“And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.”
(Ephesians 3:9)
The apostle Paul is urging the church to better grasp something that stretches beyond human sight and even beyond what the angels understand, which is the revealed mystery of redemption in Jesus Christ. In doing so, he speaks of a design that was eternally settled in God, hidden from the beginning of the world and now openly displayed through Christ.
Paul explains that this mystery was given to him by revelation. The prophets of earlier ages saw outlines, shadows, and promises, but not the full form of God’s redemptive plan. But what was once only hinted at has now been clearly spoken. What was once anticipated has now been accomplished. Christ has come. Redemption has been accomplished. The veil has been lifted.[1]
The purpose of this revelation is to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery that brings sinners into communion with God through Christ and to understand that He did not reveal this mystery only for the benefit of men; He also revealed it so that angels might behold the wisdom of God displayed through the church. It is staggering to see that even the angels themselves did not fully understand this mystery until Christ came, died, and established His church, the stage upon which God displayed His wisdom to heaven itself.
Further, Paul calls this wisdom “manifold” … rich, layered, interconnected. The wisdom of God in redemption accomplishes many ends at once. Justice is satisfied. Mercy is extended. Sin is condemned. Grace is magnified. Christ is exalted. The church is redeemed. Satan is defeated. God’s glory is displayed without compromise. We could spend eternity discovering more of it and still not reach the end.
Paul also emphasizes “now” in this passage — now that Christ has accomplished redemption, now that the gospel age has been introduced, now that the church has been gathered. At this moment in redemptive history, the wisdom of God is displayed more clearly than ever before. What was once concealed is now proclaimed. What was once partial is now fuller. What was once distant is now near.
The conclusion is unavoidable. The wisdom displayed in salvation by Jesus Christ surpasses all created wisdom, even angelic wisdom, because the gospel is the highest display of divine intelligence, mercy, and power. And it stands as an everlasting testimony that salvation belongs to the Lord.
Contemplations:
- The depth of God’s wisdom. I realize how small my understanding truly is when I consider that even angels learned new things through the gospel. I often treat salvation as familiar, even ordinary, forgetting that it reveals wisdom beyond created comprehension. I confess that I rush past truths that should leave me in awe. This reminds me to slow down, to listen, and to worship rather than assume I already understand what God has done.
- The privilege of the Church. I am humbled by the thought that God displays His wisdom through the church. I often focus on its weaknesses, including my own. Yet God chooses to work through redeemed sinners to make His glory known even to heavenly beings. This challenges me to see the church not merely as a group of flawed people but as a living testimony of divine grace.
- The gift of revelation. I see that the gospel was not discovered by effort but revealed by grace. I did not reason my way into Christ. God opened what was hidden. I depend entirely on what God has chosen to show because He reveals what is needed, when it is needed.
- The endless riches of Christ. I am struck by how easily I assume I have exhausted the gospel. I speak of Christ as though there is little left to learn. Yet His riches are unsearchable. This stirs both joy and hunger in me. I want to keep learning, keep growing, keep seeing more of Him, knowing that I will never reach the bottom of His grace.
Prayer (Adoration)
O eternal and all-wise God, I adore You for the wisdom that conceived redemption before the world began and revealed it at the perfect time through Jesus Christ. Your plans were eternally hidden in Your counsel and unveiled according to Your purpose. I praise You for wisdom that no creature could invent, no angel could anticipate, and no human mind could discover apart from Your grace.
I worship You for the glory of the gospel, for the unsearchable riches of Christ that never run dry. What You have accomplished in Him displays wisdom beyond comparison. Justice and mercy meet without conflict. Holiness is upheld without crushing hope. Power is shown through weakness. Life comes through death. I stand in awe of a design so complete, so precise, and so gracious.
I praise You for revealing this mystery to sinners like me. You did not hide salvation behind human achievement but brought it into the open through preaching, through the cross, and through the gathering of Your church. You made the light plain, not because it was simple, but because You are generous.
I adore You for the honor You have placed upon the church. That heavenly beings learn by watching Your grace toward us leaves me amazed. You are not limited by weakness; You display Your strength through it. And You magnify Your wisdom through mercy.
I praise You for the timing of redemption. When Christ came, the veil was lifted. When He died, the plan was revealed. When the gospel went forth, the mystery was made known. You never arrive late. You never reveal too little or too much. You act with perfect wisdom in every age.
I exalt You for Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created and through whom all things are redeemed. He is the center of the mystery, the substance of the promise, and the glory of the gospel. In Him, Your wisdom shines brightest. In Him, Your purposes stand firm.
Receive my praise, O God, not because I understand fully, but because I stand in wonder. Let my worship rise from humility and joy as I behold Your manifold wisdom displayed in salvation.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for Eph. 3:9:
Rom. 16:25; Eph. 3:3; Col. 1:26; Matt. 28:19
[1] Jonathan Edwards, The Life and Character of the Late Reverend Mr. Jonathan Edwards, President of the College at New-Jersey. Together with a Number of His Sermons on Various Important Subjects., Early American Imprints, 1639-1800; No. 9961 (Boston: Printed and sold by S. Kneeland, opposite to the Probate-Office in Queen-Street, 1765), 164–169.
