1:26 mystery. In contemporary pagan religion the “mysteries” were secret insights given (usually for a fee) to a select, initiated few. With some irony Paul uses the term for the revelation God has made available freely to the nations (v. 27; 2:2; 4:3; Eph. 1:9; 3:3, 4, 9; 5:32; 6:19). In Paul’s use, “mystery” refers to what once was hidden, but is now being revealed.

hidden. God’s saving purpose for Gentiles was largely hidden from them prior to the coming of Christ. Previous generations were allowed to “walk in their own ways” (Acts 14:16; cf. Rom. 1:24–32; Eph. 2:12). The Old Testament revealed in shadows, signs, and hints that God would personally take up residence in His people (v. 27; Ezek. 36:25–27), and that He would create a new humanity uniting Gentiles and Jews through the Messiah (Gen. 12:3; Zech. 9:9, 10; Eph. 3:5, 6 notes).