Ephesians 3:9
Verse
Context
The Mystery of the Gospel
8Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.10His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
Sermons



Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And to make all men see - Και φωτισαι παντας· And to illuminate all; to give information both to Jews and Gentiles; to afford them a sufficiency of light, so that they might be able distinctly to discern the great objects exhibited in this Gospel. What is the fellowship of the mystery - The word κοινωνια, which we properly translate fellowship, was used among the Greeks to signify their religious communities; here it may intimate the association of Jews and Gentiles in one Church or body, and their agreement in that glorious mystery which was now so fully opened relative to the salvation of both. But instead of κοινωνια, fellowship, οικονομια, dispensation or economy, is the reading of ABCDEFG, and more than fifty others; both the Syriac, Coptic, Ethiopic, Armenian, Slavonian, Vulgate and Itala, with the chief of the Greek fathers. Some of the best printed editions of the Greek text have the same reading, and that in our common text has very little authority to support it. Dispensation or economy is far more congenial to the scope of the apostle's declaration in this place; he wished to show them the economy of that mystery of bringing Jews and Gentiles to salvation by faith in Christ Jesus, which God from the beginning of the world had kept hidden in his own infinite mind, and did not think proper to reveal even when he projected the creation of the world, which had respect to the economy of human redemption. And although the world was made by Jesus Christ, the great Redeemer, yet at that period this revelation of the power of God, the design of saving men, whose fall infinite wisdom had foreseen, was not then revealed. This reading Griesbach has received into the text. Who created all things by Jesus Christ - Some very judicious critics are of opinion that this does not refer to the material creation; and that we should understand the whole as referring to the formation of all God's dispensations of grace, mercy, and truth, which have been planned, managed, and executed by Christ, from the foundation of the world to the present time. But the words δια Ιησου Χριστου, by Jesus Christ, are wanting in ABCD*FG, and several others; also in the Syriac, Arabic of Erpen, Coptic, Ethiopic, Vulgate, and Itala; as also in several of the fathers. Griesbach has thrown the words out of the text; and Professor White says, "certissime delenda," they are indisputably spurious. The text, therefore, should be read: which from the beginning of the world had been hidden in God who created all things. No inferiority of Christ can be argued from a clause of whose spuriousness there is the strongest evidence.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
to make all men see--Greek, "to enlighten all" (Eph 1:18; Psa 18:28; Heb 6:4). "All" (compare Col 1:28). fellowship--The oldest manuscripts read, "economy," or "dispensation" (compare Col 1:25-26; and see on Eph 1:10, above). "To make all see how it hath seemed good to God at this time to dispense (through me and others, His stewards) what heretofore was a mystery." ELLICOTT explains it, "the arrangement," or "regulation" of the mystery (the union of Jews and Gentiles in Christ) which was now to be humbly traced and acknowledged in the fact of its having secretly existed in the counsel of God, and now having been revealed to the heavenly powers by means of the Church. from the beginning of the world--Greek, "from (the beginning of) the ages." Compare Eph 1:4; Rom 16:25; Co1 2:7. The "ages" are the vast successive periods of time, marked by successive stages of creation and orders of beings. in God--"hidden in" His counsels (Eph 1:9). created all things by Jesus Christ--God's creation of the world and all things therein is the foundation of the rest of the "economy," which is freely dispensed according to the universal power of God [BENGEL]. AS God created "the whole range of things" (so the Greek), physical and spiritual alike, He must have an absolute right to adjust all things as He will. Hence, we may see His right to keep the mystery of world-wide salvation in Christ "hidden in Himself," till his own good time for revealing it. The oldest manuscripts omit "by Jesus Christ."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery,.... Or "the dispensation of the mystery" as the Complutensian, and several copies, and the Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions, read. The mystery is the Gospel; the fellowship of it is the communication of grace by it, a participation of the truths and doctrines of it, communion with Father, Son, and Spirit, which the Gospel calls and leads unto, and that equal concern and interest which both Jews and Gentiles have in the privileges of it. Now men are naturally in the dark about these things, and the ministry of the word is the means of enlightening them, and is indeed the grand design of it; and the ministers of the Gospel do instrumentally enlighten persons, though it is God only that does it efficiently; and for this, gifts of grace were bestowed upon the apostle, even for the enlightening of all men, not every individual person in the world, but some of all sorts, particularly Gentiles, as well as Jews. The word rendered "all men", is left out in the Alexandrian copy. Which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God; in the heart of God, in his counsel and covenant; which shows the original and source of the Gospel, and expresses the richness and valuableness of it, as well as its safety and secrecy: here it was hid in some measure from the elect angels, and from Old Testament saints, and altogether from natural men, and especially from the Gentiles, whose times of ignorance God winked at, or overlooked: and this was kept so from ages past, from the beginning of time, till now, and was laid up in the breast of God from all eternity; for it was ordained before the world for the glory, of his people. What the apostle says of the Gospel, the Jews say of the law, that it was hid and treasured up two thousand years before the world was created (m); yea, they say (n), that many ages before the creation of the world it was written and left, , "in the bosom of God": and he is here described, as he who created all things by Jesus Christ; not as an instrument, but as a co-efficient cause: and this is to be understood, not of the new creation, but of the old, and of all things in it; for without Christ, was not anything made that is made. The phrase, "by Jesus Christ", is left out in the Alexandrian and Claromontane copies, and in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions. (m) Zohar in Exod. fol. 20. 4. & in Numb. fol. 66. 3. Targ. Jon. & Jeras. in Gen. iii. 24. (n) Abot R. Nathan, c. 31. T. Bab. Sabbat, fol. 88. 2.
Ephesians 3:9
The Mystery of the Gospel
8Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.10His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Kjv Version Bible - Part 1
By Chuck Smith4.1K1:01:03KJV VersionMAT 6:13MRK 11:26MRK 16:9ROM 1:22EPH 3:9EPH 3:141PE 1:22In this sermon, the preacher discusses the warnings given by Paul the Apostle in Romans chapter 1. He emphasizes the danger of people who claim to be wise but instead worship their own intellect rather than the incorruptible God. The preacher also criticizes modern translations of the Bible, claiming that they have been influenced by the Westcott and Hort committee, resulting in the deletion of important scriptures. He highlights specific examples of deletions, such as the removal of references to Jesus' mission to save the lost and the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees.
The Ark of the Covenant
By David Wilkerson3.3K58:24NUM 14:18DEU 10:1EPH 3:9HEB 9:7In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the significance of the Ark of the Covenant as described in the book of Deuteronomy. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the presence of God and not becoming complacent or routine in our worship. The preacher highlights the redemption and atonement provided by Jesus through his death and resurrection, emphasizing that we are saved by his life. He encourages the congregation to love and worship Jesus, acknowledging his goodness and praising him.
K-086 the Mystery of Israel and the Church
By Art Katz1.7K1:05:39IsraelGEN 32:28ROM 11:11ROM 11:25ROM 11:32ROM 11:36EPH 3:9PHP 1:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of communicating and fulfilling the mystery of God. He challenges the audience to evaluate their measures of success in Christendom, such as programs, numbers, and budgets, and instead focus on being a people who are utterly yielded to God. The speaker highlights the need to break free from self-centeredness, even in religious or spiritual matters, and to prepare for the coming historic moment of eternal magnitude. He encourages the audience to be a formidable presence for God, extending mercy and wrestling in prayer. The sermon concludes with a prayer for understanding and a recognition of the profound nature of the message being conveyed.
Russ-01 Mystery of Israel - Part 1
By Art Katz1.5K1:08:48RussianEPH 3:9In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Ephesians 3:9-11 and the concept of mystery in the Bible. He emphasizes that a mystery is something hidden in God until the appointed time for its revelation. The speaker expresses a deep desire for the apostolic reality to come to Kiev and Ukraine, believing that it is necessary for the salvation of the Jewish people. He emphasizes the importance of the Church being the ground and pillar of truth in a corrupt world and calls for a voluntary commitment to apostolic suffering for those who choose to pursue it.
03 New Wine in New Wineskins Revelation on Gods Mysteries
By Zac Poonen1.3K59:27EZK 36:31MAT 11:271CO 3:10EPH 2:19EPH 3:9EPH 4:11EPH 5:321TI 3:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking revelation from God to understand the difference between the New Covenant and the Old Covenant. It highlights the need for personal transformation through deep inner hunger for God, victory over sin, and genuine repentance. The speaker challenges listeners to seek God's revelation on living a godly life and building the church according to His plan, focusing on the mysteries of godliness and the body of Christ.
The Purpose of Creation
By Art Katz1.2K1:33:14CreationEPH 3:9In this sermon, the speaker begins by ensuring that the sound and environment in the room are suitable for the audience. He then focuses on the central theme of the sermon, which is Paul's role as a minister and the purpose of God's creation. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding why God created all things and highlights the depth and significance of this topic. He suggests that the book of Ephesians is often overlooked but contains profound insights into the purpose of creation.
Fren-14 Fondements Apostoliques - Église Dans Les Desseins De Dieu
By Art Katz6821:08:54ApostolicEXO 25:40JER 5:31MAT 6:33ROM 3:23EPH 3:2EPH 3:9EPH 3:11In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his own concerns and anxieties about preaching to an audience. He emphasizes the need for God's guidance and grace in order to effectively communicate the mysteries of Christ and the purpose of the church. The speaker highlights the primary purpose of the church, which is to be a beautiful bride for Christ. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and fulfilling this purpose, rather than simply seeking personal benefit or satisfaction. The sermon also touches on the idea that the modern church can sometimes become a collection of individuals rather than a unified body.
Being a Witness to Satan
By Zac Poonen6311:10:08PSA 37:25MAT 11:25EPH 3:9EPH 5:18PHP 2:141TH 5:23HEB 13:5JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's wisdom and understanding the mystery hidden in God, which is now revealed through the Holy Spirit. It challenges Christians to seek God in their spirit, not just with their minds, and to know God deeply through humility and seeking His interests above their own. The sermon highlights the significance of being a righteous person, content with what God provides, and being filled with the Holy Spirit to live a life that is a testimony before Satan and glorifies God.
Russ-01 израильи церко
By Art Katz5541:08:06IsraelEPH 3:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to seek something more and something other than what the modern church offers. This "something" is a transcendent experience of God's glory, which should be sought for His sake and not for personal power. The speaker highlights the importance of contending for and maintaining God's glory in the church. The sermon also touches on the significance of Israel in the context of preaching the word of God and calls for a radical apostolic proclamation that goes beyond mere formulas and reaches the heart of the Jewish people.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 50
By Don Courville33029:56Radio ShowMAT 6:331CO 3:9EPH 3:9COL 1:25COL 1:282TI 2:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having faith and not giving up. He shares an illustration of a ditch caving in on some men because the walls were not properly supported, comparing it to our lives without the word of God. The speaker also mentions a scientific discovery of drilling into the earth's crust and hearing human screams, which some believe to be condemned souls from hell. The sermon also touches on the topic of suffering, highlighting the pain of childbirth and the joy that follows, and encourages listeners to rely on God's grace to carry them through difficult times. Additionally, the speaker expresses concern about the lack of discipleship in the church and the need for a revival.
Jesus' Beauty Manifest in His Leadership
By Mike Bickle281:05:06God's LeadershipTrust in God's PlanGEN 50:20ROM 8:28EPH 3:9Mike Bickle emphasizes the beauty of Jesus' leadership, illustrating how God's guidance is often misunderstood by believers who focus on personal gain rather than His divine purpose. He encourages the congregation to recognize that true beauty in leadership is found in being conformed to the image of Christ, which leads to deeper fellowship and eternal rewards. Bickle warns against the low-grade offense many believers harbor towards God when their expectations are unmet, urging them to trust in His overarching plan for their lives. He highlights that God's ultimate goal is to prepare a bride for His Son, emphasizing the importance of aligning our lives with His values and purposes. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a shift in perspective to see the beauty in God's leadership, even amidst life's challenges.
Epistle 204
By George Fox0Fellowship With GodDivine PowerGEN 3:15PSA 31:5EZK 34:14ROM 1:16EPH 3:92TI 1:10HEB 12:143JN 1:3George Fox emphasizes the importance of recognizing the seed of God within ourselves, which grants us access to His power, promises, and the gospel. He encourages believers to walk in truth, righteousness, and holiness, as these paths lead to a deeper fellowship with God and the revelation of His presence. Fox highlights that this divine power transcends darkness and is essential for understanding the mystery of fellowship with God. He reminds us that the seed of God is the ultimate authority that overcomes evil and fulfills the prophecies of old, guiding us to the life-giving pastures of God's presence.
The House of God: The Greatness of Christ and His Church
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Greatness of ChristThe Nature of the ChurchEZK 43:7MAT 16:18ACT 2:4ROM 11:331CO 3:16EPH 3:9COL 1:18HEB 3:61PE 2:51JN 5:11T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the House of God as depicted in Ezekiel, warning against reducing spiritual truths to mere technical systems that can stifle the life within the Church. He highlights that the House is not a system but a spiritual entity centered on Christ, where God's glory, government, and life flow freely. Sparks urges believers to recognize the vastness of Christ and His Church, cautioning against the tendency to confine them to human understanding. He stresses the importance of maintaining a spiritual perspective to ensure the Church remains vibrant and effective under God's governance. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper appreciation of the life that emanates from the true House of God.
Creational and Racial Union
By T. Austin-Sparks0New CreationSpiritual InheritanceGEN 2:17MAT 11:28ROM 8:171CO 15:452CO 5:17GAL 4:1GAL 6:15EPH 2:10EPH 3:91PE 2:9T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound transformation that occurs when one is in Christ, highlighting the concept of a new creation that transcends racial and creational boundaries. He explains that this union with Christ is not merely a change in status but a complete reconstitution of one's being, enabling a spiritual relationship with God. Sparks illustrates the journey of faith as a process of learning and adapting to a new spiritual reality, akin to navigating a foreign culture. He cautions that while believers are legally heirs of God's promises, they must actively pursue spiritual growth to fully inherit their divine rights. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of one's identity in Christ and the responsibilities that come with it.
The Mystery of the Gospel
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual GrowthThe Mystery of the GospelROM 1:3EPH 3:3EPH 3:9EPH 4:13EPH 6:12PHP 1:27COL 1:271TI 3:9T. Austin-Sparks explores 'The Mystery of the Gospel', emphasizing that the Gospel is more than its individual components like atonement and forgiveness; it is the fullness of God's redemptive plan through Christ. He argues that the current spiritual state of Christians reflects a need for a deeper understanding of the Gospel, which is rooted in the mystery of Christ's incarnation and the call to sonship. Sparks highlights that the conflict faced by believers is centered around their spiritual growth and maturity, which is essential for overcoming the challenges posed by the enemy. He asserts that the true essence of the Gospel is not merely about salvation but about becoming a living expression of God's nature through Christ in us. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a renewed apprehension of the Gospel to fulfill God's purpose in the world.
The. Cross and the Soul Life
By Watchman Nee0The CrossDependence On GodEPH 3:9Watchman Nee emphasizes the significance of the Cross in the believer's life, illustrating how it not only secures our redemption but also enables us to live out God's eternal purpose through the indwelling Spirit. He discusses the dual aspects of the Cross: the release of Christ's life within us and the necessity of 'bearing the cross' to bring our natural selves into submission to the Holy Spirit. Nee highlights the importance of understanding the nature of the soul and the need for believers to rely on God's life rather than their own natural abilities. He warns against the dangers of overdeveloped soul-life, urging Christians to seek a deeper revelation of themselves through God's light. Ultimately, he calls for a life of dependence on God, echoing Jesus' own example of self-surrender.
A God That Hideth Himself
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Mystery of FaithGod's SovereigntyPSA 77:19PRO 25:2ISA 45:3ROM 11:331CO 2:72CO 4:7EPH 3:9COL 1:26T. Austin-Sparks explores the profound mystery of God's hidden ways, as expressed in Isaiah 45:15, where the prophet marvels at God's sovereignty in orchestrating Israel's restoration despite overwhelming odds. He emphasizes that God's methods often defy human understanding, as seen in the unexpected means of deliverance through a Gentile ruler and ultimately through the Incarnation of Christ. Sparks draws parallels between the hiddenness of God's plans for Israel, the Church, and individual believers, highlighting that true understanding comes from faith rather than human reasoning. The sermon culminates in the recognition that God's wisdom and purpose are often concealed, inviting believers to trust in His unfathomable designs.
On Reserve in Communicating Religious Knowledge (Continued)
By J.H. Newman0PRO 25:2MAT 13:11ROM 16:251CO 2:71CO 4:11CO 13:122CO 3:6EPH 3:9COL 1:261TI 3:9The preacher, Origen, delves into the testimony of the Ancient Church, emphasizing the principle of reserve in revealing religious truths, which is not based on heathen practices but on Scripture alone. The early Church's testimony and practices align with this principle, seen in the Disciplina Arcani and the interpretation of Scripture with hidden meanings. The Ancient Church's reverence and caution in handling sacred truths are perfectly analogous to Jesus' example of revealing truths gradually. Origen and other Fathers connect this principle not only to Scripture but also to the mysteries of creation and sacraments, reflecting a great religious principle and rule of conduct.
The Fellowship of the Mystery
By Raymond Golsworthy0ACT 2:44ACT 6:1ACT 11:231CO 1:101CO 12:12GAL 3:28EPH 1:22EPH 3:9PHP 2:4Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the importance of unity in Christ Jesus, emphasizing the concept of the church as one body, all believers being baptized into this one body by the Spirit. He addresses the mystery of God's plan for unity among believers, highlighting the dangers of divisions within the church, especially the recent trend of gaps between old and young Christians. Golsworthy urges for a return to the early church's unity and fellowship, cautioning against the acceptance of divisions that weaken the church's witness and power.
Epistle 181
By George Fox0JOB 28:28ISA 40:4MAT 10:1JHN 6:351CO 1:24EPH 3:9JAS 3:17George Fox preaches about living in the unchangeable power of God to maintain righteousness, truth, love, unity, and dominion over spiritual obstacles and challenges. He emphasizes the importance of patiently waiting in God's power, staying low in love and unity, and serving the Lord diligently in order to overcome earthly distractions and limitations. Fox encourages believers to focus on the wisdom of God, departing from sin, and allowing the seed of God to reign within them, leading to a life of purity, holiness, and spiritual growth in Christ.
Epistle 222
By George Fox0MIC 4:4MAT 18:20ACT 4:12ROM 1:161CO 1:18EPH 3:9EPH 4:18PHP 1:5PHP 2:92TI 1:10HEB 13:4George Fox preaches about the importance of dwelling in Christ, the top-stone over all, to experience eternal life and bear fruit to God. He emphasizes the significance of walking in the name of the Lord for safety and blessings. Fox urges believers to bow at the cross of Christ, the power of God, to overcome earthly temptations and live in the fellowship of the gospel. He highlights the necessity of worshiping God in spirit and truth, praying in the spirit, and singing in the spirit for public worship. Fox also critiques false teachings on perfection and encourages believers to grow in the word of God for everlasting life and holiness.
Setting Our Goals
By George Warnock01SA 2:6ISA 55:8JHN 14:6EPH 3:9PHP 3:8George Warnock preaches about the spiritual journey of seeking fulfillment and finality, emphasizing that in the spiritual realm, achieving goals only leads to new horizons, territories, and depths in God. He highlights the humility and smallness of the instruments God uses for His great works, contrasting it with the prevailing thought of thinking big in the Church. Warnock points out the importance of identifying with God's ways and being willing to lay down our own goals and pursuits to fully walk in His will, even if it means forsaking what we have already attained.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And to make all men see - Και φωτισαι παντας· And to illuminate all; to give information both to Jews and Gentiles; to afford them a sufficiency of light, so that they might be able distinctly to discern the great objects exhibited in this Gospel. What is the fellowship of the mystery - The word κοινωνια, which we properly translate fellowship, was used among the Greeks to signify their religious communities; here it may intimate the association of Jews and Gentiles in one Church or body, and their agreement in that glorious mystery which was now so fully opened relative to the salvation of both. But instead of κοινωνια, fellowship, οικονομια, dispensation or economy, is the reading of ABCDEFG, and more than fifty others; both the Syriac, Coptic, Ethiopic, Armenian, Slavonian, Vulgate and Itala, with the chief of the Greek fathers. Some of the best printed editions of the Greek text have the same reading, and that in our common text has very little authority to support it. Dispensation or economy is far more congenial to the scope of the apostle's declaration in this place; he wished to show them the economy of that mystery of bringing Jews and Gentiles to salvation by faith in Christ Jesus, which God from the beginning of the world had kept hidden in his own infinite mind, and did not think proper to reveal even when he projected the creation of the world, which had respect to the economy of human redemption. And although the world was made by Jesus Christ, the great Redeemer, yet at that period this revelation of the power of God, the design of saving men, whose fall infinite wisdom had foreseen, was not then revealed. This reading Griesbach has received into the text. Who created all things by Jesus Christ - Some very judicious critics are of opinion that this does not refer to the material creation; and that we should understand the whole as referring to the formation of all God's dispensations of grace, mercy, and truth, which have been planned, managed, and executed by Christ, from the foundation of the world to the present time. But the words δια Ιησου Χριστου, by Jesus Christ, are wanting in ABCD*FG, and several others; also in the Syriac, Arabic of Erpen, Coptic, Ethiopic, Vulgate, and Itala; as also in several of the fathers. Griesbach has thrown the words out of the text; and Professor White says, "certissime delenda," they are indisputably spurious. The text, therefore, should be read: which from the beginning of the world had been hidden in God who created all things. No inferiority of Christ can be argued from a clause of whose spuriousness there is the strongest evidence.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
to make all men see--Greek, "to enlighten all" (Eph 1:18; Psa 18:28; Heb 6:4). "All" (compare Col 1:28). fellowship--The oldest manuscripts read, "economy," or "dispensation" (compare Col 1:25-26; and see on Eph 1:10, above). "To make all see how it hath seemed good to God at this time to dispense (through me and others, His stewards) what heretofore was a mystery." ELLICOTT explains it, "the arrangement," or "regulation" of the mystery (the union of Jews and Gentiles in Christ) which was now to be humbly traced and acknowledged in the fact of its having secretly existed in the counsel of God, and now having been revealed to the heavenly powers by means of the Church. from the beginning of the world--Greek, "from (the beginning of) the ages." Compare Eph 1:4; Rom 16:25; Co1 2:7. The "ages" are the vast successive periods of time, marked by successive stages of creation and orders of beings. in God--"hidden in" His counsels (Eph 1:9). created all things by Jesus Christ--God's creation of the world and all things therein is the foundation of the rest of the "economy," which is freely dispensed according to the universal power of God [BENGEL]. AS God created "the whole range of things" (so the Greek), physical and spiritual alike, He must have an absolute right to adjust all things as He will. Hence, we may see His right to keep the mystery of world-wide salvation in Christ "hidden in Himself," till his own good time for revealing it. The oldest manuscripts omit "by Jesus Christ."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery,.... Or "the dispensation of the mystery" as the Complutensian, and several copies, and the Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions, read. The mystery is the Gospel; the fellowship of it is the communication of grace by it, a participation of the truths and doctrines of it, communion with Father, Son, and Spirit, which the Gospel calls and leads unto, and that equal concern and interest which both Jews and Gentiles have in the privileges of it. Now men are naturally in the dark about these things, and the ministry of the word is the means of enlightening them, and is indeed the grand design of it; and the ministers of the Gospel do instrumentally enlighten persons, though it is God only that does it efficiently; and for this, gifts of grace were bestowed upon the apostle, even for the enlightening of all men, not every individual person in the world, but some of all sorts, particularly Gentiles, as well as Jews. The word rendered "all men", is left out in the Alexandrian copy. Which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God; in the heart of God, in his counsel and covenant; which shows the original and source of the Gospel, and expresses the richness and valuableness of it, as well as its safety and secrecy: here it was hid in some measure from the elect angels, and from Old Testament saints, and altogether from natural men, and especially from the Gentiles, whose times of ignorance God winked at, or overlooked: and this was kept so from ages past, from the beginning of time, till now, and was laid up in the breast of God from all eternity; for it was ordained before the world for the glory, of his people. What the apostle says of the Gospel, the Jews say of the law, that it was hid and treasured up two thousand years before the world was created (m); yea, they say (n), that many ages before the creation of the world it was written and left, , "in the bosom of God": and he is here described, as he who created all things by Jesus Christ; not as an instrument, but as a co-efficient cause: and this is to be understood, not of the new creation, but of the old, and of all things in it; for without Christ, was not anything made that is made. The phrase, "by Jesus Christ", is left out in the Alexandrian and Claromontane copies, and in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions. (m) Zohar in Exod. fol. 20. 4. & in Numb. fol. 66. 3. Targ. Jon. & Jeras. in Gen. iii. 24. (n) Abot R. Nathan, c. 31. T. Bab. Sabbat, fol. 88. 2.