revelation – Ministry of Grace Church

Tag: revelation

Romans 16:25 – Stabilizing Power

Posted on April 1, 2019 by Will

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the time of the ages.

Truth to Learn

The power of God is revealed in the gospel message.

Behind the Words

“Him who is able” is from the word dunamai, from which we get the word dynamite. It refers to “one who has the power, ability, or authority to do something.”

The word translated “establish” is stēridzō, which means “to set firmly in place.”

“Revelation” is from the Greek word apokalupsis. This is a compound word made up of apo, meaning “away from” and a form of kaluptō, meaning “to cover” or “to conceal.” Therefore, we can see that this word means “to have the cover taken away,” that is “an uncovering” or “a revealing.”

“Mystery” is translated from musterion, which refers to “a sacred mystery, something that was previously hidden but which is now made known.”

The word “secret” is translated from the Greek verb sigaō, meaning “to keep silent.”

Meaning Explained

In the past there has been much debate among Greek scholars as to whether this and the following two verses belong here or at the end of chapter fourteen. A number of reliable manuscripts have it at the end of fourteen, but a number of others have it placed here. Nearly all English translations present it here at the end of the epistle.

This benediction (a formal proclamation of blessing and praise) to God is basically a summary of Paul’s entire ministry. Paul gives this praise to “Him who is able to set us firmly in place.” That is, God is the only one who has the power and authority to make our salvation and subsequent walk with Him firm and secure. This secure salvation is the result of the gospel message. Paul refers to it as his gospel because it is the message that was given to him to deliver to the Gentiles.

This gospel (good news of salvation from our sins) is communicated by the preaching of Jesus Christ. That is, salvation comes from hearing about and believing that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. As proof of His sinless life and the acceptance of His blood as payment for our sins he rose from the dead and is alive today.

Paul refers to this gospel message as “the mystery which was kept silent since the time of the ages.” He calls it this because even though it is alluded to throughout the Old Testament (from Genesis through Malachi), it was hidden from the Jews and hidden from the rest of mankind until revealed to the world by Jesus Christ, Himself.

Paul will continue with this benediction in the next two verses.

Application

Every Christian should get a tingle of excitement when talking about the gospel message. Through it the power of God to save sinners from the just penalty of their sins is communicated. The proclamation of the gospel opens up hearts and transfers the citizenship of lost souls from the family of doom to a firm place in the family of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 1:7 – Eternal Rest

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Will

and to you who are troubled, rest with us in the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with His mighty angels,

Truth to Learn

Christians may be suffering now, but we will have eternal rest.

Behind the Words

Some translations start this verse off with, “and to give you …” The word “give” is not in the Greek text, but has been added by the translators. The grammatical construction of the Greek, however, indicates that the verb here is the same as the previous verse (repay). So the beginning of this verse could be translated as, “and to repay you…”

Anesis is the word translated “rest.” It is based on the verb aniēmi, a compound word made up of ana, meaning “up” or “back” and hiēmi, meaning “to send.” Thus, aniēmi means “to send back” or “to loosen” and anesis refers to “relief or rest.”

“Revelation” is from the Greek word apokalupsis, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and a form of the verb kaluptō, meaning “to cover.” Hence, apokalupsis refers to something being “uncovered” or “revealed.”

The word “heaven” is translated from ouranos, which is probably based on oros, meaning “a high place” or “a mountain.” Ouranos refers to the area above us. It can refer to the sky (the atmosphere around the earth), space (where stars and planets are located), or God’s dwelling place (sometimes called the third heaven).

The Greek word translated “mighty” is dunamis (from which we get our English word “dynamite”). This word refers to “power in action.” The Greek word ischus is similar, although it refers to the ability, whereas dunamis refers to the action.

Meaning Explained

Paul has prayed for the growth in faith and love of the Thessalonians and stated that this growth in the face of persecution and tribulation is an indication of God’s righteous judgment. In yesterday’s verse Paul told us that God’s judgment is righteous in the way He judges evil doers. He told them (and us) that he will repay those who persecute us with their own tribulation. We will see in tomorrow’s verse the kind of repayment they will receive.

We are now told how God’s judgment is righteous toward those of us who believe in God and who believe in His son Jesus Christ. Please note here that there is a difference between fairness and righteous judgment. If God were fair, we would receive from Him what we rightly deserve. We would receive His wrath because of our sinfulness. But, because God is righteous and has chosen to demonstrate His grace toward us, we will not experience God’s wrath. Instead, we are told here, He will give us relief from the tribulation that we suffer in this life. Keep in mind what Jesus told His disciples:

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Being a Christian does not mean that our life on earth will be easy. On the contrary, we will (and do) have tribulation. But, when this life is over we will have rest. Those who persecute us, however, will have tribulation beyond measure, eternally!

Application

Be of good cheer, my Christian friends; though your life may be difficult now, we will have eternal peace and rest!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 3:3 – Special Revelation

Posted on September 22, 2015 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,

Ephesians 1:17 – Seekers of Revelation

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Will

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the full knowledge of Him,

Truth to Learn

Christians should actively seek greater knowledge of God.

Behind the Words

The word “God” is translated from the Greek word theos. It was originally used by the Greeks to refer to any of their gods. In the New Testament, however, it is used in reference to the one true God. The word theos is probably derived from the Greek theteres (a placer of things) because the Greeks believed that their gods were the placers and disposers of things (thus, they had a god of fire, a god of wind, etc.).

The word “wisdom” is translated from sophia, which refers to “the ability to think and act, utilizing knowledge, insight, understanding, and experience.”

“Revelation” is from apokalupsis, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and a form of kaluptō, meaning “to cover” or “to conceal.” Therefore, apokalupsis refers to “the result of removing a cover.”

Meaning Explained

In the current verse Paul is expressing some of his prayers for the members of the church in Ephesus. By extension, these are his prayers for all saints. The first thing that he petitions God for is that they (and we) might receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation. Now, we have to stop here for a moment and ask ourselves whether or not this spirit that Paul is talking about is the Holy Spirit or not. The Greek text does not include the definite article the here. Therefore, some would say that Paul is not specifically referring to “the” spirit; that is, the Holy Spirit.

If we look at some of the attributes of the Holy Spirit, however, we may come to a different conclusion. In Isaiah 11:2, as the prophet is describing the Messiah, he says,

The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding.

This, clearly, is a reference to the Holy Spirit. And in 1Corinthians 2:10 where Paul is talking about the mystery of the wisdom of God, he says,

God has revealed them to us through His Spirit,

which is another clear reference to the Holy Spirit. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that Paul is referring to the Holy Spirit in this verse.

But, if that is so, why does Paul not refer to Him as “the” Spirit in the Greek text? Perhaps, the answer is that Paul just finished teaching that all Christians have been given the Holy Spirit as a seal and a guarantee at the time of salvation and did not want to introduce confusion on that point. In referring to “a spirit of wisdom and revelation” he is implying that these are characteristics which the Holy Spirit imparts. Therefore, Paul is asking God the Father to have the Holy Spirit give wisdom and revelation to all saints. The wisdom and revelation he is referring to are in reference to Jesus Christ our Lord. In other words, Paul is asking that we, through the Holy Spirit, might know and understand more about our Lord Jesus Christ.

Application

Do you know all there is to know about Jesus Christ? Of course not! None of us does. Do you want to know more about your Lord and Savior? Of course you do! All Christians do. Be assured that Paul also wants you to, but it doesn’t happen without actively seeking it from God’s Word. As you seek to know Christ better, the Holy Spirit will reveal Him to you.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 3:3 – Special Revelation

Posted on October 11, 2011 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

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

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.”

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

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

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Ephesians 1:17 – Seekers of Revelation

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 1:17 – Seekers of Revelation

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,

Truth to Learn

Christians should actively seek greater knowledge of God.

Behind the Words

The word “wisdom” is translated from sophia, which refers to “the ability to think and act, utilizing knowledge, insight, understanding, and experience.”

Meaning Explained

If we look at some of the attributes of the Holy Spirit, however, we may come to a different conclusion. In Isaiah 11:2, as the prophet is describing the Messiah, he says, “The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding.” This, clearly, is a reference to the Holy Spirit. And in 1Corinthians 2:10 where Paul is talking about the mystery of the wisdom of God, he says, “God has revealed them to us through His Spirit,” which is another clear reference to the Holy Spirit. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that Paul is referring to the Holy Spirit in this verse.

Application

Do you know all there is to know about Jesus Christ? Of course not, none of us does. Do you want to know more about your Lord and Savior? Of course, all Christians do. Be assured that Paul also wants you to, but it doesn’t happen without actively seeking it from God’s Word. As you seek to know Christ better, the Holy Spirit will reveal Him to you.

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

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:

Romans 16:25 – Stabilizing Power

Posted on July 13, 2011 by Will

Romans 16:25 – Stabilizing Power

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began

Truth to Learn

The power of God is revealed in the gospel message.

Behind the Words

“Him who is able” is from the word dunamai, from which we get the word dynamite. It refers to “one who has the power, ability, or authority to do something.”

The word translated “establish” is stēridzō, which means “to set firmly in place.”

“Mystery” is translated from musterion, which refers to “a sacred mystery, something that was previously hidden but which is now made known.”

The word “secret” is translated from the Greek verb sigaō, meaning “to keep silent.”

Meaning Explained

Paul refers to this gospel message as “the mystery which was kept silent since the world began.” He calls it this because even though it is alluded to throughout the Old Testament (from Genesis through Malachi), it was hidden from the Jews and hidden from the rest of mankind until revealed to the world by Jesus Christ, Himself.

Paul will continue with this benediction in the next two verses.

Application

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

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:

Romans 8:18 – Suffering for Glory

Posted on June 13, 2010 by Will

Romans 8:18 – Suffering for Glory

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Truth to Learn

Our future glory is far greater than our current suffering.

Behind the Words

The expression “I consider” is from the Greek word logidzomai, meaning “to count, to impute, to estimate, or to reckon.

“Sufferings” is translated from pathēma, a noun form of the verb paschō, meaning “to feel strong emotion or sensation, to suffer, or to experience.” It is most often used to refer to painful suffering either physically or emotionally.

The words “not worthy” are translated from ouk axia. As we have discussed before, ouk refers to the absolute negative. The word axia is a form of axios which is a reference to two items placed on a balance scales which are of comparable weight, causing the scales to balance perfectly. This perfect balance indicates the relative worth of one of the items on the scales. Hence, the word has come to refer to the comparable worth of an item.

The word “revealed” is from apokaluptō. This is a compound word made up of apo, meaning “from or away from” and kaluptō, meaning “to cover” or “to conceal.” Thus, we see that apokaluptō means “to uncover” or “to reveal.” This is the word that is translated “Revelation” as the name of the last book in the New Testament.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul told us that since we are joint heirs with Christ, as members of God’s family, we can also expect to suffer with Him. Whenever we suffer because of being Christians, we are suffering with Christ. We are sharing in the pain of rejection, misunderstanding, betrayal, false accusation, persecution, and physical torture that Christ knew before and during his crucifixion.

But Paul now gives us a glimmer of hope that we can hang on to whenever we are going through those times of suffering. He starts off with the expression, “For I consider.” It is Paul’s belief that whatever sufferings we might have to go through in this life, they are of little value or consequence when compared with the incredible glory that we will receive in Heaven.

In verse seventeen Paul said that if we suffer with Christ, we may also be glorified with Him. Well, now Paul says that the present suffering that we are going through for Christ’s sake is in no way comparable to that glory that we are going to share with and from Christ. This is something that we should all hold dear to our hearts.

Application

The next time you feel like you are being persecuted, mistreated, or attacked because you are a witness for Christ, remember that you are suffering for His sake, and some day you will be glorified with Him and for His sake. No matter how much physical pain or mental anguish you may have to endure now, it is temporary and insignificant compared to the glory He will give to you for eternity.

Makes the suffering a little more bearable, doesn’t it?

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

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: