“And to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places” (Eph. 3:9-10).
We have already noticed that the first task of the apostle Paul was to make known the “unfathomable riches” of Christ to those who had never heard them. However, the preacher’s task is not yet complete. As men and women come to faith, they must be made aware of the wonderful purpose of God for believers. Thus Paul spoke of this task as “bringing to light” the mystery which has been hidden for ages.
This mystery has been hidden in God who is the Creator of all things. The fact that it has not been previously communicated does not mean it is an after-thought. On the contrary, Paul was privileged to unveil that which God had planned from the beginning of time. That is the point made by the reference to creation. There is no evil intent in the hiding of the plan; it was simply the wisdom of God to reveal it to man in progressive stages as man was able to comprehend it. Thus with the full revelation of God made available in Christ, His plan for the church as the bride of Christ can now be made known.
God’s eternal plan was to display His multi-faceted wisdom to a breathless and waiting world through the church. Did you notice that even the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places are enlightened concerning God’s ongoing plan of redemption through the church? Those who are baptized into the church by the redeeming work of Christ have a superior position to all spiritual powers. They are able to declare the redeeming work of God to these spiritual beings (cf. 1 Pt. 1:12). We certainly can’t take our fellowship with Christ through His church lightly when so much is at stake.
Prayer: Forgive me when I forget what it means to be a member of Your body, the church. Amen