Tag: gnoridzo

Romans 9:22 – Unfair Grace

Posted on by Will

But if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,

Truth to Learn

God endures the sinfulness of sinners so that His wrath and power will be seen and understood.

 

Behind the Words

“Show” is from endeiknumi, which means “to point out or to show forth something about oneself.”

The verb translated “make … known” is gnoridzo, meaning “to make something apparent or known to someone else.”

“Endured” is from the verb pherō, which means “to carry or bear like a burden.”

The word “longsuffering” is translated from makrothumia, which refers to “the ability to endure pain or suffering inflicted by others for a long time before getting angry.”

“Destruction” is from apōleia, which is based on the verb apollumi, meaning “to destroy fully.” The Complete WordStudy Dictionary says of this word: “apōleia refers to the state after death wherein exclusion from salvation is a realized fact, wherein man, instead of becoming what he might have been, is lost and ruined.”

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we saw that the Apostle Paul postulated that it is fair for God to declare some righteous (through His grace) and to allow the remainder of mankind to remain destined for Hell because of their sinfulness. But that implies that there must be two classes of people on the earth, unforgiven sinners and forgiven sinners. In this and the following verse Paul will show that, in fact, there are two classes of people, and God has a purpose in allowing both.

The first class of people is the class of unforgiven sinners. Remember, according to what Paul demonstrated back in Romans 3:23, all of us are sinners. There is no human being except for Jesus Himself who is without sin. We all deserve Hell. Paul here states that God is desirous of showing His wrath against sin and sinners and He is also desirous of making His power known. In order to do this, though, He is currently being long suffering, enduring the pain of the sinfulness of those who are not chosen, until the day when He will finally pour out His wrath on the sinfulness of all mankind.

God is continuing to endure the pain of the sins of the unsaved sinners in this world. At the same time, however, he knows the eternal damnation that they will receive when He finally slams down the gavel of His judgment on them. But what about our sins? Is God longsuffering with us? The answer is no, because our sins are covered by the blood of Christ and He sees us as sinless, holy, righteous vessels of glory. We are the second class of people, the forgiven sinners.

 

Application

On the surface this appears harsh and unfair, but keep in mind that God cannot allow sin to abide in His presence. The unfair thing is that He has declared us to be righteous and without sin (because the penalty for our sins has been paid by Jesus Christ on the cross).

Truly, that is not fair! Praise God for His grace!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 6:19 – Pray for Paul?

Posted on by Will

and for me, that utterance may be given to me, in the opening of my mouth with boldness to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Truth to Learn

All of us need prayers, especially regarding our ministries.

 

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “utterance” is logos, which is derived from the verb legō, meaning “to speak or to say something intelligible.” Thus, logos refers to “something spoken” and is often translated as “word, saying, or discourse.” It is expressed here in the singular. Therefore, we could translate this as “a message” or “a word.”

 “Boldness” is translated from the Greek word parrēsia, which is a compound word made up of pas, meaning “all” or “every” and rhēsis, meaning “the act of speaking.” Therefore, this word means “all speaking” or “all freedom or frankness of speech.”

The words “make known” are from the verb gnōridzō, which is based on the same root as ginōskō, meaning “to know.” Gnoridzō means “to make known” or “to declare.”

“Mystery” is transliterated (carried directly from one language to another) from musterion. In the New Testament this word refers to something that has been hidden in the past but which is now being made known.

 

Meaning Explained

After Paul finished his description of the Christian’s spiritual armor, he told us that we need to pray constantly with all kinds of prayers and that we need to be watchful. Our enemy doesn’t like it when we talk to our Commander-in-Chief, because he knows that it will make us stronger.

While on the subject of prayer, the Apostle now asks for prayer for himself as well. There are two specific requests that Paul makes. The first is that he might be given something to say. The second thing he asks for is that he might speak with boldness as he makes known the mystery of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Do these seem a little strange to you? They do to me.

Here we have one of the greatest evangelistic preachers of all time asking others to talk to God about giving him something to say and to give him boldness to say it. This is the very same person who boldly stood before some of the greatest thinkers of his time at the Areopagus (see Acts chapter seventeen) to proclaim the Gospel message.

If there were ever a person that we didn’t think needed prayer, it would be the Apostle Paul, especially prayer for boldness in proclaiming the Gospel. Perhaps the reason that Paul was so successful in his proclamation of the Gospel was because he had a lot of people praying for his ministry!

Also notice the subject matter of Paul’s prayer request. What he asks for is something that will result in glory being given to God. He’s not asking for his own sake, he’s asking for something that will result in God getting all the praise.

 

Application

Next time you’re in a group that is about to pray and prayer requests are expressed, notice how many of those requests are focused on personal issues. I’m not saying that Aunt Suzie’s arthritis or the Jones’ financial problems aren’t appropriate for prayer, but how much glory will God receive when those requests are answered? Instead, let us all learn to focus our prayers on things that will bring glory and praise to our God.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 3:10 – Angelic Observers

Posted on by Will

so that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the rulers and powers in the heavenly places through the church,

Truth to Learn

Angels learn about God by watching you and me.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “manifold” is an interesting Greek word that appears nowhere else in the New Testament. It is the word polupoikilos, which is made up of polus, meaning “much” or “many” and poikilos, literally meaning “multi-colored” or “various.” Polupoikilos means “greatly diversified” or “that which abounds in variety.”

The word “wisdom” is from the Greek noun sophia, which does in fact refer to “wisdom.” It is used in the New Testament to refer to both earthly and heavenly (spiritual) wisdom.

“Might be made known” is translated from the verb gnōridzō, meaning “to declare” or “to make known.” It is expressed in the rare subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of it happening. In Greek, word order is often used to indicate the importance of ideas and gnōridzō appears before any other of these words. Thus we see that the focus of this verse is on how the rulers and powers learn about God’s wisdom.

“Rulers” is translated from archē, which literally refers to “the beginning point.” Metaphorically, it is used to refer to the highest in position or power. As we will see below, this is a reference to the rulers of the angelic beings.

“Powers” is from dunamis (from which we get our English word dynamite), meaning “a powerful force.” It is used here as a reference to other powerful angelic beings.

 

Meaning Explained

Beginning back in verse three of this chapter, Paul explained how the mystery of the Gospel was revealed to him. This included the fact that the Gentiles are now co-heirs with the Jews and partakers of God’s promises regarding the Messiah and salvation.

In the past couple of verses he declared how he has been given the responsibility of revealing this mystery to the church. This mystery, which has been hidden from the beginning of time, is now being revealed to us. In today’s verse he tells us that part of the reason for revealing this mystery to the church is so that it can now be revealed to the angelic beings in Heaven. The Jews had the Old Testament which revealed the God of righteousness and judgment. Today, we have the New Testament which reveals the God of grace and mercy to us undeserving sinners.

The angelic beings, however, do not learn about God’s righteousness, judgment, or grace from the written word. Angels are each individually created beings, however we are procreated, that is, we are descendants of the man, Adam, whom God created. In order for angels to be redeemed, they would each one have to have someone die to pay the price of their rebellion against God. Mankind, on the other hand, can be redeemed as an entire body through faith in the blood of one perfect sacrifice. Since there was only one perfect Lamb of God who was sacrificed, His blood could only be applied to mankind. Therefore, the angels can’t experience or comprehend God’s grace experientially. They learn about God’s multi-faceted wisdom by observing the church.

The Apostle Peter, in his first general epistle, said it this way:

… the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into. (1 Peter 1:12)

The heavenly angels learn about God by observing Him in action. Therefore, the only way they can understand the wisdom of His actions, particularly His grace toward sinners like you and me, is to observe us!

 

Application

Do you ever have those times when you feel like someone is watching you, even when you’re all alone? It could be the angels watching you to learn what God’s grace and mercy are all about. You and I are heavenly object lessons. That’s something to think about! Now, let’s also show them what gratitude and thanksgiving are all about!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 3:5 – God’s Revealed Word

Posted on by Will

which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations, as it now was revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit:

Truth to Learn

We have the Word of God in our possession.

 

Behind the Words

“Made known” is from gnoridzō, which we saw a couple of verses earlier. It means “to become known.” It is expressed here in the passive voice (action done to the subject). And, it is expressed here in the aorist tense, indicating action that occurred at a point in time in the past.

The words “the sons of men” are a literal translation of the Greek words, “tois huiois tōn anthrōpōn.” It is a reference to those who are men by nature. It is contrasted to the apostles and prophets to whom the mystery was revealed by the Holy Spirit.

The word translated “other” is heteros, which means “another of a different kind.” There is another Greek word, allos, which means “another of the same kind.” The use of heteros implies that the age we live in is different from previous ages.

“Generations” is from the Greek noun genea. It is derived from the verb ginomai, meaning “to become” or “to begin to be.” The original meaning of genea was that of “a generation,” but in New Testament Greek it sometimes refers simply to “a period of time.”

Apostolos is the word from which we get “apostles.” As you can see it is a transliteration (a word brought over directly from one language to another). It is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and a form of the verb stellō, meaning “to send forth.” Apostolos means “one who is sent forth from God.”

The word “prophets” is also a transliteration. It is transliterated from the Greek word prophetēs, which is made up of pro, meaning “before, in place or time” and a form of phēmi, meaning “to tell.” Thus, a prophet is “someone who declares God’s message before the people or before it happens.”

 

Meaning Explained

Previously, Paul told us that the mystery that he is talking about was revealed to him, not by a human teacher, but by God Himself. Now he informs us that through his ministry this mystery is also being revealed to us in the church age. This mystery (that Gentiles and Jews are both part of God’s chosen people) was unknown before Paul’s preaching.

If you read through the third chapter of his letter to the church in Rome, you will see that before the church age, the Jews had a great advantage over the Gentiles. Here’s what he said:

What, then is the superiority of the Jew? Or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because they were entrusted with the oracles of God. (Romans 3:1, 2)

The word translated “oracles” here is logion, which refers to “an utterance.” So, what Paul is saying is that the advantage the Jews had was that God spoke directly to them. His laws and commandments were given to them and not to anyone else.

But now, because of the preaching of the Apostles and Prophets since the time of Christ, all nations of the world can hear and understand God’s truth. And, it is through this truth, now written in the New Testament, that we all have an opportunity to hear and believe God’s promise of salvation.

 

Application

Do you recognize how precious the truths in the Bible are? Both the Old Testament and the New Testament contain information directly from God. That’s why it is often called “the Word of God.” Treasure it – and thank God for it!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 3:3 – Special Revelation

Posted on by Will

that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I briefly wrote before,

Truth to Learn

Paul received special revelation from God regarding the salvation of the Gentiles.

 

Behind the Words

The word “revelation” is translated from the Greek noun apokalupsis. This word is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and a form of kaluptō, meaning “to hide” or “to cover up.” Thus, apokalupsis refers to the uncovering or revealing of something. The last book of the Bible is called Revelation and that word comes from this Greek word, apokalupsis. Thus, the last book of the Bible is a book that uncovers, or reveals, Jesus Christ in the last days.

The Greek word gnōridzō is translated here as “made known.” The word literally means “to become known” or “to gain knowledge.” It is written here in the aorist tense (action done at a point in time in the past) and the active voice (action done by the subject). Some of the better manuscripts have this word written in the passive voice (action done to the subject). So, the first part of this verse could be translated, “that by revelation the mystery was made known to me.”

“Mystery” is transliterated from musterion (or mysterion), which refers to something that has previously been unknown but now is revealed.

“Briefly” is from the Greek word oligos which means “little.” It can refer to a small quantity, a short time span, or of small degree. In this case, it most likely refers to a small quantity.

The words “I .. wrote before” are translated from the verb prographō, which is made up of pro, meaning “before, in place or time” and graphō, meaning “to write.”

 

Meaning Explained

There are two things that we want to take a look at in this verse. The first is, “How did Paul learn about the mystery?” and the other is, “What did he mean by ‘as I briefly wrote before’?”

Before his conversion Paul, then called Saul, was an avid student of the Scriptures (the Old Testament). He was schooled by one of the greatest teachers of his day, a Pharisee by the name of Gamaliel. But, his greatest understanding of the doctrines of salvation by grace through faith, was not taught to him by human teachers. Here’s how Paul explained it:

But I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which was preached by me, that it is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:11-12)

This mystery was revealed to Paul by our Lord, Himself. That is what he is referring to in the first part of today’s verse.

Now, what does Paul mean by the statement that he has already written briefly about this mystery? Some think that Paul is referring to a previous letter that he wrote to the Ephesians; however, there is no evidence of any such letter. The other possibility is that he is referring to what he wrote in verses nine through twelve of the first chapter of this letter, the mystery of God’s will regarding the salvation of the Gentiles.

 

Application

Unlike Paul, we have no need to receive special revelation from God, because we have His written word, the Bible. But, in order to understand God’s will for our lives, we need to read and study it daily.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 1:9 – Lord Over All

Posted on by Will

having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,

Truth to Learn

God is completely sovereign. He does according to His own will.

 

Behind the Words

The words “having made known” are from gnoridzō, which means “to make known” or “to certify.” It is expressed here as an explanatory participle tied to the phrase “which He made to abound toward us.”

“Mystery” is a transliteration (a word from one language spelled with the letters of another) of the Greek word mustērion. There are two trains of thoughts on the derivation of this word. Some believe that it is based on the verb muō, meaning “to shut the mouth.” Thus, it is something kept secret. Others believe that it is based on the verb mueō, meaning “to initiate;” that is, “to learn a secret.” Therefore, both schools of thought see mustērion as meaning “something kept secret.” In the New Testament it always refers to a truth which has previously been kept secret but that is now revealed.

“Will” is from the Greek word thelēma, which we learned back in verse five means “a determination” as opposed to “a desire.”

The Greek word translated “purposed” is protithēmi, which is made up of pro, meaning “before, in position or time” and tithēmi, meaning “to place.” It is expressed here in the middle voice (action done by the subject to itself.) So, protithēmi literally means “to set before oneself.” By application it means “to purpose” or “to determine for oneself.”

 

Meaning Explained

In the opening verses of this letter Paul proclaimed a blessing on God because He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing, He chose us before He created anything, and He predestined us to be adopted into His family. All this, we learned, was done to showcase God’s marvelous grace, through which we have redemption and forgiveness. Now he tells us that through this grace God makes known to us a truth about His will (His determined plan). He calls this truth a mystery.

The Apostle Paul talks about mysteries no fewer than seventeen times in his New Testament letters. These mysteries include: the mystery of the rapture (1Corinthians 15:51), the mystery of Israel’s spiritual blindness (Romans 11:25), the mystery of the gospel message (Romans 16:25, Ephesians 6:19, Colossians 4:3), the mystery of the church being the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:32), the mystery of Christ indwelling presence (Colossians 1:26, 27), the mystery of lawlessness in the end times (2Thessalonians 2:7), the mystery of the faith (1Timothy 3:9), and the mystery spoken of here. So what is this mystery of God’s will? Paul tells us more completely in Ephesians 3:3-6 where he says: “that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel.”

Why has He revealed the truth of this mystery to us? Paul says it is simply because God thought it was a good thing to do; therefore, He decided to do it.

 

Application

This is yet another example of God’s sovereignty. God is not constrained to do or not do anything. He acts as He determines to and is answerable to no one. He is Lord over all!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 6:19 – Pray for Paul?

Posted on by Will

and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Truth to Learn

All of us need prayers, especially regarding our ministries.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “utterance” is logos, which is derived from the verb legō, meaning “to speak or to say something intelligible.” Thus, logos refers to “something spoken” and is often translated as “word, saying, or discourse.” It is expressed here in the singular. Therefore, we could translate this as “a message” or “a word.”

 “Boldly” is translated from the Greek word parrēsia, which is a compound word made up of pas, meaning “all” or “every” and rhēsis, meaning “the act of speaking.” Therefore, this word means “all speaking” or “all freedom or frankness of speech.”

The words “make known” are from the verb gnōridzō, which is based on the same root as ginōskō, meaning “to know.” Gnoridzō means “to make known” or “to declare.”

“Mystery” is transliterated (carried directly from one language to another) from musterion. In the New Testament this word refers to something that has been hidden in the past but which is now being made known.

Meaning Explained

After Paul finished his description of the Christian’s spiritual armor, he told us that we need to pray constantly with all kinds of prayers and that we need to be watchful. Our enemy doesn’t like it when we talk to our Commander-in-Chief, because he knows that it will make us stronger.

While on the subject of prayer, the Apostle now asks for prayer for himself as well. There are two specific requests that Paul makes. The first is that he might be given something to say. The second thing he asks for is that he might boldly open his mouth to make known the mystery of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Do these seem a little strange to you? They do to me.

Here we have one of the greatest evangelistic preachers of all time asking others to talk to God about giving him something to say and to give him boldness to say it. This is the very same person who boldly stood before some of the greatest thinkers of his time at the Areopagus (see Acts chapter seventeen) to proclaim the Gospel message.

If there were ever a person that we didn’t think needed prayer, it would be the Apostle Paul, especially prayer for boldness in proclaiming the Gospel. Perhaps the reason that Paul was so successful in his proclamation of the Gospel was because he had a lot of people praying for his ministry!

Also notice the subject matter of Paul’s prayer request. What he asks for is something that will result in glory being given to God. He’s not asking for his own sake, he’s asking for something that will result in God getting all the praise.

Application

Next time you’re in a group that is about to pray and prayer requests are expressed, notice how many of those requests are focused on personal issues. I’m not saying that Aunt Suzie’s arthritis or the Jones’ financial problems aren’t appropriate for prayer, but how much glory will God receive when those requests are answered? Instead, let us all learn to focus our prayers on things that will bring glory and praise to our God.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 3:10 – Angelic Observers

Posted on by Will

Ephesians 3:10  – Angelic Observers

to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,

Truth to Learn

Angels learn about God by watching you and me.

Behind the Words

The word translated “manifold” is an interesting Greek word that appears nowhere else in the New Testament. It is the word polupoikilos, which is made up of polus, meaning “much” or “many” and poikilos, literally meaning “multi-colored” or “various.” Polupoikilos means “greatly diversified” or “that which abounds in variety.”

The word “wisdom” is from the Greek noun sophia, which does in fact refer to “wisdom.” It is used in the New Testament to refer to both earthly and heavenly (spiritual) wisdom.

“Might be made known” is translated from the verb gnōridzō, meaning “to declare” or “to make known.”

“Principalities” is translated from archē, which literally refers to “the beginning point.” Metaphorically, it is used to refer to the highest in position or power of the angelic beings.

“Powers” is from dunamis (from which we get our English word dynamite), meaning “a powerful force.” It is used here as a reference to other powerful angelic beings.

Meaning Explained

Beginning back in verse three of this chapter, Paul explained how the mystery of the Gospel was revealed to him. This included the fact that the Gentiles are now co-heirs with the Jews and partakers of God’s promises regarding the Messiah and salvation.

In the past couple of verses he declared how he has been given the responsibility of revealing this mystery to the church, the body of Christ. This mystery, which has been hidden from mankind from the beginning of time, is now being revealed to us. In today’s verse he tells us that part of the reason for revealing this mystery to the church is so that it can now be revealed to the angelic beings in Heaven. The Jews had the Old Testament which revealed the God of righteousness and judgment to them. Today, we have the New Testament which reveals the God of grace and mercy to us undeserving sinners.

For some reason, the angelic beings do not learn about God’s righteousness, judgment, or grace from the written word. They learn about God’s multi-faceted wisdom by observing the church. The Apostle Peter, in his first general epistle, said it this way:

… the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into. (1 Peter 1:12)

The heavenly angels learn about God by observing Him in action. Therefore, the only way they can understand the wisdom of His actions, particularly His grace toward sinners like you and me, is to observe us!

Application

Do you ever have those times when you feel like someone is watching you, even when you’re all alone? It could be the angels watching you to learn what God’s grace and mercy are all about. You and I are heavenly object lessons. Let’s show them what gratitude and thanksgiving are all about!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to:

Ephesians 3:5 – God’s Revealed Word

Posted on by Will

Ephesians 3:5  – God’s Revealed Word

which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:

Truth to Learn

We have the Word of God in our possession.

Behind the Words

The word translated “other” is heteros, which means “another of a different kind.” There is another Greek word, allos, which means “another of the same kind.” The use of heteros implies that the age we live in is different from previous ages.

“Ages” is from the Greek noun genea. It is derived from the verb ginomai, meaning “to become” or “to begin to be.” The original meaning of genea was that of “a generation,” but in New Testament Greek it generally refers to “a period of time.”

“Made known” is from gnoridzō, which we saw a couple of verses earlier. It means “to become known.” It is expressed here in the passive voice (action done to the subject).

Apostolos is the word from which we get “apostles.” As you can see it is a transliteration (a word brought over directly from one language to another). It is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and a form of the verb stellō, meaning “to send forth.” Apostolos means “one who is sent from God.”

The word “prophets” is also a transliteration. It is transliterated from the Greek word prophetēs, which is made up of pro, meaning “before, in place or time” and a form of phēmi, meaning “to tell.” Thus, a prophet is “someone who declares God’s message before the people or before it happens.”

Meaning Explained

Previously, Paul told us that the mystery that he is talking about was revealed to him, not by a human teacher, but by God Himself. Now he informs us that through his ministry this mystery is also being revealed to us in the church age. This mystery (that Gentiles and Jews are both part of God’s chosen people) was unknown before Paul’s preaching.

If you read through the third chapter of his letter to the church in Rome, you will see that before the church age, the Jews had a great advantage over the Gentiles. Here’s what he said:

What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. (Romans 3:1, 2)

The word translated “oracles” here is logion, which refers to “an utterance.” So, what Paul is saying is that the advantage the Jews had was that God spoke directly to them. His laws and commandments were given to them and not to anyone else.

But now, because of the preaching of the Apostles and Prophets since the time of Christ, all nations of the world can hear God’s truth. And, it is through this truth, now written in the New Testament, that we all have an opportunity to hear and believe God’s promise of salvation.

Application

Do you recognize how precious the truths in the Bible are? Both the Old Testament and the New Testament contain information directly from God. That’s why it is often called “the Word of God.” Treasure it – and thank God for it!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to:

Ephesians 3:3 – Special Revelation

Posted on by Will

Ephesians 3:3  – Special Revelation

how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,

Truth to Learn

Paul received special revelation from God regarding the salvation of the Gentiles.

Behind the Words

The word “revelation” is translated from the Greek noun apokalupsis. This word is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and a form of kaluptō, meaning “to hide” or “to cover up.” Thus, apokalupsis refers to the uncovering or revealing of something.

“Mystery” is transliterated from musterion (or mysterion), which refers to something that has been previously been unknown but now is revealed.

The Greek word gnōridzō is translated here as “made known.” The word literally means “to become known” or “to gain knowledge.” It is written here in the aorist tense (action done at a point in time in the past) and the active voice (action done by the subject). Some of the better manuscripts have this word written in the passive voice (action done to the subject). So, the first part of this verse could be translated, “that by revelation the mystery was made known to me.”

The words “I have written already” are translated from the verb prographō, which is made up of pro, meaning “before, in place or time” and graphō, meaning “to write.”

“Briefly” is from the Greek word oligos which means “little.” It can refer to a small quantity, a short time span, or of small degree. In this case, it most likely refers to a small quantity.

Meaning Explained

There are two things that we want to take a look at in this verse. The first is, “How did Paul learn about the mystery?” and the other is, “What did he mean by ‘as I have briefly written already’?”

Before his conversion Paul (then called Saul) was an avid student of the Scriptures (the Old Testament). He was schooled under one of the greatest teachers of his day, a Pharisee by the name of Gamaliel. But, his greatest understanding of the doctrines of salvation by grace through faith were not taught to him by human teachers. Here’s how Paul explained it:

But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:11-12)

This mystery was revealed to Paul by our Lord, Himself. That is what he is referring to in the first part of today’s verse. Now, what does Paul mean by the statement that he has already written briefly about this mystery? Some think that Paul is referring to a previous letter that he wrote to the Ephesians; however, there is no evidence of any such letter. The other possibility is that he is referring to what he wrote in verses nine through twelve of the first chapter of this letter, the mystery of God’s will regarding the salvation of the Gentiles.

Application

Unlike Paul, we have no need to receive special revelation from God, because we have His written word, the Bible. But, in order to understand God’s will for our lives, we need to read and study it daily.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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