Mysteries
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In the context of the Bible, the term "mysteries" refers to divine truths that were once hidden but have been revealed by God. These mysteries are not meant to remain secret but are disclosed to those who seek understanding through faith. The concept of mysteries is prevalent throughout both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the progressive revelation of God's plan for humanity.

Old Testament Context

While the term "mystery" is not explicitly used in the Old Testament, the concept is present in the form of divine secrets and revelations. The Hebrew word "sod" often conveys the idea of a secret or counsel, as seen in Amos 3:7: "Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets." This indicates that God shares His divine plans with His chosen messengers, who then communicate these truths to the people.

New Testament Context

The New Testament provides a more explicit treatment of mysteries, using the Greek word "mysterion" to describe divine truths revealed through Christ and the apostles. The Apostle Paul frequently uses the term to explain the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. In 1 Corinthians 2:7, Paul writes, "No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began." Here, the mystery refers to the wisdom of God that was hidden but is now revealed through the gospel.

The Mystery of the Gospel

One of the central mysteries in the New Testament is the mystery of the gospel—the inclusion of Gentiles in the covenant promises of God. Ephesians 3:6 states, "This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus." This revelation was groundbreaking for the early church, as it expanded the scope of God's salvation beyond the Jewish people to include all nations.

The Mystery of Christ

The person and work of Jesus Christ are central to the mysteries revealed in the New Testament. Colossians 1:26-27 speaks of "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." This passage emphasizes the indwelling presence of Christ in believers as a profound mystery now made known.

The Mystery of the Kingdom of God

Jesus Himself spoke of the mysteries of the kingdom of God. In Mark 4:11, He tells His disciples, "The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those on the outside, everything is expressed in parables." The parables of Jesus often contained hidden truths about the kingdom, accessible to those with spiritual insight and understanding.

The Mystery of Godliness

Another significant mystery is the mystery of godliness, as described in 1 Timothy 3:16: "And undeniably, great is the mystery of godliness: He was revealed 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." This encapsulates the incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, highlighting the profound nature of God's redemptive work.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in revealing and understanding these mysteries. In 1 Corinthians 2:10, Paul states, "But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God." The Spirit grants believers insight into the mysteries of God, enabling them to comprehend and live out these divine truths.

Conclusion

The mysteries of the Bible are divine truths that were once hidden but have been revealed through God's progressive revelation. They encompass the gospel, the person of Christ, the kingdom of God, and the nature of godliness, among other profound truths. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are granted understanding and insight into these mysteries, allowing them to participate in God's redemptive plan.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (n.) Plural of Mystery.

2. (n.) Plural of Mystery.

Greek
3453. mueo -- to initiate into the mysteries, hence to instruct
... to initiate into the mysteries, hence to instruct. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration:
mueo Phonetic Spelling: (moo-eh'-o) Short Definition: I initiate ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3453.htm - 7k

3466. musterion -- a mystery or secret doctrine
... Word Origin from mustes (one initiated); from mueo Definition a mystery or secret
doctrine NASB Word Usage mysteries (5), mystery (22). mystery. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3466.htm - 7k

Strong's Hebrew
6013. amoq -- deep
... Word Origin from amoq Definition deep NASB Word Usage deep (6), deeper (8),
exceedingly mysterious (1), mysteries (1). exceeding deep thing. ...
/hebrew/6013.htm - 6k

7328. raz -- a secret
... Definition: mystery. Word Origin (Aramaic) of foreign origin Definition a secret
NASB Word Usage mysteries (3), mystery (6). secret. (Aramaic ...
/hebrew/7328.htm - 5k

Library

Of Mysteries
... CHAPTER VIII Of Mysteries. Of Mysteries It may be objected, that, by this
method, we shall have no mysteries imprinted on our minds ...
/.../guyon/a short and easy method of prayer/chapter viii of mysteries.htm

The Mysteries of the Brazen Serpent
... The Mysteries of the Brazen Serpent. A Sermon (No.153). Delivered on Sabbath
Morning, September 27, 1857, by the. REV. CH SPURGEON. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the mysteries of the brazen.htm

Whether the Angels Know the Mysteries of Grace?
... OF THE ANGEL'S KNOWLEDGE OF MATERIAL THINGS (FIVE ARTICLES) Whether the
angels know the mysteries of grace? Objection 1: It would ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the angels know the.htm

The Mysteries of Providence.
... CHARACTER, ATTRIBUTES AND PROVIDENCE OF GOD. 139. " The Mysteries of Providence.
139. CM Beddome. The Mysteries of Providence. 1 Almighty God! ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/139 the mysteries of.htm

(On the Mysteries. Ii. )
... Lecture XX. (On the Mysteries. II.). Of Baptism. Romans 6:3-14. Know ye not, that
so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into His death ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xx on the mysteries.htm

(On the Mysteries. Iii. )
... Lecture XXI. (On the Mysteries. III.). On Chrism. 1 John 2:20-28. But ye have
an unction from the Holy One, &c.....that, when He shall ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xxi on the mysteries.htm

(On the Mysteries. Iv. )
... Lecture XXII. (On the Mysteries. IV.). On the Body and Blood of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:23. I received of the Lord that which also ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xxii on the mysteries.htm

(On the Mysteries. V. )
... Lecture XXIII. (On the Mysteries. V.). ... Then wait for the prayer, and give thanks
unto God, who hath accounted thee worthy of so great mysteries [2523] . 23. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xxiii on the mysteries.htm

What are These Hidden and Unseen Mysteries, You Will Say...
... Book I. 63 What are these hidden and unseen mysteries, you will say? What
are these hidden and unseen mysteries, you will say, which ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/63 what are these hidden.htm

Three Celebrated Mysteries.
... Chapter XIX."Three celebrated mysteries. Now the virginity of Mary was hidden
from the prince of this world, as was also her offspring ...
/.../chapter xix three celebrated mysteries.htm

Thesaurus
Mysteries (11 Occurrences)
...Mysteries (11 Occurrences). Matthew 13:11 He answered them, "To you it is given
to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them. ...
/m/mysteries.htm - 9k

Nonimmersionist
... I. THE SCRIPTURAL NAMES FOR THE RITE II. PRE-CHRISTIAN BAPTISM 1. Baptism of Proselytes
2. Baptism of John 3. Baptism in the Pagan Mysteries III. ...
/n/nonimmersionist.htm - 38k

Non-immersionist
... I. THE SCRIPTURAL NAMES FOR THE RITE II. PRE-CHRISTIAN BAPTISM 1. Baptism of Proselytes
2. Baptism of John 3. Baptism in the Pagan Mysteries III. ...
/n/non-immersionist.htm - 38k

Mystery (31 Occurrences)
... 6:19); the seven stars and the seven candlesticks (Revelation 1:20); and the woman
clothed in scarlet (17:7), are also in this sense mysteries. ...
/m/mystery.htm - 42k

View (86 Occurrences)
... I. THE SCRIPTURAL NAMES FOR THE RITE II. PRE-CHRISTIAN BAPTISM 1. Baptism of Proselytes
2. Baptism of John 3. Baptism in the Pagan Mysteries III. ...
/v/view.htm - 81k

Samothrace (1 Occurrence)
... The mysteries connected with the worship of these gods later rivaled the famous
mysteries of Eleusis, and both Philip of Macedon and Olympias his wife were ...
/s/samothrace.htm - 9k

Archaeology
... Such a theory must, in addition, be corroborated by facts independently brought
to light, or by mysteries unlocked; and even if mysteries be unlocked, the ...
/a/archaeology.htm - 61k

Hellenism
... divinities, like that of Demeter at Eleusis, and wrought a change in the spirit
and to a certain extent in the ritual of the "mysteries" practiced there. ...
/h/hellenism.htm - 26k

Hellenist
... divinities, like that of Demeter at Eleusis, and wrought a change in the spirit
and to a certain extent in the ritual of the "mysteries" practiced there. ...
/h/hellenist.htm - 26k

Criticism (1 Occurrence)
... Such a theory must, in addition, be corroborated by facts independently brought
to light, or by mysteries unlocked; and even if mysteries be unlocked, the ...
/c/criticism.htm - 101k

Resources
Should a Christian be interested in conspiracy theories? | GotQuestions.org

What is the mystery of faith? | GotQuestions.org

What is the King James Version (KJV)? | GotQuestions.org

Mysteries: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Mysteries (11 Occurrences)

Matthew 13:11
He answered them, "To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS)

Luke 8:10
He said, "To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, but to the rest in parables; that'seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.'
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS)

1 Corinthians 4:1
So let a man think of us as Christ's servants, and stewards of God's mysteries.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

1 Corinthians 13:2
If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don't have love, I am nothing.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

1 Corinthians 14:2
For he who speaks in another language speaks not to men, but to God; for no one understands; but in the Spirit he speaks mysteries.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Philippians 4:12
I know both how to live in humble circumstances and how to live amid abundance. I am fully initiated into all the mysteries both of fulness and of hunger, of abundance and of want.
(WEY)

Job 11:7
"Can you fathom the mystery of God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
(See NIV)

Job 12:22
He uncovers deep things out of darkness, and brings out to light the shadow of death.
(See NAS)

Daniel 2:28
but there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has made known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Your dream, and the visions of your head on your bed, are these:
(See NAS RSV NIV)

Daniel 2:29
as for you, O king, your thoughts came into your mind on your bed, what should happen hereafter; and he who reveals secrets has made known to you what shall happen.
(See NAS RSV NIV)

Daniel 2:47
The king answered to Daniel, and said, Of a truth your God is the God of gods, and the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing you have been able to reveal this secret.
(See NAS RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Mysteries

Mysteries of Redemption

Related Terms

Nonimmersionist

Non-immersionist

Mystery (31 Occurrences)

View (86 Occurrences)

Samothrace (1 Occurrence)

Archaeology

Hellenism

Hellenist

Criticism (1 Occurrence)

Understand (208 Occurrences)

Empire (8 Occurrences)

Retribution (14 Occurrences)

Baptism (76 Occurrences)

Versed (5 Occurrences)

Nicodemus (5 Occurrences)

Understands (16 Occurrences)

Understandeth (24 Occurrences)

Utters (26 Occurrences)

Unknown (15 Occurrences)

Interpret (27 Occurrences)

Initiated (2 Occurrences)

Fathom (5 Occurrences)

Fulness (76 Occurrences)

That'seeing (2 Occurrences)

Earthly (39 Occurrences)

Ezekiel (4 Occurrences)

Ecstasy (3 Occurrences)

Entrusted (55 Occurrences)

Education (4 Occurrences)

Destitute (25 Occurrences)

Mysterious (2 Occurrences)

Mountains (221 Occurrences)

Ministers (49 Occurrences)

My'sia (2 Occurrences)

Masonry (1 Occurrence)

Meekness (14 Occurrences)

Parables (21 Occurrences)

Believer (15 Occurrences)

Beholding (45 Occurrences)

Circumstances (19 Occurrences)

Christ's (64 Occurrences)

Circumstance (5 Occurrences)

Amid (31 Occurrences)

Absolute (5 Occurrences)

Aim (17 Occurrences)

Answering (202 Occurrences)

Stewards (8 Occurrences)

Gnosticism

Apocryphal

Ancient (64 Occurrences)

Speaketh (367 Occurrences)

Move (113 Occurrences)

Speaks (109 Occurrences)

General (9 Occurrences)

Remove (173 Occurrences)

Roman (26 Occurrences)

Abundance (194 Occurrences)

Possess (193 Occurrences)

Steward (23 Occurrences)

Dew (35 Occurrences)

Greece (15 Occurrences)

Gift (148 Occurrences)

Golden (86 Occurrences)

Tongue (160 Occurrences)

Images (158 Occurrences)

Ephesians (4 Occurrences)

Charity (29 Occurrences)

Regard (230 Occurrences)

Christianity

Calf (39 Occurrences)

Fully (153 Occurrences)

Speak (855 Occurrences)

Graecia

Seeing (442 Occurrences)

Apocrypha

Mary (50 Occurrences)

Seal (47 Occurrences)

Rest (831 Occurrences)

Punishment (417 Occurrences)

Mysia: Paul Visits
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