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how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,<\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Paul received special revelation from God regarding the salvation of the Gentiles.<\/p>\n The word \u201crevelation<\/span>\u201d is translated from the Greek noun apokalupsis<\/em><\/span>. This word is made up of apo<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cfrom\u201d or \u201caway from\u201d and a form of kalupt\u014d<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto hide\u201d or \u201cto cover up.\u201d Thus, apokalupsis<\/em><\/span> refers to the uncovering or revealing of something.<\/p>\n \u201cMystery<\/span>\u201d is transliterated from musterion<\/em><\/span> (or mysterion<\/em><\/span>), which refers to something that has been previously been unknown but now is revealed.<\/p>\n The Greek word gn\u014dridz\u014d<\/em><\/span> is translated here as \u201cmade known<\/span>.\u201d The word literally means \u201cto become known\u201d or \u201cto gain knowledge.\u201d 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, \u201cthat by revelation the mystery was made known to me.\u201d<\/p>\n The words \u201cI have written already<\/span>\u201d are translated from the verb prograph\u014d<\/em><\/span>, which is made up of pro<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cbefore, in place or time\u201d and graph\u014d<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto write.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBriefly<\/span>\u201d is from the Greek word oligos<\/em><\/span> which means \u201clittle.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n There are two things that we want to take a look at in this verse. The first is, \u201cHow did Paul learn about the mystery?\u201d and the other is, \u201cWhat did he mean by \u2018as I have briefly written already\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n 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\u2019s how Paul explained it:<\/p>\n 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<\/span>,<\/em> but it came<\/em><\/span> through the revelation of Jesus Christ.<\/span> (Galatians 1:11-12<\/strong><\/span>)<\/p>\n This mystery was revealed to Paul by our Lord, Himself. That is what he is referring to in the first part of today\u2019s 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\u2019s will regarding the salvation of the Gentiles.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s will for our lives, we need to read and study it daily.<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\nTruth to Learn<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Behind the Words<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Meaning Explained<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Application<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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