@Doug
Throughout the writings of Paul, he speaks often of “mysteries” which, according to him, were hidden in past generations and only now revealed through his ministry. These “mysteries” are presented as special insights concerning the gospel, the church, the future transformation of the body, and the inclusion of the Gentiles in the promises of God. However, when we examine the teachings of Jesus Himself, we find that these matters were not hidden at all. Rather, Jesus spoke of them plainly and frequently, both in direct speech and through parables. What Paul refers to as mysteries, Jesus had already made known, sometimes with deep spiritual clarity and always accessible to those with a sincere heart and faith.
One of the key so-called mysteries in Paul’s writings is the inclusion of the Gentiles in the promises of salvation. Paul says this was a hidden truth now revealed, “that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel” (Ephesians 3:6). Yet Jesus had already spoken clearly about the gathering of Gentiles into His fold. He said,
“And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 8:11), showing that salvation was never to be for Israel alone. Again, He declared,
“Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd” (John 10:16). This directly anticipates the Gentiles becoming part of God’s people, not as a surprise, but as part of His mission from the beginning.
Paul also speaks of the mystery of the church as one body in Christ, particularly in Ephesians where he refers to marriage and says, “This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:32). But Jesus had already taught unity between Himself and His followers in rich imagery. He declared,
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit” (John 15:5), teaching that believers are organically joined to Him. In His prayer to the Father, Jesus asked,
“that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us” (John 17:21). This shows that the unity of believers with Christ and with one another was not a new revelation but a core part of Jesus’ teaching. He did not frame it as a secret to be revealed later, but as a goal of His mission on earth.
Paul writes of the mystery of the resurrection and transformation of the body, saying, “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51). Yet Jesus had already spoken extensively of the resurrection. He said,
“This is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40). He never said that this truth was hidden but proclaimed it openly. Jesus made it clear that eternal life and the resurrection would be given to those who believed and followed Him.
Paul also mentions a mystery involving Christ dwelling in believers, saying this had been hidden but was now made known: “the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints… which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:26–27). Yet Jesus had already spoken plainly of His Spirit and presence living in those who love Him. He promised,
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him” (John 14:23). Just before that, He had said of the Spirit,
“for He dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:17). These were not vague statements but clear promises about divine indwelling, offered to all who would walk in obedience and love.
Paul speaks further of the mystery of lawlessness already at work in the world (2 Thessalonians 2:7), warning of deception and rebellion. But Jesus had already prophesied about the increase of sin and false teachings. He said,
“And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). He also warned His followers:
“Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many” (Matthew 24:4–5). These warnings from Jesus show that He had already revealed what some would later call a mystery. He was not vague but urgent and clear in His warnings.
Jesus did use the word “mystery,” but in a different sense. He told His disciples,
“Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given” (Matthew 13:11). These mysteries referred to spiritual truths about the Kingdom which He explained through parables, not hidden doctrines reserved for a later teacher. The parables unveiled how the Kingdom of God grows, how people respond to the Word, and what happens at the final judgment. Jesus expected His disciples to understand these things, and He explained them plainly to those who followed Him.
Finally, regarding the gospel going to the Gentiles, Paul claimed it was a mystery hidden from ages past, but Jesus had commanded it openly. After His resurrection, He said,
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19), and before that He said,
“this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). These are not hidden teachings but part of the core mission Jesus gave to His followers. Peter later confirmed this when he said, “But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him” (Acts 10:35), and James added, “God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name” (Acts 15:14), confirming what Jesus had already made known.
All these things—eternal life, the resurrection, the unity of believers, the indwelling Spirit, the inclusion of Gentiles, and warnings of false teachers—were plainly spoken by Jesus. He Himself declared,
“I have spoken openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple… and in secret I have said nothing” (John 18:20). The idea that God's plan was hidden until Paul is not supported by the words of Christ. Rather, Jesus declared the truth from the beginning, in simple, open language that any humble heart could receive.
Therefore, when Paul speaks of mysteries, he is not revealing new truth, but restating what had already been taught by the Master. The words of Jesus are complete and sufficient, and every true disciple builds upon them, not apart from them. The gospel, the kingdom, the resurrection, the unity of believers, and the judgment—all were revealed first by the Son of God, who said,
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Matthew 24:35).
Just remember Doug, Paul loved to boast and take credit for other people's works.
