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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<\/strong> places<\/span>,<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Angels learn about God by watching you and me.<\/p>\n The word translated \u201cmanifold<\/span>\u201d is an interesting Greek word that appears nowhere else in the New Testament. It is the word polupoikilos<\/span><\/em>, which is made up of polus<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cmuch\u201d or \u201cmany\u201d and poikilos<\/em><\/span>, literally meaning \u201cmulti-colored\u201d or \u201cvarious.\u201d Polupoikilos<\/em><\/span> means \u201cgreatly diversified\u201d or \u201cthat which abounds in variety.\u201d<\/p>\n The word \u201cwisdom<\/span>\u201d is from the Greek noun sophia<\/em><\/span>, which does in fact refer to \u201cwisdom.\u201d It is used in the New Testament to refer to both earthly and heavenly (spiritual) wisdom.<\/p>\n \u201cMight be made known<\/span>\u201d is translated from the verb gn\u014dridz\u014d<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto declare\u201d or \u201cto make known.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPrincipalities<\/span>\u201d is translated from arch\u0113<\/em><\/span>, which literally refers to \u201cthe beginning point.\u201d Metaphorically, it is used to refer to the highest in position or power of the angelic beings.<\/p>\n \u201cPowers<\/span>\u201d is from dunamis<\/em><\/span> (from which we get our English word dynamite), meaning \u201ca powerful force.\u201d It is used here as a reference to other powerful angelic beings.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s promises regarding the Messiah and salvation.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n For some reason, the angelic beings do not learn about God\u2019s righteousness, judgment, or grace from the written word. They learn about God\u2019s multi-faceted wisdom by observing the church. The Apostle Peter, in his first general epistle, said it this way:<\/p>\n \u2026 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\u2014things which angels desire to look into.<\/span> (1 Peter 1:12<\/strong><\/span>)<\/p>\n 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!<\/p>\n Do you ever have those times when you feel like someone is watching you, even when you\u2019re all alone? It could be the angels watching you to learn what God\u2019s grace and mercy are all about. You and I are heavenly object lessons. Let\u2019s show them what gratitude and thanksgiving are all about!<\/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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