• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

The Word "Mystery"

Text: Colossians 1:26

The word “mystery” has a special theological meaning. It must be differentiated from the secular use of the word “mystery”. The distinction becomes clearer when we study Paul’s explanation of the use of this word.

“The mystery which has been hidden from ages and
from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.”
Colossians 1:26

1. “The mystery which has been hidden”

a) This is a general reference to the wisdom of God.

b) God’s wisdom cannot be discerned by ordinary means.

i) It cannot be discerned by human intelligence (1 Corinthians 2:6-16).

ii) The natural man cannot discern that which is spiritual (1 Corinthians 2:14).

c) Through the wisdom of the world man could not comprehend God (1 Corinthians 1:21).

2. A great length of time

a) The phrase “from ages and from generations” hint at a long period of time.

b) Through the ages man had failed to understand God.

c) The appeal that one can “autodidact” (teach oneself) is at best an illusory idea.

3. “But now has been revealed”

a) In God’s grace revelation was given.

b) It takes divine revelation to comprehend.

i) The wisdom of God.

ii) The will of God.

iii) The salvation of God.

iv) The message of God.

4. “To His saints”

a) They are God’s people.

b) They have come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

c) They comprehend God through the Person of the Lord Jesus.

d) They understand God through the teachings of the Lord Jesus.

e) Paul and the other apostles were deeply committed to fulfilling the task of revealing God’s word.