Fellowship of the Mystery
“To me, who am less than the least of all the saints,
this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable
riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery,
which from the beginning has been hidden in God who created all things through
Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made
known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,
according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our
Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at
my tribulations for you, which is your glory.”
Eph. 3:8-13
The second section of chapter three focuses on what Paul calls the
“fellowship of the mystery” and the apostle’s great desire that the people of
Ephesus would see and understand it.
First let’s look at the unsearchable riches of Christ. The word
unsearchable in Greek means that which cannot be comprehended; the word riches
in Greek is rendered as abundance or plenitude.
We discover that Paul is indicating his goal of sharing the gospel so
people will understand, that which cannot otherwise be understood: the abundance and plenty found in a life with
Jesus Christ. The only way in which the
understanding can be gained is by the power of the Holy Spirit as He speaks and
quickens the spirits of those who hear the gospel. For then, faith comes! Paul speaks of the Word that became flesh and
dwelt among men. Paul speaks of the
power of Christ’s life, death, resurrection and ascension. Paul speaks of the power of Christ in us –
the hope of glory! Amen!
We next move to examine the expression “fellowship of
the mystery.” The word fellowship in
Greek is koinonia, which means association, community, communion, or joint
participation. It suggests more than
mere relationship; rather, a common bond and focus among people who share in
faith, in possessions, in hope, in this “mystery” that Paul says has been
revealed: the great gospel message of eternal life and victorious life extended
to the Gentiles. It is what many
Biblical scholars refer to as “the Old Testament concealed and the New
Testament revealed.”
As followers of Christ, we may share hurting, but we
also share healing. We may have in
common with other believers our share of problems, but we also share a
Provider. Many of us may be in a mess,
but we have the One who is Mighty to Save us from that mess. The fellowship of the mystery is the common
union and active participation in the Kingdom of God that followers of Christ
Jesus share. That Kingdom is led by a
King. His Name is Jesus. We follow His lead as we actively engage in
expanding the Kingdom here on earth.
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