whats a dispensation and what is this mystrery all about, why a mystery
2006-10-14 20:38:54 · 5 answers · asked by icheeknows 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
1 [1-13] Paul reflects on his mission to the Gentiles. He alludes to his call and appointment to the apostolic office (Eph 3:2-3) and how his insight through revelation, as well as that of the other apostles and charismatic prophets in the church (Eph 3:4-5), has deepened understanding of God's plan of salvation in Christ. Paul is the special herald (Eph 3:7) of a new promise to the Gentiles (Eph 3:6): that the divine plan includes them in the spiritual benefits promised to Israel. Not only is this unique apostolic role his; Paul also has been given the task of explaining to all the divine plan of salvation (Eph 3:8-9), once hidden. Through the church, God's plan to save through Christ is becoming manifest to angelic beings (eph 3:10; cf Eph 1:21), in accord with God's purpose (Eph 3:11). The fulfillment of the plan in Christ gives the whole church more confidence through faith in God (Eph 3:12). The readers of this letter are also thereby encouraged to greater confidence despite Paul's imprisonment (Eph 3:13).
2 [1] A prisoner of Christ: see Introduction. Paul abruptly departs from his train of thought at the end of Eph 3:1 leaving an incomplete sentence.
3 [2] Stewardship: the Greek is the same term employed at Eph 1:10 for the plan that God administers (Col 1:25) and in which Paul plays a key role.
4 [3-4] The mystery: God's resolve to deliver Gentiles along with Israel through Christ; cf the notes on Eph 1:9; 3:9.
2006-10-14 20:43:24 · answer #1 · answered by Adyghe Ha'Yapheh-Phiyah 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You picked too much of the context off:
Eph 3:1 I, Paul, am a prisoner because of Christ Jesus. I am in prison because of my work among you who are not Jews.
2 I am sure you have heard that God appointed me to share his grace with you. 3 I’m talking about the mystery God showed me. I have already written a little about it. 4 By reading it you will be able to understand what I know about the mystery of Christ. 5 The mystery was not made known to people of other times. But now the Holy Spirit has made it known to God’s holy apostles and prophets.
6 Here is the mystery. Because of the good news, God’s promises are for non-Jews as well as for Jews. Both groups are parts of one body. They share in the promise. It belongs to them because they belong to Christ Jesus.
Ro 11:25 Brothers and sisters, here is a mystery I want you to understand. It will keep you from being proud. Part of Israel has refused to obey God. That will continue until the full number of non-Jews has entered God’s kingdom.
2006-10-14 20:40:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
"If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery . . . "
Paul is talking about his revelation on the road to Damascus.
Dispensation refers to being relieved of an obligation, or the punishment for failing to meet an obligation. In this case, it is that the gentiles are also covered by the new rules. And, by implication, all the obligations of being Jewish -- circumcision, dietary laws, certain prayers, etc. -- are no longer necessary.
2006-10-14 20:45:24 · answer #3 · answered by auntb93again 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh I don't know anything about a mystery. All I can suggest is have a cup of coffee and enjoy some jelly donuts.
2006-10-14 20:41:13 · answer #4 · answered by occifer barbrady 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The version of NLT is more clear:... :)
Ephesians 3:2-3
As you already know, God has given me this special ministry of announcing his favor to you Gentiles. As I briefly mentioned ealie in this letter, God himself revealed his secret plan to me.
2006-10-14 20:45:18 · answer #5 · answered by *fairy_princessÜ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋