and to enlighten all, what is the administration of the mystery, hidden from eternity past in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;
Truth to Learn
God has revealed new truths during the church age.
Behind the Words
The words “to enlighten” are translated from the Greek verb photidzō, which is based on phos, meaning “light.” Photidzō means “to give light to;” that is, “to illuminate,” to bring to light,” or “to make known.”
The word “administration” is written as “fellowship” in some translations. “Fellowship” is from the noun koinōnia, which is related to the verb koinōneō, meaning “to share.” Koinōnia refers to communal sharing, fellowship, or participation. In the better manuscripts, however, the Greek word oikonomia is used. In verse two we learned that oikonomia refers to “administration” or “stewardship.”
“Hidden” is from apokruptō, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and kruptō, meaning “to hide.” Thus it means “to hide away.” It is expressed here as a perfect participle, indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect, with emphasis on the effect.
The words “from eternity past” are translated from “apo tōn aiōnōn.” Apo means “from” and tōn is the definite article (the). The word aiōnōn is a form of aiōn, meaning “an indefinitely long period of time.” It is often translated “age” and sometimes translated “eternity.” Paul’s meaning here is “from eternity past” or “from the beginning of time.”
Ktidzō is the Greek word translated “created.” In the writings of Homer the word is used to describe the founding of a city. Here it refers to the creation of something where nothing previously existed.
The words “through Jesus Christ” do not exist in the best manuscripts, although it is clearly taught elsewhere in Scripture that Jesus Christ was the instrument of creation.
Meaning Explained
As you can see from our discussion above, the major Greek manuscripts differ in a couple of places in this verse. However, as with nearly all textual variants, the truth being taught here is not significantly different between them.
Since verse three Paul has been talking about a mystery. You may recall that the word translated “mystery” refers to something that has previously been hidden but now is revealed. We learned a few verses back that the mystery he is talking about is the fact that the Gentiles and the Jews are jointly part of God’s holy temple. That is, the Gentiles now share in the promises made to the Jews, they are part of the same body, and they are fellow heirs of God’s eternal estate.
In yesterday’s verse, Paul said that he, being less than the least of all the saints, was granted the privilege and responsibility of preaching the Gospel message to the Gentiles. In that verse he referred to the message he is commissioned to proclaim as “the unsearchable riches of Christ.” The riches that he referred to are an expression of how precious this salvation by faith really is. There is not enough money in the entire world to purchase this salvation. Therefore, it can’t be purchased; it can only be received as a gift.
In the current verse he tells us that he also has been given the responsibility of enlightening all of mankind about the stewardship of this mystery. In other words, Paul’s task is to proclaim the Gospel and explain how the Jews and Gentiles are now one in Christ. The remainder of this verse is best explained along with verse ten.
Application
We are living in an age (period of time since the death of Jesus Christ) in which new truths about God have been revealed. Most of the world, however, is ignoring these truths and living in ignorance. How are you living in light of what you have learned?
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved