The Message of the Mystery

So, let’s talk a little about Paul.  Paul was an apostle, something he had to continue to defend his entire ministry.  He was not with the twelve during Jesus’ earthly ministry in fact he persecuted those who followed the message of Jesus.  Acts 7:58 recounts the stoning of Stephen, who was present?  Saul.  This is Paul before he takes on the identity of the people his message is for, the Gentiles.  In Acts 9:4, 15 Jesus is explaining that not only is Saul persecuting Him, but Paul will be the instrument to bring the message to the Gentiles.  Acts 15 finds Paul in sharp debate against the twelve apostles in Jerusalem, his message of the mystery is not quickly accepted among the Jewish community.

Let’s look at this message.  Many Christians today do not understand the mystery or the impact it has as you look at the Bible as a whole.  Ephesians 3:1-6 and 2:11-18 will give you a full and complete picture of the mystery, please read and study these passages to gain a full and complete understanding.  I will attempt to sum these passages up.

-Gentiles were far away from God without hope in the world.  Israel was close to God, they had the promise of circumcision and the covenants.  (2:11-12)

-Through Christ we are both brought near to God, we both can have full access to peace, the Father and the Spirit (13-18)

-Paul had a special revelation of a mystery that was given only to him (3:1-4).  (Paul, after his conversion spent 3 years learning from God’s Son in Arabia, Galatians 1:15-17)

-This mystery was never known in previous generations (3:5)

-This is the mystery:  Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members of one body and sharers in the promises through Jesus Christ. 

It is important to note here that now we are heirs together with Israel.  We, as Gentiles, are not promised any of Israel’s former covenant promises nor are we part of their future promises.  However, if you ask me, we are part of the best promises.  There are so many, I will list a few from Romans 8 (my favorite chapter in the Bible) and I will list more in a future lesson called Aspects of Our Salvation. 

We have the first fruits of the Holy Spirit, adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies, we have hope, we are sons of God, we are co-heirs with Christ.  I didn’t even break a sweat, we are promised much, there is no reason going back or forward and looking for things promised to Israel.  Some of you are visual so I have created two time lines that may help you understand the unique place you have in the mystery (remember this time was unforeseen in Scripture, no wonder Paul had such a hard time).  Enjoy your time in God's word. 

Prophecy Timeline

Messiah born and shows himself through signs and wonders, dies on a cross, Christ ascends and 7 year tribulation, millennial reign of Christ for 1,000 years

Mystery Timeline

Messiah born..., dies on a cross, Christ's ascension, age of mystery, rapture of the church, 7 year tribulation, millennial reign of Christ for 1,000 years