The concept of "mystery" in the Bible often refers to divine truths that were once hidden but have now been revealed through God's revelation. In the New Testament, the term "mystery" (Greek: μυστήριον, mystērion) is frequently used by the Apostle Paul to describe aspects of God's redemptive plan that were previously concealed but are now made known through Christ and the apostles.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul is the primary New Testament writer who expounds on the concept of mystery. In Ephesians 3:3-6 , Paul writes, "that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I have already written briefly. By reading this, 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."

Here, Paul reveals that the mystery involves the inclusion of the Gentiles as co-heirs with Israel, forming one unified body in Christ. This was a radical revelation, as the Old Testament primarily focused on God's covenant with Israel. The mystery underscores the universal scope of the gospel and God's plan for salvation.

The Mystery of Christ

Central to the New Testament understanding of mystery is the person and work of Jesus Christ. 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." The indwelling presence of Christ in believers, both Jew and Gentile, is a profound aspect of this mystery, highlighting the intimate relationship between Christ and His followers.

The Mystery of the Gospel

The mystery of the gospel is another key theme. In Ephesians 6:19 , Paul requests prayer "that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel." The gospel, as the good news of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins, was a mystery in that it was not fully understood until Christ's work was completed and proclaimed by the apostles.

The Mystery of God's Will

Ephesians 1:9-10 speaks of the mystery of God's will: "And He 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 reveals God's ultimate purpose to unite all things under Christ's lordship, a plan that encompasses both the spiritual and material realms.

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 accessible to those with spiritual insight, yet concealed from those who were spiritually blind.

The Mystery of the Faith

1 Timothy 3:9 refers to "the mystery of the faith," emphasizing the deep and profound nature of Christian belief. This mystery involves the truths of the faith that are now revealed and entrusted to the church, requiring faithful stewardship and proclamation.

The Mystery of Godliness

1 Timothy 3:16 declares, "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 succinctly summarizes the incarnation, ministry, and exaltation of Christ, encapsulating the core of Christian doctrine.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of mystery invites believers to a deeper understanding of God's redemptive plan, which has been progressively revealed through Scripture. It calls for a response of faith, worship, and proclamation, as the once-hidden truths of God's purposes are now made known through Christ and His apostles.