Was Paul bragging when he said God made known the mystery to him?
No. Paul was not bragging or giving himself credit. As the Holy Spirit prompted him, he wrote that by revelation God made known to him the mystery, so that when readers read, they may understand his knowledge in the mystery of Christ. It was Holy Spirit-inspired testimony, not self-promotion.
Les explains that Paul's statement about the mystery is not a boast. In Galatians, Paul says he did not receive his knowledge from man or by being taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. He then went to Arabia, returned to Damascus, and after three years went to Jerusalem, providing background for the revelation he always talked about. In Ephesians 3:3-4, Paul writes that by revelation from the Ascended Lord, God made known unto him the mystery. Les emphasizes that this is Holy Spirit-inspired and that Paul is not bragging or giving himself credit. Rather, as the Holy Spirit prompts him, Paul writes so that when readers read, they may understand his knowledge in the secrets or mystery of Christ.
How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
More Questions
How did Paul receive the revelation of the mystery?
Paul received the mystery by revelation directly from the ascended Lord in heaven rather than from any human source.
Where did Paul get the revelation of the mystery he preached?
Paul received the mystery by direct revelation from the ascended Lord in heaven, not from any human source.