Paul said this about himself in Ephesians 3:1-6:
3 For this reason [because I preached that you are thus built up together], I, Paul, [am] the prisoner of Jesus the Christ for the sake and on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 Assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace (His unmerited favor) that was entrusted to me [to dispense to you] for your benefit, 3 [And] that the mystery (secret) was made known to me and I was allowed to comprehend it by direct revelation, as I already briefly wrote you. 4 When you read this you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. 5 [This mystery] was never disclosed to human beings in past generations as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles (consecrated messengers) and prophets by the [Holy] Spirit. 6 [It is this:] that the Gentiles are now to be fellow heirs [with the Jews], members of the same body and joint partakers [sharing] in the same divine promise in Christ through [their acceptance of] the glad tidings (the Gospel).
What Paul had "already briefly wrote" about we covered in Galatians 1:16, where he declares that he did not confer with flesh and blood to learn the Gospel, but with Jesus Himself, by the Holy Spirit! What was the mystery? Many things were included in this "mystery", the Greek word "musteerion". which means: a hidden or secret thing, not obvious to understanding, a hidden purpose, a secret will. One of those things is shown above, that the the church, all born again believers in Jesus, are now ALSO God's chosen ones! We are part of the family of God, adopted in, with all of the same privileges and inheritance as JESUS Himself! These things were mysteries UNTIL the time when God's people would have the Spirit of God living IN them and could understand the Word of God! Not everyone will follow on to know the mystery, as Paul did! Remember that some of the disciples complained that Paul's teachings were too complex for them (2 Peter 2:16). Why could Paul understand and they could not? Because Paul had FOLLOWED ON to know! Look at Hosea 6:3a in various translations:
3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: KJV
3 Yes, let us know (recognize, be acquainted with, and understand) Him; let us be zealous to know the Lord [to appreciate, give heed to, and cherish Him].AMP
3 Let us know, let us strive to know Adonai. CJB
3 Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. New Living Translation
3 We're ready to study God, eager for God-knowledge. THE MESSAGE
We WILL know, and the Word of God will become so very clear and logical, IF we will go after this knowledge of Him! Remember Paul's declaration in Philippians 3:10:
10 [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope] AMP
There is only one person who has total control over how well we come to know HIM! That person, in my life, is ME! Let's make it OUR determined purpose to know HIM more every day! Do you want to know another aspect of the mystery that has been revealed to us, the church? Look at Colossians 1:27:
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: KJV
HE lives in US, by His Spirit! No longer in a building somewhere that we have to travel to, but IN US! There is so much more for us to learn about Jesus, about our Covenant sealed in His blood, about the Church, the Bride and God's plan for all of mankind! THAT should cause you to want to dive in deep RIGHT NOW! AMEN! Let's DO IT! Here is Hillsong United with "In The Mystery":
Shalom in Him!
