.
In other generations this truth was not made known to the sons of men
This can be stated in active form. AT: "God did not make these things known to people in the past" (See: Active or Passive)
But now it has been revealed by the Spirit
This can be stated in active form. AT: "But now the Spirit has revealed it" or "But now the Spirit has made it known" (See: Active or Passive)
his apostles and prophets who were set apart for this work
"the apostles and prophets whom God set apart to do this work"
translationWords
reveal
know
mystery
Christ
Holy Spirit
apostle
prophet
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv3, 5 3:3 What Paul briefly wrote earlier is a reference…
3:3 What Paul briefly wrote earlier is a reference either to 1:9-10 (cp. 2:11-22) or to an unknown letter. • Paul’s understanding of God’s mysterious plan (see study note on 1:8-10) came as God himself revealed it to him (see 1:9-10; Gal 1:11-12, 15-17; cp. Acts 9:3-6; 1 Cor 12:1, 7; Gal 2:2).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.