“In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth” (Eph. 1:9-10).
Most of us enjoy a good “mystery.” A mystery by necessity must be revealed. Paul wrote in the context of multiple heathen mystery cults. In contrast to the strange and baseless mystery cults, the truth of God in Christ is revealed to all who will receive it. It is the task of the church to declare this mystery to the world (Eph. 3:9-10).
For Paul the essential mystery was the means by which God through Christ provides the way for sinful man to enter again into fellowship with Himself. But notice that beyond that, it is the means whereby He will bring unity into the whole universe that has been disordered by man’s rebellion and sin. You may recall that in Romans 8:20-22 Paul declares that the whole of creation was subjected to futility by man’s sin. Thus in the redemption of man to the Creator, God will restore unity to the whole.
Thus Paul declares that God will accomplish His purpose in the time He deemed suitable. But beyond that He does so “according to His kind intention.” Paul is overwhelmed by the magnificence of God’s grace.
The word translated “times” is kairos which speaks of decisive moments of time in the fulfillment of God’s purpose. Through His purposeful activity in history God will sum up everything in Christ. We see here three themes—restoration, unity, and the headship of Christ. If the chaotic appearance of current events causes you to worry; take heart, God is in control.
Prayer: Thank you for revealing the mystery of Your will. I rest today in your sovereign control. Amen