February 10, 2002

THE MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL

Ephesians 6:19-21

 

   "Praying always...for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak" (Eph. 6:18-20). What passion for the ministry "which [he] had received of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 20:24). Nearing the end we see no slackening of pace, but an ever growing zeal and dedication that this message of the Lord of glory might go forth--through him and others, whether free or in bonds!

   Ephesians mentions this mystery more than in any other epistle. In !:9 God made known "the mystery of His will...that in the administration of the fulness of times (this present dispensation of grace) He would head up for Himself all things in Christ...which are on earth and in heaven." By revelation God made known to Paul "the mystery (...whereby...you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)...which in other ages was not made known..." (3:3-5). To Paul who was "less than the least of all saints was this grace given" that believing Jews and Gentiles would be joint-members of a joint-body and joint-partakers of God's promise. How amazing that he should "bring to light the administration of the mystery which from the ages has been hid in God..." (3:8-9). After explaining our need of mutual submission, Paul wrote of the great mystery...concerning Christ and the church" (5:32), and finally, "the mystery of the gospel" (6:19).

   Colossians 4:3-4 reads, "praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak." The mystery sets forth Christ preached as "far above all" and "head of all principality and power" where "all things are put under His feet." But also He is Head over all, "to the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him Who fills all in all" (Eph. 1:21-23). We are "filled to the full in Him, Who is the Head of all principality and power" (Col. 2:10).

   We are too late to pray for Paul, nor can we ask Tychicus of Paul's "affairs, how he does." Like Paul we can pray for boldness to make known the "the mystery of the gospel," and minister to others! Amen.

 

Ivan L. Burgener