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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ephesians 3:3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/3-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/49_Eph_03_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 3:3 - The Mystery of the Gospel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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(as I wrote afore in few words,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ephesians/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ephesians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before briefly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ephesians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ephesians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ephesians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ephesians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />and that by [divine] revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I have already written in brief.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ephesians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ephesians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ephesians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />how that by revelation was made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote before in few words,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ephesians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />In fact, this letter tells you a little about how God has shown me his mysterious ways. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ephesians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />how that by revelation was made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote afore in few words,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ephesians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You have heard that he let me know this mystery through a revelation. I've already written to you about this briefly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ephesians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />God revealed his secret plan and made it known to me. (I have written briefly about this, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ephesians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />and how this secret was made known to me through a revelation, just as I wrote about briefly in the past. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ephesians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ephesians/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />that by revelation the divine secret was made known to me, as I wrote before briefly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ephesians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ephesians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />That by revelation he made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in few words;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and that by a revelation the truth hitherto kept secret was made known to me as I have already briefly explained it to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ephesians/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ephesians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />that by revelation He made known to me the secret, according as I wrote before in few [words]—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/ephesians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />that He made known to me the mystery by revelation, just as I have written before in brief,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ephesians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> that by revelation He made known to me the secret, according as I wrote before in few words -- <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ephesians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />That by revelation he made Known to me the mystery; (as I before wrote briefly,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ephesians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />How that, according to revelation, the mystery has been made known to me, as I have written above in a few words; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ephesians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />that, by means of revelation, the mystery was made known to me, just as I have written above in a few words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ephesians/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />[namely, that] the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly earlier.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For the mystery was made known to me by a revelation; as I have briefly written you before,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />For the mystery was taught me by revelation, just as I have written to you briefly.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/ephesians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />that by revelation was made known to me the mystery, (as I briefly wrote above,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/ephesians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />that according to revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I formerly wrote to you briefly,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/ephesians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote unto you before briefly;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/ephesians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />having revealed to me the secret, I now mention'd in short,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/ephesians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and that by a revelation the truth hitherto kept secret was made known to me as I have already briefly explained it to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/ephesians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />that by revelation was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/ephesians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />that by <i>immediate</i> revelation He made known to me the mystery, (as I wrote before in brief, by which,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ephesians/3-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=408" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ephesians/3.htm">The Mystery of the Gospel</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>Surely you have heard about the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that is,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3466.htm" title="3466: mystērion (N-NNS) -- From a derivative of muo; a secret or mystery.">mystery</a> <a href="/greek/1107.htm" title="1107: egnōristhē (V-AIP-3S) -- To make known, declare, know, discover. From a derivative of ginosko; to make known; subjectively, to know.">made known</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: moi (PPro-D1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">to me</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">by</a> <a href="/greek/602.htm" title="602: apokalypsin (N-AFS) -- An unveiling, uncovering, revealing, revelation. From apokalupto; disclosure.">revelation,</a> <a href="/greek/2531.htm" title="2531: kathōs (Adv) -- According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.">as</a> <a href="/greek/4270.htm" title="4270: proegrapsa (V-AIA-1S) -- From pro and grapho; to write previously; figuratively, to announce, prescribe.">I have already written</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3641.htm" title="3641: oligō (Adj-DNS) -- Puny; especially neuter somewhat.">briefly.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">4</span>In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/1-12.htm">Galatians 1:12</a></span><br />I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-26.htm">Colossians 1:26-27</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-25.htm">Romans 16:25-26</a></span><br />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 concealed for 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—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-7.htm">1 Corinthians 2:7-10</a></span><br />No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began. / None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. / Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">2 Corinthians 12:1-4</a></span><br />I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. / I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows. / And I know that this man—whether in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows— ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-10.htm">1 Peter 1:10-12</a></span><br />Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, / trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. / It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/22-17.htm">Acts 22:17-21</a></span><br />Later, when I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance / and saw the Lord saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem quickly, because the people here will not accept your testimony about Me.’ / ‘Lord,’ I answered, ‘they know very well that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in You. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-51.htm">1 Corinthians 15:51</a></span><br />Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-9.htm">2 Timothy 1:9-10</a></span><br />He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began. / And now He has revealed this grace through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the gospel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-25.htm">Romans 11:25</a></span><br />I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-2.htm">Colossians 2:2-3</a></span><br />that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">1 Corinthians 4:1</a></span><br />So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/3-16.htm">1 Timothy 3:16</a></span><br />By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-28.htm">Daniel 2:28-30</a></span><br />But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. Your dream and the visions that came into your mind as you lay on your bed were these: / As you lay on your bed, O king, your thoughts turned to the future, and the Revealer of Mysteries made known to you what will happen. / And to me this mystery has been revealed, not because I have more wisdom than any man alive, but in order that the interpretation might be made known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/48-6.htm">Isaiah 48:6</a></span><br />You have heard these things; look at them all. Will you not acknowledge them? From now on I will tell you of new things, hidden things unknown to you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">How that by revelation he made known to me the mystery; (as I wrote before in few words,</p><p class="hdg">by.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Ephesians 1:17</a></b></br> That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/22-17.htm">Acts 22:17,21</a></b></br> And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/23-9.htm">Acts 23:9</a></b></br> And there arose a great cry: and the scribes <i>that were</i> of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.</p><p class="hdg">the mystery.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/3-9.htm">Ephesians 3:9</a></b></br> And to make all <i>men</i> see what <i>is</i> the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/11-25.htm">Romans 11:25</a></b></br> For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/16-25.htm">Romans 16:25</a></b></br> 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,</p><p class="hdg">as I.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/1-9.htm">Ephesians 1:9-11</a></b></br> Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/2-11.htm">Ephesians 2:11-22</a></b></br> Wherefore remember, that ye <i>being</i> in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; … </p><p class="hdg">afore.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">Afore</a> <a href="/galatians/5-21.htm">Already</a> <a href="/romans/9-28.htm">Brief</a> <a href="/romans/13-9.htm">Briefly</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-7.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/galatians/2-2.htm">Explained</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-14.htm">Few</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-51.htm">Hitherto</a> <a href="/galatians/5-14.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-1.htm">Letter</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-9.htm">Mystery</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Revelation</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-9.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-15.htm">Short</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-13.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/galatians/5-2.htm">Words</a> <a href="/galatians/6-11.htm">Written</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-12.htm">Wrote</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/20-4.htm">Afore</a> <a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">Already</a> <a href="/ezra/9-8.htm">Brief</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-22.htm">Briefly</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-4.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/numbers/15-34.htm">Explained</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-10.htm">Few</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-32.htm">Hitherto</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-9.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/colossians/4-16.htm">Letter</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-4.htm">Mystery</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-7.htm">Revelation</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-4.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-17.htm">Short</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-4.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Words</a> <a href="/colossians/2-14.htm">Written</a> <a href="/philemon/1-21.htm">Wrote</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/3-1.htm">The hidden mystery that the Gentiles should be saved was made known to Paul by revelation;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/3-8.htm">and to him was that grace given, that he should preach it.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/3-13.htm">He desires them not to be discouraged over his tribulation;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ephesians/3-14.htm">and prays that they may perceive the great love of Christ toward them.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the New Testament, this mystery pertains to the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's plan of salvation, a concept that was not fully understood in the Old Testament. This aligns with the broader theme of Ephesians, which emphasizes the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ.<p><b>made known to me by revelation</b><br>Paul emphasizes that the understanding of this mystery was not through human wisdom or teaching but through divine revelation. This revelation is consistent with Paul's experience on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), where he encountered the risen Christ. It underscores the authority of Paul's apostleship and the divine origin of his message, distinguishing it from humanly devised doctrines.<p><b>as I have already written briefly</b><br>This phrase suggests that Paul had previously touched upon this topic in earlier parts of the letter or in other communications with the Ephesians. It indicates that the mystery of the gospel was a central theme in Paul's teachings. The reference to prior writing may also connect to <a href="/ephesians/1-9.htm">Ephesians 1:9-10</a>, where Paul discusses God's plan to unite all things in Christ. This continuity reinforces the importance of the mystery in understanding the full scope of God's redemptive work.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus to explain the mystery of Christ that has been revealed to him.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>A major city in Asia Minor, Ephesus was a center of early Christianity and the recipient of this epistle. It was known for its diverse population and the Temple of Artemis.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_mystery.htm">The Mystery</a></b><br>Refers to the divine truth that was previously hidden but has now been revealed to Paul, specifically the inclusion of Gentiles in the promises of Christ.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/r/revelation.htm">Revelation</a></b><br>The divine act of God making known His hidden truths to Paul, which he is now sharing with the Ephesians.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/gentiles.htm">Gentiles</a></b><br>Non-Jewish people who are now included in the promises of God through Christ, a central theme in Paul's message.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_mystery.htm">Understanding the Mystery</a></b><br>The "mystery" in biblical terms often refers to a divine truth that is revealed by God. In <a href="/ephesians/3-3.htm">Ephesians 3:3</a>, this mystery is the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's redemptive plan.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/revelation_and_its_importance.htm">Revelation and Its Importance</a></b><br>Revelation is crucial for understanding God's will. Paul emphasizes that his knowledge of the mystery came through divine revelation, not human wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_christ.htm">Unity in Christ</a></b><br>The mystery revealed to Paul underscores the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ. This unity is a central theme in Ephesians and a call for the church to live in harmony.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_apostle.htm">The Role of the Apostle</a></b><br>Paul’s role as an apostle is to communicate the mysteries of God. This highlights the importance of apostolic teaching and the authority of Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/application_in_daily_life.htm">Application in Daily Life</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to seek understanding and wisdom from God, recognizing that true knowledge comes from divine revelation.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_call_it_a_'mystery'_if_it's_known.htm">How can Ephesians 3:3–5 claim a “mystery” hidden for ages, given that earlier Scriptures already discuss salvation for Gentiles? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_focus_on_the_family's_mission.htm">What is Focus on the Family's mission and beliefs?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'created_for_good'_mean.htm">What is the mystery of Christ?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_dimensions_are_in_ephesians_3_18.htm">What are the dimensions mentioned in Ephesians 3:18?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery.</span>--The words "by revelation" are doubly emphatic. By revelation, not by the wisdom of man (as in <a href="/context/1_corinthians/2-7.htm" title="But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world to our glory:">1Corinthians 2:7-16</a>): for "God hath revealed them to us by His Spirit." By direct revelation to St. Paul himself, as in <a href="/galatians/1-12.htm" title="For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.">Galatians 1:12</a>, "not of man or by man, but by revelation of Jesus Christ," and in <a href="/romans/16-25.htm" title="Now to him that is of power to establish 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,">Romans 16:25</a>, "according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery." (See also <a href="/2_corinthians/12-17.htm" title="Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent to you?">2Corinthians 12:17</a>.) This revelation we may refer especially to the time when, after his conversion, he was "in a trance while praying in the Temple," and "saw Christ Himself," saying unto him, "Depart, for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles" (<a href="/context/acts/22-17.htm" title="And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;">Acts 22:17-21</a>).<p><span class= "bld">As I wrote afore in few words.</span>--The reference is to the brief notice in <a href="/context/ephesians/1-10.htm" title="That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:">Ephesians 1:10-14</a>, and to the further explanation in <a href="/context/ephesians/2-11.htm" title="Why remember, that you being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;">Ephesians 2:11-22</a>. Hence, in English, the idea would be more clearly expressed by "I have written above." St. Paul refers them back to these passages as embodying his "understanding," or conception, of the mystery thus revealed especially to him. The reference is one of those parenthetical remarks, which, to those remembering how St. Paul's Epistles were dictated, almost irresistibly suggest insertion on the reading over of the Epistle. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">How that, by revelation, was made known unto me the mystery.</span> The mystery, as is explained afterwards (ver. 6), was not the gospel itself, but its destination to the Gentiles as much as to the Jews; although, as appears afterwards, this fullness of blessing is really the great glory of the gospel. Mystery, that which is known only to the initiated, does not denote here a thing obscure in its own nature, but only something that had been concealed from view. It was only the initiated that now knew that God designed the gospel for Gentile and Jew alike. Paul had been initiated "by revelation" - not by his own reflecting power, not by his study of Scripture, not by communication from ether men, but by a special communication from God (<a href="/galatians/1-12.htm">Galatians 1:12</a>). <span class="cmt_word">As I wrote before in few words.</span> Where? In another Epistle? No; but in the earlier part of this Epistle (see <a href="/ephesians/1-9.htm">Ephesians 1:9</a>; <a href="/ephesians/2-18.htm">Ephesians 2:18</a>, etc.). If it be said the allusions in these places to the topic in question are rather vague and general, the apostle virtually admits it - he wrote of it "in few words;" but, as it is a great and glorious truth, he returns to it to amplify it and place it in a brighter light. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ephesians/3-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">that [is],</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὸ</span> <span class="translit">(to)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">mystery</span><br /><span class="grk">μυστήριον</span> <span class="translit">(mystērion)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3466.htm">Strong's 3466: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a derivative of muo; a secret or 'mystery'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">made known</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐγνωρίσθη</span> <span class="translit">(egnōristhē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1107.htm">Strong's 1107: </a> </span><span class="str2">To make known, declare, know, discover. From a derivative of ginosko; to make known; subjectively, to know.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to me</span><br /><span class="grk">μοι</span> <span class="translit">(moi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by</span><br /><span class="grk">κατὰ</span> <span class="translit">(kata)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">revelation,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀποκάλυψιν</span> <span class="translit">(apokalypsin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_602.htm">Strong's 602: </a> </span><span class="str2">An unveiling, uncovering, revealing, revelation. From apokalupto; disclosure.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as</span><br /><span class="grk">καθὼς</span> <span class="translit">(kathōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2531.htm">Strong's 2531: </a> </span><span class="str2">According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have already written</span><br /><span class="grk">προέγραψα</span> <span class="translit">(proegrapsa)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4270.htm">Strong's 4270: </a> </span><span class="str2">From pro and grapho; to write previously; figuratively, to announce, prescribe.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">briefly.</span><br /><span class="grk">ὀλίγῳ</span> <span class="translit">(oligō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3641.htm">Strong's 3641: </a> </span><span class="str2">Puny; especially neuter somewhat.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/3-3.htm">Ephesians 3:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ephesians/3-3.htm">Ephesians 3:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ephesians/3-3.htm">Ephesians 3:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ephesians/3-3.htm">Ephesians 3:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ephesians/3-3.htm">Ephesians 3:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/3-3.htm">Ephesians 3:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/3-3.htm">Ephesians 3:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/3-3.htm">Ephesians 3:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/3-3.htm">Ephesians 3:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ephesians/3-3.htm">Ephesians 3:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ephesians/3-3.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation the mystery was (Ephes. Eph. 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