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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<\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The power of God is revealed in the gospel message.<\/p>\n \u201cHim who is able<\/span>\u201d is from the word dunamai<\/em><\/span>, from which we get the word dynamite. It refers to \u201cone who has the power, ability, or authority to do something.\u201d<\/p>\n The word translated \u201cestablish<\/span>\u201d is st\u0113ridz\u014d<\/em><\/span>, which means \u201cto set firmly in place.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRevelation<\/span>\u201d is from the Greek word apokalupsis<\/em><\/span>. This is a compound word made up of apo<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201caway from\u201d and a form of kalupt\u014d<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto cover\u201d or \u201cto conceal.\u201d Therefore, we can see that this word means \u201cto have the cover taken away,\u201d that is \u201can uncovering\u201d or \u201ca revealing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMystery<\/span>\u201d is translated from musterion<\/em><\/span>, which refers to \u201ca sacred mystery, something that was previously hidden but which is now made known.\u201d<\/p>\n The word \u201csecret<\/span>\u201d is translated from the Greek verb siga\u014d<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto keep silent.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n This benediction (a formal proclamation of blessing and praise) to God is basically a summary of Paul\u2019s entire ministry. Paul gives this praise to \u201cHim who is able to set us firmly in place<\/span>.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Paul refers to this gospel message as \u201cthe mystery which was kept silent since the world began<\/span>.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n Paul will continue with this benediction in the next two verses.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\nTruth to Learn<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Behind the Words<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Meaning Explained<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Application<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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