Kept secret, but now made manifest
25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
A biblical mystery is a truth God concealed and then made known. It is not a puzzle that requires a private code, an elite teacher, or an experience beyond Scripture. Paul connects establishment in the faith with his gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery.
Read Paul’s explanation in his own words
1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
9 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:
Observe the sequence: a dispensation was given to Paul; the mystery was made known by revelation; readers can understand his knowledge by reading; Gentiles are fellowheirs and of the same body through the gospel. Verse 9 locates the hidden truth in God, rather than in a prophetic passage people had simply failed to notice.
Ephesians 3:5 KJB also says the truth is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. Paul’s distinct stewardship does not mean nobody else could subsequently receive or teach the revealed truth. The message is now intended to be made known.
The content: one Body in Christ
25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
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:
The mystery includes a new relationship in Christ: believing Jews and Gentiles united in one Body, sharing spiritual blessings and a hope of glory. Christ is the Head. National covenant standing does not give one believer a superior position in that Body. The believer’s life, identity, and future are bound to Christ.
Gentile blessing alone was not secret: Genesis 12:3 KJB already promised blessing to the families of the earth through Abraham. The distinction is the form of that blessing and the present relationship—fellowheirs and of the same Body through the gospel, described in Ephesians 3:6 KJB.
What “the great mystery” refers to
The phrase “a great mystery” appears in Ephesians 5:32 KJB in connection with Christ and the church, illustrated by the relationship of husband and wife. For the broader revelation kept secret since the world began, study Romans 16:25–27 KJB, Ephesians 3:1–9 KJB, and Colossians 1:25–27 KJB together. These passages illuminate the mystery of Christ without turning every use of the word “mystery” into the same subject.
Other mysteries have their own contexts. Romans 11:25 KJB concerns Israel’s blindness in part. 1 Corinthians 15:51–53 KJB concerns the change of believers. Read each statement specifically, then understand how it fits within God’s revealed purpose.
Why this helps you understand your Bible
The mystery explains why the church’s identity, commission, and hope cannot simply be assembled from instructions given to Israel. It also explains why the Bible can faithfully record a prophetic kingdom program and a distinct present dispensation of grace. Understanding the distinction lets you value the whole Bible while locating your place in God’s present work.