The Mystery of the Gospel

Mo. 3/26/12: Eph. 1:9 – 10.                   What is the implication of ‘made known’?

having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him.

What is the implication of ‘made known’? It was NOT known previously that the will of God was to gather all things together in Christ at the right time.

Tu. 3/27/12: Eph. 3:3 – 6.                  What was revealed to apostles & prophets?

how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel

What was revealed to the apostles and prophets? The Holy Spirit revealed that the Gentiles would be fellow heirs of God and of the same body. (The Church)

We. 3/28/12: Eph. 3:9 – 10. (NKJV)                  Who all see the mystery revealed?

and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 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 places

Who all see the mystery revealed? The princes and powers in heaven comprehend the many-faceted wisdom of God in the fellowship of the Church.

Th. 3/29/12: Eph. 5:31 – 32. (NKJV)                  What is the great mystery?

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

What is the great mystery? The Church is the bride of Christ.

Fr. 3/30/12: Eph. 6:18 – 19.                  Why does Paul ask for prayer on his behalf?

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel

Why does Paul ask for prayer on his behalf? Paul asks that the Ephesian believers pray that the Holy Spirit will give him the right words to say when he proclaims the mystery of the gospel.