Results of Paul preaching God’s mystery

Labeling the mystery that had been revealed to him as God’s grace, Paul gives several results of his preaching this grace. This mystery was given to him by God (Ephesians 3:8-10).
Describing himself as “the very least of all saints,” Paul is probably not being literal, but rather reflecting the way he looked at himself considering what God had done for him and the responsibility God had given him. He felt unworthy of such an important task, especially since, earlier in his life, he persecuted the church, even killing Christians. He considered himself unworthy of preaching “the unfathomable riches of Christ” and the “manifold wisdom of God” as it relates to the church.
Paul mentions three results of his preaching God’s mystery to the Gentiles. He proclaimed the “unfathomable riches of God,” he brought to “light what is the administration of the mystery” and he made known “the manifold wisdom of God.”
Included in Paul’s preaching, to both Jews and Gentiles, were things that could not be described or understood using human words. Paul wanted those who listened to him to know that the “riches of God,” which were all the blessings God would give to His followers, were really incomprehensible for the human mind. By using the word “unfathomable,” Paul reveals that nothing is superior to what God has to offer.
Paul’s preaching explained how “this mystery” would be administered. Every project must have a plan. The more detailed the planning, the more likely the goal will be achieved. In the case of God’s mystery, Paul says he revealed God’s plans for the church, something “hidden in God who created all things.”
The final point Paul makes in this passage is informing the Gentiles that his preaching has made known “the manifold wisdom of God … through the church.” When we consider the church, we see all the different aspects of God’s wisdom. While possibly difficult to comprehend, we can understand this aspect of God when we purposefully read to understand Paul’s writings.
God wants mankind to know what He has done, especially in bringing the church into existence. At the beginning this was accomplished by those who preached the mystery of God. Today, we can know about the unfathomable riches of God, how the church is to be administered and have a glimpse into the many different aspects of God’s wisdom by reading what Paul, the other apostles, and the prophets wrote.
By reading and understanding the New Testament, everyone can know about these results. When Christians apply what is recorded in the New Testament, then they will be faithful members of the church God established and will be living God’s way.
Carlton G. McPeak (carlton_mc@msn.com) is an evangelist working in the Florida Gateway region.
Scriptural quotations from the NASB.