Why was the mystery of Christ not known in earlier ages but is now revealed?
The mystery of Christ was not made known in earlier ages because God had not yet revealed it. It is now revealed by revelation through Paul in the dispensation of the grace of God given to him for the Gentiles, and then to God’s holy apostles and prophets.
Les explains that in Ephesians 3:1 Paul speaks as the prisoner of Jesus Christ for the Gentiles. Paul received the dispensation of the grace of God by revelation, and that revelation made known the mystery. In other ages this mystery was not made known to the sons of men, but now it is revealed to His holy apostles and prophets. Les notes Paul was not the last apostle; others followed in his footsteps during the apostolic age. The mystery relates to God’s eternal purpose—His mercy and grace in saving lost sinners.
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
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