WHAT IS THE MYSTERY?

[Doug]

1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

What is a mystery?
It is wisdom not made known in the past but is now revealed.

Christ revealed the mystery to Paul (Ephesians 3:3). What is the mystery?

The mystery revealed that trough the fall of Israel salvation came to the Gentiles (Romans 11:11) but Israel was not cast away (Romans 11:1).

The mystery revealed the body of Christ, Revealed was Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:26-27}

The mystery revealed a new creature made up of both Jew and Gentile (Galatians 6:15 Ephesians 2:15).

The body of Christ was formed to reconcile the heavenly places (Colossians 1:20). This mystery was not made known to anyone before Paul, nor can it be found anywhere in the law and the prophets in scripture.

The mystery revealed we all will not die but will be changed to incorruption and immortality (1 Corinthians 15:51-58).

The mystery revealed God's will that all things will be gathered together in Christ (Ephesians 1:9-11).

The mystery revealed Christ and the church; revealed was Christ is the head of the body and we are members of his body (Ephesians 5:30-33).

The mystery revealed the mystery of iniquity and the working of Satan (2 Thessalonians 2:7-9).

The mystery revealed the mystery of faith that Christ died for our sins, that we are saved freely by grace through the redemption in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21 Romans 3:24).

The mystery revealed the mystery of Godliness that the church manifests Christ (1 Timothy 3:16).

If those of the world had known this (1 Corinthians 2:8), they would not have crucified the Lord Jesus. It could be that Jesus asked to forgive Israel because they did not know He was their Messiah (Luke 23:34). Maybe that is why Jesus told those he healed to tell no one as in Matthew 8:4; Jesus also told his disciples to tell no one that he was Christ in Matthew 16:20.

Peter and the disciples could not have known this mystery and therefore could not have preached the body of Christ, nor be members of it. They preached the gospel of the kingdom to Israel (the Davidic kingdom on earth...Matthew 4:23) and the name of Jesus (Acts 10:43).

What about Mark 4:11? Doesn't this show that Paul wasn't the only one given the mystery?

[Mar 4:11 KJV] 11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all [these] things are done in parables:

This is not the mystery revealed to Paul. Jesus spoke in parables which were hidden teachings about the kingdom. They were hidden from the multitudes but revealed to the disciples.

 

[Herbert]

1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

What is a mystery?
It is wisdom not made known in the past but is now revealed.

Christ revealed the mystery to Paul (Ephesians 3:3). What is the mystery?

The mystery revealed the fall of Israel (Romans 11:11) but not cast away (Romans 1:1).

The mystery revealed the body of Christ, Revealed was Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:26-27}

The mystery revealed a new creature made up of both Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 1:1-6).

The body of Christ was formed to reconcile the heavenly places (Colossians 1:20). This mystery was not made known to anyone before Paul, nor can it be found anywhere in the law and the prophets in scripture.

The mystery revealed we all will not die but will be changed to incorruption and immortality (1 Corinthians 15:51-58).

The mystery revealed God's will that all things will be gathered together in Christ (Ephesians 1:9-11).

The mystery revealed Christ and the church; revealed was Christ is the head of the body and we are members of his body (Ephesians 5:30-33).

The mystery revealed the mystery of iniquity and the working of Satan (2 Thessalonians 2:7-9).

The mystery revealed the mystery of faith that Christ died for our sins, that we are saved freely by grace through the redemption in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21 Romans 3:24).

The mystery revealed the mystery of Godliness that the church manifests Christ (1 Timothy 3:16).

If those of the world had known this (1 Corinthians 2:8), they would not have crucified the Lord Jesus. It could be that Jesus asked to forgive Israel because they did not know He was their Messiah (Luke 23:34). Maybe that is why Jesus told those he healed to tell no one as in Matthew 8:4; Jesus also told his disciples to tell no one that he was Christ in Matthew 16:20.

Peter and the disciples could not have known this mystery and therefore could not have preached the body of Christ, nor be members of it. They preached the gospel of the kingdom to Israel (the Davidic kingdom on earth...Matthew 4:23) and the name of Jesus (Acts 10:43).

What about Mark 4:11? Doesn't this show that Paul wasn't the only one given the mystery?

[Mar 4:11 KJV] 11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all [these] things are done in parables:

This is not the mystery revealed to Paul. Jesus spoke in parables which were hidden teachings about the kingdom. They were hidden from the multitudes but revealed to the disciples.

The mystery is not revealed in particular. However, it’s something you can experience if you pray about it. It has to do with God, revealing something to his people personally. It’s when you’re in a higher level of closeness to Him

 

[Doug]

The mystery is not revealed in particular. However, it’s something you can experience if you pray about it. It has to do with God, revealing something to his people personally. It’s when you’re in a higher level of closeness to Him

Do you mean God speaks to you?

 

[LoveYeshua]

The mystery is not revealed in particular. However, it’s something you can experience if you pray about it. It has to do with God, revealing something to his people personally. It’s when you’re in a higher level of closeness to Him

Yes, true, he did reveal to me several years ago that through a vision that we are entering the rime of Jacob's trouble, I saw these letters flashing in front of my eyes for about one week's time, this was seven years ago, then about a month after that, I saw a word again flashing in front of my eyes "EXODUS" that lasted for more than one month many times per day. this had never happened to me before except dot a few visions and dreams of Jesus a few years back.. this is about prophecy from jeremiah about the end times, the return of Christ and the remnants, lost tribes being called back to the promised land by our Lord Jesus Christ as he returns on earth to establish the millenial kingdom..

Yes people who believe in Christ and DO HIS WILL do have these visions, dreams and some gifts also.

this is also part of prophecy they says;

Acts 2:17 (NKJV):

‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams.’

This passage is Peter quoting the prophet Joel during Pentecost, explaining the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as a sign of the last days.

Joel 2:28 (NKJV):

“And it shall come to pass afterward
That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your old men shall dream dreams,
Your young men shall see visions.”

These verses are foundational in biblical prophecy regarding the end times and the spiritual experiences—dreams, visions, and prophecy—that will be widespread among God's people.

yes @Doug this is possible to those who follow Christ ONLY!

 

[Matthias]

The revealed mystery is God’s immortality program. I would tell newbies that all of the apostles were aware of it and preached it.

 

[KUWN]

Yes, true, he did reveal to me several years ago that through a vision that we are entering the rime of Jacob's trouble, I saw these letters flashing in front of my eyes for about one week's time, this was seven years ago, then about a month after that, I saw a word again flashing in front of my eyes "EXODUS" that lasted for more than one month many times per day. this had never happened to me before except dot a few visions and dreams of Jesus a few years back.. this is about prophecy from jeremiah about the end times, the return of Christ and the remnants, lost tribes being called back to the promised land by our Lord Jesus Christ as he returns on earth to establish the millenial kingdom..

Yes people who believe in Christ and DO HIS WILL do have these visions, dreams and some gifts also.

this is also part of prophecy they says;

Acts 2:17 (NKJV):

This passage is Peter quoting the prophet Joel during Pentecost, explaining the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as a sign of the last days.

Joel 2:28 (NKJV):

These verses are foundational in biblical prophecy regarding the end times and the spiritual experiences—dreams, visions, and prophecy—that will be widespread among God's people.

yes @Doug this is possible to those who follow Christ ONLY!

I can assure you these "visions" are not of God. God no longer reveals his truth in visions and dreams during the Church dispensation. The OT passages that are quoted were given to the nation of Israel during the Tribulation (i.e., the remaining 7 years of the Jewish dispensation). Arguing your position is against the fundamental clarity of Scripture. The sign gifts are no longer operational per Heb 2:3, 4. The first generation experienced the sign gifts, but once the sign gifts served their purpose, they ceased (see Heb passage again). The sign gifts will resume after the beginning of the 7 year tribulation.

 

[LoveYeshua]

I can assure you these "visions" are not of God. God no longer reveals his truth in visions and dreams during the Church dispensation. The OT passages that are quoted were given to the nation of Israel during the Tribulation (i.e., the remaining 7 years of the Jewish dispensation). Arguing your position is against the fundamental clarity of Scripture. The sign gifts are no longer operational per Heb 2:3, 4. The first generation experienced the sign gifts, but once the sign gifts served their purpose, they ceased (see Heb passage again). The sign gifts will resume after the beginning of the 7 year tribulation.

Here are the clear verses, from the Old Testament and the New Testament, that say in the last days God will give dreams and visions. All are from the NKJV.

Joel 2:28–29
"And it shall come to pass afterward
that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh.
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your old men shall dream dreams,
your young men shall see visions.
And also on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days."

This is the main Old Testament prophecy that speaks about dreams and visions in the last days.

Acts 2:17
This is Peter speaking, and he quotes Joel by the power of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost:
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh.
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.
Your young men shall see visions.
Your old men shall dream dreams."

This confirms that the prophecy is for the last days, not only for the past.

These two passages together show clearly that at the end of time God will still speak through dreams, visions, and prophecy, as He promised.

When we look at the Scriptures, we see a clear pattern. When God wants His people to know that a dream, a vision, or a message truly comes from Him, He often repeats it. Joseph explained this directly when he spoke to Pharaoh and said that the dream was repeated twice because the matter was established by God and would soon happen. Joseph himself had two dreams with the same meaning, confirming that the message was sure. Samuel heard the Lord call him again and again until he understood it was truly God speaking. Gideon asked for a sign, and God answered him twice with the fleece, showing that the message was firm and trustworthy. Daniel received more than one vision that pointed to the same future, repeating God’s message so it could not be missed. Peter saw his vision three times, so he would know with certainty that God was giving him a command he had to follow. All these passages show that when God repeats something, it is His way of confirming that the message is true, established, and not to be doubted.

I tell people to warn them to prepare not for any other reason.

 

[KUWN]

Here are the clear verses, from the Old Testament and the New Testament, that say in the last days God will give dreams and visions. All are from the NKJV.

Joel 2:28–29
"And it shall come to pass afterward
that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh.
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your old men shall dream dreams,
your young men shall see visions.
And also on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days."

This is the main Old Testament prophecy that speaks about dreams and visions in the last days.

Acts 2:17
This is Peter speaking, and he quotes Joel by the power of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost:
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh.
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.
Your young men shall see visions.
Your old men shall dream dreams."

This confirms that the prophecy is for the last days, not only for the past.

These two passages together show clearly that at the end of time God will still speak through dreams, visions, and prophecy, as He promised.

When we look at the Scriptures, we see a clear pattern. When God wants His people to know that a dream, a vision, or a message truly comes from Him, He often repeats it. Joseph explained this directly when he spoke to Pharaoh and said that the dream was repeated twice because the matter was established by God and would soon happen. Joseph himself had two dreams with the same meaning, confirming that the message was sure. Samuel heard the Lord call him again and again until he understood it was truly God speaking. Gideon asked for a sign, and God answered him twice with the fleece, showing that the message was firm and trustworthy. Daniel received more than one vision that pointed to the same future, repeating God’s message so it could not be missed. Peter saw his vision three times, so he would know with certainty that God was giving him a command he had to follow. All these passages show that when God repeats something, it is His way of confirming that the message is true, established, and not to be doubted.

I tell people to warn them to prepare not for any other reason.

I read your first sentence and decided not to continue this discuss. It is obvious to me that have no idea what i wrote, such as saying that the visions will appear in the Tribulation (equal to the last days). You have no understanding of Dispensationalism. You appear to not understand Heb 2:3,4 and the present Church Age. I would like to ignore you from here on because it is not interesting when students ignore the fundamental clarity of Scripture.

 

[Heart2Soul]

I can assure you these "visions" are not of God. God no longer reveals his truth in visions and dreams during the Church dispensation. The OT passages that are quoted were given to the nation of Israel during the Tribulation (i.e., the remaining 7 years of the Jewish dispensation). Arguing your position is against the fundamental clarity of Scripture. The sign gifts are no longer operational per Heb 2:3, 4. The first generation experienced the sign gifts, but once the sign gifts served their purpose, they ceased (see Heb passage again). The sign gifts will resume after the beginning of the 7 year tribulation.

Your statement denies every Christian's testimony of what God has done in their life, how He spoke to them and gave them direction, how He guided them through dreams and visions. And the proof of their testimony is that it turned out just as God had shown them or spoke to them about.
Our thoughts are 90% controlled by our subconscious mind over our conscious mind. So dreams are an excellent way for God to speak to us.
God does not change...He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow and forever.
I suggest you pray about and ask Him to show you the truth.

 

[KUWN]

Your statement denies every Christian's testimony of what God has done in their life, how He spoke to them and gave them direction, how He guided them through dreams and visions. And the proof of their testimony is that it turned out just as God had shown them or spoke to them about.
Our thoughts are 90% controlled by our subconscious mind over our conscious mind. So dreams are an excellent way for God to speak to us.
God does not change...He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow and forever.
I suggest you pray about and ask Him to show you the truth.

I noticed that you didn't discuss Heb 2.3,4.

 

[rvmb]

I noticed that you didn't discuss Heb 2.3,4.

The 'MYSTERY' as taught by Paul

Paul's "Mystery" - doctrine.org

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the secrets of God (1 Corinthians 4.1). Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of…

doctrine.org

 

[KUWN]

The 'MYSTERY' as taught by Paul

Paul's "Mystery" - doctrine.org

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the secrets of God (1 Corinthians 4.1). Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of…

doctrine.org

View attachment 75961

Was this intended to disagree or agree with some other post? Not sure how "mystery" relates to my post. I argued that Heb 2.3,4 demonstrates that the signs and wonders ceased with the first generation (mainly from the Apostles) of Christians. My post has nothing to do with a mystery. And these verses demonstrate that the author of Hebrews was a second generation christian, not Paul.

 

[rvmb]

Was this intended to disagree or agree with some other post? Not sure how "mystery" relates to my post. I argued that Heb 2.3,4 demonstrates that the signs and wonders ceased with the first generation (mainly from the Apostles) of Christians. My post has nothing to do with a mystery. And these verses demonstrate that the author of Hebrews was a second generation christian, not Paul.

Hey KU, people get confused with which mystery is being referred to.
The Paul 'mystery' is in the Bible for a good reason, do you know much about it ?

 

[KUWN]

Hey KU, people get confused with which mystery is being referred to.
The Paul 'mystery' is in the Bible for a good reason, do you know much about it ?

Sure. Do you have any questions? I realize that your question is outside of the topic at hand, but maybe you could open another thread.

 

[rvmb]

Sure. Do you have any questions? I realize that your question is outside of the topic at hand, but maybe you could open another thread.

""Sure. Do you have any questions?""
No
""I realize that your question is outside of the topic at hand""
Thread >>> ""WHAT IS THE MYSTERY?""

Paul's "Mystery" - doctrine.org

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the secrets of God (1 Corinthians 4.1). Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of…

doctrine.org

 

[Doug]

Hey KU, people get confused with which mystery is being referred to.
The Paul 'mystery' is in the Bible for a good reason, do you know much about it ?

Here is my post on Pauline mysteries

MYSTERIES​

 

[rvmb]

Here is my post on Pauline mysteries

MYSTERIES​

Do you believe your views align with this teaching ?

https://messages.shorewoodbiblechurch.org/WEBMedia/H/2025-12-21T19-02-57_1704369710.MP3

 

[Heart2Soul]

I can assure you these "visions" are not of God. God no longer reveals his truth in visions and dreams during the Church dispensation. The OT passages that are quoted were given to the nation of Israel during the Tribulation (i.e., the remaining 7 years of the Jewish dispensation). Arguing your position is against the fundamental clarity of Scripture. The sign gifts are no longer operational per Heb 2:3, 4. The first generation experienced the sign gifts, but once the sign gifts served their purpose, they ceased (see Heb passage again). The sign gifts will resume after the beginning of the 7 year tribulation.

Well there sure are a lot of signs and wonders and miracles happening all around us and I believe they constitute sign gifts in operation.
Question, if a family gets sick do you pray for them to be healed? If you don't then wouldn't that be considered denying the power of God to heal?
Should we teach faith to believe or not? It takes faith to see miracles, signs and wonders. We cannot deny the power of God when it is present and manifesting through us.
2 Timothy 3 (KJV)
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
⁵ Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
⁶ For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

 

[shepherdsword]

I can assure you these "visions" are not of God. God no longer reveals his truth in visions and dreams during the Church dispensation. The OT passages that are quoted were given to the nation of Israel during the Tribulation (i.e., the remaining 7 years of the Jewish dispensation). Arguing your position is against the fundamental clarity of Scripture. The sign gifts are no longer operational per Heb 2:3, 4. The first generation experienced the sign gifts, but once the sign gifts served their purpose, they ceased (see Heb passage again). The sign gifts will resume after the beginning of the 7 year tribulation.

Hebrews 2:3-4 do not imply cessationism. They mention apostolic signs that were given to validate the gospel. The gifts of the Spirit are not regulated as "sign" gifts. They are gifts given to any believer who has been baptized in the Holy Spirit. In fact, dreams and visions were given in the old covenant and they were not limited to the office of a prophet. Nebuchadnezzar received a couple of different dreams and he was a gentile. How much more in the new? You cannot find a single place in New Testament where we are told the gifts have ceased. Your lack of experience in such matters isn't a justification for their cessation either. There are miracles happening all over the earth in Jesus' name.

 

[Doug]

Do you believe your views align with this teaching ?

https://messages.shorewoodbiblechurch.org/WEBMedia/H/2025-12-21T19-02-57_1704369710.MP3

Yes this encapsulates the essence of mid Acts right division
Richard Jordan made a comment that was a problem about Christ I dont remember what but I dont follow them
I can give you other links if you want to pursue it
The Bible will fall into place thru right division studies