The concept of the "mystery" in biblical theology refers to divine truths that were once hidden but have been revealed by God through His prophets, apostles, and ultimately through Jesus Christ. The term "mystery" (Greek: "mysterion") appears frequently in the New Testament, signifying truths that are beyond human understanding but are made known by divine revelation.

Old Testament Foreshadowing

In the Old Testament, the mystery of God's revelation is often hinted at through prophecies and types. The prophets spoke of a coming Messiah and a new covenant, but the full understanding of these promises was not clear until the New Testament revelation. For instance, Isaiah 53 speaks of the suffering servant, a mystery that was later revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

New Testament Revelation

The New Testament unveils the mystery of God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of this mystery. In Ephesians 1:9-10 , Paul writes, "And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ." This passage highlights the centrality of Christ in God's redemptive plan, a mystery now revealed to believers.

The Mystery of Christ

The mystery of Christ is a key theme in the New Testament. Colossians 1:26-27 states, "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." This mystery encompasses the inclusion of the Gentiles into God's covenant community, a radical revelation that was not fully understood in the Old Testament.

The Church as a Mystery

The Church itself is described as a mystery. Ephesians 3:4-6 explains, "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." The unity of Jews and Gentiles in one body, the Church, was a mystery revealed through the apostles.

The Mystery of the Gospel

The gospel itself is described as a mystery. In Ephesians 6:19 , Paul requests prayer "that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel." The gospel reveals the righteousness of God and His plan for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, a truth that was hidden but is now proclaimed to all nations.

The Mystery of God's Wisdom

1 Corinthians 2:7 speaks of the mystery of God's wisdom: "No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began." This wisdom, revealed through the Spirit, contrasts with the wisdom of the world and is centered on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.

The Mystery of the Kingdom

Jesus Himself spoke of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. In Matthew 13:11 , He tells His disciples, "The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them." Through parables, Jesus revealed truths about the kingdom that were previously hidden, illustrating the nature and growth of God's reign.

The Mystery of Godliness

1 Timothy 3:16 encapsulates the mystery of godliness: "By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory." This mystery centers on the incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.

The mystery of God's revelation is a profound theme that underscores the unfolding of God's redemptive plan throughout history, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are granted insight into these divine mysteries, which were once hidden but are now revealed for the glory of God and the edification of His Church.