25 Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, 26 that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, 27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Paul’s message was so revolutionary in its scope that nothing would stop him from spreading it. The message was new, unknown before then—he called it a mystery. Of course, now that he was spreading this truth, it was no longer a secret. Paul, however, did not figure it out, as though clever human intellect was capable of piecing together the plot line. As a mystery, it could only be known by God revealing it. The apostle was simply the steward of that truth.
Some words in this passage need clarification. Paul was a “minister.” But he does not use the word in the contemporary, non-biblical usage, that is, making a distinction between clergy and laity. He uses a simple word in the Greek, diaconos. In its original sense it had to do with waiting on tables, a server. To the Greek mind, “ruling not serving is proper to a man” (Plato). But to the Christian mind, being called a servant became a highly valued epithet. In time, the word came to describe the “deacons” who were recognized in the church for being helpers to the elders. Never was it used in New Testament times as a title for clerical privilege or authority, nor is there anywhere in the New Testament found any support for a separate ministerial class of Christians. All are simply brothers and sisters in Christ; in fact, all are “saints” (vs. 26). For Paul, his life was dedicated to serving the purpose of spreading the news of the now revealed mystery. It was a stewardship, not something he achieved.
What a marvelous truth this mystery turns out to be! Paul refers to it with terms like “the riches of the glory” and “the hope of glory.” Why such illustrious descriptions? Because the mystery is this: Christ is in us (vs. 27). We have Him, in whom resides the fullness of Deity, living in our lives! How amazing is that? If that doesn’t excite you, then you must be completely devoid of emotion. The God of the universe does not just live among us; as believers, He lives in us. He is our “hope of glory.” He brings to us the riches of His glory.
With this truth in mind, it now certainly makes sense why Paul would rejoice in his sufferings, because he knows how great the message of the mystery is. No amount of suffering would stop him from spreading the good news! Ever!
Lord, help me take my place among those who consider suffering for You and your people, whom you call “the majestic ones” a great joy.
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