Ephesians 3:3
New International Version
that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.

New Living Translation
As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me.

English Standard Version
how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.

Berean Standard Bible
that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.

Berean Literal Bible
that He made known to me the mystery by revelation, just as I have written before in brief,

King James Bible
How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

New King James Version
how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,

New American Standard Bible
that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before briefly.

NASB 1995
that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief.

NASB 1977
that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief.

Legacy Standard Bible
that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief.

Amplified Bible
and that by [divine] revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I have already written in brief.

Christian Standard Bible
The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above.

American Standard Version
how that by revelation was made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote before in few words,

Contemporary English Version
In fact, this letter tells you a little about how God has shown me his mysterious ways.

English Revised Version
how that by revelation was made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote afore in few words,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You have heard that he let me know this mystery through a revelation. I've already written to you about this briefly.

Good News Translation
God revealed his secret plan and made it known to me. (I have written briefly about this,

International Standard Version
and how this secret was made known to me through a revelation, just as I wrote about briefly in the past.

Majority Standard Bible
that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.

NET Bible
that by revelation the divine secret was made known to me, as I wrote before briefly.

New Heart English Bible
how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words,

Webster's Bible Translation
That by revelation he made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in few words;

Weymouth New Testament
and that by a revelation the truth hitherto kept secret was made known to me as I have already briefly explained it to you.

World English Bible
how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
that by revelation He made known to me the secret, according as I wrote before in few [words]—

Berean Literal Bible
that He made known to me the mystery by revelation, just as I have written before in brief,

Young's Literal Translation
that by revelation He made known to me the secret, according as I wrote before in few words --

Smith's Literal Translation
That by revelation he made Known to me the mystery; (as I before wrote briefly,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
How that, according to revelation, the mystery has been made known to me, as I have written above in a few words;

Catholic Public Domain Version
that, by means of revelation, the mystery was made known to me, just as I have written above in a few words.

New American Bible
[namely, that] the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly earlier.

New Revised Standard Version
and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For the mystery was made known to me by a revelation; as I have briefly written you before,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For the mystery was taught me by revelation, just as I have written to you briefly.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
that by revelation was made known to me the mystery, (as I briefly wrote above,

Godbey New Testament
that according to revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I formerly wrote to you briefly,

Haweis New Testament
that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote unto you before briefly;

Mace New Testament
having revealed to me the secret, I now mention'd in short,

Weymouth New Testament
and that by a revelation the truth hitherto kept secret was made known to me as I have already briefly explained it to you.

Worrell New Testament
that by revelation was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief;

Worsley New Testament
that by immediate revelation He made known to me the mystery, (as I wrote before in brief, by which,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Mystery of the Gospel
2Surely you have heard about the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,…

Cross References
Galatians 1:12
I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

Colossians 1:26-27
the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints. / To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Romans 16:25-26
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 / but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith—

1 Corinthians 2:7-10
No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began. / None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. / Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” ...

2 Corinthians 12:1-4
I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. / I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows. / And I know that this man—whether in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows— ...

1 Peter 1:10-12
Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, / trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. / It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Acts 22:17-21
Later, when I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance / and saw the Lord saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem quickly, because the people here will not accept your testimony about Me.’ / ‘Lord,’ I answered, ‘they know very well that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in You. ...

1 Corinthians 15:51
Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—

2 Timothy 1:9-10
He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began. / And now He has revealed this grace through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the gospel,

Romans 11:25
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.

Colossians 2:2-3
that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

1 Corinthians 4:1
So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

1 Timothy 3:16
By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.

Daniel 2:28-30
But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. Your dream and the visions that came into your mind as you lay on your bed were these: / As you lay on your bed, O king, your thoughts turned to the future, and the Revealer of Mysteries made known to you what will happen. / And to me this mystery has been revealed, not because I have more wisdom than any man alive, but in order that the interpretation might be made known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind.

Isaiah 48:6
You have heard these things; look at them all. Will you not acknowledge them? From now on I will tell you of new things, hidden things unknown to you.


Treasury of Scripture

How that by revelation he made known to me the mystery; (as I wrote before in few words,

by.

Ephesians 1:17
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

Acts 22:17,21
And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; …

Acts 23:9
And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

the mystery.

Ephesians 3:9
And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Romans 11:25
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

Romans 16:25
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

as I.

Ephesians 1:9-11
Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: …

Ephesians 2:11-22
Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; …

afore.

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Ephesians 3
1. The hidden mystery that the Gentiles should be saved was made known to Paul by revelation;
8. and to him was that grace given, that he should preach it.
13. He desires them not to be discouraged over his tribulation;
14. and prays that they may perceive the great love of Christ toward them.














the mystery
The term "mystery" (Greek: μυστήριον, mystērion) in the New Testament context refers to a divine truth that was once hidden but is now revealed by God. In the Greco-Roman world, "mystery" often referred to secret religious rites. However, Paul uses it to describe God's redemptive plan through Christ, which was previously concealed but is now disclosed to the apostles and prophets. This mystery is the inclusion of the Gentiles into the covenant community, a radical and transformative revelation that underscores the universality of the Gospel.

made known
The phrase "made known" (Greek: γνωρίζω, gnōrizō) indicates the act of revealing or disclosing something that was previously hidden. In the biblical context, it emphasizes God's initiative in unveiling His divine plan. This revelation is not a result of human discovery or intellect but is a gracious act of God, highlighting His sovereignty and the unfolding of His eternal purpose.

to me
The personal pronoun "to me" underscores the individual and direct nature of the revelation Paul received. It highlights Paul's unique role as an apostle to the Gentiles, chosen by God to communicate this mystery. This personal aspect of revelation emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and His chosen messengers, who are entrusted with His divine truths.

by revelation
The term "revelation" (Greek: ἀποκάλυψις, apokalypsis) refers to the unveiling or disclosure of something previously hidden. In the biblical sense, it is the act of God revealing His will and purposes to humanity. This revelation is supernatural, coming directly from God, and is foundational to Paul's authority and message. It underscores the divine origin of the Gospel and the truth that it is not a human invention but a heavenly disclosure.

as I have already written briefly
This phrase indicates that Paul has previously touched upon this subject in his writings. It suggests that the mystery of the Gospel and the inclusion of the Gentiles is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, reflecting its importance in his ministry. The reference to his earlier writings also points to the consistency and continuity of Paul's message, as well as the importance of written communication in the early church for teaching and edification.

(3) How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery.--The words "by revelation" are doubly emphatic. By revelation, not by the wisdom of man (as in 1Corinthians 2:7-16): for "God hath revealed them to us by His Spirit." By direct revelation to St. Paul himself, as in Galatians 1:12, "not of man or by man, but by revelation of Jesus Christ," and in Romans 16:25, "according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery." (See also 2Corinthians 12:17.) This revelation we may refer especially to the time when, after his conversion, he was "in a trance while praying in the Temple," and "saw Christ Himself," saying unto him, "Depart, for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles" (Acts 22:17-21).

As I wrote afore in few words.--The reference is to the brief notice in Ephesians 1:10-14, and to the further explanation in Ephesians 2:11-22. Hence, in English, the idea would be more clearly expressed by "I have written above." St. Paul refers them back to these passages as embodying his "understanding," or conception, of the mystery thus revealed especially to him. The reference is one of those parenthetical remarks, which, to those remembering how St. Paul's Epistles were dictated, almost irresistibly suggest insertion on the reading over of the Epistle. . . .

Verse 3. - How that, by revelation, was made known unto me the mystery. The mystery, as is explained afterwards (ver. 6), was not the gospel itself, but its destination to the Gentiles as much as to the Jews; although, as appears afterwards, this fullness of blessing is really the great glory of the gospel. Mystery, that which is known only to the initiated, does not denote here a thing obscure in its own nature, but only something that had been concealed from view. It was only the initiated that now knew that God designed the gospel for Gentile and Jew alike. Paul had been initiated "by revelation" - not by his own reflecting power, not by his study of Scripture, not by communication from ether men, but by a special communication from God (Galatians 1:12). As I wrote before in few words. Where? In another Epistle? No; but in the earlier part of this Epistle (see Ephesians 1:9; Ephesians 2:18, etc.). If it be said the allusions in these places to the topic in question are rather vague and general, the apostle virtually admits it - he wrote of it "in few words;" but, as it is a great and glorious truth, he returns to it to amplify it and place it in a brighter light.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
that [is],
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

mystery
μυστήριον (mystērion)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3466: From a derivative of muo; a secret or 'mystery'.

made known
ἐγνωρίσθη (egnōristhē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1107: To make known, declare, know, discover. From a derivative of ginosko; to make known; subjectively, to know.

to me
μοι (moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

by
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

revelation,
ἀποκάλυψιν (apokalypsin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 602: An unveiling, uncovering, revealing, revelation. From apokalupto; disclosure.

as
καθὼς (kathōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2531: According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.

I have already written
προέγραψα (proegrapsa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 4270: From pro and grapho; to write previously; figuratively, to announce, prescribe.

briefly.
ὀλίγῳ (oligō)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3641: Puny; especially neuter somewhat.


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