Yes, the concept of 'mystery' is significant because it encapsulates the secret truths that God revealed exclusively to the Apostle Paul, forming the foundation of the dispensation of grace.
Les Feldick teaches that 'mystery' (Greek mysterion) means secret, and Paul uses it to refer to truths hidden in God's mind from ages past, revealed only to him. These mysteries form a body of teaching that believers are stewards of and must faithfully manage. They are central to understanding Paul's unique role and the dispensation of grace.
Colossians 1:26 — Directly defines the mystery as something hidden from ages and generations but now made manifest to Paul.
The Apostle Paul frequently uses the term 'mystery' to refer to truths that were previously hidden but are now revealed. In Colossians 1:26, he speaks of 'the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints.' In 1 Corinthians 15:51, he declares, 'Behold, I shew you a mystery,' introducing the secret of the resurrection and rapture. Paul also describes himself as a steward of these mysteries, as in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, where he says, 'Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.' These scriptures show that the mystery is a distinct body of truth revealed through Paul.
Les Feldick explains that 'mystery' (Greek mysterion) means 'secret,' and Paul uses it synonymously throughout his letters. He emphasizes that these secrets were kept in the mind of God until revealed to Paul, who was uniquely chosen to be the Apostle of the Gentiles. Les teaches that all Pauline doctrines, including the rapture and the body of Christ, are part of this 'mystery' revelation. He stresses that believers are stewards of these mysteries and must be faithful in understanding and passing them on. The mysteries form the dispensation of grace, which is not found elsewhere in Scripture.
Les Feldick explains that the Greek word 'mysterion' simply means 'secret,' and Paul uses the terms interchangeably. This is why he can say 'Behold, I shew you a mystery' in 1 Corinthians 15:51, revealing a truth never before disclosed. The secrecy is a prerogative of God, who keeps things hidden until the time to reveal them.
The mystery revealed to Paul was completely new: it was not in the Old Testament, not in Christ's ministry, and not in Peter's activity in Acts. Paul received a whole new revelation that builds on everything before, but was hidden from Israel and the Twelve. This new body of truth is exclusive to Paul's epistles.
Paul refers to himself and other ministers as 'stewards of the mysteries of God' (1 Corinthians 4:1). Les emphasizes that a steward is a manager entrusted with another's property, and faithfulness is required. Believers must understand these mysteries to manage and share them with others who have never heard.
Paul's Frequent Use of Mystery
Les introduces the topic, noting that 'mystery' is a unique term Paul uses throughout his epistles, distinct from Jesus' use in Matthew 13.
New Revelation Not Found in Old Testament or Gospels
Les stresses that the mysteries revealed to Paul were new—not in the Old Testament, Christ's ministry, or Peter's Acts, but a complete new revelation that builds on prior truth.
Mystery Hidden from Ages
Using Colossians 1:26, Les shows that the mystery was kept in God's mind and revealed only to Paul, never known by Israel or the Twelve.
Mystery Equals Secret
Les explains that the Greek word 'mysterion' means 'secret,' and Paul uses the terms interchangeably.
God's Secret Revealed to Paul
Les emphasizes that the secret was kept in God's mind and revealed to Paul alone, so Gentile believers should not be ignorant.
Stewards of the Mysteries
Les teaches that believers are stewards who must faithfully understand and share these mysteries with others.
God's Prerogative to Keep Secrets
Les explains that God has the right to keep secrets until the time to reveal them, as with the mystery in 1 Corinthians 15.
Mysteries Basic to Pauline Doctrine
Les shows that the mysteries are not unimportant, but basic to all Pauline doctrines, like those in Romans 16:25.
Colossians 1:26: Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Key verse that defines the mystery as a secret long hidden but now revealed.
1 Corinthians 15:51: Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
Paul uses 'mystery' to introduce the secret of the resurrection and rapture.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2: Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
Paul calls himself and others stewards of the mysteries, highlighting the need for faithfulness.
Romans 16:25: 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,
Paul refers to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret since the world began.
In Paul's writings, 'mystery' comes from the Greek 'mysterion' and means 'secret.' It refers to truths that were hidden in God's mind until revealed to Paul, such as the rapture and the body of Christ.
God chose Paul to be the Apostle of the Gentiles and revealed to him a new body of truth that was not given to Israel or the Twelve. This revelation forms the dispensation of grace.
Believers are entrusted with the mysteries and must be faithful to understand and share them. As stewards, they manage these truths for others who have not heard.
Watch the Teaching: The Mysteries Paul Revealed — Secrets Hidden Since the World Began