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
