What does Paul mean when he calls the body of truth the Mystery?
Paul calls the whole revealed Body of Truth the Mystery because it was a secret kept hidden since the world began. It was not in the Old Testament, Christ’s ministry, or Peter’s Acts activity, but was newly revealed by the Holy Spirit to Paul, building on what went before yet never prophesied.
Les teaches that Paul uses the word Mystery throughout his writings, and it is not a flippant use of the Word. In Romans 16:25 Paul speaks of his gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation, or revealing, of the secret, or mystery, which was kept secret since the world began. This mystery is part of the whole revealed Body of Truth. The Holy Spirit revealed to Paul doctrines and truths that no one else ever dreamed would happen. They are not in the Old Testament, not in Christ’s ministry, and not in Peter’s activity in the Book of Acts, but are a whole new revelation. It builds on everything that went before, which is why Les teaches the Old Testament and the Gospels as much as the Pauline letters. Yet though it came out of what went before, it was never prophesied. Deuteronomy 29 also says the secret things belong unto the Lord our God.
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
More Questions
What are the different mysteries Paul reveals, and how does the mystery in 1 Corinthians 15 differ?
In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul again speaks of a mystery, one totally different from the earlier mysteries he revealed—first the Gentiles becoming one with God, then the revelation of who God really is as the triune God.
Where does the first of the mysteries appear chronologically in Paul's writings?
Chronologically, the first mystery in Paul's writings is found in Romans 16:25, the last chapter of Romans.
What does the word 'mystery' mean in Paul's writings?
Every time you see the word 'mystery' in these passages it is the same identical Greek word meaning 'secret'.
What is the first mystery revealed in Paul's writings if you go chronologically?
Romans 16:25 is one of the first mysteries you find if you go through Paul's writings chronologically.