What is Paul now proclaiming?
The mystery kept secret in God until revealed to Paul is now being proclaimed: Gentiles as well as Jews can be saved by believing on the finished work of the cross and enter into a joint-heir relationship with Christ, a fellowship with Him for all eternity.
Les teaches that Paul is now proclaiming something that had never been revealed before. During Christ's earthly ministry, Jesus never indicated this kind of consort between Himself and Gentiles; He only talked about Himself and Israel. But this secret was kept in the mind of God until it was revealed to this man, and now it comes out to the whole Gentile world. It is the glorious prospect of having a joint heirship with Jesus Christ, even though it had been hid. Ephesians 3:9 and Ephesians 6:19-20 say Paul is now proclaiming something never revealed before: that Gentiles, as well as Jews, can be saved by believing on the finished work of the cross and enter into this glorious relationship with Christ, making us a joint heir with Him, not just for this life but for all eternity. Les explains this should make the hair on the back of our necks stand on end, because it is not some great doom and judgment, but an assurance that this mystery is this fellowship we as Gentiles are going to enjoy and already do. Colossians 1:26-27 says the mystery, or secret, which has been hid from ages and generations, is now made manifest to His saints—the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles.
And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
More Questions
What is Paul proclaiming that had never been revealed before?
Paul is now proclaiming something that had never been revealed before.