The Purpose of the mystery: (3:8-13)
Paul calls himself not the least but less than the least which shows his humility towards God. He was a violent persecutor of the church, yet when God transformed him, he became one of the most obedient and humble person in the world. For God nothing is impossible. God specially chose him to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles. Further Paul says that preaching of the Gospel would unveil the unsearchable riches of Christ which a man can draw and be satisfied.
- New relationship and great riches: The purpose of the mystery is that believing Gentiles will have a new relationship with Christ along with the saved Jews and they will have accessibility of God’s power. Preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ was like setting the mystery that had been hidden in the mind of God into the fullest light of day, so that all men could see it clearly. This is in contrast with the pagan mystery religions which claimed to reveal secrets to the privileged few people. Paul reiterates that his mission is to tell all people.
Ex: It is like exploring the mysteries of Bermuda Triangle, or the African or Congo forests.
- Pre-planned: We may ask why God has kept this hidden for many centuries? We know that even O.T clearly states that God will save the humanity both Gentiles and Jews and they would form a new creation which is the church of the body of Christ. This is the greatest mystery even the heavenly beings viz, heavenly hosts, angels did not now. The angels were curious about God’s plan being worked out. Paul suggests that the angels watch the activities of the local assembly (1 Cor.11:10). The church is made a spectacle unto the world and to angels (1 Cor. 4:9). The reconciliation of Jew and Gentiles to God and to each other was done only through the Cross of Christ. The Cross of Christ may have been a foolishness to Gentiles and a stumbling block to Jews (1 Cor. 1:22-25), but it is the power of God and manifests wisdom of Almighty God. It is true that God’s eternal purpose to save mankind was not an afterthought, but it was planned before the foundations of the world and is quite evident though the blessings given to Abraham. But this mystery was hidden and the mode of working out was unknown. Now it is made possible through the Cross of Jesus Christ and His church.
Ex: In (Rev. 5:1-5), Jesus alone was qualified to open the scroll with seven seals. The scroll has the entire blue print of creation and humanity. It was a mystery no one has ever seen the wonderful plan of God prepared for the humanity.
- Amazing privileges: Further Paul says that believers of Jews and Gentiles have an amazing privilege to approach God with freedom and confidence. By faith we can directly enter into God’s presence through prayer. A believer knows that he or she will be welcomed with open arms because we are God’s children. This mystery is something like “God’s Rosetta Stone.” is a key to what He promised in the Old Testament, what Christ did in the Gospels, what the early church did in the Book of Acts, what Paul and other writers teach in the Epistles, and what God will do as recorded in the Book of Revelation.
(A French man Boussand during the invasion of Egypt by Napoleon Bonaparte discovered the Rosetta Stone about thirty miles from Alexandria. This discovery gave to archaeologists the key to understanding Egyptian hieroglyphics (writing system using symbols and pictures). It opened the door to modern Egyptian studies).