Paul's revelation of the 'mystery'

[~candice~]

I really marvel at Paul's teaching about the mystery... which is essentially how the gentiles came to be united with the Jews, and as one body, with the same Spirit and the same access to the Spirit, united to God through Christ.

Eph 3:1-12 MKJV

1 For this cause, I, Paul, am the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you nations,

2 if you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given to me toward you,

3 that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I wrote before in few words,

4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit,

6 that the nations should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partaker of His promise in Christ through the gospel.

7 Of this gospel I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effectual working of His power.

8 This grace is given to me (who am less than the least of all saints) to preach the gospel of the unsearchable riches of Christ among the nations,

9 and to bring to light what is the fellowship of the mystery which from eternity has been hidden in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ;

10 so that now to the rulers and powers in the heavenlies might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

11 according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord;

12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through His faith.

I have often wondered where to find this teaching hidden in the OT. I have found a few references in the Psalms, and in Isaiah, but I don't think I have the knowledge at the moment to be able to fully support Paul's teachings concerning the gentiles from the Old Testament.

Is this because Paul received it as a special revelation, apart from the scriptures?

Similar scriptures are found in Colossians...

Col 1:25 of which I became a minister, according to the administration of God given to me for you, to fulfill the Word of God;

Col 1:26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.

Col 1:27 For to them God would make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the nations, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory,

Cheers

Andy

[~candice~]

Not at all found in the OT, or just "hidden"?

What do you make of Isaiah 55, especially verse 5?

Isa 55:5 MKJV

5 Behold, You shall call a nation that You do not know; a nation that did not know You shall run to You because of Jehovah Your God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for He has glorified You.

[Guest]

The idea of a mystery in the New Testament sense is that its something not revealed before, even in the OT. (From what I've been told, and from what I've read.) We see some (possible) indications of it in the OT as you mentioned, but nothing definite until after Christ rose.

A quick search bagged a Grace Thru Faith article on this very subject: Grace Thru Faith -- Paul's Mystery It's interesting.

Hope that helps......

[Guest yod]

.

[CSLewis]

I agree. But it was not revealed, nor able to be understood until after the messiah's death and resurrection. And the fulfillment of the holy spirit into the church.

[EricH]

And it is there as early as Genesis 12

[Rick-Parker]

I agree. But it was not revealed, nor able to be understood until after the messiah's death and resurrection. And the fulfillment of the holy spirit into the church.

That's right. That's why they called it a mystery.

[~candice~]

It is all over the Tenach (OT for some) but the most obvious reference is probably Isaiah 49 and/or Ps 117

I don't mean to be obtuse but...

Psa 117:1 O praise Jehovah, all nations; praise Him, all peoples.

Psa 117:2 For His merciful kindness is great toward us; and the truth of Jehovah endures forever. Praise Jehovah!

Where is the church in this? I understand all nations refers to gentiles as well, but this doesn't speak to the "how". Just that Jehovah is has great merciful kindness towards all.

[Guest yod]

It is all over the Tenach (OT for some) but the most obvious reference is probably Isaiah 49 and/or Ps 117

I don't mean to be obtuse but...

Psa 117:1 O praise Jehovah, all nations; praise Him, all peoples.

Psa 117:2 For His merciful kindness is great toward us; and the truth of Jehovah endures forever. Praise Jehovah!

Where is the church in this? I understand all nations refers to gentiles as well, but this doesn't speak to the "how". Just that Jehovah is has great merciful kindness towards all.

again...as Parker has pointed out....that is the mystery which was revealed.

Isn't that what you asked for?

[EricH]

Moved from General Discussion to Doctrinal Questions