The Mystery of Christ Revealed: Ephesians 3
Some truths are too big to be discovered by human effort. They must be revealed by God. In Ephesians 3, Paul speaks about a “mystery” that was hidden for ages but has now been made known through Christ.
This mystery is not a puzzle to be solved but a truth to be celebrated: in Christ, Jews and Gentiles are united as one body. The good news of salvation is for all people, not just a chosen few.
What Is the Mystery of Christ?
Paul writes: “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:6).
For centuries, Israel had been God’s chosen nation. But through Christ, God’s plan widened to embrace all nations. The dividing wall was torn down (Ephesians 2:14), and now everyone who believes in Jesus has equal access to the Father.
Why This Was So Radical
In Paul’s world, Jews and Gentiles lived with deep divisions. Religious, cultural, and social barriers kept them apart. To declare that they were now one body in Christ was revolutionary.
Paul himself was a living example of this mystery. Once a persecutor of the church, he became the “apostle to the Gentiles,” proclaiming the gospel to those once considered outsiders.
The Mystery Today: Unity in Diversity
The mystery revealed in Ephesians still speaks powerfully today. The church is meant to be a diverse, unified family that reflects God’s wisdom to the world (Ephesians 3:10).
This means:
The gospel is for every culture, language, and nation.
There is no room for pride or division in the body of Christ.
Our unity is not uniformity — diversity shows the richness of God’s plan.
Living in the Mystery
Paul doesn’t just explain the mystery — he prays that believers would grasp the depth of God’s love (Ephesians 3:14–19). Living in the mystery means experiencing God’s love personally and extending it to others.
Practical ways to live this out:
Celebrate diversity. Look for ways your church can reflect God’s global family.
Build bridges. Reach out across cultural, generational, or social divides.
Pray Paul’s prayer. Ask to be rooted and grounded in God’s love.
Live on mission. Remember that the gospel is for everyone — share it with boldness.
Reflection Questions
How does the “mystery of Christ” expand my view of the gospel?
Where in my life do I need to pursue unity with others who are different from me?
How can I join God’s mission of making this mystery known?
5-Day Ephesians Introduction Study
The mystery of Christ is best understood by experiencing it. My 5-day study of Ephesians includes daily short videos and reflections to help you live out these truths. Sign up for the study
Go Deeper with the Ephesians Bible Study
Unity in diversity is a central theme of Ephesians. My book, Ephesians: Experience God’s Power, is an 8-session guided study with reflection questions and real-life applications. Get your copy here
