Ephesians 3:5
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
in other ages--Greek, "generations." not made known--He does not say, "has not been revealed." Making known by revelation is the source of making known by preaching [BENGEL]. The former was vouchsafed only to the prophets, in order that they might make known the truth so revealed to men in general. unto the sons of men--men in their state by birth, as contrasted with those illuminated "by the Spirit" (Greek, "IN the Spirit," compare Rev 1:10), Mat 16:17. as--The mystery of the call of the Gentiles (of which Paul speaks here) was not unknown to the Old Testament prophets (Isa 56:6-7; Isa 49:6). But they did not know it with the same explicit distinctness "As" it has been now known (Act 10:19-20; Act 11:18-21). They probably did not know that the Gentiles were to be admitted without circumcision or that they were to be on a level with the Jews in partaking of the grace of God. The gift of "the Spirit" in its fulness was reserved for the New Testament that Christ might thereby be glorified. The epithet, "holy," marks the special consecration of the New Testament "prophets" (who are here meant) by the Spirit, compared with which even the Old Testament prophets were but "sons of men" (Eze 2:3, and elsewhere).
Open source ↗This chapter consists of two parts. I. Of the account which Paul gives the Ephesians concerning himself, as he was appointed by God to be the apostle of the Gentiles (Eph 3:1-13). II. Of his devout and affectionate prayer to God for the Ephesians (Eph 3:14-21). We may observe it to have been very much the practice of this apostle to intermix, with his instructions and counsels, intercessions and prayers to God for those to whom he wrote, as knowing that all his instructions and teachings would be useless and vain, except God did co-operate with them, and render them effectual. This is an example that all the ministers of Christ should copy after, praying earnestly that the efficacious operations of the divine Spirit may attend their ministrations, and crown them with success.
Open source ↗3:5 his holy apostles: See 1:1. • The order of the terms apostles and prophets (see 2:20) suggests that Paul is speaking of New Testament, not Old Testament, prophets. In both the Old Testament and the New Testament, the gift of prophecy is concerned less with predicting the future than with speaking a special word from God (see 1 Cor 12:10).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
by recalling what was foretold by the holy prophets and commanded by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
But you, beloved, remember what was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ
For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.
He said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with a foreigner or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.
and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.
Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past
However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.