The phrase "Revelation of the Mystery" refers to the unveiling of divine truths that were previously hidden but have been made known through the New Testament, particularly through the teachings of the Apostle Paul. This concept is rooted in the understanding that God's redemptive plan, while hinted at in the Old Testament, was fully revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Church.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul is the primary biblical figure associated with the "Revelation of the Mystery." In his epistles, Paul frequently speaks of a mystery that has been revealed to him by God. In Romans 16:25-26 , Paul writes, "Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith."

Similarly, in Ephesians 3:3-6 , Paul elaborates on this mystery: "that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus."

Theological Significance

The "Revelation of the Mystery" is significant in Christian theology as it underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel. The mystery revealed is that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all people, both Jews and Gentiles. This was a radical departure from the prevailing Jewish understanding of the time, which saw the covenant promises as primarily for the descendants of Abraham.

Paul's revelation emphasizes the unity of believers in Christ, forming one body, the Church. This is further supported in Colossians 1:26-27 : "the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

Implications for the Church

The revelation of this mystery has profound implications for the Church. It calls for the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers, promoting unity and equality among believers. The Church is seen as the manifestation of God's wisdom, as described in Ephesians 3:10-11 : "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to the eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Furthermore, the revelation of the mystery encourages believers to live in the light of this new understanding, embracing their identity in Christ and participating in the mission of spreading the Gospel to all nations. The mystery, once hidden, now serves as a foundation for Christian doctrine and practice, emphasizing the transformative power of the Gospel and the universal scope of God's redemptive plan.